3. AT JOHN AND ACTS WITH TOC

JOHN BACKGROUND..............................................................................................................................4

VERY NB TOZER INTRO TO JOHN......17JOHN 1V1-28.......................................................................................................................................20

JOHN 1V29-51.....................................................................................................................................38

JOHN 2V1-12.......................................................................................................................................47

JOHN 2V13-25.....................................................................................................................................51

JOHN 3V1-16.......................................................................................................................................57

JOHN 3V17-36.....................................................................................................................................68

JOHN 4V1-26.......................................................................................................................................76

JOHN 4V27-54.....................................................................................................................................87

JOHN 5V1-30.......................................................................................................................................95

JOHN 5V31-47...................................................................................................................................100

JOHN 6V1-21.....................................................................................................................................103

JOHN 6V22-51...................................................................................................................................107

JOHN 6V52-71...................................................................................................................................112

JOHN 7V1-24.....................................................................................................................................117

JOHN 7V25-53...................................................................................................................................121

JOHN 8V1-27.....................................................................................................................................126

JOHN 8V28-59...................................................................................................................................131

JOHN 9V1-13.....................................................................................................................................138

JOHN 9V14-41...................................................................................................................................141

JOHN 10V1-21...................................................................................................................................144

JOHN 10V22-41.................................................................................................................................149

JOHN 11V1-27...................................................................................................................................155

JOHN 11V28-57.................................................................................................................................158

JOHN 12V1-19...................................................................................................................................162

JOHN 12V20-50.................................................................................................................................166

JOHN 13V1-17...................................................................................................................................170

JOHN 13V18-38.................................................................................................................................178

JOHN 14V1-14...................................................................................................................................182

JOHN 14V15-31.................................................................................................................................188

JOHN 15V1-11...................................................................................................................................195

JOHN 15V12-27.................................................................................................................................201

JOHN 16V1-15...................................................................................................................................206

JOHN 16V16-33.................................................................................................................................212

JOHN 17V1-13...................................................................................................................................215

JOHN 17V14-26.................................................................................................................................219

JOHN 18V1-27...................................................................................................................................223

JOHN 18V28-40.................................................................................................................................226

JOHN 19V1-24...................................................................................................................................228

JOHN 19V25-42.................................................................................................................................232

JOHN 20V1-18...................................................................................................................................234

JOHN 20V19-31.................................................................................................................................237

JOHN 21V1-14...................................................................................................................................239

JOHN 21V15-25.................................................................................................................................241

ACTS BACKGROUND..........................................................................................................................244

ACTS 1V1-14......................................................................................................................................258

ACTS 1v15-26.....................................................................................................................................266

ACTS 2v1-21.......................................................................................................................................267

ACTS 2V22-47....................................................................................................................................272

ACTS 3V1-18......................................................................................................................................281

ACTS 3V19-26....................................................................................................................................284

ACTS 4V1-22......................................................................................................................................285

ACTS 4V23-37....................................................................................................................................290

ACTS 5V1-16......................................................................................................................................292

ACTS 5V17-42....................................................................................................................................294

ACTS 6V1-15......................................................................................................................................297

ACTS 7V1-30......................................................................................................................................302

ACTS 7V31-60....................................................................................................................................306

ACTS 8V1-25......................................................................................................................................311

ACTS 8V26-40....................................................................................................................................314

ACTS 9V1-19......................................................................................................................................316

ACTS 9v20-43.....................................................................................................................................319

ACTS 10v1-33.....................................................................................................................................323

ACTS 10v34-48...................................................................................................................................328

ACTS 11v1-18.....................................................................................................................................329

ACTS 11v19-30...................................................................................................................................332

ACTS 12v1-12.....................................................................................................................................333

ACTS 12v13-25...................................................................................................................................335

ACTS 13v1-25.....................................................................................................................................337

ACTS 13v26-52...................................................................................................................................341

ACTS 14v1-18.....................................................................................................................................345

ACTS 14v19-28...................................................................................................................................348

ACTS 15v1-21.....................................................................................................................................350

ACTS 15v22-41...................................................................................................................................354

ACTS 16v1-24.....................................................................................................................................356

ACTS 16v25-40...................................................................................................................................361

ACTS 17v1-15.....................................................................................................................................364

ACTS 17v16-34...................................................................................................................................367

ACTS 18v1-17.....................................................................................................................................370

ACTS 18v18-28...................................................................................................................................374

ACTS 19v1-20.....................................................................................................................................379

ACTS 19v21-41...................................................................................................................................382

ACTS 20v1-16.....................................................................................................................................384

ACTS 20v17-38...................................................................................................................................387

ACTS 21v1-26.....................................................................................................................................393

ACTS 21v27-40...................................................................................................................................398

ACTS 22v1-16.....................................................................................................................................400

ACTS 22v17-30...................................................................................................................................402

ACTS 23v1-22.....................................................................................................................................404

ACTS 23v23-35...................................................................................................................................407

ACTS 24v1-14.....................................................................................................................................409

ACTS 24v15-27...................................................................................................................................411

ACTS 25v1-12.....................................................................................................................................413

ACTS 25V13-27..................................................................................................................................415

ACTS 26V1-16....................................................................................................................................416

ACTS 26V17-32..................................................................................................................................420

ACTS 27V1-22....................................................................................................................................423

ACTS 27V23-44..................................................................................................................................427

ACTS 28V1-16....................................................................................................................................430

ACTS 28V17-30..................................................................................................................................433

JOHN AT COMMENTARY

JOHN BACKGROUND

Time: AD 80-90 (23rd)

Stats: 21 chapters/879 verses/19 099 words/167 questions/15 OT prophecies fulfilled/44 new prophecies/85 verses of fulfilled and 7 verses of unfulfilled prophecy

Key People:

Jesus—the Word of God who came into the world; both fully God and fully human (1:1–21:25)

John the Baptist—prophet and forerunner who announced the coming of Christ (1:6–42; 3:23–27; 4:1; 5:33; 10:40–41)

The disciples—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon, Judas Iscariot; twelve men chosen by Jesus to aid His ministry on earth (1:53–21:14)

Mary—sister of Lazarus; believed and anointed Jesus before His death (11:1–12:11)

Martha—sister of Lazarus; known for her hospitality; grew in faith when Jesus raised her brother from the dead (11:17–45)

Lazarus—raised from the dead by Jesus, his friend (11:1–12:17)

Mary, Jesus’ mother—demonstrated her servanthood to Jesus; entrusted to the care of John at Jesus’ death (2:1–12; 19:25–27)

Pilate—Roman governor who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus in place of Barabbas (18:29–19:38)

Mary Magdalene—devoted follower of Jesus; first person to see Jesus after His resurrection (19:25–20:18)

Key Term: “Believe” (20:31). This book has been written to bring people to a living trust in Jesus and this trust is directly linked to the gift of ‘eternal life’.

Key Words:

The Word: Greek ho logos—1:1, 14; 2:22; 5:24; 8:43; 15:3; 17:14, 17—used to speak of the Creator of the universe, even the creative energy that generated the universe. In the Old Testament, the term logos may also be connected with wisdom as a personification or attribute of God (see Proverbs 8). In both Jewish and Greek usage, the Logos was associated with the idea of beginnings—the world began with the Word (Genesis 1:3). John specifically used this word to identify the Son of God as divine. Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), and the very substance of God (Hebrews 1:3). In the Godhead, the Son functions as the revelation of God and is God in reality.

Born Again: Greek gennao anothen—3:3, 7—literally, “again” or “from above.” Jesus spoke of a birth that was either a new birth, or a heavenly birth, or both. Most likely Jesus was speaking of a heavenly birth because He described this birth using an analogy of the wind, coming from some unknown, heavenly source. Nicodemus clearly understood Jesus to be speaking of a second natural birth—being born again. Jesus explained this birth in 3:6–8 by contrasting being born of the flesh and being born of the Spirit.

I AM: Greek ego eimi—6:36; 8:58; 10:7, 14; 15:1; 18:5—literally, “self-identity in self-sufficiency.” In one breath, Jesus proclaimed His eternal preexistence and His absolute deity. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, unlike any human, never had a beginning. He is the eternal God. Jesus clearly states His deity by using the words “I AM” to refer to Himself. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His identity as “I AM WHO I AM.” Thus, Jesus claimed before His judges to be the ever-existing, self-existent God.

Believe: Greek pisteuo—1:7; 5:44; 6:64; 7:5; 10:26; 11:48; 13:19; 20:31—literally, “to place one’s trust in another.” True belief in Jesus requires one to completely trust Him for salvation (3:15–16). When Jesus walked the earth, many people believed in His miraculous powers, but they would not put their faith in Jesus Himself (6:23–26). Others wanted to believe in Jesus only as a political defender of Israel (Mark 15:32). However, we must be careful to believe and trust in the Jesus presented in the Scriptures—the Son of God who humbly sacrificed Himself to deliver us from the bondage of sin (Galatians 1:3–4; Philippians 2:5–8)

Key Text:

John 3:16 Want so lief het God die wêreld gehad, dat Hy sy eniggebore Seun gegee het, sodat elkeen wat in Hom glo, nie verlore mag gaan nie, maar die ewige lewe kan hê.

John 20:31 maar hierdie is beskrywe, dat julle kan glo dat Jesus die Christus is, die Seun van God; en dat julle deur te glo die lewe kan hê in sy Naam.

Provocation & Context:

John’s gospel is the only one of the four that contains a precise statement regarding the author’s purpose (20:30–31). He declares, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:31). The motivating purposes for writing this book, therefore, are twofold: evangelistic and apologetic.

John emphasized his evangelistic purpose by using the word “believe” approximately a hundred times in the gospel—twice as often as the synoptics use the term. He composed his gospel to provide reasons for saving faith in his readers and, as a result, to assure them that they would receive the divine gift of eternal life (1:12).

John’s apologetic purpose often overlapped his evangelistic purpose. He wrote to convince his readers of Jesus’ true identity as the incarnate God-man whose divine and human natures were perfectly united into one person who was the prophesied Christ (“Messiah”) and Savior of the world (1:41; 3:16; 4:25–26; 8:58). John organized his gospel around eight “signs” or proofs (apart from the central sign of the Resurrection itself) that reinforce Jesus’ true identity leading to faith. Seven of the miraculous signs lead up to the Resurrection and one follows it:

• Turning water into wine (2:1–11)

• Healing the royal official’s son (4:46–54)

• Healing the lame man (5:1–18)

• Feeding multitudes (6:1–15)

• Walking on water (6:16–21)

• Healing the blind man (9:1–41)

• Raising Lazarus (11:1–57)

• Catching fish miraculously (21:6–11)

One Sentence Summary:

When an exciting event happens, some people can’t wait to talk about it. Others like to think about the reasons and details for a while before they offer their comments. One of the four biographies of Jesus fits this second category. John must have spoken many times about his experiences with Jesus, but he did not write down his gospel until long after the other three writers had published theirs. The passage of time did not change the central character in John’s account, but it allowed him to express some conclusions about Jesus that could best be made after lifelong reflection on the significance of God’s visit to earth.

Basic Outline:

1.

1.) The Incarnation of the Son of God (1:1-18)2.) The Presentation of the Son of God (1:19-4:54)3.) The Opposition to the Son of God (5:1-12:50)4.) The Preparation of the Disciples by the Son of God (13:1-17:26)5.) The Resurrection of the Son of God (19:38-21:23)6.) Conclusion (21:24-25)

2.

1. The Prologue to the Gospel2. The Testimony of John the Baptist3. Andrew’s Declaration....4. The Calling of More Disciples5. Turning Water into Wine6. Cleansing the Temple...7. Jesus at the Passover Feast8. Conversation with Nicodemus9. Further Testimony About Jesus by John the Baptist10. Departure From Judea. .11. Conversation With a Samaritan Woman Error: Reference source not

found

12. The Disciples Return.....13. Workers for the Harvest14. The Samaritans Respond15. Onward to Galilee.........16. Healing the Royal Official’s Son17. Healing a Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda18. Responding to Jewish Leaders19. More Testimony About Jesus20. The Feeding of the Five Thousand21. Walking on Water.........22. Jesus’ Discourse About the Bread of Life23. Many Followers Depart.24. Peter’s Confession........25. The Feast of Tabernacles Error: Reference source not found26. Teaching in the Temple27. Questions About Jesus’ Identity28. Teaching About the Spirit29. Differing Opinions About Jesus Error: Reference source not

found30. Lack of Belief................31. A Woman Caught in Adultery32. Jesus as the Light of the World33. Where Jesus Came From and Where He is Going34. Abraham’s Children and the Devil’s Children35. Healing a Man Born Blind36. The Pharisees’ Reaction to the Healing37. The Man’s Response to Jesus38. Jesus as the Good Shepherd39. Jesus at the Feast of Dedication40. The Death of Lazarus....41. Speaking with Martha and Mary42. Lazarus Raised from the Dead43. The Response of the Jewish Leaders44. Jesus’ Anointing............45. The Triumphal Entry.....46. Seekers.........................47. The Outcome of Jesus’ Public Ministry Foretold48. Jesus’ Final Public Words49. Washing the Disciples’ Feet50. The Announcement of Jesus’ Betrayal51. The Prediction of Peter’s Denial52. Jesus’ Parting Words to His Disciples53. Teaching on the Holy Spirit54. The Vine and the Branches55. The World’s Hatred.......56. Jesus Prays for the Father to Glorify Him57. Jesus Prays for the Disciples58. Jesus Prays for Believers Everywhere59. Betrayal and Arrest.......

60. Jesus Before Annas.......61. Peter’s First Denial.......62. Jesus Questioned by Annas63. Peter’s Second and Third Denials64. Jesus Brought Before Pilate65. Pilate Questions Jesus...66. Pilate Tries to Release Jesus67. The Crucifixion..............68. Jesus’ Death..................69. Jesus’ Burial..................70. The Resurrection..........71. Jesus’ Appearance to Mary Magdalene72. Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples73. The Response of Thomas74. Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples in Galilee75. Peter’s Restoration.......76. Peter and the Disciple Jesus Loved77. A Final Note..................

3.

DERTIEN:

1. 1-5: Die Seun se Liefde en Bediening

2. 6-11 Die Reiniging van ons Wandel

3. 12-17 Die Les oor Diensbaarheid

4. 18-20 Die Uitverkorenes en die Verraaier

5. 21-30 Die Verraaier Geïdentifiseer

6. 31-38 Verheerliking, ‘n Nuwe Gebod en Verloëning

VEERTIEN:

1. 1-6: Die Huis en die Weg

2. 7-11: Die Vader en die Seun

3. 12-14 Die Werke en die Gebed

4. 15-18 ‘n Ander Trooster

5. 19-24 Die Woning van die Vader en die Seun

6. 25-31 Die Lerende Trooster en die Vrede

VYFTIEN:

1. 1-5: Die Wynstok, die Landbouer en die Lote

2. 6-9 Veel Vrug in die Liefde

3. 10-17 Die Gebed en die Vrug

4. 18-21 Vervolging

5. 22-27 Die Redder en die Wêreld

SESTIEN:

1. 1-4 Staan Sterk in Vervolging

2. 5-11 Die Trooster se Oortuiging

3. 12-16 Die Gees van die Waarheid

4. 17-24 ‘n Klein Tydjie en Blydskap

5. 25-33 Die Vader en die Dissipels: Geloof en Vrede

SEWENTIEN:

1. 1-5 Verheerlik die Seun

2. (6-19) [Gebed vir Dissipels]

6-8 Naam en Woorde

3. 9-12 ‘Bewaar hulle in U Naam’

4. 13-16 ‘Bewaar van die Wêreld en die Bose’

5. 17-19 ‘Heilig in die Waarheid’

6. 20-23 ‘Een in Ons’

Sketch: The Gospel of Life Proving That Jesus Christ Is God the Savior Coming as Life to Propagate Himself.

Key Doctrines:

The divinity of Jesus Christ—who Jesus really is (6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5; 20:28–31; Isaiah 9:6; 40:9; Jeremiah 23:5–6; Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 1:23; Mark 2:7–10; Romans 9:5; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:13; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 22:13)

Salvation through Jesus Christ—how people should respond to Jesus (1:1–18; 6:35, 48; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11–14; 11:25; 14:6; 17:3; Genesis 3:15; Psalms 3:8; 37:39; Isaiah 45:21–2249:6;59:16; 63:9; Luke 1:69; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Romans 5:8; 10:9; Ephesians 2:8; 5:23; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 1:1–4)

God’s Character:

God is accessible—1:51; 10:7, 9; 14:6

God is glorious—1:14

God is invisible—1:18; 5:37

God is loving—3:16; 15:9–10; 16:27; 17:23, 26

God is righteous—17:25

God is spirit—4:24

God is true—17:3, 17

God is unified—10:30; 14:9–11; 17:3

God is wrathful—3:14–18, 36

Christ Revealed:

The book presents Jesus as the only begotten Son of God who became flesh. For John, Jesus’ humanity meant essentially a twofold mission: 1) As the “Lamb of God” (1:29), He procured the redemption of mankind; 2) Through His life and ministry He revealed the Father. Christ consistently pointed beyond Himself to the Father who had sent Him and whom He sought to glorify. In fact, the very miracles Jesus performed, which John characterized as “signs,” bore testimony to the divine mission of the Son of God. As the Son glorified the Father in ministry and passion, so the Father glorified the Son. But, as John shows, the Son’s glorification came at the Crucifixion (12;32,33), not only in the postresurrection exaltation. By believing that Jesus is the Christ, the readers of John’s Gospel become participants in the life Jesus brought out of death (20:31).

Unquestionably, the Gospel of John stands as a proclamation of the divinity of Jesus Christ. John reveals the nature of Jesus in his first sentence: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (1:1). Whereas the Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus as the Son of Man, the message of John is that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (20:31). Notably, Jesus asserts Himself as God in seven explicit statements designating Himself as “I AM” (6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5).

The Holy Spirit at Work:

Unique to John is the designation of the Holy Spirit as “Comforter” or “helper” (14:16), literally “one called alongside.” He is “another Helper,” namely, one of the same kind as Jesus, thereby extending the ministry of Jesus to the end of this age. It would be a grave error, however, to understand the Spirit’s purpose merely in terms of one needed in predicaments. On the contrary, John demonstrates that the Spirit’s role encompasses every facet of life. In regard to the world outside of Christ, He works as the agent who convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment (16:8-11). The experience of being “born of the Spirit” is descrptive of New Birth (3:6). Because God in essence is Spirit, those who worship Him must do so spiritually, that is, as directed and motivated by the Holy Spirit (4:24). Further, in anticipation of Pentecost, the Spirit becomes the divine enabler for authoritative ministry (20:21-23).

The Holy Spirit also fulfills a definite function in relation to christ. While the Father sent the Spirit in the name of Christ, the Spirit never draws attention to Himself, nor does He speak in His own authority. Instead, His mission is to glorify Jesus and to declare Christ’s teaching to the disciples (16:14).

John reveals the function of the Holy Spirit in continuing the work of Jesus, leading believers into an understanding of the meanings, implications, and imperatives of the gospel, and enabling them to do “greater works” than those done by Jesus (14:12). Present-day believers in Christ may thus view Him as their contemporary, not merely as a figure from the distant past.

Content:

Christus die Seun van God en Openbaarder van die Vader. Jesus is nie net die Messias wat die Joodse geskrifte vervul nie, maar Hy is ook die

ewige Seun van God wat die ewige Vader openbaar. Hy is die groot ‘EK IS’. Unieke weergawe van die lewe van Jesus met klem op Sy goddelikheid. Jesus Is the Son of God. The gospel by the disciple Jesus loved. Jesus as Lord and God / Jesus’ Signs / Jesus’ “I am” Teachings / Jesus’ Hour In JOHN we are SONS OF GOD in Christ John - Jesus the Godman who came from Above (Eagle). Presents Jesus as God

incarnate (God in flesh), the Christ, working the miracles and Words of God so that you might believe. The Son of God (God's nature).

OT QUOTATIONS:

Book 4 - THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN

APPEARANCE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

John 1:23b - 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord' (Isaiah 40:3)

JESUS DRIVES THE BUYERS AND SELLERS FROM THE TEMPLE FOR THE FIRST TIME

John 2:17b - 'Zeal for your house has eaten me up' (Psalm 69:9)

JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE AND THE HARD REALITY OF HIS TEACHING?

John 6:45b - 'And they shall all be taught by God,' (Isaiah 54:13)

THE MAN BORN BLIND WHO GOES BEFORE THE PHARISEES

John 9:24b -' give God the glory' (Joshua 7:19)

THE OPPOSITION CONTINUES; AGAIN THE AUTHORITIES TRY TO ARREST HIM

John 10:34b -"'I have said you are gods'? (Psalm 82:6)

THE FINAL ENTRY OF JESUS INTO JERUSALEM

John 12:13b - 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' (Psalm 118:26),

John 12:15 - 'Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt' (Zechariah 9:9).

AS MANY JEWS REJECT JESUS, SO OTHERS REACH OUT TO HIM

John 12:38b - 'Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?' (Isaiah 53:1)

John 12:40 - 'He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes and understand with their heart, lest they should turn, so that I should heal them' (Isaiah 6:10)

THE LAST SUPPER

John 13:18b - 'He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heal against me' (Psalm 41:9)

UNION WITH JESUS - "THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES", AND THE HATRED OF THE WORLD

John 15:25b - 'They hated me without a cause' (Psalm 35.19; 69:4).

HIS CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH

John 19:24b - 'They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots' (Psalm 22:18)

HIS BURIAL

John 19:36b - 'Not one of his bones shall be broken.' (Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20)

John 19:37b - 'They shall look on him whom they pierced.' (Zechariah 12:10)

INTRODUCTION

It is obvious that there are varying emphases in the various gospels, and that the authors employ different events and vocabulary to relate such to their readers. Separate study of each of the gospel-records is beneficial, therefore, in order to emphasize the particular themes and perspective of each writer. Matthew is the gospel of fulfilled prophecy with approxi - mately seventy direct references to the Old Testament. This is probably why it was placed first in the order of the canon of our New Testament, because it provides a transition from the old covenant literature to the new covenant literature. Matthew is also the “gospel of the kingdom,” referring to “kingdom” fifty-five times and “kingdom of heaven” thirty-three times. It was obviously intended for a Jewish readership which was expecting God’s intervention for the establishment of a theocratic kingdom, even though their expectations were often misdirected in physical conceptions. Mark is the briefest of the gospel-records and employs simple Greek construction. Mark was a cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10), and was not one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was apparently writing for Roman Gentiles, which explains why he omits a Jewish genealogy and gives more detailed explanation of Palestinian customs. As the Romans were impressed with quick-moving action and power, Mark writes a quick-moving gospel of action often employing the transitional action-word, “immediately.” Luke was an educated physician (Col. 4:10), who was also not one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was a detailed researcher (Luke 1:3), employing good literary style and vocabulary in writing the longest document in the New Testament. His is the gospel for all peoples, with an emphasis on the universality of the “good news” of Jesus for all men. Luke emphasizes the humanity of Jesus as the “Son of Man,” and repeatedly mentions the human interest features of physical ailments, poverty, social situations, women and children. John probably wrote his gospel-record as long as a halfcentury after the other writers. Clement of Alexandria indicates that John determined to write a “spiritual gospel.” His gospel has far more references to the Holy Spirit, with numerous spiritual discourses in the teaching of Jesus employing pictorial imagery of spiritual realities, such as new birth, the water of life, the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, and the vine and the branches. Ninety-two percent of the material in John’s gospel-record is not found in any of the other three synoptic gospels. [Fowler] / Material which appears only in John This encompasses large sections of John’s earlier chapters, e.g. the wedding at Cana, and the conversations with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. It also includes the raising of Lazarus, the discussions with the Jews, and the farewell discourses and foot-washing. A significant reason for the differences, however, arises from the fact that John concentrates almost entirely on the ministry of Jesus in and around Jerusalem during the temple feasts. The synoptic writers by contrast concentrate to a great extent on ministry in the north, around Galilee. We should bear in mind again the necessary selectivity of all four evangelists. If a ‘gospel’ is by definition an attempt to compile a biography, in our modern sense, of the entire life and teaching of Jesus, then not John alone, but all the evangelists fall

short of the requirement. To assume this as the evangelists’ aim is, however, at clear variance with their stated intentions.ÿ17ÿ A ‘gospel’ is rather the telling of the story of Jesus in such a way that the unique significance of his person and work impacts the reader, enabling him or her to meet Jesus for themselves and be guided in following him. Patently we are not dealing here with the usual genre of literary biography. At this point it is worth stressing the many points at which John complements the synoptic account by answering questions which the synoptics leave unanswered. To cite just two examples, why did the first disciples suddenly leave everything to follow Jesus? Perhaps it was the sheer impact of his person, but John gives us a clearer answer. They had already met Jesus (1:35–50), and so the decision to follow him was the culmination of a growing acquaintance. Or again, the citation from Jesus’ teaching made by the witnesses at his trial before the Sanhedrin (Mk. 14:58), otherwise obscure in the synoptics, is recorded in John 2:19. [Bruce Milne] /

VERY NB TOZER INTRO TO JOHN: The body of truth, the inspired text, is not enough—there must be an inward illumination! In His day, Christ's conflict was with the theological rationalist. It revealed itself in the Sermon on the Mount and in the whole book of John. Just as Colossians argues against Manichaeism and Galatians argues against Jewish legalism, so the Book of John is a long, inspired, passionately outpoured book trying to save us from evangelical rationalism, the doctrine that says the text is enough. Textualism is as deadly as liberalism. Now revelation, I repeat, cannot save. Revelation is the ground upon which we stand. Revelation tells us what to believe. It is the Book of God and I stand for it with all my heart; but there must be, before I can be saved, illumination, penitence, renewal, inward deliverance. I have no doubt that we try to ease many people into the kingdom, so called, who never get into the kingdom at all. They are jockeyed into believing in the text, and they do, but they have never been illuminated by the Holy Ghost. They have never been renewed within their beings. They never get into the kingdom at all. Now, there is a secret in divine truth altogether hidden from the unprepared souls. This is where we stand in the terrible day in which we live. Christianity is not something you just reach up and grab, as some are taught. There must be a preparation of the mind, a preparation of the life and a preparation of the inner man before we can savingly believe in Jesus Christ. Somebody asks, Is it possible to hear the truth and not understand the truth? Listen to Isaiah: "Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not" (6:9). It is possible to see yet not perceive. Paul says (I Cor. 2:4-5): "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." Now the theological rationalist understands that in this way: he says that your faith should stand not in the wisdom of man but in the Word of God. But that is not what Paul said. He said that your faith should stand in the power of God. That is quite a different thing. Paul, the man of God, is saying: I came preaching and I preached with power that would illuminate and get to the conscience and to the spirit and change the inner man in order that your faith might stand in the power of

God. My brethren, your faith can stand in the text and you can be as dead as the proverbial doornail, but when the power of God moves in on the text and sets the sacrifice on fire, then you have Christianity. We try to call that revival, but it is not revival at all. It is simply New Testament Christianity. It is what it ought to have been in the first place and was not. Now look at Matthew 11: "Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." So there we have the doctrine taught plainly that there is not only a body of truth which we must hold at our peril—there is also a soul in that body which we must get through to, and if we don't get through to the soul of truth, we have only a dead body on our hands. A church can go on holding the creed and the truth for years and generations and grow old and die and new people come up and receive that same code and they grow old and die. Then some revivalist comes in and fires his guns and gets everybody stirred, and prayer moves God down on the scene and revival comes to that church. People who thought they were saved get saved. People who have only believed in a code now believe in Christ. And what has really happened? It is simply New Testament Christianity having its place. It is not any deluxe edition of Christianity—it is what it should have been in the first place. A man will go along in a church and believe texts and quote them and memorize them and teach them and maybe become a deacon. He may be elected to the church board, and all the rest. Then one day under the fiery preaching of some visitor or maybe the pastor, he suddenly feels himself terribly in need of God and he forgets all his past history and goes to his knees and like David begins to pour out his soul in confession. Then he leaps to his feet and testifies, "I have been a deacon in this church for twenty-six years and never was born again until tonight." What happened? That man had been trusting the dead body of truth until some inspired preacher let him know that truth has a soul. Or maybe God taught him in secret that truth has a soul as well as a body and he dared to get through and pursue by penitence and obedience until God honored his faith and flashed the light on. Then like lightning out of heaven it touched his spirit and all the texts he had memorized became alive. Thank God, he did memorize the texts, and all the truth he knew suddenly now bloomed in the light. That is why I believe we ought to memorize. That is why we ought to get to know the Word, why we ought to fill our minds with the songs and the great hymns of the church. They won't mean anything to us until the Holy Ghost comes. But when He comes He will have fuel to use. Fire without fuel won't burn but fuel without fire is dead. And the Holy Ghost will not come on a church where there is no biblical fuel. There must be Bible teaching. We must have the body of truth. The Holy Ghost never comes into a vacuum, but where the Word of God is, there is fuel, and the fire falls and burns up the sacrifice. Jesus said if any man is willing to do God's will, he shall know—he shall know the doctrine. Now, this body of truth can be grasped by the average, normal intellect. You can grasp truth, but only the enlightened soul will ever know the truth and only the prepared heart will ever be

enlightened. And just what is the preparation needed? Jesus said, "If any man is willing to do my will the light will flash in on him. If any man will obey me God will enlighten his soul immediately." We make Jesus Christ a convenience. We make Him a lifeboat to get us to shore, a guide to find us when we are lost. We reduce Him simply to Big Friend to help us when we are in trouble. That is not biblical Christianity. Jesus Christ is Lord, and when a man is willing to do His will, he is repenting, and the truth flashes in. For the first time in his life, he finds himself willing to say, "I will do the will of the Lord, even if I die for it!" Illumination will start in his heart. That is repentance, my brethren—he has been following his own will and now decides to do the will of God! No man can know the Son except the Father tell him. No man can know the Father except the Son reveal Him. I can know about God; that's the body of truth. But I can't know God, the soul of truth, unless I am ready to be obedient. True discipleship is obeying Jesus Christ and learning of Him and following Him and doing what He tells you to do, keeping His commandments and carrying out His will. That kind of a person is a Christian—and no other kind is. And when you are trying to find out the condition of a church, don't just find out whether it is "fundamentalist." Find out whether it is an evangelical rationalistic church which says, "The text is enough," or whether it is a church that believes that the text plus the Holy Ghost is enough. Before the Word of God can mean anything inside of me there must be obedience to the Word. Truth will not give itself to a rebel. Truth will not impart life to a man who will not obey the light! "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." If you are disobeying Jesus Christ you can't expect to be enlightened. But there is illumination. I know what Charles Wesley meant when he wrote, "His Spirit answers to the blood, and tells me I am born of God!" Nobody had to come and tell me what he meant. "He that is willing to do my will," said Jesus, "shall have a revelation in his own heart. He shall have an inward illumination that tells him he is a child of God." Some of us continue to hold out on God, refusing to follow Jesus, all the time hanging up on some point—something He has told us to do and we won't do it. So you say you are going to take a Bible course. You can take a study course, and learn all about synthesis and analysis and all the rest. But if you are holding out on God, you might just as well read Pogo; all the courses in the world won't illuminate you inside. You can fill your head full of knowledge, but the day that you decide you are going to obey God, it will get down into your heart. You shall know. Only the servants of truth can ever know truth. Only those who obey can ever have the inward change. [Tozer] / AT NB INTRO: It is very significant that John writing in a time of apostasy begins his gospel, his letters and his apocalypse with a revelation of Christ! The entire Bible is about Christ crucified and its present effect on those who embrace it in terms of Christ being formed in us. /

THE COMMENTARY

SIGNIFICANT WORDS AND TERMS IN THIS BOOK

Kingdom

A.T. INTRO

Twee Bybelboeke wat mens na mekaar moet lees om God se plan van krag en verlossing deur ons te verstaan is Johannes en Handelinge. Eers Jesus se lewe 'in die Gees' en die belofte van 'n soortgelyke lewe vir Sy dissipels in Johannes, dan die manifestasie van daardie lewe in Handelinge. Absoluut amazing en wonderlik. Dare to believe! / Waar Jesus instap in 'n plek of situasie is daar redding, verlossing, genesing, bevryding en vernuwing. Ons het die Heilige Gees in ons, maar as Hy ons nie ten volle "het" nie (ons hart en aandag), manifesteer Hy nie die lewende en teenwoordige Jesus deur ons in situasies nie. / A.W. Tozer het gesê 'every person can have as much of God as he or she wants'. Die probleem is nie aan God se kant nie. Dit is ons wat nie bereid is om gestroop te word van alles wat sondig, aards en natuurlik is nie. / Die HEILIGE Gees werk as volg: Eers stroop Hy ons van alles wat nie heilig is in ons lewens nie, dan beklee Hy ons met die lieflikheid en heerlikheid van Jesus, dan manifesteer Hy die krag van God deur ons om ander mense te verlos en bevry. Volgorde: stroop...beklee...manifesteer. Maar sonder stroping is daar nie 'n beklee nie en sonder beklee nie manifestasie nie. / Daarom kry ons die opdrag in die briewe vd NT 'lê af' en 'beklee met'. Dit is ons samewerking met die wonderlike HEILIGE Gees wat in ons werk om ons die begeerte en vermoë te gee om God se wil te doen (Fil. 2v12-13). / Daar is iets 'scary' daaraan om die natuurlike agter te laat en te begin leef in die hemelse werklikheid (Kol. 3v1-4). Daarom trek baie mense terug wanneer die HEILIGE Gees begin om 'n dieper werk te doen. /

Twee Bybelboeke wat mens na mekaar moet lees om God se plan van krag en verlossing deur ons te verstaan is Johannes en Handelinge. Eers Jesus se lewe 'in die Gees' en die belofte van 'n soortgelyke lewe vir Sy dissipels in Johannes, dan die manifestasie van daardie lewe in Handelinge. Absoluut amazing en wonderlik. Dare to believe! / MERK: 1. Jesus se Geeslewe (Donkerblou) 2. Die Beloftes vir ons (Groen) 3. Ons Geeslewe (Ligblou) /

CHAPTER 1

JOHN 1V1-28

NT LESSONS

Christ as Life and Building / Relationship with Jesus Lessons

Chapter 1

1. Christ is the Word who was from the beginning and in Him we obtain both life and light that overcomes darkness (1v1-5). 2. God uses messengers to prepare men's hearts to receive the light. We are never the light in and of ourselves. We only bear witness of the light (1v6-8). 3. Jesus is the true light and if we receive Him, He gives us the right to become children of God (1v9-13). 4. Jesus became flesh so that we could behold His glory, see the Father revealed, and receive an abundance of grace (1v14-18). 5. We should remain in the shadow of Jesus and testify of Him without drawing attention to ourselves, even as John did (1v19-28). 6. John testified of the fact that Jesus was the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and baptizes with the HS, and we should testify likewise. John proclaimed Jesus as the One who came before him, hence his approach was God's eternal purpose (1v29-34). 7. When we find Jesus He gives us a new name and new identity and our lives are henceforth immediately linked to His (1v35-42). 8. Jesus knows His own disciples intimately and He grants them an open heaven in order to behold His glory - 2 Cor. 3v18 (1v43-51).

Corne:

1: 1-5 Jesus, being Himself God, is the source of life and light. 1:1-13 John testified of the light. He was sent by God and we are also sent with the same mission to bring the true light into darkness Chp 1:6-13: John the witness of the light. Chp. 1:14-18 God expresses Himself in the flesh as Jesus. 1:19-34 Who is John and what did he come to do? 1:35-51 Jesus starts His ministry and calls His disciples.. 1:14-18 As John testified of the light, we should also. Jesus has come near in His word, and we can proclaim it like John. 1:19-28 John showed us that our primary calling is to testify of Christ. We still are voices in the wilderness today to proclaim the Greater One. Interesting fact: this took place in Bethany, the place where Jesus came to rest. 1:29-34 The way John presented Christ is also how we should proclaim Him, eg as the Eternal One, the One who 'came before us'. 1:35-51 Jesus calls his disciples in a personal and specific way. When we work with disciples we should trust the Lord for specific texts/words for them.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Albert: John 1v1-5: 1. John lays a marvelous foundation for his gospel by focusing on the all-inclusive Christ. This wonderful all-inclusive Christ was there from the beginning. He is the Word, He is God, He is the One through whom everything was made, He is life, and He is light. No amount of darkness can contradict the light that is in Him. 2. The life-giving God-

Word that was from the beginning. / Jesus light of the world. 3. A Christian should start his entire philosophy of life where the Father starts, the Word that was from the beginning. He should be focused on the life in Christ, for only thus can he consistently walk in light and overcome the darkness of the world and religion. 4. Do not touch death in the world or in religion. Just like the Israelites of old became impure by touching the dead, we are defiled when we approach anything outside of the life of Christ. Darkness inevitably follows anything in this realm that does not find its source in Christ, who does not only give life but IS life. 5. Ask God daily to help you to approach everything in life on the basis of Christ who is life inside of you, and wisdom, righteousness and sanctification. 6. Father, please let this revelation sink deep into my heart and remind me by your Spirit every time I want to touch death with my natural mind. /

/Cf. Jn. 1v1-18 with the Christological hymns Col. 1v15-20 & Phil. 2v5-11 /NB Test your life in terms of life, light and love (Austin Sparks). Important themes in John's writings. / Hi Riekert, hier onder is die stukkie wat ek vanoggend op Voetspore geplaas het.  Dit laat my dink aan ons gesprek oor waarheid en liefde wat nog heeltyd draai in my kop en wat ek voor die Here hou vir ‘n praktiese antwoord.  Ek dink nogal kommunikasie is die regte invalshoek in die vraagstuk. M.a.w. in plaas van om te sê waarheid sonder liefde is nie waarheid nie, is ek meer gemaklik daarmee om te sê waarheid sonder liefde is nie kommunikasie nie, en andersom.  Christus is “die Woord”. Hy is dus God se effektiewe kommunikasie aan ons.  Die verkeer (traffic) tussen HARTE is tog waaroor dit alles gaan.  God gebruik die Bybel om Sy Seun te openbaar en die doel is DIE WOORD wat spreek tot menseharte en daar genesing, verandering, en oorwinning bring.  Kommunikasie, dink ek, is die sleutel wanneer ons dit verstaan in die Bybelse sin van ‘DIE WOORD wat lewend openbaar word tussen menseharte wanneer ons die waarheid in liefde spreek’.  Prakties dus, wanneer Kras Karel die waarheid op my aflaai sonder liefde kan daar geen sprake wees van ware kommunikasie nie, wat eenvoudig beteken dat DIE WOORD nooit in daardie situasie geaktiveer is nie.  Daarom kan daar geen transformasie van harte plaasvind nie, want daar was nie kommunikasie in die Bybelse sin van die woord nie.  Maak dit sin? KOMMUNIKASIE OF FRUSTRASIE?! Baie praat, baie woorde, baie verduidelikings en slim stellings is nie noodwendig kommunikasie nie. Slegs die goeie nuus van God se liefde vir ons in Christus bring ons by 'n plek van sekuriteit waar ons werklik ons ware gevoelens met mekaar kan begin deel. Eerlikheid (waarheid) sonder liefde is egter steeds nie kommunikasie nie, maar toon dikwels ernstige disrespekteenoor ander mense wat na God se beeld geskape is. Liefde sonder waarheid is ook nie kommunikasie nie, maar eerder 'n droomwêreld van fantasie wat weier om die bestaande probleme aan te spreek. Christus alleen kan ons in staat stel om die balans tussen waarheid en liefde reg te kry. Sonder Sy wysheid en krag maak ons altyd 'n gemors daarvan en dit lei net tot meer pyn en misverstande, of frustrasie en onopgeloste probleme. A.g.v. die sondeval is menslike kommunikasie vir die meeste van ons eerder ‘menslike frustrasie’! Plaas die probleem in Christus se hande en vertrou die Heilige Gees om jou te lei na die plek van wyse en volwasse kommunikasie. [AT] /

Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.

Joh 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Joh 1:4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Joh 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

1. THE SECRET OF THE LIFE AND POWER OF JESUS

1:1-5 This gospel, being the gospel of the Son of God, begins in the heavenlies in eternity past. In Matthew Jesus is presented as King, in Mark as the Suffering Servant, in Luke as the Perfect Man, but in John we see the veil drawn back and the secret of the life and power of Jesus of Nazareth fully revealed. He is the only begotten Son of God and as Son of God He is God’s final Word to humanity (Heb. 1:1-4). These five verses form part of the prologue (1:1-18) of the gospel of John and they present a magnificent picture of the life that is truly life. They remind us of our origin (1:3) and point us to our only salvation (1:4), without extended explanation. They are statements of divine fact that simply yet powerfully demand the attention of every human being.

1:1 We are immediately reminded of the first words of the Bible (Gen. 1:1), but here we are given insight into the means of creation. This Word is a Person, even the Son of God. This Word contains within Himself the power to create (Gen. 1:1) and to recreate (Jn. 5:25-26). The deity of Christ is asserted as a divine statement of fact and the rest of the gospel of John proves to us that this is not conjecture or vain verbiage, but the very truth on which our eternal salvation rests (Jn. 20:31). Here two persons of the divine trinity are revealed and we are told that they have always dwelt together; the Word has always been with God (His Father).

1:2 The truth of the Son’s abode with the Father in eternity past is reiterated in a concise but powerful statement; reminding us that the Person we are about to encounter in this divine book is not a mere man, but the very Son of God!

1:3 God the Father created everything by the eternal Word (Col. 1:16-17). Through Him everything seen and unseen were created. He is the origin of all things and in this book we are called back to our roots, even more, to our very life. We are, as it were, transported back to the beginning, even before the fall, so that we may consider the life that we are called to (Jn. 17:24).

1:4 John here introduces the themes of life and light that features so prominently in all his writings. The Son of God not only gives life to those that ask Him, He Himself is the life, for the life is in Him (Jn. 14:6). There is only one way to dispel the inner darkness that has been plaguing mankind without intermittence or pity since the fall (Gen.3), and that is to receive the life that is in the Son of God. The very character of His life is ‘light’ and when we receive Christ as our Lord and Saviour (1:12) it is as if a heavenly flashlight suddenly shines into the deepest recesses of our sin-darkened souls.

1:5 The darkness in this verse qualifies the light of men in the previous verse. It is because there is darkness within and around man (1 Jn. 5:19b) that light is needed. No earthly light can dispel the darkness within man. It took a heavenly light, the Son of God Himself, to drive out the thick darkness within us. To every man who would honestly admit that within him there is a darkness that he cannot overcome, the eternal Word still today offers the pure heavenly light that alone can save and enlighten. For an understanding of the word overcome in this verse, consider the Greek scholar Marvin Vincent’s explanation: “The word is used in the sense of laying hold of so as to make one's own; hence, to take possession of. Used of obtaining the prize in the games (1 Cor. 9:24); of attaining righteousness (Rom. 9:30); of a demon taking possession of a man (Mark 9:18); of the day of the Lord overtaking one as a thief (1 Thes. 5:4). Applied to darkness, this idea includes that of eclipsing or overwhelming. Hence some render overcame (Westcott, Moulton). John's thought is, that in the struggle between light and darkness, light was victorious. The darkness did not appropriate the light and eclipse it.”

2. A VOICE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

Joh 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Joh 1:7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

Joh 1:8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

1:6-8 This passage is about John the Baptist. He was sent by God to prepare the way for the revelation of Christ to Israel. He was a voice crying in the wilderness; a voice that had to make a highway in the desert for God Himself to be revealed among men. John’s mission played out in the desert, because God wanted to demonstrate that He needed no human excellence or glory to aid in the revelation of His Son. A desert is a very unlikely place for a king to be revealed to the world; even more so for the ‘King of kings’ (Rev. 17:14). Yet this was the arena in which John the Baptist, the forerunner of the King, performed his crucial ministry. There is nothing attractive in a desert and yet the Bible says ‘Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out’ to John the Baptist to be baptised by him. The place where John baptised was, moreover, a full day’s journey from Jerusalem. Consider the following verses from God’s Word in the light of the aforementioned.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.

How wonderfully these verses correlate with the passage in Isaiah that speaks of the forerunner of the Messiah:

Isaiah 40:3-6 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth; 5 The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." 6 The voice said, "Cry out!" And he said, "What shall I cry?" "All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.

1 Peter 1:24 because "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. the grass withers, and its flower falls away, 25 but the word of the lord endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

1:6 This man sent from God was John the Baptist. He was only a man, but he was an extraordinary man. Jesus Himself called John the greatest man who was ever born of a woman. He was the greatest of all the prophets and he had a mission from God to preach and baptise. His name was given to him by the angel before his conception. Everything about him spoke of God’s calling and grace. He was filled with the Holy Spirit while he was still in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:14). This is reminiscent of the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

1:7 For all his greatness, John the Baptist was only a witness. His greatness must be understood with reference to the One about whom he witnessed. In that sense John the Baptist represents the purpose of the entire Old Testament; to bear witness and to prepare the way for Christ. This is why John is called the greatest of all the prophets; he had the final innings, as it were. The role of the Old Testament was consummated in the ministry of John the Baptist. Moses and Elijah, representing the Old Testament dispensation (the law and the prophets), appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, but at the end of that passage it says ‘when they [the disciples] had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only’ (Mt. 17:1-8). This was the purpose of the ministry of the entire Old Testament and of John the Baptist. This should also be our goal in our life and ministry; to reveal Christ and to be His witnesses.

1:8 No great man in the Bible, in church history, or among us today, should ever be considered ‘the Light’. There is only one ‘Light’ and that is our blessed Lord. We can only be reflectors of His light and glory. Paul said we do not preach ourselves, but Christ (2 Cor. 4:5; Col. 1:28). This should also be our one aim. See also Philippians 1:20-21

3. THE LIGHT OF MEN

Joh 1:9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

NB AT LINK: John 1v14 and 17 (see notes there), Col. 1:6 /

Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

Joh 1:11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

Joh 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

A great deal of importance is placed upon the word "receive" in the New Testament. He waits for our act of receiving. Whenever anyone receives Him, He instantly comes into them. See 2 Cor. 13v5 /

Joh 1:13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

1:9-13 John continues with the theme of light; specifically with Jesus as ‘the light of men’ (v. 4b). In verses 6 to 8 he showed us that the ‘Light’ had a forerunner. This forerunner was a great man, but his ministry focused exclusively on Christ. He was not ‘that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light’. This passage can be called ‘the great divide’. It demonstrates that, even though Jesus was, and is, ‘the Light’ that alone can overcome the darkness in man (v. 5), some choose to remain in darkness. ‘And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil’ (Jn. 3:19). Jesus has the ability to bring everyone who believes in Him instantly into the light (Col. 1:13), but those who reject Him remain in darkness. This passage shows us very clearly that there is no middle ground between light and darkness (1 Jn. 1:5). You either acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and the only Saviour who can bring you into the light of God’s presence, or you remain in the darkness of indwelling sin and depravity.

1:9 John emphasizes that Jesus is the true Light and that He became flesh, not only to enlighten (save) the Jews, but every human being who would believe on Him (v.12). John the Baptist was not the true Light and neither was anyone else in history. Only this One who was God (the Son) and ever was with God (the Father) had the power and ability to deliver man from the power of darkness and evil that has gripped every human being since the fall of Adam described in Genesis 3. Consider 1 Timothy 2:15 in this light: ‘For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus’

1:10 Yet, for all His exclusive power to deliver, the tragedy is that He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. As the Creator (v.3) He was always manifest in the world (see Rom. 1:19, 20) and as Saviour He was now manifested in the world (v.14) and still many in the world did not acknowledge Him as Creator Lord and Saviour. His hands created them and yet they did not acknowledge that He was ‘the true Light’ (v.9).

1:11 Verse 10 most likely refers to the world of mankind in general, while this verse refers to the Jewish nation. Hence, He came to His very own covenant people (Israel) and even they did not receive Him. They are ‘Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises’ (Rom. 9:4). They originally received ‘the oracles of God’ (Rom. 3:2). They heard the words of God (Old Testament), but they would not listen to the Word of God (v.1; Rev. 19:13). He was their long awaited Messiah, but they did not recognize or receive Him. What a profound tragedy. Be sure, however, to read Romans 11 in order to study God’s sovereign and merciful ‘recovery program’.

1:12 Praise God for the but in this verse! Even though many in the world did not acknowledge Him and His very own covenant people rejected Him; He did not in retaliation destroy all of mankind. Rather, all those who acknowledge the ‘true Light’ and receive Him as Lord and Saviour (Rom. 10:9-11) are given the right to become children of God. They are those who believe in His name. This belief in His name is an acknowledgment of all that He is (God and Saviour) and all that He has done (the atonement) to save sinners (Luke 5:32). Reflect on 1 Peter 2:6-8:

‘Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS, AND HE WHO BELIEVES ON HIM WILL BY NO MEANS BE PUT TO SHAME." 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE," 8 and "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.’

1:13 Here John makes it very clear that this sonship (v.12) cannot be received by natural birth or human effort. It is the work of God from beginning to end (Eph. 2:8). All we can

do, is to acknowledge the Son of God as ‘the true Light’ and to believe in His completed work of atonement (1 Cor. 2:2; Jn. 14:6; Rom. 10:9-11).

4. THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

ALLES HET VERANDER MET JESUS SE VLEESWORDING Alles het verander met Jesus se koms na hierdie aarde. Hoekom? Want nie net was Hy die Messias van die Jode nie, Hy was ook van die begin van die skepping af die Een deur wie en tot wie alle dinge geskape is. "Want in Hom is alle dinge geskape wat in die hemele en op die aarde is, wat sienlik en onsienlik is, trone sowel as heerskappye en owerhede en magte—alle dinge is deur Hom en tot Hom geskape." Kolossense 1:16 En meer as dit, alle dinge word slegs in Hom in stand gehou. "En Hy is voor alle dinge, en in Hom hou alle dinge stand." Kolossense 1:17 Daarom is dit absoluut essensieël vir ons om alle dinge te weeg en bereken in verhouding met Jesus. Nie net is die gelowige Jode se benadering tot hulle godsdiens vir altyd verander nie, maar alles in die skepping het 'n nuwe betekenis gekry met die openbaarmaking van "die mens Christus Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). Ons hele lewe op aarde en ons ewige bestemming het vir altyd verander in Christus. Ons moet ons denke vernuwe om oor elke aspek van ons lewens te dink binne die ruimte van die Christus-openbaring. Nie net ons "geestelike lewe" nie. Blaai bietjie na Kolossense 1 en lees verse 15 tot 20 in hierdie lig. [AT] / GENADE EN WAARHEID LOOP SAAM "En die Woord het vlees geword en het onder ons gewoon — en ons het sy heerlikheid aanskou, 'n heerlikheid soos van die Eniggeborene wat van die Vader kom — vol van genade en waarheid." Johannes 1:14 Die genade van God in Christus steek niks weg nie. Dit verdoesel nie sonde nie.  Dit smeer dit nie toe of vee dit onder die mat in nie. Ons sien dit baie duidelik in Jesus se bediening. Jesus het nooit genade bedien as 'n groot "cover up", soos wat vandag in so baie kringe gedoen word  nie.  Jesus het presies geweet wat in elke mens se hart aangaan.  Niemand kon enigiets vir Hom wegsteek nie. Neem die vrou by die put in Johannes 4 as voorbeeld.  Hy het elke persoon wat Hy mee gewerk het deur die Gees onder oortuiging gebring van die waarheid van wat werklik in hulle hart aangaan en dan het Hy hulle gelei na verlossing. Verlossing vir die wat bereid was om saam te stem met Jesus se diagnose van hulle hart. Dit is verstommend en terselfdertyd verlossend om te sien hoe konsekwent Jesus met almal was wat oor Sy

pad gekom het. Hy is vandag nog net so konsekwent. Hy laat niemand wegkom met self-bedrog nie. Hy wys vir jou die waarheid van jou verlorenheid en jou behoefte aan genade en dan voorsien Hy daardie genade! Ons moet nooit genade en waarheid teenoor mekaar stel nie. Hulle loop saam en is niks anders nie as die persoonlike bediening van Jesus. Vat albei se hande en hulle (Hy) sal jou lei na lewe, vryheid, vrede, vreugde, en hoop. [AT] /

Joh 1:15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'")

Joh 1:16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

1. GOD IS GENADIG. Nehemia 9:31 Maar in u grote barmhartigheid het U hulle nie volkome vernietig en hulle nie verlaat nie, want U is 'n genadige en barmhartige God. 2. ONS HET IN CHRISTUS 'N OORVLOED VAN GENADE ONTVANG. Johannes 1:16 En uit sy volheid het ons almal ontvang, ja, genade op genade. 3. ONS MOET ELKE DAG EN OOMBLIK ONDER DIE INVLOED VAN GOD SE GENADE BLY. Handelinge 13:43 En toe die sinagoge uit was, het baie van die Jode en die godsdienstige Jodegenote Paulus en Bárnabas gevolg. Dié het hulle toegespreek en hulle probeer beweeg om in die genade van God te bly. / NET GENADE Hoekom sê God in die Ou Testament dat Hy 'n “ewige verbond” wil sluit met mense en dat hierdie verbond alles te doen het met 'n verhouding van genade (Jes. 55:3)? Hoekom begin en eindig Paulus al dertien sy briewe met betekenisvolle verwysings na die genade van God in Christus? Hoekom word beide Jesus en die apostels se bedieninge beskryf as bedieninge van genade (Joh. 1:14; Hand. 4:33)? Hoekom word die evangelie beskryf as 'n getuienis van die “genade van God”? Hoekom eindig die Bybel met 'n vers wat genade in Christus voorhou as die enigste heil van dissipels van Jesus (Openb. 22:21)? Want net genade kan 'n verlore mens tot redding bring. Net genade kan 'n mens se lewe verander en toenemend transformasie bewerkstellig. Net genade kan 'n dissipel van Jesus wat die pad byster geraak het, herstel en weer oprig. Net genade gee ons oorwinning oor sonde. Net genade maak van ons mense wat gee en nie net heeltyd wil neem nie. Net genade kan 'n gemeente verander en maak wat God wil hê dit moet wees. Net genade kan twee harte wat in konflik is weer versoen. Net genade kan 'n stukkende huwelik herstel. Net genade lei ons stap vir stap in die weë van die Here. En net genade sal ons lei tot by ons ewige tuiste waar ons vir altyd die bestendige genadebewyse van God in sy Seun sal besing. Genade is daardie misterieuse kwaliteit in die hart van God

wat sy Seun stuur om te sterf vir sondaars en rebelle. Jesus Christus gee nie net genade nie, Hy ís die genade van God. Genade se appél is eenvoudig. Hoor en reageer in bekering en geloof. [AT] / GRACE AND PEACE JOHN 1:16  "For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift."  (Amplified Translation) ROMANS 1:7  "To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." 1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4  " Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus." When one receives a letter it is customary to give the greetings at the start of the letter a very cursory perusal.  We do not really pay attention to the introductions, as it were, because we want to get to the meat of the letter.  When we do this with the epistles in the New Testament however, we miss something very crucial and precious.  In just about every letter that Paul writes to the churches he greets them with these beautiful and rich words, 'grace to you and peace'.  We have become so used to the use of these terms in a religious setting and almost in a 'religious mode' that we have missed the profound significance of this greeting.  Could it be thus because we have forgotten where we came from? A convicted murderer on death row, awaiting his imminent death, is in dire need of these two qualities.  As time relentlessly ticks away and his last hours on the earth move ominously closer, he recognizes his need for pardon and he craves the peace that a normal person generally enjoys. But does the Bible not tell us that every person on the planet is under a spiritual death sentence because of inherited sin and that it is only a matter of time before that sentence will be brought to bear?  Is this not the reason why Paul greets believers with these precious words, 'grace and peace to you'?   He is saying in effect, 'you once were dead, but now you are alive from the dead because of the unmerited pardon received from God.'  He does not want us to forget that the bottom-line truth of every believer's life is that we have been forgiven, received a new life from God and as a result of this we have peace. Oh believer, do not take this for granted.  Look around you and see how many crave this peace.  As the world gets more and more tumultuous one realizes the inestimable value of inward peace.  Do you have this peace?  Romans 5:1 says, 'having been justified by faith we have peace with God'.  This peace is a deep and abiding rest because of the justification that was extended to us by the grace of God.  As a believer you should experience this peace. Please note that Paul even offered this greeting to the Corinthian church that had immense problems.  They were involved in gross sin, but Paul did not start with their sin, he was even thankful for them because he knew something about them which they themselves probably did not realize; they were new creations in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17).   On this basis he began to deal with their sinful lifestyle. No matter where you are today or what situation confronts you, if you are a true believer, let me offer you this advice found in Psalms 116:7 - "Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you."  If you are somehow convicted that you are not a believer, know that this is also extended to you in the gospel. They who come humbly to Jesus will never be sent away

empty-handed. Quote of the Day:  "Grace is that quality in God which causes the recipient of it to enter a sweet and abiding rest and to experience the bubbling up of an infectious joy as a result of this peace." / It is by grace that God authors and produces within us the promptings to Himself. Then He supplies grace once again at every point that we obey His voice and respond to His inner promptings. This is what is meant in the phrase "grace for grace" (or, "grace in exchange for grace" — Gk: anti). When we obey by saying "Amen" to His speaking, we are not carrying out an act of obedience from our own energy or strength. We are exchanging the grace of His promptings for a fresh supply of grace to work out those promptings in our practical experience. Obedience under the new covenant is a step of faith to open ourselves to the flow of God's grace to once again supply us with Himself. Thus, to hear His voice is not to come under a demand of the law. Rather, it is to hear a call to enjoy a fresh supply of grace. /

Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

NB AT Link: John 1:9 and 14; Colossians 1: 6 /

Joh 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

"in the bosom of the Father": Kol. 3:3..  "julle lewe is saam met Christus verborge in God" / Hand. 17v /See Barnes / του πατρος εκεινος εξηγησατο Die Seun is die enigste verklaarder (eksegeet van eksegese) van die Vader! [Riekert] / He ever presses anew, with an equal intimacy into the bosom of the Father, who reveals Himself to Him in a manner suitable to His position and His work at every moment. The Greek form 'into the bosom,' instead of 'in the bosom' (the preposition of motion, instead of that of rest), expresses precisely this active and living relation. /

1:14-18 This passage is the classical passage on the incarnation and its effect. The Word who was with God and was God became a man. As the God-man He revealed the glory of the Father. He was, and still is, the Beloved Son of the Father and as such He was able to reveal to the sons of men the love the Father has for them (Jn. 3:16). He came to make known the opinion of the Father concerning man. The Greek word translated glory can also be rendered ‘opinion’, depending on the context. The eternal and incarnated Word was full of grace and truth. He contained in Himself the grace man needed to be saved and the truth he needed to enlighten the darkness of his inner being (Rom. 1:3-5; Col. 1:28).

1:14 This is probably the greatest single statement concerning the incarnation in the Bible. Everything that has been said in this chapter has been a build-up towards this point. All the beauty and glory of this Son, who was with the Father from the beginning, would have meant nothing practically for us if Christ did not become flesh. Contemplate the following verses:

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:23 "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which is translated, "God with us."

God became flesh and revealed Himself to human beings. Jesus was the manifestation of our origin (Gen. 1:26-27). We were created to be reflectors of the glory of the Eternal One. But where would we find the perfect ‘picture’ of our original creation so that we could reflect that glory? Here we find the answer. He dwelt among people with the express purpose of revealing His glory. As we behold the One in whose image and likeness we were created, we increasingly reflect the beauty of His being and the brightness of His glory (2 Cor. 3:18; Prov. 4: 18).

John Macarthur sheds light on the term the only begotten in his Study Bible. ‘The term "only begotten" is a mistranslation of the Greek word. The word does not come from the term meaning "beget" but instead has the idea of "the only beloved one." It, therefore, has the idea of singular uniqueness, of being beloved like no other. By this word, John emphasized the exclusive character of the relationship between the Father and the Son in the Godhead (cf. 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9). It does not connote origin but rather unique prominence; e.g., it was used of Isaac (Heb. 11:17) who was Abraham’s second son (Ishmael being the first; cf. Gen. 16:15 with Gen. 21:2, 3).’

1:15 Once again a reference to the forerunner of Jesus is, as it were, inserted in this passage in order to show that John the Baptist and the apostle John, who wrote this gospel,

were in absolute agreement concerning the pre-eminence and eternality of the Incarnate Word (v.14).

1:16 His fullness here refers to the full salvation He has come to give all those who believe in Him. In the Old Testament the Israelites received the shadow, of which Christ is the reality. Colossians 2:17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. All true believers have received the fullness of God’s salvation in Christ and they are complete in Him (Col. 2:10). This fullness of Christ is given in reference to a superabundance of grace, i.e. grace upon grace. It must also be said that this fullness is available according to the same measure of superabundant grace for all who would believe (see v. 12).

1:17 Moses was truly a man of God and the great Prophet of the old dispensation. He was in his time the most humble man on the face of the earth (Num. 12:3). He was chosen by God to receive the law and present it to Israel. But he was not the eternal Word. He was not the Saviour of all mankind. Through him Israel received the revelation of the holiness and righteousness of God, but in and through Jesus alone saving and sanctifying grace and the full revelation of truth was revealed (Heb. 3:3; Acts 4:12). In Christ alone we may receive the righteousness and holiness of God, not only as a standard, but as a present possession and life (Eph. 4:24). The law was, and is, glorious, but it cannot save man (Acts 13:39). God spoke in many and various ways in the Old Testament dispensation, but He has spoken fully and finally in His Son (Heb. 1:1-3).

1:18 Even though no-one has seen God with the physical eye His Beloved Son made Him known in such a way that there can be no doubt left concerning His character. The search for God ended there, for all who would acknowledge the Son (see v. 12 and my notes). The word declared speaks of an unfolding in order to make known and can thus also be translated ‘revealed’. Jesus, who lives in the bosom of the Father in the most intimate union and fellowship, revealed the person and character of the Father in His incarnation and ministry. Reflect on the following verses in this context:

2 Corinthians 4:4-6 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

5. JOHN’S TESTIMONY

Joh 1:19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

Joh 1:20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

Joh 1:21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."

Joh 1:22 So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

Joh 1:23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as the prophet Isaiah said."

(ISAIAH 40:3) /

1:19-23 We have seen in verses 6-8 and 15 that the main purpose of the ministry of John the Baptist was to bear witness of the Light (v. 8). His single goal was to focus the attention of everyone upon the true light, Jesus Christ. In this paragraph (1:19-23) John the Baptist is once again brought on the stage by the apostle John. The message is basically the same as in the previous verses, but the context is the enquiries of the Jewish religious establishment as to the identity, and by implication the authority, of the Baptist. In a certain sense John is being interrogated by this delegation sent by ‘the Jews’. He was not a part of their religious systems and had not been trained in the Rabbinic schools. He was not identified with or recognised by the Pharisees, the Sadducess, or the Herodians. Yet, they could not ignore him, for ‘Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.’ (Mt. 3:5). The remarkable circumstances surrounding his birth aroused interest and curiosity and perhaps even hope (Luke 1:65-66). Furthermore, his public ministry caused the flames of

Israel's messianic hopes to flare up: "While the people were filled with anticipation, and they all pondered in their hearts whether perhaps John could be the Christ" (Luke 3:15).

On the other hand, the rulers among the Jews desperately wanted to place him somewhere in their religious framework in order to get a handle on him, as it were. It is difficult, however, to determine whether they only wanted to trap him in admitting that he was the Messiah, Elijah or the Prophet or to what extent they were really wondering whether he was in fact one of those personages prophesied of in their Scriptures. It is probably a combination of both.

1:19 The testimony of John was the first of many in this gospel. These witnesses are used by the apostle John to prove that Jesus was in fact the Messiah and Son of God (Jn. 20:30-31). The term Jews is used 69 times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judea. The term frequently carries an ominous connotation in the gospel of John (7:1; 9:22; 18:12-14).

1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; and he confessed. John wanted to make it very clear that he was not the Christ. The term "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term for "Messiah."

1:21 The last book in the Old Testament stated that Elijah should precede the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). The Jews interpreted this prophecy in a literal sense, and looked for the return of the actual Elijah (Mt. 17:10). This literal Elijah did return, and was seen upon the Mount of Transfiguration before the crucifixion of our Lord (Mt. 17:3). The prophecy of Malachi referred to a spiritual Elijah, however, one who should come "in the spirit and power of Elijah", and in this sense John fulfilled Malachi's prediction (Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:14; Matthew 17:12). He answers them very directly and even more tersely, ‘I am not.’ Still they do not let up and this time they wanted to know whether he was the Prophet. This is an allusion to Deuteronomy 18:15-18 which predicted God would raise up a great prophet like Moses who would speak the very words of God. While some in John's time interpreted this prophecy as referring to another forerunner of Messiah, the New Testament applies the passage to Jesus (Acts 3:22, 23; 7:37). John finally answers even more plainly with a simple ‘No’.

1:22 They now have no more guesses concerning John’s identity and ask him to state it directly, so that they would not have to return to the Sanhedrin without answers or some kind of handle on the Baptist.

1:23 John identifies himself as ‘the voice’ of which Isaiah speaks. He is simply a voice ‘crying in the wilderness’. He is not ‘the Word’ (1:1), but the one who cries out of the wilderness of human desolation in order to prepare the way for ‘the Word’. John was a voice pointing towards the present Word (v. 36); we should follow his example and recognise that we can only be voices pointing back towards the Word that has come (Gal.

4:4). There can be only one ‘Word’. Our highest calling and greatest humility is to point people in His direction.

6. JOHN IS CHALLENGED

Joh 1:24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

Joh 1:25 They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

Joh 1:26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,

Joh 1:27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."

Joh 1:28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

1:24-28 John the Baptist continues his testimony concerning Jesus in response to more questions by the Jews sent from Jerusalem.

1:24 This seemingly insignificant detail about the identity of John's questioners is provided for us in order to cast light upon the question in verse 25. The Pharisees were the strictest interpreters of the Jewish Scriptures and as such would be the ones expected to ask the question about John's baptism.

1:25 The most significant washing-ritual at the time was the proselyte baptism. It was a baptism performed when Gentiles converted to Judaism. John is challenged concerning the

authority for and purpose of his baptism if he is, as he says, not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet. It seems as if his questioners are implying that those individuals have the right to make proselytes, but not John. Yet, when the Christ was in fact revealed not long after this incident they questioned His authority as well (Mt. 21:23). This shows that they were not really sincere, but were mostly concerned about the protection of their own authority and influence on the people of Israel.

1:26 John implies that his baptism was merely an outward preparation by water of men's hearts, in order to get them ready for the One. This One was standing among them and they did not know who He really was.

1:27 John says that even though this One would come after him in time, He was preferred before him. In fact, John was not even worthy to loose His sandal strap. Once again John diverts the attention away from himself to the eternal Word (v.1). John did not want to be compared to Christ in any way, for he could only point to the true Way (Jn.14:6). Consider 2 Cor. 4:5 in this context:

2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

1:28 The exact location of Bethabara is not known. It is clear, however, that it was somewhere in the desert, East of the Jordan River.

7. JOHN’S PUBLIC DECLARATION

JOHN 1V29-51

Joh 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Joh 1:30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.'

Joh 1:31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel."

Joh 1:32 And John bore witness: "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.

Joh 1:33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

Joh 1:34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

1:29-34 John the Baptist continues his witness to Jesus by publicly declaring that He is 'the Lamb of God'. This statement succinctly yet powerfully reveals the mission of Jesus (Mt. 1:21). It is also the consummation of the ministry of John the Baptist. What an honour for a man to proclaim for the first time the redemptive purpose of God as revealed in the person of Jesus! The Baptist's proclamation should be understood in the light of the clearly stated purpose of the gospel of John (Jn. 20:31). From verse 19, where the testimony of John the Baptist began, a certain tension has been building with regard to his mission. This tension is broken in this portion. It begins in verse 29 with the statement that Jesus is 'the lamb of God' and ends with the statement in verse 34 that He is 'the Son of God'. This is a rich redemptive passage. It reveals Jesus as ‘the Lamb of God’, the eternal one (v.31), the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit (v.33), and the ‘Son of God’(v.34). We need to pay attention to every one of these designations if we are to walk in the fullness of God’s redemption. Note that even more titles follow in the next passage (1:35-51).

1:29 This statement by John the Baptist is undoubtedly one of the most powerful redemptive statements ever made and probably the most dramatic. Jesus is not a lamb of God, He is the lamb of God. All the lambs and sacrifices that where offered in the Old Testament were only types of this lamb. Without Him they would have had no power, for the blood of Jesus is effective both for the future and for the past (Rev. 13:8). Jesus died at a certain time in human history, but the efficacy of His death is not restricted to time. "The question in the Old Testament is, 'Where is the lamb?' (Gen. 22:7) In the four Gospels, the emphasis is 'Behold the Lamb of God!' Here He is! After you have trusted Him, you sing with the heavenly choir, ‘Worthy is the Lamb!’ (Rev. 5:12)” (Warren Wiersbe)

1:30 The Baptist here hints at what he said the previous day (v.27). John refers to Jesus as a Man, but he also says that this Man was before him, thereby implying that He is no ordinary

man. He is the Eternal One; He is the eternal Word (v.1). John was born before Him and his ministry preceded His, but Jesus has in every sense the preference in the plan of salvation; as is made abundantly clear in this passage.

1:31 Even though John and Jesus were relatives (cf. Luke 1:36), John did not know that Jesus was the promised Messiah. God had to reveal it to John supernaturally at the baptism of Jesus (Mt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). This baptism is not recorded in the gospel of John. It happened before the events recorded here. The Baptist further clarifies his own mission by saying that he came baptizing with water so that the ‘Lamb of God’(v.34) could be revealed to Israel.

1:32 In the synoptic gospels we are told that Jesus saw the descent of the Spirit as a dove (Mt. 3:16; Mark 1:10). The Apostle John here reveals that John the Baptist also saw it. The Baptist emphasizes the fact that He remained upon Him (cf. Isa. 11:2).

1:33 The Baptist once again mentions the fact that he did not know beforehand that Jesus was the Messiah. He says in effect that God the Father sent him to baptize with water and also told him explicitly 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ We have to note the importance of John’s insistence that the Spirit remained on Jesus (v.32-33). It shows that the relationship of Jesus with the Spirit was a permanent one. Also note the contrast between John’s water baptism and Jesus’ Spirit baptism. John’s water baptism primarily dealt with the negative because it had to do with the remission of sins (cf. Mark 1:4), but Jesus’ Spirit baptism dealt with the positive in that it promised a new anointing available to all people (cf. Acts 2:17). Furthermore, even though John’s baptism was unique and had a unique function in Scripture; any man can baptize with water. But only God can baptize with the Spirit. This One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit is therefore none other than God Himself. This is explicitly revealed in the next verse.

1:34 John finally and unambiguously declares ‘this is the Son of God’. This title clearly implies deity (cf. Ps. 2:7). Note that the title ‘Messiah’ did not imply deity to those who heard it in the gospels. Even the Twelve struggled to move beyond their view of Jesus as an eschatological deliverer of Israel. John the Baptist makes this startling declaration without excuse, however. This statement by the Baptist coincides with the Apostle John’s statements in verses 1 and 18 and it obviously forms part of the purpose of his gospel; to reveal the redemption wrought by the eternal Word, the Son of God. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

8. THE FIRST DISCIPLES

Joh 1:35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples,

Joh 1:36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

Joh 1:37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

1:35-42 This portion, together with the following one (1:43-51), describes the calling of the first disciples of Jesus. We may glean some valuable lessons concerning discipleship from this section of John’s gospel. John the Baptist continues to divert attention away from himself in order to exalt Jesus. It would seem as if he deliberately directs the attention of his disciples toward Jesus, so that they would follow Him. The way in which Jesus responds to the approaching disciples not only speaks volumes about His character and mission, but also sensitises us to the honest and direct way in which we need to deal with those who ask us about the Jesus whom we love and serve.

1:35 Two of John’s disciples were standing with him on this third day from the time that the priests and Levites approached John. One of these disciples was Andrew (Jn.1:40) and the other one was most likely John the Apostle who wrote the gospel. John never refers to himself directly in this book.

1:36 John the Baptist repeats the statement he had made the previous day concerning the mission and ministry of Jesus. It seems that he wanted his disciples to follow Jesus, knowing that He is the greater One and also the only Saviour. This is very significant in terms of John’s discipleship methods. We should always strive to attach our disciples to Jesus and not to ourselves. We should, as it were, work ourselves out of a discipling job. We need to constantly point those whom we disciple to Christ. This is undoubtedly the primary principle in terms of discipleship. There are so many ministries today that seek to make believers dependent on themselves, instead of totally dependent on Christ. Our aim in discipleship should always be the condition that Ephesians 4 verse 13 (and further) describes so beautifully:

‘…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;’

1:37 When the two disciples of John heard his confession about the mission and ministry of Jesus, they immediately responded by following Him. Our disciples and even those whom we seek to bring to faith in Christ need to hear that we acknowledge Jesus as the only One who can bring life. We need to focus their attention on Jesus and not in the first place on ourselves, our church or our denomination. We also need to urge immediate obedience from those to whom we testify about Jesus. It is crucial for those who want to follow Jesus that they would respond immediately to His voice. Consider the following verses of Scripture in this light:

Heb. 3:7-8 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "TODAY, IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, 8 DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS IN THE REBELLION, IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS,

9. THEN JESUS TURNED

Joh 1:38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

Joh 1:39 He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

Joh 1:40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

Joh 1:41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ).

Joh 1:42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).

1:38 The words then Jesus turned seems to speak of the turning of God towards man in the incarnation (Jn. 1:1, 14). Jesus immediately tests the motives of these would-be disciples with His question "What do you seek?". His question is straightforward and to the point. Jesus never minces words when we seek to follow Him. At the same time we need to realise that even though Jesus was very direct, He was also very eager to respond to earnest seekers. After all, He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The term Rabbi was a Jewish title meaning literally “a great one,” and was applied to a teacher or master in the Jewish schools. The disciples’ use of this title reveals their willingness to be taught by Jesus. No man who approaches Jesus can expect to be helped if he is not willing to come as a complete novice; eager to learn. This is the heart of true discipleship. The disciples’ question "where are You staying?", signifies their wish to be with Him and to be instructed by Him.

1:39 Jesus responds favourably and immediately to the answer of the disciples and simply says to them "Come and see." For those who earnestly desire the salvation offered by the Lamb of God, this is enough. They will follow Him, because they can hear the call of God in His words (Jn. 10:27). Consider also Psalms 34:8 ‘Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!’

1:40 One of the two disciples was the brother of Simon Peter. We are given this information in order to tell us how the Apostle Peter came to follow Jesus.

1:41 Having spent some time with Jesus, Andrew is eager to share the ‘heavenly bread’ with others. The first person that he either approaches, or lights upon, is his own brother Simon. It is clear from the gospel declaration made to his brother Simon that whatever Andrew heard in the time he spent with Jesus convinced him that He was indeed the Messiah. Every man who has been graciously exposed to the gospel of Christ should endeavour to share this good news with others and his first attention should be fixed upon those of his own family circle. It should, however, not even be necessary to make such an appeal, for the gospel carries within itself an inevitable thrust to share its riches (cf. Acts 4:20). ‘After he and the other disciple departed from Christ, being affected with the grace bestowed upon him, and his heart warm with the conversation he had had with him, and transported with joy at finding the Messiah, goes in all haste in search of his relations, friends, and acquaintances, to communicate what he had seen and heard, in order to bring them to the knowledge of the same; for such is the nature of grace, it is very communicative,

and those that have it, are very desirous that all others should be partakers of it…’ (John Gill).

1:42 Once again, Jesus immediately and very straightforwardly responds to the approach of a disciple. Jesus not only calls him at first sight Simon, by his present name, but also tells him what his future name should be. The word Cephas is a Syriac word, meaning the same as the Greek word Peter, a stone. Jesus immediately and supernaturally announces Peter’s natural identity by stating his present name and the name of his father, but He also declares his future and spiritual identity in calling him Cephas. Jesus knows us by name and His call to salvation also includes a call to ministry in His kingdom. Peter was called Cephas by Jesus to reveal the fact that he would not only be a lively stone in the spiritual building, the church, but would also have a considerable role to play in the establishment and growth of the church.

10. PREPARATION OF THE DISCIPLES

Joh 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me."

Joh 1:44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Joh 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Joh 1:46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."

Joh 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!"

Joh 1:48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

Joh 1:49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

Joh 1:50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."

Joh 1:51 And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Vergelyk Jakob se storie - hier staan Jesus ONDER aan die leer. Hy het vlees geword. /

1:43-51 John the Apostle continues to present to us an account of the preparation of some of the disciples; preceding Jesus' formal appointment of the Twelve. Philip and Nathaneal hear the call of Jesus in this passage. The interaction between Philip and Nathaneal and then Jesus and Nathaneal continues to unveil to us the way in which Jesus dealt with those who heard His call and subsequently followed Him. Jesus is still today calling disciples, primarily through those who have already become disciples. In Matthew 28 verse 19 we are given the command to make disciples. For all those who have ears to hear the gospels present marvellous instruction through the life of Jesus concerning the modus operandi for disciple-making. It is not always possible to directly apply these examples in the life of Jesus to our situations and circumstances, but there are always principles to be extracted and applied. In John 20 verse 21 Jesus said '...as the Father sent me, I also send you.' We have

the same commission and therefore the same kingdom principles are applicable in our ministry on earth.

1:43 Note that Jesus found Philip. There is no one who seeks after God, but the Father draws and the Son came to seek and save the lost (Rom. 3:11; Jn. 6:44; Luke 19:10). Once again Jesus speaks frankly and directly to His would-be follower. Jesus does not ask, but commands (cf. Acts 17:30). He is unlike any other religious leader in history. He is not just another great leader or teacher. He is the God-man through whom and for whom everything was created (see Jn. 1:3 and Col. 1:16).

1:44 Philip was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. Mark 1:21, 29 says that Peter’s house was in Capernaum, but John here reveals that he was from Bethsaida. Peter and Andrew probably grew up in Bethsaida and later moved to Capernaum. Even so, they were still identified with their hometown.

1:45 Philip was eager to share his discovery of the Messiah with Nathaneal. It says he found Nathaneal, indicating that he went looking; wanting to share his joy. We learn from John 21 verse 2 that Nathaneal was a Galilean, from ‘Cana in Galilee’. He was one of the Twelve and was called Bartholomew in the other Gospels. In his testifying to the identity of Jesus, Philip draws Nathaneal’s attention to the Old Testament promises of the Messiah. The focus of the entire Old Testament is the foreshadowing and promise of the Messiah. Both Moses and the prophets refer to His coming. Consider the following scriptures in this regard: Deut. 18:15, Deut. 18:18; Gen. 49:10; Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53:1-12; Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 9:24-27; Jer. 23:5-6. Philip speaks of Jesus of Nazareth, even though he might have known that he was born at Bethlehem, in fulfillment of the prophecy in Micah 5 verse 2:

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."

1:46 Nathanael inquires whether anything good can come out of Nazareth. Nazareth was economically and politically insignificant and did not have a good name at the time. Philip simply answers that he must come and see for himself. Without reasoning, speculating or arguing he challenges Nathanael to conduct his own examination of Jesus. Sometimes this is the best we can do; to simply point people to Christ (in the Scriptures and in the church, the Body of Christ on earth, in our case) and tell them to judge for themselves. They should, of course, also be able to see the fruit of His life in us (Mt. 5:13-14; Gal. 5:22-23).

1:47 Jesus again reveals by His divine insight into the character of Nathaneal and the authoritative way in which He speaks, that He is no mere man. Jesus does not debate, question or argue; He simply makes the statement: "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" This does not mean that Nathanael was not a sinner like everyone else and

also in need of salvation. It simply means that he was an upright and sincere man. It is also interesting that the word translated "deceit" is "Jacob" in the Septuagint. Jacob was a deceitful man. He swindled his brother Esau out of his blessing and birthright and tricked his uncle Laban out of the better part of his possessions. Jacob was only transformed the night when he wrestled with the Lord in the valley of Jabbok (Gen. 32:22-28).

1:48 Despite his skepticism (v.46) Nathanael is intrigued and wants to know how it could be possible for Jesus to know him without ever having met him. Nathaneal immediately knew Jesus' statement concerning his character was not flattery, but a simple statement of truth. Jesus then reveals information to Nathanael that could not have been known to Jesus in a natural sense. He tells him that He saw him under the (not a) fig tree even before Philip called him. Jesus revealed to Philip that He was the Son of God by telling him that He knew all about him.

1:49 Nathanael can only reply in awe and wonder “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” With two simple statements Jesus transformed Nathaneal from a skeptic to a true believer. It is indeed true that 'no one ever spoke like this Man' (Jn. 7:46)

1:50 Jesus is saying in effect that this is only the beginning. Nathaneal would be privy to greater things in the near future. What an astounding impact these statements by Jesus must have had on Nathaneal. Only Jesus can turn a man's life around this radically with such an economy of words!

1:51 Whenever the words ‘most assuredly’ is used by Jesus a very important statement follows. It also expresses the certainty of what Jesus is saying. Jesus emphasises the fact that His words must be heeded and that they will certainly come to pass. He says to Nathaneal hereafter you shall see heaven open. This open heaven is based on the incarnation (Jn. 1:1, 14). The Word, who has always been with God and who is God, became flesh and revealed His glory. The angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man probably has reference to Jacob’s dream about a ladder from heaven in Genesis 28 verse 12. The term Son of Man is Jesus’ favourite self-designation. He used it more then eighty times. It has an eschatological significance (Dan. 7:13-14) and it is pregnant with implications for the children of men. Consider Luke 2 verses 12 to 14 in this context:

12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Heaven has indeed been open since the incarnation of Jesus and all who would turn to Jesus and trust in Him alone for salvation may experience, as it were, a union with heaven even while on earth (1 Tim. 2:5; Eph. 2:6).

CHAPTER 2

JOHN 2V1-12

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus manifested His glory to His disciples by turning water into wine. He is still our Lord who can turn around any situation that we present to Him in childlike obedience. Then we are invited to drink Him as the new wine of heaven. We can partake now of the wonderful new covenant, the best wine (2v1-12). 2. Jesus deals ruthlessly with the corruption of religion and in its place points to death and resurrection as the real route for His disciples (2v13-22). 3. Jesus knows the hearts of all men and does not reveal Himself to those who come to Him with the wrong motives. He demands absolute surrender to the gospel (2v23-25).

Corne:

2 v1-2 Jesus was invited to the wedding. We should take care to consider Jesus in the practicalities of our lives. 2:3-7 Maria has faith for a miracle , even though she has not yet seen one. She believes, because she knows the true Identity of Jesus is the Son of God. 2:8-11 Sometimes Jesus waits a long time before answering our prayers. Only at the end of the wedding the miracle was performed. We should be patient, because He might be saving the best for last. The reason for this is that He knows when His name will be most magnified. 2:12-17 After Jesus performed His first miracle, He cleaned the temple of defilement. The effect of a miracle in our lives should be more consecration and holiness. This brings glory to God. 2:18-22 Jesus links the building of the temple as a type of the church, with His death and resurrection. The building up of the body is inseperably linked with our union and identification in Christ's death and resurrection. 2:23-25 Many people only seek the Lord for the miracles He can do for them. Jesus cannot entrust His riches to self-seeking people.

11. THE FIRST MIRACLE

Joh 2:1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Joh 2:2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.

Joh 2:3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine."

See MLJ's excellent exposition of this passage in his book 'Spiritual Blessing'. /

Joh 2:4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come."

When Jesus says to His mother 'woman, what have I to do with thee', He is saying in effect 'you are thinking in a different realm from Me...I am focused on the new creation and you on the old.' [Sparks] /

Joh 2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

Joh 2:6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

Joh 2:7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim.

Joh 2:8 And he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it.

Joh 2:9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom

Joh 2:10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now."

Joh 2:11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

2:1-11 This passage is rich in meaning and symbolism. It begins to reveal the sovereign authority of Jesus in His earthly ministry. The fact that His first miracle, or sign as it is called in the gospel of John, was done at a wedding feast is very significant. The culmination of our redemption is the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9). This Lamb of God is also the Bridegroom and He has the ability to bring fullness of joy in the marriage relationship; as signified by the quality of the wine that Jesus supernaturally produced at this feast (v.10). There are lessons both for the natural and the spiritual to be drawn from this incident. Jesus did His first miracle at a wedding feast. This is not where one would expect a religious leader to commence his ministry. We thus see that life in Christ produces joy, in contrast with humanly contrived religion that often focuses on ascetic practices. To be sure, we are called in Christ to deny ourselves and to buffet our bodies (1 Cor. 9:27), but we may even now experience the joy of the Lord in the midst of any form of suffering. Furthermore, we must live in the consciousness of that marriage supper of the Lamb that awaits us. Again, the marriage bond between husband and wife is only a shadow of that bond that we have with Christ (Eph. 5:30-32), nevertheless even in the natural marriage Christ alone can bring joy, when both husband and wife does whatever He says (v. 5).

2:1 The wedding took place on the third day after the calling of Philip and Nathanael (1:43). This may also be a symbolic and thus prophetic reference to the day of Christ’s resurrection (1 Cor. 15:4), when everything would become new. We serve God in the newness of the Spirit (Rom. 7:6), on the basis of the resurrection of Christ. John’s reference to the mother of Jesus shows that he wanted to demonstrate at the hand of Jesus’ dealings with His mother at this wedding, the divine identity and mission of Jesus.

2:2 Besides Jesus and His disciples, Mary also attended the wedding; this suggests that the wedding may have been for a relative or family friend. The disciples that were invited to the wedding with Jesus are the five mentioned in chapter one: Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip,

Nathanael, and the unnamed disciple (1:35) who was certainly John, who also witnessed this miracle.

2:3 In the ancient world wine was diluted with water. Nevertheless, the fact that Jesus changed water into wine shows that he was no ascetic (Mt. 11:19). The Bible clearly and unequivocally condemns drunkenness (Eph. 5:18), but it does not necessarily censure the use of wine; yet such use should always be with consideration of others (Rom. 14:21). The bridegroom was responsible for the wedding feast and it must have been a huge embarrassment for him when the wine ran out. Mary knew where to go in time of need; do we?

2:4 Jesus addresses His mother as ‘woman’ signifying that He knew she approached Him as more than a mere man (v.3) and therefore He answered her in His capacity as the divine Deliverer. It could be that Jesus said to Mary my hour has not yet come to indicate that He knew about the problem with the wine, but He would deal with it in His own way when the crisis became more acute and the need was at its greatest. Alternatively it could mean that the hour for Jesus to die has not yet come (cf. Jn. 7:30; 8:20; 12:20,27; 13:1). The main point is, however, that Jesus was not moved primarily by human need, but rather by the command of His Father and the restrictions of His mission to seek and save the lost (Jn. 6:38 and 10:10). Even His miracles were done to confirm His divine mission.

2:5 Despite Jesus’ seemingly harsh treatment of Mary, she knew that He was no ordinary man and she gave the servants the best advice one could ever give anyone: "Whatever He says to you, do it." Absolute obedience to Jesus Christ is the most blessed course of action one could ever consider.

2:6 Since man was created on the sixth day (Gen. 1:27, 31) the six waterpots could signify created man. The purification of the Jews had to do with outward and ritual cleansing, but man’s real need was to receive new life. This is signified by the new wine that Jesus miraculously produced; the new wine speaking of a New Covenant (Mt. 9:17; 2 Cor. 5:17; Heb. 8:10). The amount of wine, six waterpots of stone containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece, signifies the abundance of God’s grace revealed in the New Covenant.

2:7 Even though Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus said to do, they must have wondered what good water would do at a wedding feast. Yet they obeyed and we may learn a profound lesson from their obedience. In any situation of need we should first ask what the will of Jesus is for the specific situation and then obey unreservedly. The fact that they filled the waterpots up to the brim with water shows that nothing else could be added. Hence it was shown undoubtedly to be a miracle.

2:8 Their obedience is tested even more; and they pass the test.

2:9 The master of the feast tasted and immediately had something to say about the quality of wine. No one can taste the new wine of the kingdom without seeking to share this knowledge. Grace experienced will always lead to the desire to make known that experience.

2:10 The master of the feast expresses surprise at the quality of the wine and astonishment that the bridegroom reversed the usual order of serving. The best wine was kept for last. This signifies the blessings of the New Covenant (Mt. 9:17).

2:11 The miracles that Jesus did are called ‘signs’ in the gospel of John to indicate that they have a deeper significance than just the act of divine intervention. To those who believe the deeper message is revealed. It is also noteworthy that Moses’ first miracle was to turn water into blood (Ex. 7:19) and that the wine in this miracle at Cana represents the blood of Jesus by which He would give new life to all who believed in Him (Mt. 26:28). Jesus had begun to manifest the glory for which He came into the world (Jn. 1:1, 14) and His disciples believed in Him.

12. HE DROVE THEM OUT OF THE TEMPLE

Joh 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

JOHN 2V13-25

Joh 2:13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Joh 2:14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.

Joh 2:15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.

Joh 2:16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade."

Joh 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME."

(PSALM 69:9) /

2:12-17 In this passage we see Jesus react with righteous indignation to the corrupt practices prevalent at the time. His violent reaction is indicative of the importance of the temple in God's economy of salvation. John is the only evangelist who records this early visit to Jerusalem and the events that took place at that time. His gospel focuses primarily on Jerusalem and the Passover feasts in that location. This is Jesus' first self-revelation to the city of Jerusalem. The Lord began and ended His public ministry with a cleansing of the temple at the feast of Passover (cf. Mt. 21:12-13; Luke 19:45-46). In the previous section Jesus turned water into wine indicating that He was the giver of life and in this section Jesus cleansed the temple showing that this new life is meant for the building of His true temple, the Body of Christ (Eph. 2:19-22).

2:12 The words after this is a connective phrase used often in the gospel of John when the author moves from one scene to the next (2:12; 5:1; 11:7; 19:28,38). At this early stage of His ministry, Jesus had an entourage consisting of His closest family and His disciples. Later in His ministry His brothers no longer walked with Him (7:5), but after His resurrection they believed (Acts 1:14) and James became a leader in the church. God did not completely reject them because of their initial unbelief. They were given more chances to believe. We should, however, continue to proclaim the necessity of an immediate response to the Gospel and leave the rest up to God, who alone knows every human heart.

2:13 Jesus went up to Jerusalem at the time of the Passover for very specific reasons. As a Jew Jesus was obligated to obey the law (Deut. 16:1-8), but He was also more than a Jew; He was the Son of God sent to the world as the Lamb of God. This was the first of several Passover feasts that Jesus attended in His ministry. Every time with a very specific agenda in terms of His heavenly mandate.

2:14 At the time of this incident the High Priest, Annas, and the temple officials were very corrupt according to the Jewish historian Josephus. Jesus saw the buying and selling activities in the temple courtyard. This bartering in the name of religion took place in the Court of the Gentiles. Gentiles were not allowed into the temple itself. There was a middle wall of separation that threatened Gentiles with immediate death on trespassing beyond

that point, into the areas where only Jews were allowed (cf. Eph. 2:14). Because of the noise and the tumultuous commercial activity it was, however, virtually impossible for the Gentiles to worship God with reverence in their own court, at the time. This incident should alarm us to the danger of the impending judgment of God on all motives of commercial gain and its concomitant obscuring of the purposes of God in church life today.

2:15 The Son of God is deeply offended at those who profane His Father's house. The hands that created the world fashions a whip and cleanses God's designated place of worship. Nothing else in His earthly ministry caused Jesus to act with such violence against offenders.

2:16 16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" Jesus not only acts, but also commands with authority. He speaks in the imperative tense indicating that He is not making a suggestion or merely an appeal to obey. It is true that the dispensation of a temple made with the hands of men was passing away. Nevertheless, that temple still symbolically represented the place where God wanted to make His abode (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16). Jesus calls the temple My Father's house, clearly indicating thereby that He is the Son of God and the Messiah.

2:17 The disciples were probably reminded by the Holy Spirit of Psalm 69:9 where it was predicted that the Messiah would be consumed with zeal for the house of God. Why such a great zeal? Because the temple in Jerusalem represented the central focus of the worship of God on earth. Furthermore, it also represented the fact that God wanted to live amongst men. Again, because the temple was the shadow of which the believer's body and the gathering of true believers as the Body of Christ was the reality. God made man for Himself; to reflect the glory of His being and this is especially seen in God's dealings with the church (Eph. 3:21). The central focus of God's economy of salvation is to build for Himself a temple in the Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22) with the living stones of redeemed people (1 Pet. 2:5). The consummation of this focus will be the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Rev. 21:2).

13. THE JEWS DEMAND A SIGN

Joh 2:18 So the Jews said to him, "What sign do you show us for doing these things?"

Joh 2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

Joh 2:20 The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?"

Joh 2:21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

Joh 2:22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

2:18-22 The Jews demand a sign from Jesus to verify His Messianic act (the cleansing of the temple). His answer mysteriously alludes to His death and resurrection and they are baffled at this strange response. How could He rebuild a temple in three days that has taken forty-six years to build? The resurrection of Jesus has reference not only to His own body, but also to the church, the Body of Christ; the temple that God had in mind as His dwelling from the very beginning (cf. Ps. 132:13; Eph. 2:19-22).

2:18 The Jews probably refers to the religious authorities who were responsible for the administration of the temple and who made good money out of the commercial dealings in the Court of the Gentiles. Nevertheless, their demand for a sign was not entirely ungrounded since they interpreted His actions as a claim to Messiahship. They wanted Jesus to do some kind of miracle on demand to authenticate His Messianic actions (cf. 1 Cor. 1:22-23). Because of their unbelief their eyes were closed to the significance of the signs that Jesus did perform, however (cf. Jn. 4:54). His death and resurrection became a sign unto condemnation for them (2 Cor. 2:15-16). Consider the following verses in this regard:

Malachi 3:1-3 "Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," Says the LORD of hosts. 2 "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire And like launderers' soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.

John 6:30 Therefore they said to Him, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?

Luke 11:29 And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say, "This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.

2:19. Jesus responds with a symbolic allusion to His death and resurrection. This answer perfectly aligns with His statement in Luke 11 verse 29 (see above).

2:20 The Jews do not understand what Jesus is referring to and instead point to the construction of the physical temple. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus the Jewish tradition of temple worship established by God Himself was demolished and a new order of worship was introduced (cf. Jn. 4:21-23). This is most significant, not only for the Jews, but even for Christians who hold to various forms of temple worship that cause the character of New Covenant worship to be obscured.

2:21 Jesus was referring to the temple of which the physical temple was only a type. The Jews tried to hold on to the type and missed the reality. The type was completely destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. as prophesied by Jesus in Matthew 24 verse 2. We should make sure that we are holding on to the reality, Christ Himself, and not mere shadows (cf. Col. 2:16-23). Jesus demonstrated in His life on earth that it was possible for a man to be indwelt by the living God. He was indeed the God-man and we are not, but we are members of His body on earth and as such we are now the temple of God (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 4:12).

2:22 The disciples understood that Jesus was the Messiah ( v. 17;1:41,45,49), but not that He was speaking of the resurrection of His body. This understanding only dawned on them when Jesus had risen from the dead. Hence, Jesus’ statement was meant to both baffle the unbelieving Jews and instruct the disciples prophetically.

14. HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS

Joh 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

Joh 2:24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people

Joh 2:25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

2:23-25 In these few brief verses we see once more the Deity of Jesus revealed in His knowledge of the human heart. Jesus knew both the general condition of every human heart and the specific condition of the individual’s heart. He did not need the external testimony of anyone in order to really know a person intimately and thoroughly. When we evangelise people we should always bear in mind this fact. Even though we do not know the hearts of people in this flawless way, our Saviour does and we need to allow Him to guide us to be effective fishers of men (Mt. 4:19). He will lead us by His Spirit to fruitfully witness to people according to the specific demand of every situation. This is one of the reasons why evangelism must always be bolstered by fervent prayer and sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This may be clearly seen in the modus operandi of the apostles in the book of Acts.

2:23 During this extremely busy Passover time in Jerusalem many saw the signs which Jesus did and were, at least intellectually, persuaded that He was who He said He was. In the context of this whole passage (vv. 23-25) it would appear that those who believed in His name in this instance, did so with unacceptable motives.

2:24 Jesus knew the heart of all people generally and their motives specifically. He knew that the Fall of man (Gen. 3) caused a rebellion towards the will of God to enter man’s heart (Rom. 3:11) and He also knew that only those who were willing to lose their life could be truly changed through regeneration and consequent transformation. Furthermore, Jesus knew the motive of every individual heart and therefore He did not commit Himself to those who came for the wrong reasons. He would not bring them into the circle of genuine disciples where they would be exposed to more intimate teaching (cf. Mt. 7:6).

2:25 Jesus knew man by divine revelation. This is clear from several examples, even in this gospel alone. Consider the following cases: Jesus knew the character of Simon (1:42) and He knew what Nathanael was like (1:46ff). He told the Samaritan woman “all things” that she had ever done (4:29) and He knew that the Jewish leaders did not have God’s love in their hearts (5:42). He knew that one of his disciples was not truly a believer (6:64), He saw the repentance in the heart of the adulteress (8:10–11) and the murder in the hearts of his

enemies (8:40ff). Several times in the Upper Room message, Jesus revealed to his disciples their own inward thoughts and questions. Not only do these instances of divine insight reveal to us the character of our Saviour, but they also form part of the stated purpose of John’s gospel (20:31). Only the Son of God could have had this kind of flawless insight into human character and motive on so many differing occasions.

CHAPTER 3

JOHN 3V1-16

1. There will always be those in religion who are interested in and seeking life. When they approach us we need to make a beeline for the teaching on regeneration, the way Jesus did. Jesus was absolutely focused and virtually ignored the religious ramblings of Nicodemus (3v1-3). 2. If the religious enquirer proceeds with questions concerning the spiritual nature of the kingdom, we have to answer him along these lines presented here. We should make it very clear that this is a spiritual birth and only the Spirit can bring it to pass. It is not comprehensible to the natural mind...cf. 1 Cor. 2 (3v4-8). 3. The OT was a testimony to spiritual things to come. Thus we have to be very careful of any teaching that moves things back to the earthly, and thus becomes a glorified Judaism using NT terminology. The new birth takes place on earth in the inner man of a believer, but it opens heavenly things to the believer...1 Cor. 2 again (3v9-12). 4. Only Jesus can reveal heavenly realities and only through the cross can we access Him. Furthermore only faith is instrumental in this process. To everyone who believes in the atonement the door to heavenly realities is opened wide. God's love is the initiative behind the cross (3v13-16). 5. Jesus did not come to condemn, but to save. The Father's desire is to save people. Yet, those who refuse to believe in God's one way of salvation are self-condemned. All judgment today is based on the fact that people prefer darkness to light. Those who love the light come to the light (3v17-21). 6. These verses show us that there is an important link between water baptism and spiritual life. On the one hand it could be that this baptism by Jesus and John was still part of the transitional baptism into faith in Christ. On the other hand it is possible that the Baptist continued on with his own ministry illegitimately in a sense after Jesus was revealed as the Messiah by himself no less. Verse 30 would suggest otherwise, but then the record of the rest of the Baptist's life swings the pendulum the other way again (3v22-24).

7. Here we find a profound lesson for all Christian ministry. We need to follow the example of John. Jesus has the bride and we should rejoice in His attachment to the bride, and not try to attach people to ourselves (2 Cor. 11v2-5). We should continue to decrease so that He may increase (3v25-30). 19. Once again we are reminded that this is a heavenly gospel and that it can only be received by supernatural enlightenment. Jesus has the heavenly words of life. We need to emphasise in our gospel preaching the love of the Father for the Son, hence His pre-eminence in the economy of salvation. Nothing but a supernatural faith in Jesus will give us eternal life. If we disobey the Prince of life God's wrath remains on us (3v31-36).

CORNE: 3:1-13 The Kingdom of Jesus is a spiritual Kingdom. To enter it, a spiritual birth is necessary and then it is possible to understand spiritual things. 3:14-21 Jesus was sent to earth by His Father to save the world. Because He gave His precious Son, His most precious gift, man must choose to believe in Him in order to be saved. If they love the darkness more than the light, they will be condemned. 3:22-30 The people were drawn to Jesus more than to John for baptism. John was not envious, for he knew that Jesus was the Bridegroom. We should always have the attitude of John there is no room for personal ambition. We must decrease and He must increase. 3:31-36 The Father has given the full measure (all) into the hand of the Son. He is continually speaking of heavenly things and if we receive it, it shows that we trust God and that He is not a liar. Life lies upon the path of believing God.

15. THE NEW BIRTH

Joh 3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

Joh 3:2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

3:1-3 These three verses are the introduction to one of the most important passages in the entire Bible (3:1-21). The doctrines of the new birth and salvation by faith are very clearly presented by Jesus in this passage. In this preamble to the passage we are introduced to a man named Nicodemus who represents a hesitant, but nevertheless earnest follower of Christ. In His interaction with Nicodemus Jesus goes right to the heart of the issue and makes an absolute statement about man’s greatest need. If a man is not born anew he cannot even see the kingdom of God, let alone enter that kingdom. Further on in the same passage Jesus shows that only those who place their entire trust in Him (3:15-16, 18) will experience this regeneration which He insists upon.

3:1 Nicodemus was of the party of the Pharisees and hence a religious man. Furthermore, he was also a ruler of the Jews which indicates that he was an influential man and probably a member of the Jewish council that investigated John the Baptist (1:42). From the data that we have about Nicodemus it is fair to assume that he was a also a morally upright man. The fact that he calls Jesus Rabbi, a title of honour, whilst himself being a ruler of the Jews and probably a much older man than Jesus shows that he was a humble man. It is such a man as this who represents humanity as those who stand in need of regeneration. No amount of culture, status, learning, morality, refinement or any other human attribute or accomplishment can serve as a substitute for the new birth.

3:2 The fact that he came to Jesus by night indicates that he did not want to be openly associated with Jesus. Nevertheless, Jesus saw his heart and knew that he had a true interest in the Lamb of God (1:29). Some time later he protests the condemnation of Jesus without a hearing (7:50–52) and after the crucifixion he brings a lavish gift of spices to anoint the body of Christ (19:38–42). This proves that Jesus correctly judged his true motives despite his initial hesitance in being openly associated with Jesus.

3:3 Jesus answers Nicodemus with a very straightforward statement about the real issue and He emphasises the importance of His statement with the words ‘‘most assuredly’’. You cannot even see the kingdom of God if you are not born from above. The Greek word translated again can mean either “from above” or “anew.” The individual who places his entire trust for salvation in Jesus (3:15-16) has his spirit at that very moment quickened by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:1). He receives eternal life, instantly becomes a new creation and as a consequence everything becomes new to him. Nothing can ever be the same to those who have been born again. Only those who have been born again can perceive spiritual matters (1 Cor. 2:10, 13-16) and are thus enabled to truly understand the Scriptures and see things from heaven’s point of view. Those who have had their spirit quickened have by virtue of that fact a completely new way of relating to God and of serving Him (Phil. 3:3; Rom. 1:9a).

16. THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT

Joh 3:4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

The context here is two births, hence ‘water’ here must refer to the natural birth (a pregnant woman says ‘my water broke’) and then ‘Spirit’ obviously refers to the spiritual birth. The emphasis then in the statement of Jesus is ‘born of water and the Spirit’. [AT] /

Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

JOHN 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." It is impossible for flesh to beget spirit. In nature we see the incontrovertible law that each seed produces after its own kind. In Genesis 1 already our attention is drawn to the fact that a seed cannot produce something that is not in its composition. This is an utterly predictable outcome. An apple tree cannot bring forth peaches and vice versa. The DNA structure hidden inside of the seed dictates without exception the end product that will be produced. This is also true in terms of the human seed. No human being can ever produce a divine seed. Human beings bring forth human beings, because the seed is only human. The whole of nature knows this fixed rule, but it sometimes seems like man is not aware of it. Every religion on the planet tries to change what is born of the flesh and make it into something else. That is even true in many sections of Christianity where people do not realize the absolute need of the new birth and consequently make of Christianity just another religion. God cannot have intimate fellowship with something and someone that does not partake of His life. If you are going to have communion with God you must have His spiritual seed in you (1 John 3:9). This is why 2 Peter 1:4 says that believers are 'partakers of the divine nature'. Furthermore Jesus prays in John 17:3 'this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent'. The word 'know' here speaks of an intimate acquaintance of 'life' and not only of some kind of relational association. Hence we see the futility of mere fleshly devotions. There is nothing that anyone can do to or with the flesh to make it spirit. You can dress it up, you can put a hat on it, you can make it say prayers, you can train it very zealously to act religiously, but

that will not cause it to become spirit. Moreover, you can make it recite creeds, you can teach it catechisms, you can take it through confirmation and various other rites and rituals, you can even ordain it to be a preacher, but it will not change the flesh into spirit. You can make it attend Christian conferences, you can teach it to speak in tongues, you can make it sing all the 'right' Christian songs with the 'right' kind of music, baptize it big or small, and give it the most wonderful experiences that thrill the emotions, but flesh will remain flesh. You can cause it to do charitable things, you can send it to the mission field, you can force it to tithe regularly, but you will not change one iota of its basic nature. You can teach it to act piously and devoutly in Christian company, give it all the right books to read and train it to mentally accumulate Scripture verses by the score, but its true colours will be revealed when the test comes. No matter how much energy you expend to train and teach this flesh to become a religious expert it cannot but produce after its own kind, namely flesh. Oh the sad and sorry plight of human religious activity apart from God's supernatural intervention. There is only one solution for the flesh, it needs to be confronted boldly and told with deep conviction by the Spirit: 'You must be born again'! Quote of the Day: "What a sorrowful picture to see the sons of men strive by human effort to reach the heavens when God has already opened a new and living way by the blood of His Son." / Jesus is saying to Nicodemus that to be part of Abraham's seed is not enough. He has to be part of the new nation...the seed of Christ, by a spiritual birth. [AT] /

Joh 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

Joh 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

3:4-8 Jesus elaborates on the supreme importance of the new birth in God’s economy of salvation and proceeds to unfold its inner workings in response to Nicodemus’ questions.

3:4 Nicodemus challenges the statement that Jesus made concerning the new birth with two questions. How can it be possible for anyone to be born a second time? It would only be possible if he could enter his mother’s womb again. His response seems to indicate true perplexity and not rebellious inquiry. His reaction shows that he was thinking merely in natural terms and did not understand that Jesus was referring to a spiritual reality. The

ritualistic externalisation of religion by the party to which Nicodemus belonged, the Pharisees, partially explains his mindset.

3:5 Jesus replies by once again strongly asserting the absolute necessity of a new birth and he again introduces His statement with the words ‘most assuredly’. He also begins to elaborate on the kind of birth He is speaking about. It is a birth of water and the Spirit. To understand the phrase ‘of water and the Spirit’ we have to consider the way in which Nicodemus, as a teacher of the Old Testament (v. 10) would have (or should have) understood it. The prophecy in Ezekiel 36:24-27 clearly links water and spirit (see also Num. 19:17–19; Ps. 51:9-10; Isa. 44:3–5). Hence, Jesus is here speaking of the cleansing that accompanies regeneration by the Spirit. Jesus states in no uncertain terms that it is impossible for anyone to enter the kingdom of God without being born anew.

3:6 Jesus makes a distinction here that allows no exceptions. There are only two categories that count with regard to spiritual matters. That which is born of the natural life can never be or produce anything but natural life. It may be ever so religious, but it remains in the realm of the natural. That which is born of the Spirit, however, is by nature spirit, i.e. spiritual. These two realms can never mix and therefore the absolute necessity of divine intervention is strongly implied by Jesus’ statement. If flesh can only produce flesh then it leaves man in an impossible predicament, for nothing that he can do could ever change him from flesh to spirit. God cannot have intimate fellowship with something and someone that does not partake of His life. If you are going to have communion with God you must have His spiritual seed in you (1 John 3:9). This is why 2 Peter 1:4 says that believers are 'partakers of the divine nature'. There is nothing that anyone can do to or with the flesh to make it spirit. You can dress it up, you can put a hat on it, you can make it say prayers, you can train it very zealously to act religiously, but that will not cause it to become spirit. Moreover, you can make it recite creeds, you can teach it catechisms, you can take it through confirmation and various other rites and rituals, you can even ordain it to be a preacher, but it will not change the flesh into spirit. You can make it attend Christian conferences, you can teach it to speak in tongues, you can make it sing all the 'right' Christian songs with the 'right' kind of music, baptise it as infant or adult, and give it the most wonderful experiences that thrill the emotions, but flesh will remain flesh. You can cause it to do charitable things, you can send it to the mission field, you can force it to tithe regularly, but you will not change one iota of its basic nature. You can teach it to act piously and devoutly in Christian company, give it all the right books to read and train it to mentally accumulate Scripture verses by the score, but its true colours will be revealed when the test comes. No matter how much energy you expend to train and teach this flesh to become a religious expert it cannot but produce after its own kind, namely flesh. Oh the sad and sorry plight of human religious activity apart from God's supernatural intervention. There is only one solution for the flesh, it needs to be confronted boldly and told with deep conviction by the Spirit: 'You must be born again' (3:3)!

3:7 Nicodemus was obviously perplexed at Jesus’ statement about spiritual regeneration in verse 3. We have to admit it does seem somewhat strange that Jesus would tell Nicodemus to not marvel at such a revolutionary statement. He probably meant that the concept of new birth should not have been a complete surprise to someone who knew the Old Testament (cf. verse 10). Furthermore, Jesus was there to explain it to him and who better to explain it than the Lord of life himself. In this light Jesus was most likely drawing Nicodemus into a living faith, i.e. calling on him to believe so that he may understand.

3:8 Jesus explains to Nicodemus that the origin and destiny of a person’s new birth by the Spirit remains a mystery to those who are still only flesh, but the effect of this regeneration can be observed in his life; just as one may hear the wind with your physical ears, even though you cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. In the same way we can see the fruit on a tree, even though the roots are hidden from sight (see Mt. 5:16 and 2 Cor. 3:2-3). A spiritually regenerated person has been born from above (heavenly realms) and is on his way to heaven. Therefore the earthly-minded cannot understand those who have been born of the Spirit.

17. THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH

Joh 3:9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"

Joh 3:10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

Joh 3:11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.

Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

3:9-12 The question and answer session between Nicodemus and Jesus continues in the first two verses of this passage, but from verse 11 to verse 21 the dialogue turns into a

discourse on the importance of faith. Nicodemus is still baffled by Jesus’ statements about the new birth. Jesus expects Nicodemus to understand His teaching because Nicodemus should know the Old Testament (v. 10) and on that basis believe in Him as the expected Messiah (verses 11-12), the One who makes the new birth possible.

3:9 Jesus’ explanation of the nature of the new birth (v. 8) does not seem to illuminate the issue for Nicodemus. He continues to question the concept. He wants to know how it can even be possible for a person to experience such a birth with such a mysterious origin and destiny (v. 8).

3:10 Jesus calls Nicodemus the teacher of Israel, indicating that he was one of the most prominent and influential teachers in Israel and an outstanding religious authority. The fact that not even he understood the teaching on the new birth, based on the OT (see v. 5), shows that the nation of Israel was spiritually bankrupt at the time.

3:11 Once again (cf. vv. 3 and 5) Jesus introduces a statement with the words ‘most assuredly’ to indicate the importance of what He is about to say. From this verse to the end of verse 21 only Jesus speaks, uninterrupted by any questions. He emphasises the importance of faith (the word “believe” is used seven times in these verses) proving that Nicodemus would only understand the new birth once he received the heavenly testimony (Cf. 1 Jn. 1:2). Jesus specifically contrasts those who do not receive His testimony (the “you” in “you do not receive” is plural) with those who do believe (“we speak…”) and consequently see and enter the kingdom (vv. 3 and 5). Jesus fully identifies Himself with all those who have been born from above (cf. 1 Cor. 2:9-16). Hence His use of the plural personal pronoun “we”. Nicodemus at this stage was reckoned with those in Israel who did not receive Jesus’ testimony (cf. 1:11), even though he later believed.

3:12 Jesus is saying in effect that the new birth which takes place on earth (“earthly things”) in the inner man of one who believes, opens up the realm of heavenly things to the believing one (cf. 1 Cor. 2:6-7). Hence “earthly things” here do not refer to things of an earthly nature, but rather to that which needs to happen to an individual on earth in order for him to understand heavenly things. If Nicodemus did not understand the way to enter the kingdom he would never understand the things inside the heavenly kingdom.

18. JESUS’ UNIQUE QUALIFICATION

Joh 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

Joh 3:15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

See Dave Pawson's book on this verse. / Indeed, in just the same way, God the Father acted in love on another occasion, this time for the whole rebellious human race, by sacrificing his only natural Son so that all who go on trusting and obeying him might never be ruined beyond recovery, but go on having everlasting and abundant life. That is a paraphrase rather than a literal translation, but it communicates what we have already seen in the verse. [Pawson translation] / Re: THE FATHER LOVES NOTHING AT ALL BUT THE SON Hallo Albert, ek is nie so oortuig nie. Beteken “van die grondlegging v/d wereld” af: 1 Dat God daardie tyd besluit het dat Hy die sal uitverkies wat Jesus gaan aanneem [in Christus is], of 2 Dat Hy v/d grondlegging v/d wereld die mensdom [waarvoor Jesus die prys vir hul sonde betaal het] uitverkies asof hulle Jesus gaan aanneem, maar hul name uit die boek v/d lewe kan uithaal [ byv Ps 69:29 en Open 22:19]. Ek dink ook wat Carson in sy boekie se: “If you what to see the love of God, look at the cross” In Esegiel 33:11 staan daar ook dat die Here nie n behae daarin het dat goddeloses verlore moet gaan nie. Ook dat Jesus gese het dat niemand kom na Hom toe as die Vader persoon nie trek nie. Ek glo maar dat God die Vader vir my/ die mens liefhet terwyl mens nog n sondaar is, sonder hoop en sonder God,Jou siening hieroor asb. Seen Theo. Hi Theo, Voor ek van die tekste wat jy aanhaal antwoord wil ek net weer die stelling wat Tozer maak uiteensit, soos ek dit verstaan. ‘n Baie goeie plek om te begin is in Kolossense 1: Hy is die Beeld van die onsienlike God, die Eersgeborene van die hele skepping; want in Hom is alle dinge geskape wat in die hemele en op die aarde is, wat sienlik en onsienlik is, trone sowel as heerskappye en owerhede en magte—alle dinge is deur Hom en tot Hom geskape. 1:15-16. Mense is dus deur Christus en tot Christus geskape. Vanuit hierdie verstaan moet mens die term “in Christus” benader en ook die baie belangrike tekste in Genesis 1:26-27. Die Vader doen alles vir Sy Seun en deur Sy Seun. Al die stellings oor liefde in die Bybel moet in hierdie konteks verstaan word. Dit gaan daarom ten diepste oor die lens waarmee ‘n mens die Bybel intepreteer. Myns insiens is hierdie die beste lens want dit maak op soveel verskillende vlakke sin en dit los baie teologiese vraagstukke op. Die

mens se waarde is “in Christus”…in relation to Christ. Ons het nie intrinsieke waarde buite “beeld en gelykenis” nie. Die mens wil liefgehê wees vir homself en dit is waar al sy sielkundige en geestelike probleme vandaan kom. As ons glo dat God die middelpunt van die heelal is en nie die mens nie, dan moet ons logies ook dink oor ons eie waarde vanuit hierdie waarheid. Hoekom word mense met intrinsieke waarde (sou dit waar wees) gestraf deur God met ‘n ewige oordeel in die hel? Dit maak nie sin nie. As mens egter verstaan dat die mens die keuse het om sy “derived value” in Christus te erken, glo en bely en dan die onuitspreeklike voordeel daarvan te geniet vir altyd begin dinge sin maak. Ek dink nie dit beteken dat God nie die detail van elke mens se skepping as indiwidu kosbaar ag nie, want Hy is tog die Skepper daarvan. Daardie Vader-liefde is egter voorwaardelik, naamlik dat die mens sy waarde en identiteit IN CHRISTUS moet erken. Wanneer die indiwidu dit erken beleef hy of sy baie kosbare, persoonlike woorde en dade van liefde vanuit die Vader se hart, maar dit alles deur die Seun, in die Seun, tot die Seun. Dit maak dit niks minder kosbaar nie, eintlik meer kosbaar want ons word 100% geïdentifiseer met die Seun. Wat jou vrae betref:

Ek glo dat uitverkiesing verstaan moet word “in Christus”. Die mens is voor die skepping al in die gemoed van die Vader geassosieer met die Seun. Die mens se keuse in tyd het alles te doen met die erkenning van hierdie assosiase of die ontkenning daarvan. Dit is die essensie en wese van geloof.

Verklaar die “deur, in en tot Christus” identiteit en waarde van die mens nie juis die kruis die beste van enige ander teorie nie? Die mens se waarde word gevind “in Christus” en daarom moet Hy sterf om daardie waarde te verlos (redeem). Dit maak daarom volkome sin vanuit die “in Christus” interpretasie-lens om Johannes 3:16 as volg te verstaan: “Want so lief het God die wêreld gehad [in Sy Seun], dat Hy sy eniggebore Seun gegee het, sodat elkeen wat in Hom glo, nie verlore mag gaan nie, maar die ewige lewe kan hê.” Die alternatief is dat die mens intrinsieke waarde het, en vind al die dwalinge oor die onvoorwaardelike liefde van God nie sy oorsprong daar nie?

Esegiël 33:11 moet ook in hierdie lig verstaan word. Natuurlik het God nie ‘n behae daarin dat die goddelose verlore moet gaan nie, want dit is ‘n ontsettende tragedie dat die goddelose nie hulle identiteit in die Seun (“beeld en gelykenis”) wil sien of erken nie. Verder is dit baie moeilik om verby Tozer se argument te kom dat God vir altyd gefrustreerd sou bly as Sy liefde vir die goddelose onvoorwaardelik was.

Die Vader “trek” mense in Christus. Dit is diegene wat hulle hart oopstel vir die “in Christus” en Christus-sentraal waarheid van die evangelie wat deur die Vader getrek word en dan gered word. Die gelykenis van die saaier in Mt. 13 maak dit duidelik dat die Woord net ingang vind in diegene wie se harte respondeer. Daardie ingang van die Woord is, myns insiens, niks anders as die Vader wat “trek” nie. Volgens Johannes 1:9 was Jesus “die waaragtige lig wat elke mens verlig”. Daar is ‘n misterieuse (maar nie onverklaarbare, want die “missing link” is in Christus) openbaring van ons waarde en identiteit “in Christus” wat elke mens se gewete aanspreek wanneer die evangelie gepreek word. Dit is egter net diegene wat hulle harte begin oopstel en reageer op die Heilige Gees wat dan deur die Vader nader getrek word en redding ontvang. Is dit nie juis die leuen van intrinsieke waarde (“ek het ‘n lewe onafhanklik van die Seun”) wat maak dat mense die evangelie verwerp nie?

Ek glo ook God het die mens lief terwyl hy nog ‘n sondaar is, maar Hy het hom lief “in Christus”. Daarom kan geen mens die liefde van die Vader ontvang as hy nie daardie liefde in die Seun ontvang nie. Anders sou die logiese gevolg werklik wees dat ons moet glo aan universalisme, want as daar geen kondisie is vir die Vader se liefde nie hoekom kan almal dan nie maar op die einde hemel toe gaan nie? Liefde in Christus Albert /

3:13-16 Jesus continues with His emphasis on a response of faith to the message of the new birth. In this passage one of, if not the, most well-known verse in the Bible, verse 16, is found. It is exactly because of our familiarity with verse 16 that we may miss the profound message that it seeks to convey to unbelievers and the assurance it wants to grant believers.

3:13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. No one can ascend to heaven and then return from there to tell us what it is like in heaven, but Jesus came down directly from heaven (cf. 1:1). Therefore He is uniquely qualified to speak of heavenly things. Note the present tense; Jesus says He is in heaven (cf. 1:1, 14 and 18). This verse can only be understood in the light of the deity of Christ. Because He was God he could be on earth and at the same time in heaven. Only Christianity has a heavenly message, for it is the only religion that has a Messenger who came directly from heaven according to this verse. Jesus’ use of the title Son of Man in this context is very significant. It shows that this heavenly God-man was on a mission to take those who believed in Him to heavenly places (cf. Jn. 14-17 and Eph. 2:6).

3:14 In this verse and the following Jesus reveals why He had to come down from heaven. He uses the historical account of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:5-9 as an analogy to illustrate the cross on which He had to die in order to be to all who would trust in Him (look upon Him) the Saviour from sin (Mt. 1:21).

3:15 Who may have eternal life? Only those who believe. Indeed it is whoever, but the condition remains fixed and unchanged; only those who believe in Christ will obtain eternal life and consequently circumvent the perishing spoken of in this verse. All mankind have been bitten by the serpent (Gen. 3:1-13) and everyone is desperately sin-sick, but only those who look upon Christ crucified and place their trust in Him will be delivered from eternal damnation (Num. 21:5-9).

3:16 In the original Greek text the word ‘loved’ was placed before ‘God’, hence the emphasis is on the love of God. He loved us before we loved Him. In fact, 1 John 4 verse 19 says we love Him because He first loved us. This verse reveals the extent of God’s love for the fallen ones whom He created in His own image and likeness (Gen. 1:26-27). We see a fact, a condition and a promise in this verse. The fact is that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, the condition is faith in the Son and the promise is that God will grant eternal life to the believing ones. It is when we replace God so loved the world with God so loved me and that whoever believes in Him with when I believe in Him that the gospel becomes to us personal, powerful and meaningful. On that basis alone we are born again. The character of this saving faith becomes more clear in the rest of John’s gospel. John does not work with the concept of repentance in his gospel, but it is very clear in that the faith which he speaks of so many times is more than mere mental assent (cf. Jas. 2:19). It is a complete trust in the faithfulness of Jesus and the fact that He is indeed the

Son of God. The phrase should not perish is repeated in this verse to emphasise the fact that God does not want people to perish. How can He, if He loved so much that He gave His only begotten Son? Consider the following verses in this context:

1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

19. A RESPONSE IN FAITH

JOHN 3V17-36

Joh 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Joh 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Joh 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

Joh 3:20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

Joh 3:21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."

How does God then justify the UNGODLY? [AT] /

3:17-21 Jesus continues to emphasise the importance of a faith response to the gospel. In that sense verse 18 is the pivotal verse in this passage. Jesus stresses the crucial place of faith against the background of the theme of condemnation. God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but if anyone will not believe in the Son he places himself in a position of condemnation.

3:17 What a marvellous verse this is. In very plain language Jesus declares that He was not sent on a mission of condemnation, but on a mission of salvation. God sent His Son for the express purpose of saving the world (cf. Luke 19:10). The reason for this is given in verse 16. It is because God 'so loved' that gave His Son to save the world. The atoning work of Christ made it possible for all who receive Him to be saved (1:12).

3:18 By virtue of Jesus' mission of salvation, all those who believe in Him instantly moves out from under condemnation into the wonderful realm of abundant grace (see Rom. 5:17). Even though Jesus was not sent into the world to condemn the world, those who do not place their trust in Jesus are already under condemnation and choose to remain in this terrible state. There is only one Saviour and only one Son of God. If you do not believe in Him you are eternally condemned and the wrath of God remains on you (v. 36). ''If a man will not believe on the Lord Jesus, God can do nothing else but condemn him.'' (William MacDonald)

3:19 Jesus came into the world to save people, not to condemn them (v. 17). This is a clear and unequivocal statement of God's heart toward those whom He created in His image and likeness (Gen. 1:26-27). In this context there remains only one basis for judgment and that is the rejection of God's salvation offered in His Son. Sin has made man self-centered and proud. The only way out of this condition is to turn against the darkness of sin in yourself and to accept the light of the gospel revealed in Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). Some choose to remain in the realm of self-centeredness because they love the independence and self-indulgence more than the light of Christ's Lordship.

3:20 Evil deeds have their source in a sinful self-interest and this self-interest cannot abide any competition. It even hates the message of the pre-eminence of Christ and His exclusive claims to Lordship (Rom. 8:7). Hence those who choose this self-interest above Christ will not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed for what they really are.

3:21 The one who practices the truth is drawn to the light because he desires to make it evident that any good that he might do is only because of the goodness of God and nothing in himself. He thus recognises the fact that Jesus alone can enlighten him (see 1:9; Ps. 36:9; Ps. 139:23-24). The primary difference between those who believe in Jesus and those who do not is their attitude towards the light. In terms of guilt before God both groups are in exactly the same boat (Rom. 3:23).

20. THE LAST TESTIMONY OF JOHN

Joh 3:22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.

Joh 3:23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized

Joh 3:24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).

3:22-24 This passage is an introduction to the last testimony of John the Baptist in this gospel to the person and ministry of Christ.

3:22 After the works that Jesus did in Jerusalem (2:23) and the long discourse He had with Nicodemus Jesus and His disciples went into what was probably the countryside of Judea. Proselytizing and baptism were closely related and therefore John includes this verse in his gospel, leading up to the statement in verse 6. It appears from this verse that Jesus personally baptized people, but it is clear from verse 2 of the following chapter (4:2) that

‘Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples.’ Hence the importance of comparing scripture with scripture when we interpret the Word of God.

3:23 John the Baptist faithfully continued with his commission even after Jesus began His ministry. He was still preaching repentance and baptizing those who heeded his message, with a view to their acceptance of the Messiah (Jn. 1:12). The fact that the need for much water in order to baptize is specifically mentioned by the apostle John in this verse is at least an indication that this baptism was by immersion and not sprinkling or pouring.

3:24 John’s gospel was the last one written and this verse is included by John to fill the gap between ‘‘Jesus’ baptism and temptation and the Baptist’s imprisonment’’ (MacArthur Study Bible). This proves that the four gospels complement each other and must be read both individually, to receive the Holy Spirit’s unique message in that gospel, and together, in order to connect all the dots of Jesus’ ministry. This enables us to receive a comprehensive impression of His mighty and unrivalled ministry.

21. JOHN’S DEEP HUMILITY

Joh 3:25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification.

Joh 3:26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness--look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him."

Joh 3:27 John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.

Joh 3:28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'

Joh 3:29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.

DIE GOUDSTANDAARD VIR LEIERSKAP "Hy wat die bruid het, is die bruidegom; maar die vriend van die bruidegom wat na hom staan en luister, verbly hom baie oor die stem van die bruidegom. So is dan hierdie blydskap van my volkome. Hy moet meer word, maar ek minder." Joh. 3:29-30Hierdie woorde van Johannes die Doper is 'n pragtige voorbeeld van die hart van alle Nuwe Testamentiese leierskap. Dominees, pastore, ouderlinge, leraars, evangeliste of apostels is nie die bruidegom nie en durf nie die gemeente aan hulleself verbind asof hulle die bruidegom is nie. Hulle is hoogstens vriende van die bruidegom wat hulle verbly oor Sy stem wat al hoe meer prominent raak in mense se lewens. Dieselfde geld ook vir enigiemand wat 'n pad van dissipelskap met iemand stap. Niks behoort iemand wat 'n leierskaprol het blyer te maak as om te sien hoe Jesus meer raak in iemand se lewe en hulle minder nie. Johannes die Doper se stelling is in hierdie verband die goudstandaard vir leierskap. Een ding is glashelder duidelik wanneer ons oor leierskap/dissipelskap praat; as Jesus 'meer word', gaan jy 'minder word' en as jy 'meer word' gaan Jesus 'minder word' vir mense met wie jy 'n pad van dissipelskap stap. Om 'minder te word' beteken nie dat jou verhouding met mense in enige sin skade ly of dat jy nie meer jou unieke rol in die gemeente moet vervul nie. Dit beteken liewer dat mense jou gawes en vaardighede al minder raaksien omdat hulle so oorweldig is met die lieflikheid van Jesus en Sý kosbare bedieninge aan die gemeente. [AT] /

Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease."

3:25-30 In this passage we see the deep humility of John the Baptist and the pre-eminence of Jesus. At no time does John try to boost his own ministry in any way. Even among his own disciples He constantly diverts the attention away from himself and onto Jesus. He tells them plainly that he finds his greatest joy in seeing Christ acknowledged as the bridegroom who has come to obtain His bride. He emphasises the fact that his ministry is only valid to the degree that it exalts Christ. This principle holds for every New Testament ministry. We should always keep God’s ultimate purpose in mind when we consider the goal of our ministry.

3:25 It is difficult to determine exactly what this dispute was all about, but it is probably a safe assumption to see the purification spoken of here as referring to water baptism. The Jews were probably arguing about the significance of John’s baptism and the baptism by the disciples of Jesus (Jn. 4:2) in the light of Old Testament purification laws. They were most likely saying that these baptismal practices were illegitimate.

3:26 Agitated by the dispute with the Jews, John’s disciples approach him and question the legitimacy of Jesus baptizing and gathering disciples. Their statement implies that John might have made a mistake in testifying to Jesus.

3:27 Whether John is here referring to his own ministry or the ministry of Jesus is not clear, but the same principle applies in both cases. True ministry is utterly dependent on instructions and blessing from above. Only that which bears the heavenly seal of approval is

legitimate. Hence John’s ministry was not under his own control, but it was completely in the hands of God. Likewise Jesus said that He was entirely governed by the will of his Father (Jn. 4:34).

3:28 John reminds his disciples that he had already told them what the boundaries of his ministry were. His ministry was typical of all New Testament ministry in that it pointed towards Christ and downplayed its own prominence. It was different only in the sense that John’s ministry was the culmination of all Old Testament ministry, pointing towards the rising star of Christ; whereas the ministries that follow point back to the star of Christ that has risen (see 1 Cor. 2:2).

3:29 John here reveals the depth of his understanding of the role that he had to play, as he explains to his disciples that he was only the best man and not the bridegroom. Therefore he rejoices in the fact that Jesus receives attention and is drawing disciples from all over. He realised that Jesus was in the process of obtaining his bride and that he, i.e. John, had the privilege and joy of announcing the appearing of the bridegroom, as it were.

3:30 John the Baptist summarises everything he has said to his disciples about the person and ministry of Jesus with this profound and humble statement. They should understand that his ministry was always meant to decrease together with the increase of the ministry of Jesus. Even though this statement has a historical rather than a theological focus, it nevertheless contains a profound theological truth. Historically the ministry of John the Baptist decreased as the ministry of Jesus increased. It is also true, however, that every one of us needs to decrease so that Christ may increase and eventually be all in all. Colossians 1 verse 19 says that ‘it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.’ The ultimate purpose of every human life is to know Christ (Phil. 3:10), to learn Christ (Eph. 4:20) and to allow the Holy Spirit to form Christ in us (Gal. 4:19). This can of course only happen in those who have been born again. Hence all those who live outside of Christ are living a futile life bereft of the knowledge of the blueprint that God has predetermined before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).

22. EVERYTHING IN JESUS’ HANDS

Joh 3:31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.

AT Link: Heb. 12:25 /

Joh 3:32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.

Joh 3:33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.

Joh 3:34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

Joh 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.

Joh 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

1. GOD IS 'N JALOERSE GOD EN 'N WREKER VIR SY TEËSTANDERS Nah 1:2 ‘n Jaloerse God en ‘n wreker is die HERE, ‘n wreker is die HERE, en vol grimmigheid; ‘n wreker is die HERE vir sy teëstanders, en Hy behou die toorn teen sy vyande. 2. WEDERGEBORE MENSE HET UITGEKOM ONDER DIE TOORN VAN GOD Joh. 3:36 Hy wat in die Seun glo, het die ewige lewe; maar hy wat die Seun ongehoorsaam is, sal die lewe nie sien nie, maar die toorn van God bly op hom. 3. ALHOEWEL ONS UITGEKOM HET ONDER DIE TOORN VAN GOD IS DIE DOEL VAN DIE EVANGELIE JUIS OM ONS TE BEVRY VAN ALLES WAT GOD SE TOORN OPGEWEK HET IN ONS VROEËRE KONDISIE. DAAROM MOET ONS DIT "DOOD MAAK" EN "AFLÊ". Kolossense 3:5-6 Maak dood dan julle lede wat op die aarde is, naamlik hoerery, onreinheid, hartstog, slegte begeertes en gierigheid, wat afgodediens is, 6 waardeur die toorn van God oor die kinders van die ongehoorsaamheid kom. /

3:31-36 John the Baptist continues to emphasise the pre-eminence of Jesus in this passage. In verse 35 he summarises, as it were, everything that he has said about Jesus. There can be

no comparison between the ministry of Jesus and any other ministry, because the Father has given everything into the hands of the Son. It is not in the balance or subject to human intervention. We can do nothing against the truth (2 Cor. 13:8). We can only submit to it and experience the glory that is found only in submission to the pre-eminence of the Son (Col. 1:15-20).

3:31 John reminds his disciples here that Jesus came from above and that He is nothing less than God. Hence He is above all and His ministry may never be placed on the same level as any ministry of the old dispensation. John the Baptist was the last of the old dispensation. This was an earthly dispensation, whereas we must allow the word of the heavenly Man to dwell in us richly (see notes on 3:12).

3:32 Jesus came to earth to testify of heavenly things, to reveal the glory of heaven (1:14). Jesus' testimony differs from others in the sense that He can bear direct testimony of heaven. He revealed the heavenly Father. No one can receive His testimony if it is not given him from above, for it is wholly heavenly. Hence only those who open their hearts at the sound of the gospel call will receive divine enablement to accept this heavenly testimony.

3:33 The faith of those who receive this heavenly testimony becomes a certification of the fact that Christ has truly come to reveal the eternal God in human flesh (cf. Jn. 1:1, 14, 18).

3:34 He was sent by the Father to speak the very words of the Father (cf. Jn. 7:16, 8:26). The words that He speaks are from the Father, but can only be spoken by the Spirit. The Father gave Him the full supply of the Spirit for the words that He needed to speak. The apostles stood in the same line under the authority and anointing of this One who had the Spirit without measure (cf. 1 Cor. 2:13). All believers should live under the anointing of this One who has the Spirit without measure (1 Jn. 2:20). The supply in Christ is limitless, but the fullness of the Spirit in us depends on the use we make of this limitless supply (Eph. 5:18; Col. 2:10, 3:16). Hence it is futile to look for an individual anointing (Col. 2:19). We are not Old Testament saints, we are those who stand under the Head in the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:15).

3:35 This is one of the seven times in John's Gospel where we are told that the Father loves the Son. In this verse we find the heavenly key to the gospel of John. From a human perspective the book was written to bring us to a place of believing that Jesus is the Messiah in order to have life in His name (Jn. 20:31), but from a heavenly perspective it is a revelation of the Father’s eternal love for His Son and the authority that He has given Him over everything.

3:36 The only way to obtain eternal life is a living faith in the One whom the Father has appointed to be Lord and Saviour (Acts 4:12) of all. The Father gave the Son authority to give everlasting life to all those who believe on Him (Jn. 17:2). In our evangelistic

endeavours we should never quote John 3 verse 16 without including this verse. When we share the gospel with unbelievers we have to make sure that we remind them, not only of the love of God revealed in Christ and the necessity of faith in Him, but also of the fact that their rejection of this message will mean abiding wrath and eternal perdition. ‘’Notice that there is nothing in this verse about keeping the law, obeying the Golden Rule, going to church, doing the best we can, or working our way to heaven.’’ (William MacDonald)

CHAPTER 4

JOHN 4V1-26

NT Lessons

1.Jesus travelled through Samaria, an area not favoured by the Jews, and stopped at Jacob's well. He Himself was the well and water that would give life even to those considered to be second-class citizens. This was all part of the Father's plan to reveal the preeminence of His Son (Jn. 4v1-6) 2. Jesus did not defer to the traditions and preferences of man. He spoke to a woman and that a Samaritan woman. He listened to His Father and focused on spiritual reality. He used the natural situation to bring across a spiritual truth. We should also live by revelation and be bold when we work with people (Jn. 4v7-15). 3. Jesus flowed in the gift of knowledge and revealed Himself here as a prophet. But this was all with a view to revealing that He was more than just a prophet. He was the long awaited Messiah, and even by His coming He would bring in a new dispensation of worship. A worship that is neither time or space related (Jn. 4v16-26). 4. Our testimony of Jesus should lead others to behold Him. We must point to Jesus, not to ourselves (Jn. 4v27-30). 24. Our food should be the will of the Father. We are privileged to be nourished by His will. We should be ever ready to share the gospel and know that we are part of a great army of workers in the kingdom of God (Jn. 4v31-38). 5. Our simple testimony of the impact of the ministry of Jesus can change the lives of many others. They should then testify of receiving life from Jesus, not from us (4v39-42). 6. Here John reveals that Jesus was very aware of the attitudes of His hearers. Jesus’ own people should have been the first to believe, but in fact it was the Samaritans who embraced Him with open arms (4v43-45). 27. Jesus is able to bring change in any situation. His miracles are signs, however. They are signs testifying to the fact that He is the Messiah. Never look at any sign or miracle apart from the Gospel (4v46-54). [AT]

CORNE: 1. Jesus sat down by Jacob's well. It is a well that had given water for centuries before Jesus came. This means that the Lord is to be found in the place of previous revelation that has been handed down the generations. We do not need new unknown things, we can visit the old and yet it will be new and refreshing to us. 4:1-82. Even though now Jesus cannot be wearied because He is not in an earthly body, it is possible for us to offer a refreshment to the Lord. When pour out ourselves as a drink offering, we can refresh Him because we can be His enjoyment. 4:9-14 3. The woman said to Jesus that He had no bucket and the well is deep...she did not consider Who she was talking to. It might seem impossible in the natural to obtain life in a situation, but with God nothing is impossible. Jesus not only gives the living water and then leaves the believer thirsty again, He puts the water (Holy Spirit) inside of us to make it a ever-flowing river. Jesus requires repentance and therefore a clean vessel before He gives the living water. The woman first had to own up about her sin. 4:15-184. The woman is distracted by outward things such as places of worship. Jesus is however much more concerned with our hearts, as this is the true centre of worship. 4:19-245. Jesus reveals to the woman Who He is. Here is a progression before this mighty revelation: First the woman needs to confess her sin regarding men, then Jesus shows her that it's not about outward conformity, but about her spirit. Then He shines the light of Himself and reveals to her who He is and therefore gives her the Living Water. We must follow the same pattern for the life of Christ to break in: repentance/brokenness, do not be distracted by outward things, and trust Jesus for the flow of living water. 4:25-266. The woman left her waterpot when she went back into town. When we find the living water, the man- made cisterns of our past hold no more appeal. The proof of living water is that it flows outward, like this woman that started to testify. Jesus is not only our living water, but He is also our Heavenly Manna. Jesus told the disciples to lift up their eyes to see the harvest. I believe that when they did that, they saw the other samaritans that the woman testified to,approaching them. We have to look at people as a harvest and not according to a human standard. 4:27-427. The other Samaritans said they believed because they heard Jesus for themselves. When we bring others to Christ, we should help them to hear Christ for themselves, and not keep them dependent on us. 4:43-45 8. It is possible for us to not receive the working of the Lord, because we think along natural lines and cannot see His Divinity breaking through in a situation. Let's not fall into the trap of the people from Nazareth, that judged Jesus according to human standards. 4:46-49 9. This official believed before he saw. Let us not wait for an outward sign before we believe. The official's son was healed before he knew about it. The answer to our prayers might arrive before we know about it. We must keep on believing, even though we do not see. This will become

a great testimony. We must believe before we see and we must believe even though we do not see. 4:50-54

Jn. 4 relates to our own personal experience of the Lord and Jn. 7 to our service for the Lord. [Sparks] /

23. JACOB’S WELL

Joh 4:1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

The Pharisees were the original church growth people. Focused on numbers and influence instead of on God. [AT] /

Joh 4:2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples),

Joh 4:3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee.

Joh 4:4 And he had to pass through Samaria.

Joh 4:5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Joh 4:6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

4:1-6 This passage serves as an introduction to the fascinating account of Jesus’ spiritual dealings with a nameless Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (4:7-43).

4:1 Jesus was aware of the influence that rumours about His ministry had on the Pharisees.

4:2 We are told very clearly and unambiguously here that Jesus did not baptize. Even though Jesus did, after His resurrection, command the apostles to baptize disciples, He did not baptize anyone Himself. We are given this detail so that there may be absolute clarity in our minds about the fact that Jesus’ primary emphasis in His ministry was to inaugurate an inward work (cf. Luke 3:16; Rom. 2:28-29; 1 Cor. 1:14-17). Water baptism after conversion is a command and we must obey it (Mt. 28:19; Acts 2:38), but we need to understand that the work of the New Covenant is from the inside out and not the other way round. Jesus wanted to be known as the One who would cleanse people firstly on the inside (see Mt. 9:13 and 23:25-26). He came to deal with the hearts of people and never preached mere ritualism or formalism.

4:3 Jesus knew that it was not time yet to draw too much attention to Himself, since the Pharisees were very envious of any ministry that threatened their prominence in Israel (Mt. 27:18). Hence Jesus decided to retire to Galilee, which was farther from Jerusalem and not as much under the control of the Pharisees. Jesus did not fear the Pharisees, but He knew that it was not yet His time to be judged and crucified (see Mt. 20:18 and Jn. 10:17).

4:4 Even though Samaria was on the direct route from Judea to Galilee, most Jews rather took a circuitous route because of their dislike of the Samaritans. Samaria was loathed by the Jewish people. Jesus, however, marched to the beat of a different drum. Not only was Jesus wholly untouched by any prejudice, but He was most likely compelled by the Spirit to go through Samaria. Hence the word He needed to go through Samaria.

4:5 According to Genesis 33:19 Jacob bought a section of land from the ‘’children of Hamor’’. He subsequently handed this property down to his son Joseph (Gen. 48:22).

4:6 Jesus stopped for rest by this well which was called Jacob’s well. The well was not mentioned in the Old Testament, but was probably called Jacob’s well because it was close to the plot of ground that belonged to Jacob’s family and was used by them (4:12). ‘’This ancient well can still be seen by visitors, being one of the few Biblical sites which can be identified quite positively today.’’ (William MacDonald). The fact that Jesus was wearied from His journey proves that He was not only fully God, but also fully man. His incarnation was no mere fiction, but a historical fact (see Jn.1:1, 14 and Heb. 2:10-14). It was either noon (calculated by Jewish time) or 6 p.m. (calculated by Roman time) when Jesus reached the well. More likely noon, since this would better explain Jesus’ weariness and thirst.

24. WATER THAT SATISFIES THE HEART

Joh 4:7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."

Joh 4:8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.)

Joh 4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

Joh 4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

Note in this verse the steps to spiritual health: 1. knowing the gift of God 2. knowing Him who administers the gift (Luke 3v16) 3. ask! 4. God will surely give. /

Joh 4:11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?

Joh 4:12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock."

Joh 4:13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,

Joh 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Joh 4:15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."

4:7-15 In this passage Jesus meets the nameless woman of Samaria and begins to awaken in her a thirst for the water that quenches the deeper thirst, even the thirst of the human heart.

4:7 Here we have a natural situation, a Jewish man asking a Samaritan woman for a drink of water, that is turned into a supernatural encounter by the Son of God. It is ironic that Jesus is asking this woman for a drink when He is the only one who can quench the thirsting of her soul. The symbolism of thirst and water is used by Jesus throughout this encounter to draw out deep spiritual lessons. It is important to note, however, that Jesus was really thirsty, but even in times of natural need He never forgot His divine commission. He was not going to let this woman get away without offering to her the water of life.

4:8 This detail is provided not only to explain why Jesus did not have water with Him (the disciples probably forgot to leave some water with Jesus), but also so that we may understand the setting. Jesus was travelling with his disciples, but they were not present at the time when he spoke to this Samaritan woman at the well. Hence it was a private and intimate setting. We are not told whether there were anyone else present at the well, but it seems probable that there were no-one else, since the woman were in all likelihood somewhat of an outcast in her society (cf. verses 16-18).

4:9 The Samaritan woman probably recognised the Galilean dialect which Jesus spoke and thus knew that He was a Jew (see Mark 14:70). She takes advantage of Jesus’ need and asks Him why a Jew would ask a Samaritan woman for a drink. She thus reminds Him that the Jews normally despise Samaritans and that it is quite ironic that He was now in a situation where He needed something from a Samaritan, and not only a Samaritan, but a Samaritan woman. Women were, even in the Jewish community, considered to be second-class citizens.

4:10 Jesus is entirely unfazed by the Samaritan woman’s rather forward question. He immediately draws her attention to two extraordinary things that she was completely unaware of in her encounter with this Jewish man. Firstly, the gift of God and secondly the

only one who could give that gift, Jesus himself. Jesus was not only the Giver of this gift, but He himself was the gift (see Jn. 3:16). Through Him the woman could also receive the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38). The indwelling of the Father and the Son, by the Spirit (Jn. 14:23) was within her reach, but she did not know it. Jesus masterfully employs the irony of the situation by telling the Samaritan woman that the really needy one in this situation is not He, but she. He implies that she desperately needs the gift of God and that He alone can give it to her. All she needs to do is realise her need of living water, recognise the Giver and then ask. Still today Jesus offers the same to anyone who would listen, and the terms have not changed (Jn. 7:37-39; Rev. 22:17). Everything begins with the recognition of spiritual thirst and the acknowledgement of spiritual poverty (Mt. 5:3), however.

4:11 The woman either completely misunderstands Jesus and somehow thinks he is still referring to the water from the physical well or she ridicules His statement by referring to the fact that the well is deep and Jesus has nothing with which to draw water. So she asks Him where will he get this so-called living water from, seeing that there is only one well around. Either way, she is not getting the point that Jesus is trying to make and does not realise with whom she is speaking.

4:12 She now goes even further and asks Jesus if he somehow knows more about that area than Jacob did, who drank from that same well, as well as his sons and livestock. Does he then know of another well in that area. If he did, that would make Him greater than Jacob, according to the woman’s way of thinking.

4:13 Jesus now plainly tells the woman that He is not speaking of the water that can be drawn from Jacob’s well, for that water does not have the ability to permanently quench thirst.

4:14 Jesus emphasises the matter of spiritual thirst. He makes the astounding statement that the water He supplies will cause the deeper thirst of the human heart to permanently cease. Not only will this water permanently quench the spiritual thirst, but it will even increase within the recipient to such a measure that Jesus says it will be like a fountain within that person. This fountain of water will spring up into everlasting life. We learn from this that eternal life is based on the dynamic working of the Holy Spirit within the believing individual and that this operation of the Spirit issues in eternal life. Only the Holy Spirit can regenerate a person and consequently cause him to enjoy the gift of eternal life as a lasting possession. This everlasting life of God is likened to man’s most basic need, namely water to quench his thirst. Only the Holy Spirit can quench this deeper thirst. In fact, this water is nothing else than God Himself as the life-giving Spirit (see Mt. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:45). Note also that there are definite allusions to Old Testament promises in Jesus’ statements (see Isa. 12:3, 49:10; cf. Rev. 7:16).

4:15 The woman now asks Jesus to give her this water, but it is clear from the following verse that she still does not understand her need, for Jesus begins to probe deeper into her

psyche. Furthermore, the fact that she says that the water Jesus offers will cancel the need for her to come and draw water at the well again speaks either of her incomprehension of Jesus’ words or of a sarcasm based on skepticism. What is obvious, is that she is still thinking on a naturalistic plane, similar to the reasoning of Nicodemus in chapter 3.

25. I AM HE

Joh 4:16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

When she asks for the water, Jesus immediately moves to the issue of sin.

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Joh 4:17 The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband';

Joh 4:18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true."

Joh 4:19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.

Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship."

Joh 4:21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.

Joh 4:22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Joh 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

TRUE WORSHIP JOHN 4:23-24  "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  24. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." The verses that we have before us are rich with spiritual truth and packed with insight into the character of New Testament worship.  Let us just glean a few precious truths from its riches.  In the first place we need to note that there is something which the Father seeks.  Quite amazingly the eternal and self-sufficient God here reveals to us that He seeks something.  He seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and truth.  Immediately we realize that the ultimate value in the life of a believer is to pursue the true worship of God. But how to worship?  Our text reveals the secret. 'In spirit'  - this statement of Jesus reveals to us that God is not some distant deity who must be appeased with various rituals and rites.  He is Spirit and He seeks to have intimate communion with us in spirit.  Our worship is an inward thing.  It is a close and personal relationship with the eternal God.  That is why Paul says in Romans 2 verse 29, 'he is a Jew who is one inwardly'.  In the rebirth our spirit was renewed and became one with the Spirit of Christ (1 Cor. 6:17), consequently we may now worship God 'in spirit'.  In our daily walk with God and especially in our corporate meetings we must beware of focusing on the outward trimmings of worship to the detriment of the inward life of worship.  Moreover we need to note that to worship 'in spirit' also means that we are constantly in contact with God and not only in special times of worship. 'In truth' - this refers to the reality that God reveals concerning true worship, as opposed to the innumerable ways that man devised and still devises for the worship of God.  In the New Testament God revealed to us that he wants to be worshiped in and through His Son by a 'new and living way' (Heb. 10:20).  To worship God in truth thus means that we must follow closely that which God revealed in the New Testament concerning worship and not adhere to human plans and methods of worship.  The statement of Jesus in Matthew 5 verse 19 is a serious warning in this regard, 'and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'. Quote of the Day:  "God's New Testament revelation concerning worship makes it clear that He prefers intimacy above activity." /

Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

1. GOD IS GEES Johannes 4:24 God is Gees; en die wat Hom aanbid, moet in gees en waarheid aanbid. 2. ONS IS DEUR DIE WEDERGEBOORTE GEES-MENSE MET DIE KAPASITEIT OM GOD IN GEES EN WAARHEID TE AANBID. Johannes 3:6 Wat uit die vlees gebore is, is vlees; en wat uit die Gees gebore is, is gees. 3. ONS AANBIDDING VAN GOD EN DIENSWERK MOET DAAROM NIE MEER NET GAAN OOR UITERLIKE GODSDIENS-AKTIWITEITE NIE. DIT MOET VLOEI UIT ONS GEES WAT NUUT GEMAAK IS IN CHRISTUS. Romeine 1:9 Want God wat ek in my gees dien in die evangelie van sy Seun, is my getuie hoe ek onophoudelik aan julle dink. /

Joh 4:25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things."

Joh 4:26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he."

4:16-26 Jesus continues to draw the woman at the well into a position of dependence where she would recognise her need for the water of life; the water that only He as the promised Messiah could supply.

4:16 Jesus is drawing out a response from her in order to expose her heart and show her that he is more than a mere man and knows everything about her. He wants to reveal to her that she is a sinner in need of salvation, that He knows everything about her sinful life and at the same that He is the only One who can save her. He is subtly, but surely leading her to a saving knowledge and confession (4:29).

4:17-18 The woman’s answer is honest, but very concise and is probably meant to stop Jesus from probing further into this sensitive part of her life. Jesus continues to reveal to her his insight into the detail of her life, however. He does so without any comment or condemnation. He simply reveals to her that He knows she has had five husbands and that the one she is currently living with is not her husband. Jesus knows that her conscience will do the work of convicting as He reveals to her that nothing is hidden from His searching glance (Psa. 36:9).

4:19-20 The woman’s answer is an overstatement of the obvious and though it is a truthful acknowledgment of her gradual realisation that she is dealing with an extraordinary man, it is also a way to return to the Jews versus Samaritans theme in order to divert the attention away from herself.

4:21 Jesus picks up on this theme with a view to moving the woman towards the revelation of His true identity and mission. He makes an astonishing statement concerning an hour when the whole debate between the Jews and Samaritans concerning the right place to worship God would become completely irrelevant. Note also that He calls God the Father, thereby subtly revealing that this new worship would be between a Father and a Son.

4:22 Even though Jesus stated very clearly that all geographical locations of worship have become obsolete in the light of the hour that is coming, He still insists that salvation is of the Jews. Salvation is found only in Him (Acts 4:12) and He was born a Jew. The Messiah was to be a Jew and hence only on the basis of the Jewish faith could worship ultimately be legitimate. It is only in the sacred scriptures of this historical faith that promises concerning the Messiah is found and it is in a Jewish family that this Messiah was born. He was, however, also much more than a Jew; He was also the Son of God. This is the point that He is ultimately making.

4:23 In verse 21 Jesus said the hour is coming and now He reveals that it has actually already arrived. The fullness of time had come (Gal. 4:16; Jn. 1:14) and now it was possible for the heart of the Father to be fully satisfied with those He created in His image and likeness (Gen. 1:26-27). It was now possible for man to fulfil his creation design, sonship! What a revelation! Furthermore, The Father also seeks something. He is seeking worshippers. Yet He seeks only those worshippers who would worship in spirit and truth. True worship must be in spirit and truth; can only be in spirit and truth. God is here revealed as the Father and it is only the Son who could open the way to this new kind of worship (Jn. 20:31). The Person and work of Jesus is the secret to the worship in spirit and truth. Jesus became the life-giving spirit (1 Cor. 15:45) and He is the truth (14:6). It is only in and through Him that worship could be in spirit and truth. To worship in spirit is to worship as a spiritual person. It is not dependent on forms, rituals or specific locations or times. It is only possible for those who have become spiritual persons in Christ. To worship in truth is more than to worship sincerely. It is to worship in the reality of He who is the truth (Jn. 14:6). Only through union with the Truth can we worship in truth. May we take to

heart what this verse teaches us and be delivered from all worship that is not in spirit and truth, for the Father is not satisfied with anything else but worship in spirit and truth. ‘’It was when Christ redeemed us, and we in Him had received the position of children, that the Father sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts to cry, `Abba, Father.' The worship in spirit is the worship of the Father in the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of Sonship.’’ (Andrew Murray)

4:24 The reason why God can only be satisfied with worship in spirit and truth is because He is Spirit. With this statement Jesus lifts worship out of the reach of the earthly, the external, the sacramental; and He reveals the fact that only a those who are spiritual can worship a Person who is Spirit (cf. Jn. 3:6). We have to become like Him if we would worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him. This statement makes an impossible demand on the woman and on all of mankind. How do you worship such a God? Only in and through His Son can He be worshipped acceptably (Phil. 3:3). Hence the need for regeneration and consequently union with Him (1 Cor. 1:30).

4:25 In the light of Jesus’ revelation of the kind of worship God desires the woman begins to realise that nothing that has been revealed to the Jews or the Samaritans could measure up to the standard Jesus speaks of. At this stage an idea must have been forming in her mind that this might just be the Messiah. Who else could make these claims and reveal these truths. Hence she tells Jesus that the Messiah will reveal all things when He arrives on the scene. She makes a statement, but one gets the feeling that there is a question in there, ‘’Are you the Messiah?’’

4:26 Jesus’ answer is simple, but so profound that it beggars description. No long explanations, no attempts to verify His claim, no extended theological discourse. Only a straightforward statement: "I who speak to you am He." In the light of everything that has happened in her heart up to this point, His statement went like an arrow into the depths of her inner being and an ordinary day suddenly became the most important one of her entire existence. Oh, to hear these words fall from the lips of Jesus, how precious, how priceless. All who have been born from above have heard these words in one context or another. I am He who forgives your sins, I am He who will quench your thirst, I am He who will make everything new, I am He who will pick up the pieces of your broken life and show you that true life is found only in Me, etc., etc. When Jesus walks into a life nothing can ever be the same again. The believer is drawn into a fellowship that has been going on from eternity past and that will last for eternity; the fellowship between the Father and the Son (Jn. 17:3, 21-26; 1 Cor. 1:9).

JOHN 4V27-54

26. COME, SEE A MAN

Joh 4:27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you seek?" or, "Why are you talking with her?"

Joh 4:28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people,

Joh 4:29 "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?"

Joh 4:30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.

4:27-30 Immediately upon encountering the water of life the woman goes back to her town to call people to come and see the promised Messiah.

4:27 At the critical juncture where Jesus reveals his identity to the woman the disciples return. They are surprised that Jesus would even speak to a woman, since rabbis at the time considered it a waste of time to converse with a woman. What must have made it even more surprising to them was the fact that she was a Samaritan woman. Nevertheless, they do not ask her “What do you seek?” or Jesus “Why are you talking with her?” The reason for their silence is not clear. This verse shows that Jesus was not concerned with man’s traditions. He was always ready to minister to outcasts, lepers, children, Samaritans, sinners, publicans, women, or anyone else who were thirsty for the water of life (Rev. 22:17). He still does the same today.

4:28 Having tasted of the water of life the woman leaves her water jar in her haste and excitement to go and tell her townspeople of her encounter with Jesus. All who truly encounter Jesus feel this unction to share their experience with others. The woman at the well did not need someone to tell her ‘you need to go and witness’. She spontaneously reacted to the life that she tasted for herself (see Acts 4:20; Rom. 1:14).

4:29 Her first words ‘come, see a man…’ are very significant. All anyone needs in order to be saved is to see this man, the Son of Man, and to respond with faith (Jn. 3:14-16). We only need to witness of Jesus and how he saved us to draw the spiritually hungry. The fact that she says ‘he told me all that I ever did’, testifies of the supernatural insight of Jesus on the one hand and the fact that the woman felt relieved of the burden of guilt and bondage to sin, on the other. It also speaks of the fact that Jesus does not just pardon, but exposes sin in order to grant repentance and deliverance to those who would yield to Him (cf. Rom. 1:18-3:20). The woman’s question ‘Can this be the Christ’ shows that she was still a bit hesitant before the people of her town, but it is obvious that she was very excited about Jesus.

4:30 This simple statement and question given in sincerity persuaded the people that they had to go and see for themselves. The words ‘they…were coming to him’ are likewise significant, for they tell us that we only need to point people to Christ. Through our testimony of his Person and work (Gal. 3:1b), the Holy Spirit will draw and convict them (Jn. 16:8).

27. OTHER FOOD TO EAT

Joh 4:31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."

Joh 4:32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about."

Joh 4:33 So the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought him something to eat?"

Joh 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

Joh 4:35 Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.

Joh 4:36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

Joh 4:37 For here the saying holds true, 'One sows and another reaps.'

Joh 4:38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

4:31-38 The disciples urge Jesus to eat something, but he takes the opportunity to minister to them with regard to spiritual food and a spiritual harvest. He once again draws their eyes away from the temporal and material, to the spiritual.

4:31-32 The disciples were focused on the food they had brought back, but Jesus, in spite of the fact that he must have been physically hungry, tells them that he has other food to eat. This food was still a mystery to the disciples. They did not yet understand the spiritual nature of Jesus’ mission. They were interested in material sustenance, but Jesus in the spiritual sustenance brought about by obedience to the Father, leading to the salvation of people made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27).

4:33 The disciples do not grasp the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ statement. Hence they look for a natural explanation. Has anyone brought him something to eat?

4:34 Now Jesus tells them in a straightforward way that he is speaking of the spiritual sustenance that he finds from obeying His Father and accomplishing his work. This spiritual sustenance is of such a nature that it can cause a hungry man to forget his physical hunger. Jesus was the very incarnation of that statement in Deuteronomy 8 verse 3: ‘… man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.’

4:35 Jesus now begins to open their eyes to the spiritual harvest all around them. He is drawing them into a new realm of living, where eternal and spiritual values overshadow and eclipse material needs. According to human reckoning there must be a certain gap between sowing and the harvest, but Jesus tells them to look, to lift up their eyes, and to see that the fields are already white for harvest. This ‘premature’ harvest can only be explained in

the light of the Person and mission of Jesus. In him the kingdom had already broken through into the physical realm (see Matthew 4:17). “At the very moment when the Lord spoke these words, He was in the midst of a harvest field containing the souls of Samaritan men and women. He was telling the disciples that a great work of in-gathering lay before them, and that they should give themselves to it immediately and diligently.” (William MacDonald)

4:36 Because of their association with Jesus the disciples could already begin to reap and receive the blessing of gathering in souls. Gathering fruit for eternal life refers to the souls that are brought into the kingdom and who have the privilege to partake of eternal life (see Jn. 3:15). Just as with a natural harvest there is sowing and reaping involved. Jesus says here that His coming to the earth inaugurated a time of abundant reaping and that all the seeds of the Word that were sown into people’s lives may now spring to life at the proclamation of His name (see Jn. 1:12). Thus the sower and reaper could rejoice together (see Amos 9:13).

4:37 There was apparently a saying that was common in that day, viz. ‘One sows and another reaps’. The Lord of the harvest (Mt. 9:38) arranges the circumstances of lives so that a word that may have been sown years earlier into someone’s heart comes to fruition at a certain time when the gospel is once again preached to that person.

4:38 The Old Testament contained the proto-gospel in its types and its prophecies of the Messiah. Many of those who heard that message could now be harvested at the proclamation of the coming of the Messiah (cf. verse 29). Still today we may reap where the gospel has already been sown previously into a person’s heart by someone else. The point of these verses is that the incarnation inaugurated a time where sowers and reapers could rejoice together because of the coming of the Messiah, who is both the catalyst for and focus of the harvest. “Very few souls are ever saved through the ministry of a single person. Most people have heard the gospel many times before they ever accept the Saviour. Therefore, the one who finally leads a person to Christ should not exalt himself as if he were the only instrument God used in this marvellous work.” (William MacDonald)

28. IMPACTING A COMMUNITY

Joh 4:39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did."

Joh 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days.

Joh 4:41 And many more believed because of his word.

Joh 4:42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."

It is crucial that we hear for ourselves. /

4:39-42 The effect of one woman touched by the power of God in Christ circles out to impact a community. Many Samaritans believe in Jesus, being drawn by the testimony of one life changed by the power of the gospel.

4:39 Here we see the impact made by one person who truly encountered Jesus and who spontaneously testifies to that fact. This verse goes some way to explain Jesus’ statement about the fields being white for harvest in verse 35. Jesus did not only speak of the harvest, but right there and then demonstrated to his disciples what He spoke of.

4:40 The contrast between the reaction of the Samaritans and the Jewish religious establishment is striking. The Samaritans do not only go to Jesus immediately upon hearing the woman’s testimony, but they also ask Him to stay with them. Jesus stays with them for two days and undoubtedly spoke to them about the kingdom and His mission to seek and save the lost. No one who comes to Jesus with an honest and inquiring heart will be turned away. Whoever asks Him to stay with them, will be satisfied now and eternally. Jesus stayed with the Samaritans for two days and afterwards He stayed forever with all those who believed his message.

4:41 During this time many more come to faith in Jesus. This verse is meant to complement verse 39. The gospel still operates the same way. First we hear the testimony of someone who has encountered Jesus and if we respond positively we hear Jesus himself speak to us inwardly.

4:42 The believing Samaritans testify to the fact that they heard for themselves and that they know that Jesus is indeed the Saviour of the world. This gospel statement is not only very precious, but it is also indispensable. We have to hear Jesus for ourselves, by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:8). No one can be saved on the basis of someone else’s testimony alone. Another person’s testimony can draw us to Christ, but we have to hear the inward call of Christ and respond accordingly before we can be saved.

29. JESUS KNOWS HIS HEARERS

Joh 4:43 After the two days he departed for Galilee.

Joh 4:44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.)

Joh 4:45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.

4:43-45 These three verses serve as an introduction for verses 46 to 54 that deals with the second major “sign” testifying to the identity of Jesus as Son of God. Here John reveals that Jesus was very aware of the attitudes of His hearers. Jesus’ own people should have been the first to believe, but in fact it was the Samaritans who embraced Him with open arms.

4:43 Jesus ministered for two days in Samaria before He eventually resumed His journey to Galilee (see Jn. 4:3).

4:44 In Samaria Jesus encountered many who were willing and eager to hear the good news of the kingdom. The Samaritans had ears to hear and hearts to receive and consequently they recognised Him as the Messiah. Sadly this was not the case in Galilee.

4:45 Even though Jesus knew that the general attitude in Galilee was not conducive to belief in the true Messiah, He still had to fulfill His mission of proclaiming and authenticating the gospel to all in Israel. The “sign” spoken of in verses 46 to 54 served as further authentication of His divine mission and identity. It is clear from the context that the

welcome Jesus receives from the Galileans in this verse is not the same as the welcome He receives from the Samaritans in the previous section. The things the Galileans saw Jesus do in Jerusalem only served to arouse their curiosity. It did not lead to faith in Him as the Messiah. Hence John’s words in this verse are meant to create an ironic contrast in our minds between the attitude of the Samaritans and the attitude of the Galileans.

30. JESUS’ SECOND SIGN

Joh 4:46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill.

Joh 4:47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

Joh 4:48 So Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe."

Joh 4:49 The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

Joh 4:50 Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.

Joh 4:51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering.

Joh 4:52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him."

Joh 4:53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." And he himself believed, and all his household.

Joh 4:54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

4:46-54 In these verses we find the second major “sign” testifying to the identity of Jesus as Son of God (cf. v.54). Jesus demonstrates that He is the Lord of life and has power to heal with a word. Without even seeing or touching the official’s son Jesus heals him. This miracle of healing brings the official and his entire household to the place of saving faith in Jesus. This healing is, however, more than just a kind deed done to an individual. It also serves to authenticate Jesus’ claims to Messiahship.

4:46 Jesus goes back to Cana with a view to a further miraculous testimony in the same place. It seems that the Galileans did not respond with true faith to the first “sign” (see verse 48). The official at Capernaum was an officer of king Herod’s court.

4:47 The official was a desperate man and he knew that Jesus was the only hope for his son to be healed. He must have heard about the miracle that Jesus did at Cana and consequently approached Jesus as a miracle worker and not as the long awaited Messiah of the Jews.

4:48 Jesus’ statement has a threefold purpose. It reprimands the official for coming to Jesus with an unacceptable motive, but it is also meant to draw him into a position of real faith. At the same time, since the “you” is plural, it also addresses the Galileans who were placing too high a premium upon signs and wonders. (See Mt. 12:39 and 1 Cor. 1:22.)

4:49 The official’s faith prevails and he urgently presses upon Jesus his son’s plight and the need for Him to come down to heal him.

4:50 Jesus responds with a simple, but powerful command and statement: "Go; your son will live." Jesus can heal with a word. He does not need to explain or elaborate. His words are ‘spirit and life’ and they have power far beyond human comprehension. The official is notably impressed by the authority of Jesus’ simple statement and he immediately believes and returns to his house.

4:51 On his way to his house his servants meet him and give him the good news of his son’s miraculous recuperation.

4:52-53 The father immediately inquires the hour when his son began to get better. His faith might have been wavering to some extent, but whatever the case may be, he needed to confirm that it was indeed a miracle. It also confirms for the readers of John’s gospel that the boy’s recovery was definitely not natural, but supernatural. The moment the father knew that his son was healed the very hour that Jesus said to him ‘Your son will live’, his burgeoning faith blossomed into a genuine saving faith. On his journey back to his house the Holy Spirit must have been convicting him concerning the true identity of the man called Jesus (Jn. 16:8). The official’s faith consequently leads his entire household to belief in Jesus as the Messiah. The official asked Jesus to heal his son, but Jesus did so much more. God’s grace always provides more than we bargained for.

4:54 “The healing of the nobleman's son was not the second miracle in the Lord's entire ministry up to this point. It was the second sign Jesus performed in Galilee after He had come from Judea.” (William MacDonald)

CHAPTER FIVE

JOHN 5V1-30

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus went up to Jerusalem in significant times (a feast) in order to begin to reveal His identity, albeit secretly and selectively.  At Bethesda (house of mercy) Jesus healed a sick man without means, demonstrating that He is the great Healer and the Source of all true healing.  The Scriptures mentions specifically that it was on the Sabbath.  Jesus was keeping the true principle of the Sabbath, not the outward form (5v1-9).  2. Law religion will always oppose life and the manifestation of life.  Sin can sometimes be the cause of sickness.  We should obey Jesus and cease from sin.  Religion will kill for its forms and traditions (5v10-16).  3. Religion does not understand the meaning of the Sabbath.  It does not understand that we must rest and do only what the Father does.  Religion does not understand the principle and importance of Sonship.  The Son has been granted authority to give resurrection life and to judge.  The purpose of His authority is so that He may be honoured as God and Lord of life.  Jesus proclaimed the year of the Lord’s favour, when all who heard His voice and responded would rise from the dead spiritually.  One day ALL the dead will hear His voice and obey; some to the resurrection of life and others the resurrection of judgment.  The judgment of Jesus is true because He perfectly obeys the Father (5v17-30). 

4. Jesus now speaks of a fourfold testimony based on the principle of objective testimony by the authority of the Father...He did not testify concerning Himself subjectively (5v31).  5. John the Baptist gave the first testimony as a mere man, and yet he was a God-sent man.  The light he received was helpful, but not ultimate, just like all the OT testimonies (5v32-35).  6. The works Jesus did gave a greater testimony than John’s, for it was the beginning of direct manifestation of His Lordship and His being sent by the Father(5v36).  7. The Father also testifies directly in the hearts of men, but those whose who do not receive that testimony do not have the Father’s word as an abiding reality in themselves and do not believe in the Son (5v37-38).   8.  The Scriptures also testify eloquently concerning Jesus, and they testify with a view to bringing us to Jesus Himself as the reality of everything that is written.  Those who do not believe that testimony will one day believe in the Antichrist when he comes in his own name, yet professing that he comes in the name of God.  Here is a most important lesson about all false prophets and teachers in Christianity.  No amount of Scripture quoting that ignores the preeminence of Christ should ever impress us.  Jesus is life and we should deal directly with Him as the life-giving Spirit Who dwells in us (5v39-47).

CORNE: John 5:1-9 Jesus' mercy is seen in healing the man and the name of Bethesda means 'place of mercy'. God's grace and mercy is magnified when people are healed. We may appeal to His mercy when we pray for sick people. 5:10-16 Jesus healed on the Sabbath. It shows that from a place of rest God can doe miracles. We should however not be surprised if religion persecutes us because of this. 5:17-30 Jesus declares His divinity, but also His dependence. In the same way we are dependent on the Lord for everything, even though we have the life of Christ within us. We may never act indepently. 5:31 There is a witness of the Spirit concerning Jesus. In the same way it is therefore important to always follow the leading of the Spirit in order to establish whether something is a true work of the Lord or not. 5:32-35 Man's testimony can never replace the witness of the Spirit concerning the Deity of Christ, but it can be a lamp shining in a dark place to enlighten the hearers. 5:36 Jesus' works give a testimony of His Deity. We must be therefore careful how we walk, because our works can also testify of the Life of Christ within us. 5:37-38 The Father testified about Jesus on the day of His baptism, and also sent the Spirit in the form of a dove. In the same way our hearts have the testimony of the Father as our spirits cry 'Abba Father' and we have the pledge of the Spirit. People will, however, not always accept this. 5:39-47 If we look to the Law for life, it will accuse us. Only when we find Christ in the Law, will we find life and liberty, because the Law testifies concerning Christ. Let us go to Him, that we might find light.

Joh 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Joh 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.

Joh 5:3 In these lay a multitude of invalids--blind, lame, and paralyzed [waiting for the moving of the water;]

Joh 5:4 [for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.]

Joh 5:5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.

Joh 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?"

Joh 5:7 The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me."

Joh 5:8 Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk."

Joh 5:9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.

Joh 5:10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed."

Joh 5:11 But he answered them, "The man who healed me, that man said to me, 'Take up your bed, and walk.'"

Joh 5:12 They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?"

Joh 5:13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place.

Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you."

Joh 5:15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Joh 5:16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.

Joh 5:17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I am working."

Joh 5:18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Joh 5:19 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

Consider the source from which the Lord lived, from which He did everything. His base of operation was constantly the Father. This means that the Lord Himself, in His humanity, did not take His self as the source.

Rather, He was one with the Father. This oneness came out of His continual fellowship with the Father in the Word (Matt. 4:4), in prayer (Luke 5:16-17), and in crying "Abba, Father" (Mark 14:36). We are persons in whom the absolute dependent life of the Son of God is being reproduced./

Joh 5:20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.

Joh 5:21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

Joh 5:22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,

Joh 5:23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

ASSURANCE: Rm. 5v1; 1 Jn. 5v13 /

Joh 5:25 "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

Joh 5:26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.

Joh 5:27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

Joh 5:28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice

Notice the two hearings (also v.25). Thus all will eventually hear the Voice of the Son. [AT] /

Joh 5:29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Joh 5:30 "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

AT LINK: "By myself I can do nothing" (John 5:30), He said. "Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me" (6:57). Use these verses as cross reference for Jn. 15v5 /

JOHN 5V31-47

Joh 5:31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not deemed true.

Joh 5:32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true.

Joh 5:33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.

Joh 5:34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved.

Joh 5:35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

Joh 5:36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.

Joh 5:37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen,

DIE STEM AGTER DIE WOORDE VAN DIE BYBEL Daar is ‘n reuse verskil tussen die woorde van die Bybel en die stem ágter die woorde. Jesus sê vir die Jode in Johannes 5 vers 37 “julle het nog nooit” die Vader se “stem gehoor nie…” Dit moes ‘n groot skok en ‘n geweldige belediging gewees het vir hierdie mense wat hulleself beskou het as die uitverkorenes aan wie die Skrifte toevertrou was, dit gereeld aangehoor het en seker was dat hulle God se stem daarin gehoor het. Jesus maak dit duideliker ‘n bietjie verder aan in Johannes (6:63) deur te sê “dit is die Gees wat lewend maak, die vlees is van geen nut nie; die woorde wat Ek tot julle spreek, is gees en is lewe.” En dan in Johannes 8 vers 47 sê Jesus prontuit vir hulle dat net die wat “uit God is, luister na die woorde van God”. Hy los dit ook nie net daar by die implikasie van hierdie woorde nie, maar gaan nog verder en spreek hulle harte direk aan; “daarom luister julle nie, omdat julle nie uit God is nie.” Ware dissipels hoor nie net die woorde van God nie, maar luister werklik daarna en sodoende hoor hulle die stem van God. Hoeveel is daar nie in gemeentes regoor die wêreld wat die Skrifte hoor, maar nog nooit die stem van die Vader gehoor het nie. Wat ‘n onbeskryflike hartseer om die woorde van waarheid te hoor en steeds te bly sit in ‘n vormgodsdiens wat geen hartsverandering teweeg bring nie. [AT] /

Joh 5:38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent.

Joh 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

May God deliver us from the vanity of thinking we may search the Scriptures without being searched by the Scriptures. / Instead of looking at the Word, we must look through the Word (a lens) to see Christ. Then the HS will take us back to the text for living instruction from the living God. Behind the Word there is the living God.  This we must never forget. The Pharisees forgot that and consequently missed the living Christ. / The Bible can only be read fruitfully in the light of innocence restored (righteousness). /

Joh 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

CHRISTIAN LIFE: OORWINNING: Ons oorwin die vlees, die wêreld en satan primêr deur te RUS in Christus. In hierdie plek van rus wat totaal gefokus is op die Persoon van Christus is ons heel eerste bondgenoot die WOORD waarop ons staan in GELOOF. Dit beteken prakties dat ons altyd eers ons siele moet stilmaak om te kan rus en dan dat ons die Woord neem as die finale outoriteit in enige situasie. Of dit nou 'n "in Christus" waarheid is, 'n belofte of 'n opdrag wat ons moet gehoorsaam; in elke situasie sal die Woord/Gees ons lei en deurbraak bring. 9/2/2015 8:49 AM: Albert: CONTINUED: "KOM NA MY TOE": So wonderlik hierdie frase in die evangelies. In Mt. 11v28 sê Jesus die vermoeides moet net na Hom toe kom en kom leer van Hom, dan sal alles OK wees. In Jn. 5v40 sê Jesus vir die Fariseërs hulle is besig met die Skrifte, maar hulle wil nie na Hom toe kom om eers "lewe" te kry nie. Verder ook die volgorde in Jn. 15 'as julle in My bly en [dan] My woorde in julle...' Daarom dus, Jesus eerste, rus in Hom, dan die Skrifte en gehoorsaamheid as die weg tot groei in Christus. CONTINUED: Drie studies in hierdie verband. Die artikel van A.B. Simpson oor Christ Himself, die boekie van Andrew Murray Jesus Himself, en die opsomming van die boek 'Living with Jesus today' van Ortiz. Hou in gedagte dat die MANIER om na Jesus te kom uiters belangrik is, nl. met nederigheid, gebrokenheid en in geloof. CONTINUED: The mind is very important in our walk with the Lord, but it is always secondary. Of first importance is the heart. A humble and faith-filled heart that silently communes with its Lord is not only essential, it is of supreme importance. Without such a heart we can have no real communion with the One who dwells in unapproachable light. Albert: CONTINUED: The NOW element of the spiritual life is the heart, but the ONGOING element with a view to transformation and mighty growth is the mind under the steady stream of instruction and life in the Word of God. God ALWAYS first looks at the conDition of our hearts, but then He examines the discipline of the mind. Is the mind pliant and under the instruction of the Spirit by the Word? If we do not check our hearts first of all we will become Pharisees, even with a diligent approach to the Scriptures. If we, on the other hand, do not continue in the Word we will become shallow, stinted in growth, and ultimately deceived. CONTINUED: True transformation (Rom. 12v2) by the Word can only take place when the heart is correctly positioned before God. If not, the Word can even become a stumbling block and cause pride. If our hearts are not humble and dependent on Jesus the Bible will puff us up with knowledge. In such a condition even our speaking the "truth" to others will be to them the 'letter' that kills and not the Spirit that gives life (see 2 Cor. 3). "Want so sê die Hoë en Verhewene wat in die ewigheid woon, Heilig is sy Naam: Ek woon in die hoogte en in die heilige plek en by die verbryselde en nederige van gees, om te laat herlewe die gees van die nederiges en te laat herlewe die hart van die verbryseldes." Jes. 57v15. Daarom moet ons altyd heel eerste seker maak dat ons harte reg is voor die Here. [AT] /

Joh 5:41 I do not receive glory from people.

Note that these deceived ones were students of Scripture! Thus studying the scriptures is not enough to avoid deception. We need to study with the focus on Jesus. [AT] /

Joh 5:42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.

Joh 5:43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.

Joh 5:44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

Gal. 1v10 /

Joh 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope.

Gal. 5:2-4 /

Joh 5:46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.

Joh 5:47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"

CHAPTER SIX

JOHN 6V1-21

NT LESSONS

1.  Jesus is always more than enough for every situation.  He will always test us to see whether we believe He is more than sufficient.  He is the true Manna from heaven.  If we put what we have in our hands in His hands, He will break it and multiply it.  But it has to first be in His hands.  The reason we do not see more of the amazing life-changing power of Jesus is because we continue to hold so many things in our own

hands, or just partially release it.  God will not share control of anything.  He is either completely in control, or He will allow us to eat the fruit of our lack of trust and self-trust.  This is the main reason for lack of power in the church. The Lordship of Jesus operates on the principle of the cross (1 Cor. 1v22), not natural sentiment about Him or the meeting of our material needs alone (6v1-15).   2.  Jesus is in absolute control.  We never need to fear, because He is walking above the cirumstances, and take us where we need to be instantly, if necessary (6v16-21)  3.  The crowds will always respond to the meeting of material needs.  Yet we should emphasise veryt clearly that it is the spiritual reality of Who Jesus is that counts.  A large contingency of the Christian church fails to see that Jesus is the heavenly, spiritual bread, not just the one who sorts out our material situation.  Jesus here makes it very clear that the dispensation of Moses was temporary and could not reveal the eternal purpose of God.  The eternal purpose emanates from the Father, focuses on the Son and provides spiritual nourishment (6v22-31)4. The Father desires to feed us with the spiritual bread from heaven, and this bread is Jesus Himself. God's initiative is central in the NT. Jesus satisfies completely! The Son accepts all who have been drawn by the Father. It is the Father's will that the Son should give eternal life to all who trust in Him. The natural man does not understand spiritual things. Jesus continues to speak of the heavenly, even as the natural Jews grumble. Spiritual truth needs to be repeated. Jesus is the center of all spiritual reality. His cross gives us access to His riches (6v32-51). 5. Jesus made it clear that if we do not consume Him and allow ourselves to be consumed by Him, we can have no part in Him. It is all or nothing (6v52-55). 6. Even as Jesus lives vitally because of the Father, so we live vitally because of our partaking of the very flesh and blood of Jesus. As we eat and drink of Him thus we abide in Him. This is marvelous (6v56-59). 7. These heavenly realities spoken by Jesus and by us will turn many away. Jesus came to reveal the heavenly and only those who adopt a heavenly mindset, independent of earthly rewards, will understand. The Father will never open the door to spiritual realities in Jesus to those who refuse to accept the heavenly character of eternal life and salvation (6v60-65). 8. Jesus does not try to retain His disciples on any other basis than the acceptance of heavenly reality in Him. In fact He challenges them again and again about the truth that only the Father can grant them access to His life, and that only to the heart of faith (6v66-71). [AT] /

CORNE: 6:1-15 Jesus made the people recline on the grass. This passage makes me think of Ps 23. There are the same elements: the leading of the Good Shepherd, resting, feeding, abundance. The boy represents small beginnings that we should not despise. RHEMA WORD: Even though it seems impossible to feed thousands of people with only one boy's lunch

(Albert), Jesus can multiply and provide the living Word as bread to hungry people. 6:16-21 The disciples misinterpreted the vision they saw and did not know it was Jesus approaching them. When we go through the cross of the Lord's design, we often do not think Jesus at work behind the scenes. When the Lord reveals Himself in our C&S gang, and says 'it is I', we face another decision, namely how we will react to Him. The disciples were willing to take Him in the boat. This means they trusted Him. It is possible for us to make a different decision than the disciples. We can decide not to 'take the Lord in our boat', and to do our own thing. This will make us run laps in the desert, until we face the same thing again: do you trust Me when things go wrong? The disciples took Him in and immediately they were at the other side. If we trust Him, it might be that He will shorten the journey in the wilderness. 6:22-31 Once people taste the true filling of the Bread of Heaven, they themselves will seek after Christ. The crowd came looking for Jesus after He left the area. Jesus says the reason they came, was because they tasted the real food. The sign that Jesus gives them to believe, was Himself as the Manna. Once we break open Christ as Manna to the people, they will themselves seek after Him. 6:32-51 Jesus repeats more than once that He is the Bread of Life. Sometimes we are hard of hearing like the Jews, and we cannot seem to find sustenance in the Lord, as we regard Him according to human standards. Then we need to refocus our hearts on the Lord as our All and our Heavenly Manna, as sent from the Father, and the fact that we are included - Jesus says He will not lose one of all that the Father has given Him. :51b-55 Jesus gives us His flesh and blood by His death on the cross. It seems impossible to the Jews that one can eat and drink of Him in such a way, but through our identification with Him, we become partakers of His divine nature, we become flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone. :56-59 Jesus shows us that He lives because of His unity with the Father. We also live, because of our unity with Jesus. It is because of this union that we will live forever. :60-62 Dependence on the Lord is offensive to the natural man. It is hard for us to let go of our natural identity and be consumed by the Lord and to consume Him. If we do not abide in His death in a vital and living way (I die daily), then it is hard to experience His resurrection in a vital way (reigning in life through righteousness). :63-65 No one can access the Father's initiative through the flesh. Only those who are willing to die with the Lord by giving up their own way, will live forever. :66-71 Most people are severely tested by co-death. Here many turn away, but those who realise that in death lies life, will truly be His disciples. Judas was also one of these, who (even though he was chosen by Jesus), turned his own way.

Joh 6:1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.

Joh 6:2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.

Note why the crowd followed Jesus. /

Joh 6:3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.

Joh 6:4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.

Joh 6:5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?"

Joh 6:6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

Joh 6:7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little."

Joh 6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him,

Joh 6:9 "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?"

Joh 6:10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.

Joh 6:11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.

Joh 6:12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost."

Joh 6:13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.

Joh 6:14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!"

Joh 6:15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Joh 6:16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea,

Joh 6:17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

Joh 6:18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.

Joh 6:19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.

Joh 6:20 But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."

Joh 6:21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

JOHN 6V22-51

Joh 6:22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone.

Joh 6:23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.

Joh 6:24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

Joh 6:25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"

Joh 6:26 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.

Joh 6:27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal."

Joh 6:28 Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"

Joh 6:29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

Joh 6:30 So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?

Joh 6:31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

Joh 6:32 Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.

Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

Joh 6:34 They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."

Joh 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

VERSADIGDE LIGGAME, HONGER SIELE "Is die lewe nie meer as die voedsel en die liggaam as die klere nie?" Mattheüs 6:25b God is die Gewer van reën en voedsel en Hy maak voorsiening in die natuur om fisiese lewe op ons planeet te onderhou. Maar mense het ook 'n siel en gees wat gevoed moet word. "Want Hy het die dorstige siel versadig en die hongerige siel met die goeie vervul." Psalm 107:9 Jesus is die enigste "voedsel" wat mense se siele kan voed. Dit is net in 'n lewende verhouding met Hom wat die diep honger van ons siele bevredig kan word. "En Jesus sê vir hulle: Ek is die brood van die lewe; wie na My toe kom, sal nooit honger kry nie; en wie in My glo, sal nooit dors kry nie." Johannes 6:35 God het in Christus oorvloedige voorsiening vir ons gemaak om gesonde en versadigde siele te hê sodat ons ook ander kan voed met die brood van die lewe. Maar waar les ons, ons dors en waar versadig ons, ons honger? Drink ons by die fonteine van die wêreld en eet ons by die wêreld se tafels? God nooi ons uit om te kom aansit by die geestelike tafel wat Hy voorberei het. "U sal my die pad van die lewe bekend maak; versadiging van vreugde is voor u aangesig, lieflikhede in u regterhand, vir ewig." Psalm 16:11 [AT] / FULLY SATISFIED PSALM 107:9   "For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." ISAIAH 55:2   "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for

what does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance." JOHN 6:35   And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life.  He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." "Satisfaction", "delight", "abundance".  These are not terms commonly associated with religion.  When we think about religion it is more commonplace to bring to mind terms like "duty", "dreary" and even 'dull'.  This view is common, but fortunately it is not correct.  The biblical view of true religion paints another picture.  God's desire from the very inception of His self-revelation has always been to satisfy us with good and to surprise us with the abundance of His bounty. As the Creator of the universe, God alone holds the key to complete satisfaction.  Being the Source of all life, only He can sustain his creation and satisfy it with good things.  After the fall of man however, our whole value system was warped.  The way we think about happiness and contentment needs to be adjusted constantly or else we run into trouble.  Satan utilizes legitimate needs within us to tempt us into abuse of these needs.  We become trapped in a web of our own desire for fulfillment. What is the solution? I suggest to you that a correct understanding of the character of God and the makeup of man is a large part of the answer.  If you, as a believer, secretly view God as a Cosmic Killjoy your experience will follow suit and you will begin to look for alternative fulfillment.  Why?  Because you were made to be fulfilled and satisfied to the full!  It is God's intention to bring you more than only happiness, which is contingent upon circumstances, but joy that comes from within.  It is God's will for you to be rightly related to Him and consequently rightly related to all the people in your life.  Thus we see a principle emerging.  Satisfaction is found in relationships, not in things.  Things are necessary and good, but they cannot fill the void within your soul. It does not matter where you are in life or what you have been through, the good news today is that God wants you to be satisfied, fulfilled and joyful.  Believe it, it is true.  Come to His Word without preconceived ideas and see life from His point of view.  Enter into His joy, it was prepared for you.  "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."  Psalm 16:11. Quote of the Day:   "Jesus is life, the rest is detail." /

Joh 6:36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.

Joh 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

Joh 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

Joh 6:39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.

Joh 6:40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

Joh 6:41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven."

Die Joodse teenstand teen Christus word baie prominent in die Johannes-evangelie uitgebeeld (Jh 1:18; 3:25; 5:10,16; 6:41; Jh 8:3,13,48; 9:13,41; 10:19,24,31,33; 11:46,48,54,57; 12:9-11,19; 13:33; 16:1-2; 18:20-22,36; 19:7,12,21,38; 20:19). Die Joodse vervolging kom ook baie sterk in die Handelinge-tydperk voor. Die Jode het komplotte gesmee en almal vervolg of gevange laat neem wat die evangelie verkondig het. Van hulle was van die duiwel besete (Hd 6:1; 9:22-23,29; 12:3; 13:6!,42-45,50; 14:1-5,19; 16:3,20-21; 17:5,13,17-18,32; 18:4-6,12-14; 19:13-14!; 20:3,19; 21:27,30-31; 22:30; 23:12,20,27,30; 24:5,18-19,27; 25:2,7-12,15,24; 26:2-7,21; 28:29). [PDT] /

Joh 6:42 They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?"

Joh 6:43 Jesus answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves.

Joh 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Joh 6:45 It is written in the Prophets, 'AND THEY WILL ALL BE TAUGHT BY GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me--

(ISAIAH 54:13) /

Joh 6:46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.

Joh 6:47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

Joh 6:48 I am the bread of life.

Joh 6:49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

Joh 6:50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.

Joh 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

ENJOYING CHRIST PSALM 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasure forever. JOHN 6:51  I am the Living Bread which came down from Heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he shall live forever. And truly the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” In the gospel of John we see various pictures taken from natural life that are used by Jesus to express the character of faith and the spiritual life.  If we take these illustrations at face value we may glean some precious truths from them.  It is so important to allow the Word of God to shape our concept of the spiritual life and to not miss these truths because of a religious reading of the Scriptures that often misses the point.  In our verse in John 6 we see that Jesus refers to Himself as ‘Bread’ that is to be eaten.  In the natural we eat bread to stay alive, for

nourishment, in order to be filled, and also for enjoyment.  All these uses of something as simple as the consumption of bread can be applied to the spiritual life in union with Christ.  We had to ‘eat’ of Christ by faith in order to receive eternal life.  We have to continue eating of Him to sustain a strong spiritual life.  If we are to be nourished spiritually we have to take in generous portions of this ‘Bread from Heaven’.  Moreover, there can be no true fulfillment without the regular consumption of this ‘Bread’.  Besides this we are also given this ‘Bread’ for our enjoyment.  Enjoyment is not a very common word in religion.  It is very foolish, however, to teach believers to follow Christ and to be obedient to Him without teaching them the secret of spiritual nourishment.  The end result will always be a mortifying legalism. Through the written Word illuminated by the Spirit we may partake and eat of the living Word, even Christ.  This is the secret to a life of sustained spiritual vigour.  Thus we also find these words in John 4 verses 31 and 32; ‘In the meantime His disciples were asking Him, saying, Master, eat. But He said to them, I have food to eat which you do not know.’  Jesus was sustained by the life of His Father in the same way that we have to be sustained by His life. Quote of the Day:  ‘Is your spiritual life a dismal cycle of religious duty or have you discovered the secret of eating and drinking of the living Christ?’ /

JOHN 6V52-71

Joh 6:52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

Joh 6:53 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Joh 6:54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Joh 6:55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.

Joh 6:56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

AT Link: Jn. 16v9 - Proving conclusively that true salvation is the HS convicting a man that he has no ability in himself to believe the gospel. In fact in himself he has nothing whatsoever that can profit him spiritually (6v63). What he has in himself is the unwillingness to believe (16v9). Hence the core of biblical faith is an acknowledgment of utter depravity and a subsequent turning to the Father to receive enablement to believe from Him, by the Spirit (6v63). Thus man has a choice to repent, but not strictly speaking the choice or ability to believe. Cf. Eph. 2v1-8. Jn. 6v63 is probably the core text with regard to salvation. /

Joh 6:57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.

Joh 6:58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever."

Joh 6:59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

Joh 6:60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?"

Joh 6:61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, "Do you take offense at this?

Joh 6:62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

Joh 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

AT Link: Jn. 16v9 - Proving conclusively that true salvation is the HS convicting a man that he has no ability in himself to believe the gospel. In fact in himself he has nothing whatsoever that can profit him spiritually (6v63). What he has in himself is the unwillingness to believe (16v9). Hence the core of biblical faith is an acknowledgment of utter depravity and a subsequent turning to the Father to receive enablement to believe from Him, by the Spirit (6v63). Thus man has a choice to repent, but not strictly speaking the choice or ability to believe. Cf. Eph. 2v1-8. Jn. 6v63 is probably the core text with regard to salvation. / BLY AFHANKLIK VAN DIE HEILIGE GEES "Dit is die Gees wat lewend maak, die vlees is van geen nut nie; die woorde wat Ek tot julle spreek, is gees en is lewe." Johannes 6:63 Regdeur die Bybel en die geskiedenis van die kerk sien ons dat die begin van 'n werk van God in 'n indiwidu of 'n groep mense lewend en kragtig is, omdat die geroepenes nederig en leerbaar is en totaal afhanklik van God. Wat egter keer op keer gebeur is dat dieselfde indiwidue of groep mense (of soms die volgende generasie) wat so kinderlik gehoorsaam was in die begin hulle vertroue begin plaas in ander dinge. Of dit nou is in ons oorwinnings van die verlede, ons superieure kennis van die Bybel, ons ervaring, ons gawes of die feit dat "God darem mos Sy seël op ons groep, gemeente of denominasie gesit het"; ons afhanklikheid het ongemerk geskuif en nou vertrou ons nie meer oomblik vir oomblik op die Heilige Gees om te werk en dinge te verander soos Hý wil nie. Dalk was ons intiem betrokke by 'n werk van restourasie, vernuwing en herstel en het ons eerstehands gesien hoe die Heilige Gees mense roep uit verouderde godsdiens-sisteme om hulle nuwe impetus, vreugde en hoop in Christus te gee. Maar nou het óns die status quo geword en inbeweeg onder die waan dat die Heilige Gees outomaties Sy goedkeuring gaan skenk aan alles wat ons doen. Ons het die "belangrike mense" geword wat die mag in óns hande het. Ons het begin glo dat as God iets gaan doen in die wêreld Hy dit altyd deur ons sal doen, nie deur ander mense of groepe nie. "Want jy sê: Ek is ryk en het verryk geword en het aan niks gebrek nie; en jy weet nie dat dit jy is wat ellendig en beklaenswaardig en arm en blind en naak is nie. Ek raai jou aan om van My te koop goud wat deur vuur gelouter is, sodat jy kan ryk word; en wit klere, dat jy jou kan aantrek en die skande van jou naaktheid nie openbaar word nie; en salf om jou oë te salf, sodat jy kan sien." Openbaring 3:17-18 Tyd dan om nederig te raak en te bely dat ons die Gees begin ignoreer het en die pad van onafhanklikheid begin stap het. Dit is vir seker nie maklik om daar om te draai nie, maar die pad van herstel onder leiding van die Gees is 'n wonderlike en geseënde pad. Mag

God ons almal die nederigheid én die moed gee om te erken as ons nie meer in werklikheid wandel in die wysheid en krag van die Heilige Gees nie. [AT] / DIE VADER SE VOLMAAKTE PLAN "Dit is die Gees wat lewend maak, die vlees is van geen nut nie..." Johannes 6:63 Dit is net die Gees van God wat lewe kan gee en slegs deur Sy aktiwiteit groei die koninkryk van God op aarde. Jesus alleen is die deur tot die volheid van die Gees. Ware geloof in Jesus is 'n onwrikbare oortuiging dat ek nie uit myself die hand van God in beweging kan bring nie. Die Vader stuur Jesus om die weg voor te berei vir die volle aktiwiteit van die Gees. Die Gees verheerlik Jesus en bring sodoende die koninkryk binne die bereik van geloof wat weer die deur oopmaak vir verdere aktiwiteit van die Gees. So groei die koninkryk en op geen ander manier nie. Mag alle ander planne, programme, menslike idees en misplaaste godsdiensywer geheel en al tot niet gaan, want dit staan net in die pad van God se Meersterplan. [AT] / BLUNT AXES ISAIAH 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. JOHN 6:63  "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. GALATIANS 3:3  Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? For those who would effectively chop wood a sharp axe is an absolutely indispensable tool, for the blunter the axe the more energy needs to be expended to get the job done.  It would be a foolish thing to continue chopping with a blunt axe without first sharpening the axe and then resuming your work.  Is this not, however, in effect what we do in so many churches.  We realize there is something fundamentally wrong with the spiritual condition of believers in our church, yet we continue relentlessly with our programs and human organization.  The blunter our spiritual axe becomes the more vigorously we organize and plan, because ‘the show must go on’. The truth of the matter is that if you want spiritual results you need spiritual means and methods.  Proverbs 20 verse 27 says that ‘the spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart’.  In the book of Acts we have a clear picture of organization emanating from life.  This is the biblical pattern.  Believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and everything they did was under the authority of the Holy Spirit.  The church of the living God is not a human company or institution.  There is no substitute for true spiritual life.  If we want to advance the kingdom of God we can only do it in His power and under His authority.  Unless we deny our own wisdom, our own emotional attachments to religious things and our own organizational abilities we will never have true spiritual results.  Now, before you accuse me of raising myriads of questions without giving answers let me add that spiritual power is not some mystical element that only certain really special and super-holy people can obtain.  All those who are in Christ Jesus have free access to all that belongs to Christ.  It is simply a matter of ceasing for a moment your present activities that seem so urgent and turning in faith towards the One who is your bona fide life.  Once you have renewed your fellowship with Him you may again take up your task in the kingdom with a new vitality that will truly be honouring to Him. Quote of the Day:  “For those who would be a sharp tool in the hands of God a fresh spirit is not an option, but an absolute necessity.” /

Joh 6:64 But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)

Joh 6:65 And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."

Vergelyk 2 Kor. 4v6. Die Vader is die Een wat ons harte ken en ondersoek. As Hy nie geestelike honger en 'n afhanklike hart sien nie, sal Hy nie deur die Gees ons oe oopmaak om Jesus as Verlosser te sien en ken nie. Jn. 6v64 se dat daar diegene was wat Jesus gevolg het, maar hulle het nie werklik in Hom geglo op 'n lewende manier nie. Daarom maak Jesus dit baie duidelik dat dissipelskap meer is as net ek wat besluit ek volg Jesus soos wat ek wil en op my terme. Dissipelskap impliseer 'n hart wat onderworpe is aan die kruis en daarom deur die Vader verlig is om die evangelie te kan sien. Ons moet nooit hierdie element in die evangelie afwater nie. Bekering tot God kom voor geloof in Jesus (Hand. 20v21). Die Calviniste verabsoluteer natuurlik soms verse soos daardie en maak dit iets wat net met die Vader te doen het, in plaas van om dit te sien as verse wat ons vermaan om die regte gesindheid teenoor die Vader te he, nl. absolute onderwerping. [AT] /

Joh 6:66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

Joh 6:67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?"

Joh 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

Joh 6:69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

Joh 6:70 Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil."

Joh 6:71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

JOHN 7 TO 12

CHAPTER SEVEN

JOHN 7V1-24

NT LESSONS

1. We need to be wise as serpents, even as Jesus did not endanger His life before the time came for Him to be crucified. Our faith is rooted in the OT…’Feast of Tabernacles’ (7v1-2).

2. Even those closest to us, our very own family, will at times misunderstand the heavenly life and mission (7v3-5).

3. Jesus was clearly under the instructions of the Father and restricted by Him in terms of the time and place of His ministry. We should likewise be restricted…Acts 16v7 (7v6-9).

4. There are many religious people who are hungry for life. Many of them are also held back from openly embracing the New Covenant in a place of fear because of false religious authority. Teaching in the full power of the Spirit will always astound natural man. If Jesus did not claim teaching as His own, but His Father’s, how much more should we make sure that we are under the Word and Spirit in our teaching. Understanding and recognising truth is a matter of an obedient heart in the first place, not the intellect. We can distinguish between true and false teachers by whether they seek the Father’s or their own glory. Religious people can turn very aggressive and violent in a hurry. We should be careful to not have a religious judgment that looks at the outward, but rather judge spiritually and righteously (7v10-24).

5. Religion will keep people confused about the identity of Jesus. Religious leaders will always oppose and try to conceal the true identity of Jesus. We may speak of our heavenly origin, even as Jesus did. We may think and speak in terms of the eternal purpose (7v25-36).

6. We must continue to hold out the promise of fulfillment and overflow in Jesus before the hungry ones in religious circles. We must call them to faith in Jesus alone. The fullness of Jesus is in the realm of the outpoured Spirit (7v37-39).

7. There will always be a mixed reaction to Jesus in religious circles. Even religious leaders will have to acknowledge that no one speaks like Jesus. Religious leaders will always claim their false authority as the standard for truth. True believers stand simply under the Headship of Christ and submit to one another out of reverence for Him. There will always be those who testify of Jesus, even among the false religious leaders (7v40-52). [AT] / CORNE: John 7:1-2 Jesus cannot override man's choice. He could not make the Jews accept Him. 1:3-5 Jesus not only suffered at the hand of the Jews but also his own family. Sometimes the people closest to us in the natural can be the hardest to minister to. 1:6-9 Jesus subjects His power willingly to time. Even though He is Eternal and could do all things, He chose to obey the Father and submit to time restraints. We should also listen to what the Father wants regarding the right time for a specific ministry/thing do be done. 7:10-24 Jesus goes to the feast in the middle of it, after the hearts of the people were exposed about Him. When the true intentions of our hearts are open before God, He speaks the truth concerning what is there and judge righteously. Then we still have a choice how we are going to react on it. We also need to not judge superficially, but righteously. 7:25-36 Jesus revealed that He is God. This fact will until the end be resisted by satan and we must realise that we are also involved in that battle. 7:37-39 Jesus calls the thirsty to come to Him. His provision is life to His children in the form of the Spirit. We can rejoice now that we are not alone, but have the Comforter with us. :40-52

The whole dispute about Jesus' divinity arose because of His natural birthplace. He was judged according to human standards. We often limit ourselves and others because of their natural identity. We must see with God's eyes.

Joh 7:1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.

Joh 7:2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand.

Joh 7:3 So his brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing.

Joh 7:4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world."

Joh 7:5 For not even his brothers believed in him.

Joh 7:6 Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here.

Joh 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.

Joh 7:8 You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come."

Joh 7:9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee.

Joh 7:10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private.

Joh 7:11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, "Where is he?"

Joh 7:12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, "He is a good man," others said, "No, he is leading the people astray."

Joh 7:13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.

Joh 7:14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching.

Joh 7:15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?"

We know from the gospels that Jesus was sometimes called “Rabbi” by His followers (the term literally means, “My teacher, my master”), just as John the Immerser (John the Baptist) was called “rabbi” by his followers (for the latter, see John 3:26). So, in that sense we can answer in the affirmative and say, Yes, Jesus really was a rabbi, and quite a rabbi at that—a rabbi who opened blind eyes (Mark 10:51; John 9:2), raised the dead (John 11:8), walked on water (John 6:25) and had power over nature (Mark 11:21; He is also addressed as rabbi in Matthew 26:25, 49; Mark 9:5; 14:45; John 1:38, 49; 3:2; 4:31). This underscores both the Jewishness of our Savior and the Jewish roots of our faith, especially when we remember that:

• He was called rabbi, not reverend.

• He went to synagogue, not to church.

• He celebrated Passover, not Easter.

In one sense of the word, then, it is right to say that Jesus was a rabbi. On the other hand, official rabbinic ordination (called s’mikha) had not yet been established in Jesus’ day and so, there was no way to become a rabbi in any formal sense of the word. The term rabbi was an informal title of honor and esteem used in Jewish circles, reflecting the way in which a disciple would address his teacher, rather than signifying a formal title associated with public ordination. In that sense of the word, there were no rabbis in Yeshua’s day. /

Joh 7:16 So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.

Joh 7:17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

Joh 7:18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

Joh 7:19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?"

Joh 7:20 The crowd answered, "You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?"

Joh 7:21 Jesus answered them, "I did one work, and you all marvel at it.

Joh 7:22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.

Joh 7:23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well?

Joh 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."

DIE HOË RISIKO VAN HAASTIGE OORDEEL Konings, priesters, skrifgeleerdes, geestelike leiers, politici, en selfs Sy eie familie het almal vir Jesus van Nasaret verkeerd gelees. Vandag nog mis ons maklik Sy voetspore en oordeel ons dikwels veels te vinnig in situasies. Uit tien haastige gevolgtrekkings oor mense se motiewe en die waarheid van ‘n situasie is nege gewoonlik verkeerd. Pasop vir aannames! Jesus gee vir ons Goddelike insig hieroor en ‘n opdrag om te gehoorsaam in Johannes 7 vers 24 “Moenie oordeel volgens wat julle sien nie, maar oordeel ‘n regverdige oordeel.” “Do not form superficial judgements, but form the judgements that are just." (Weymouth) [AT] /

JOHN 7V25-53

Joh 7:25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, "Is not this the man whom they seek to kill?

Joh 7:26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?

Joh 7:27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from."

Joh 7:28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know.

Joh 7:29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me."

Joh 7:30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

Joh 7:31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, "When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?"

Joh 7:32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.

Joh 7:33 Jesus then said, "I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me.

Joh 7:34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come."

Joh 7:35 The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?

Joh 7:36 What does he mean by saying, 'You will seek me and you will not find me,' and, 'Where I am you cannot come'?"

Joh 7:37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

Joh 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

NUWE SPRAAK IN CHRISTUS Nuwe spraak is een van die vele geskenke van die evangelie. 'Hy wat in My glo, soos die Skrif sê: strome van lewende water sal uit sy binneste vloei." Johannes 7:38 Voor ons wedergeboorte was ons duisternis en het ons gepraat uit 'n bron van

duisternis, naamlik die gevalle menslike hart . "Want vroeër was julle duisternis, maar nou is julle lig in die Here—wandel soos kinders van die lig." Efesiërs 5:8 Ons daaglikse voertaal was godslastering, ongeloof, ondankbaarheid, vervloeking, veroordeling, bitterheid, leuens, skinder, growwe en kru woorde en grappe, ligsinnigheid, negatiewe kritiek, afbrekende spraak, verkleinering van ander, ensovoorts. Kortliks, woorde van die dood. In Christus het daar vir ons 'n nuwe wêreld oopgegaan en kan ons nou in geloof ons nuwe spraak ontvang en daarin begin leef. Dan word ons daaglikse voertaal lofprysing, dankbaarheid, seën, opbouende spraak, woorde van vergifnis, wysheid, nederigheid, reinheid, regverdigheid, waarheid, ensovoorts. Kortliks, woorde van die lewe. Hoe lyk dit met jou spraak? Het jy al hierdie kosbare geskenk van die evangelie in geloof vir jouself toegeëien? /

Joh 7:39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

SY AKTIWITEIT, ONS BESKIKBAARHEID "Dit is die Gees wat lewend maak, die vlees is van geen nut nie..." Joh. 6:63 Dit is net die Gees van God wat lewe kan gee en slegs deur Sy aktiwiteit groei die koninkryk op aarde. Jesus alleen is die deur tot die volheid van die Gees. Ware geloof in Jesus is 'n bevestiging van my oortuiging dat ek nie uit myself die hand van God in beweging kan bring nie. Die Vader stuur Jesus om die weg voor te berei vir die volle aktiwiteit van die Gees. Die Gees verheerlik Jesus en bring sodoende die koninkryk binne die bereik van geloof wat weer die deur oopmaak vir verdere aktiwiteit van die Gees. So groei die koninkryk en op geen ander manier nie. Mag alle ander planne, programme, menslike idees en misplaaste godsdiensywer geheel en al tot niet gaan, want dit staan net in die pad van God se Meersterplan. [AT] /

Joh 7:40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This really is the Prophet."

Joh 7:41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Is the Christ to come from Galilee?

Joh 7:42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?"

Joh 7:43 So there was a division among the people over him.

Joh 7:44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

Joh 7:45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?"

Joh 7:46 The officers answered, "No one ever spoke like this man!"

Joh 7:47 The Pharisees answered them, "Have you also been deceived?

Joh 7:48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?

Joh 7:49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."

Joh 7:50 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them,

Joh 7:51 "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?"

Joh 7:52 They replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee."

For an explanation of the reasons why John 7v53 to 8v11 is not included in the text, see John Piper's excellent sermon "Neither do I condemn you."  Here is an excerpt:

In most of your Bibles, you notice that John 7:53to John 8:11is either set off in brackets or is in a footnote. The reason for this is that most New Testament scholars do not think it was part of the Gospel of John when it was first written, but was added centuries later.

For example…

Don Carson, who teaches at Trinity, and is in my view one of the best New Testament scholars in the world, writes, "Despite the best efforts . . . to prove that this narrative was originally part of John's Gospel, the evidence is against [them], and modern English versions are right to rule it off from the rest of the text (NIV) or to relegate it to a footnote (RSV)." (The Gospel According to John, 1991, p. 333)

Bruce Metzger, one of the world's great authorities on the text of the New Testament until his death in 2002: "The evidence for the non-Johannine origin of the periscope of the adulteress is overwhelming." (The Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, 1971, p. 219)

Leon Morris: "The textual evidence makes it impossible to hold that this section is an authentic part of the Gospel." (The Gospel According to John, 1971, p. 882)

Andreas Köstenberger: "This represents overwhelming evidence that the section is non-Johannine." (John, 2004, p. 246)

And Herman Ridderbos: The evidences "point to an unstable tradition that was not originally part of an ecclesiastically accepted text." (The Gospel of John, 1997, p. 286)

I think they are right. And this gives us a chance to spend a little while on the branch of Biblical Studies behind these judgments called Textual Criticism, and its implications for the trustworthiness and authority of the Scriptures. So let me summarize the reasons these scholars give for thinking this the story of the woman taken in adultery was not originally part of John's Gospel, and then give some general thoughts about the science of Textual Criticism that helps make sense of the arguments.

Reasons This Section Isn't Original to John's Gospel

The evidence goes something like this:

1. The story is missing from all the Greek manuscripts of John before the fifth century.

2. All the earliest church fathers omit this passage in commenting on John and pass directly from John 7:52to John 8:12.

3. In fact, the text flows very nicely from 7:52 to 8:12 if you leave out the story and just read the passage as though the story were not there.

4. No Eastern church father cites the passage before the tenth century when dealing with this Gospel.

5. When the story starts to appear in manuscript copies of the Gospel of John, it shows up in three different places other than here (after 7:36; 7:44; and 21:25), and in one manuscript of Luke, it shows up after 21:38.

6. Its style and vocabulary is more unlike the rest of John's Gospel than any other paragraph in the Gospel.

Joh 7:53 [[They went each to his own house,

CHAPTER EIGHT

JOHN 8V1-27

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus lived for the will of His Father, not for His own house.  He had nowhere to lay His head on this earth.  We who have Him within us now should likewise not become too comfotable on this earth. Religion condemns, but Christ pardons and delivers (7v53-8v9).  2.  Jesus first frees us from condemnation and then He gives us new power and a new commandment to cease sinning (8v10-11).  3.  Jesus is life and He gives light to all who follow Him. Religion can only judge according to the flesh, for its reference is always self.  Jesus judges truly, for His reference is His Father and the will of His Father alone.  Jesus continues to speak to religion from the heavenly and eternal perspective.  Religion does not know Jesus or the Father (8v12-20).  4.  Unless we acknowledge the heavenly mission of Jesus and our own earthly bondage to sin and pride we will die in our sin.  Unless God opens our eyes we will never understand the heavenly mission of Jesus (8v21-27).  5.  The Cross made the mission of Jesus clear and revealed to man that only by dying to self can we receive the heavenly gift of salvation.  In His death we see our own.  The Cross draws unbelievers into belief (8v28-30).  6. Yet belief must be tested by our willingness to abide in the Word...the will of the Father.  There can be no true discipleship without a constant yieldedness to the Word. Only thus will we know life-transforming truth.  Religious people easily forget that the real slavery is to sin.  Religion can blind us to our own sin, because of the terrible character of self-righteousness. The goal of all faith is the Father’s house.  Only those who have been set free from sin are sons and will abide in the Father house forever.  And only Jesus can truly set us free from sin (8v31-36). 7. Religion's real father is the devil, even though they may claim to know God the Father...Eph. 2v1-3. Religion will always try to kill the truth and the speaker of the truth, because its origin is satanic. Religious people cannot hear Jesus and will only yield once they turn away from self-

righteousness and embrace Jesus as their only righteousness. The devil is a liar and deceives religious people all the time (8v37-44). 8. Those whose hearts are correctly positioned before God will hear the Gospel and believe. Religious people are self-righteous and cannot hear the voice of Life. Religious people will often accuse those in life of being demon possessed. Jesus always pointed towards His Father, and we should point to Jesus as our Source and righteousness when confronted by religious people. Those who hear Jesus and honour His Word we shall never see the second death (8v45-51). 9. Religion will always hold on to their traditions and their history without seeing that that very history actually points to Jesus. Religion cannot stand the truth of the Deity of Jesus and the revelation of Sonship (8v52-59).

CORNE: 7:53 en 8:1-9 People gravitate towards their own interests, but Jesus towards His Father. While the people slept in their own houses, Jesus spent time with His Father on the Mount of Olives. From this place He ministers to the woman caught in adultery. We should be often in the Father's presence :10-11 Jesus does not condemn, He convicts. Neither should we condemn. :12-20 The words Jesus spoke concerning His true identity was spoken in the treasury of the temple. This shows us what is the true value-His identity as God's Son and also therefore our true identity as God's children. 8:21-27 Jesus exposes the true wickedness of the religious. They could not accept Him as born of God and are from the earth. We will also not be accepted in this world. :28-30 The revelation of the cross brings us to a point of decision, we must decide for or against God. :31-36 Jesus speaks to the Jews of freedom. It must have been a foreign concept to them, because they only knew how to keep the law. Thank you Lord for writing the law of liberty in our hearts! 8:37-44 The works that Jesus did, originated from the Father. The works of the ones who persecuted Jesus, originated with the devil. The Source of our works and life is God, and what we do and are is either fruit of our dependence and abiding in Him, or from our own sinful flesh, or it can be instigated from outside ourselves, namely by the devil. :45-51 Because God is our Father, we are connected to Him and can discern Truth. Satan is the father of lies and therefore it is impossible for unbelievers to discern the truth, unless God gives them discernment. To them the wisdom from above is foolishness, even demonic. That's why they said Jesus was demon possessed. If He were subjected to such persecution, we will also be. Innocence can often be offensive to sinners. That's why they replied to Jesus' statement that He is without sin, that He was worthless (a Samaritan and demon possessed). That shows us the power of innocence-it will always create a stir in the spiritual. :52-59 Jesus explicitly states his true identity as God. There could be no doubt in the minds of the ones

he spoke to what He was saying. The power of our lives lies in knowing who we are. We cannot be shaken if we are standing on the firm ground of God's Fatherhood. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Joh 8:1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

Joh 8:2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.

Joh 8:3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst

Joh 8:4 they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.

Joh 8:5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?"

Joh 8:6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.

Joh 8:7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."

Joh 8:8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground.

Joh 8:9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

Joh 8:10 Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

Joh 8:11 She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."]]

Joh 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

DISSIPELS VAN MENSE “En Jesus het weer met hulle gespreek en gesê: Ek is die lig van die wêreld; wie My volg, sal sekerlik nie in die duisternis wandel nie, maar sal die lig van die lewe hê.” Johannes 8:12 Hoekom is dit dat so baie mense wat hulleself vandag Christene noem geestelik in die donker rond tas en so maklik verward raak en net eenvoudig saamgaan met die “winde van lering” wat hele gemeentes in ons tyd op ‘n dwaalspoor neem? In Johannes 8 sê Jesus met absolute outoriteit die wat Hom volg “sal sekerlik nie in die duisternis wandel nie”. Die frase wat ons maklik kan mis hier, omdat ons dink dit is ‘n gegewe, is “wie My volg”. Om Jesus te volg beteken dat my lojaliteit bo alles en almal by Jesus en Sy Woord is. Al sou almal rondom my wegval, moet ek kan staan onder die Here se heerskappy. Dit kan net gebeur as ek ‘n intieme, persoonlike verhouding met Hom het en as daardie verhouding my mees kosbare kleinood is. Miskien is dit omdat ons generasie derduisende dissipels van kerke en kerkleiers maak, in plaas van dissipels van Jesus, dat daar soveel kompromie en afvalligheid is. Hê respek vir goddelike en Bybelse leierskap, maar moenie dissipels van mense word nie. Dan bou jy op stof. Bou eerder op die Rots wat vir ewig sal bly staan, Jesus Christus. [AT] / BLIND VIR ONS EIE BLINDEKOLLE "Want by U is die fontein van die lewe; in u lig sien ons die lig." Ps. 36:10 "In Hom was lewe, en die lewe was die lig van die mense." Joh. 1:4 "En Jesus het weer met hulle gespreek en gesê: Ek is die lig van die wêreld; wie My volg, sal sekerlik nie in die duisternis wandel nie, maar sal die lig van die lewe hê." Joh. 8:12 Ons is almal met dubbele blindheid gebore. Nie net het ons blindekolle wat hardnekkig saam met ons loop op die lewenspad nie, maar ons is ook sonder uitsondering blind vir ons eie blindekolle. Ja sekerlik kan ons in oomblikke van ongewone eerlikheid en deursigtigheid met 'n kwalik verskanste self-bewustheid 'n mate van erkenning gee aan die areas van ons karakter wat so onverklaarbaar ons 'perfekte self-oordeel' onstnap het. Maar wanneer die lig van Christus deur die krag van die Gees 'n slag ons binnewêreld ordentlik verlig, moet ons erken dat ons eintlik maar amper totaal blind is vir ons eie blindekolle. Op die grond en sterkte van die nuwe geboorte in Christus bring ons hemelse Vader stadig maar seker deur die Gees van Christus vir ons 'n ware visie van ons inherente blindheid vir ons eie blindekolle? Hoekom is dit nodig? Kan ons nie maar net leer van ons nuwe identiteit in Christus nie? Nee. Ons Vader is te lief vir ons om ons te laat leef in die waan van self-misleiding wat kleef aan alle vlees op hierdie gevalle

planeet. Hy wil ons speen van álle self-vertroue sodat ons in wérklikheid kan leef uit ons nuwe identiteit in Christus, sonder 'n vermenging van die ou en die nuwe. Slegs dan breek die krag van die nuwe skepping volledig deur in die helder lig van God se heerlikheid en kan ons al die kosbare beloftes van God in Sy Seun waarlik in besit neem. As ons hierdie waarheid glo en onvoorwaardelik omhels, sal dit nie net in ons eie lewe en verhoudings radikale veranderings inlui nie, maar dit sal ook 'n rewolusie in ons gemeentes teweeg bring. [AT] / STAP SAAM “Ek sal julle nie as wese agterlaat nie; Ek kom weer na julle toe.” Johannes 14:18 Wat ‘n kosbare belofte gee Jesus hier in Johannes 14 vir Sy dissipels! Net soos hulle vir drie en ‘n half jaar saam met Hom gestap het in Sy bediening op aarde was dit vir hulle (en vir ons) beskore om die reis voort te sit saam met Hom die oomblik wat hulle die Heilige Gees ontvang het. Jesus is in ons en by ons deur die Gees en Hy vra maar net dat ons saam met Hom sal stap sodat Hy ‘n gevalle wêreld kan bedien deur ons as Sy liggaam. Dit is in eenvoudige terme wat dit beteken om “deur die Gees gelei” te word. Ons probleem is egter dat ons generasie dink (en dikwels geleer word) dat die geseënde lewe daaroor gaan dat Jesus saam met óns stap. Dit is verkeerde kant om en is ‘n fatale oordeelsfout. Hy is die Here en ons die dissipels. Ons moet Hom volg waar Hý lei. Dit is absurd om te verwag dat Hy óns moet volg. Soos met die Émmaüsgangers in Lukas 24 sal Jesus wel met tye Homself op ‘n besonderse manier openbaar aan ons op ons lewenspad, maar die doel daarmee is altyd dat ons Hóm dan meer toegewyd moet begin volg. Die kragtige werking van God in die boek Handelinge is maar net die gevolg van dissipels en gemeentes wat hierdie waarheid verstaan het. Hulle het geweet dat die absolute prioriteit van hulle lewens was om deur die Woord, gebed en gemeenskap die rigting waarin Jesus stap te onderskei en dan te volg in kinderlike gehoorsaamheid. Verstaan ons dit? [AT] /

Joh 8:13 So the Pharisees said to him, "You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true."

Joh 8:14 Jesus answered, "Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.

Joh 8:15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.

Joh 8:16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.

Joh 8:17 In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true.

Joh 8:18 I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me."

Joh 8:19 They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."

Joh 8:20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Joh 8:21 So he said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come."

Joh 8:22 So the Jews said, "Will he kill himself, since he says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come'?"

Joh 8:23 He said to them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

Joh 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."

Joh 8:25 So they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been telling you from the beginning.

Joh 8:26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him."

Joh 8:27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father.

JOHN 8V28-59

Joh 8:28 So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.

Joh 8:29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him."

Joh 8:30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

THE FAITH THAT FAILS THE TEST John 8:30-33   " As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'   They answered Him,  "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone.  How can you say, 'You will be made free'?"  The gracious words of the Son of God drew many to Him and persuaded them of His holy mission.  Nevertheless,  Jesus was quick to point out to those who believed, that only those who 'abide' in His word, are truly His disciples.  The word 'abide' carries the meaning of habitual submission to the will of  God as revealed in his Son.  'For they are not all Israel who are of Israel' (Rom. 9:6).  We see thus a very important principle in the Word of  God.  Not all so called faith is true faith. The primary reason why the Jews did not recognize their own Messiah when He came to them  (John 1:11) is vividly revealed in our text...'we are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone.'   They trusted in their religious association with Abraham, a man of true faith.  The terrible truth was however that most of them did not have their own faith, but were leaning heavily on another's faith.  And so it is today in the Christian church.  The principle still applies and it is a terrifying reality.  Most of the Christian denominations were started by godly men who were true disciples of Jesus.  Not long after their death however people began to trust in their allegiance to that denomination and the pioneer of it instead of having their own personal faith in Jesus Christ. What are you holding on to?  Let me emphatically and earnestly warn you today that only a total abandon to and complete trusting in Jesus alone will stand the test of faith! There are no denominations in heaven, only individuals.  Each man shall bear his own burden (Gal. 6:5).  There are undoubtedly thousands in Christian denominations who have no personal relationship with Jesus.  Be absolutely sure that your faith is the faith revealed in the Bible.  Trust no man's words in this

matter.  Turn to God and His Word and make sure for yourself.  Here is a simple test: do you desire God's will deep within you more than anything else in life, or do you only care for God's love and His temporal blessings?  Examine yourself (2 Cor. 13:5).  It is a matter of eternal consequence! Quote of the Day:  "If your religion does not make you holy, it will damn you. It is simply painted pageantry to go to hell in."   C.H. Spurgeon /

Joh 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

ONGERED, ONGEHOORSAAM OF ONGESTELD Ware dissipels van Jesus het nie net vir Hom lief nie, maar ook sy Woord. Om die waarheid te sê die twee kan nie van mekaar geskei word nie. Hulle mag nie van mekaar geskei word nie! Jesus self word "die Woord" genoem (Joh. 1:1 en 14; Openb. 19:13) in die Bybel. As ek werk met die Bybel moet ek rekening hou met Jesus en as ek Jesus wil volg, kan ek net in die Bybel vind wat dit beteken om 'n ware volgeling te wees. "En Jesus sê vir die Jode wat in Hom geglo het: As julle in my woord bly, is julle waarlik my dissipels." Joh. 8:31 Sê jy "ek het Jesus lief en is lojaal aan Hom", dan moet jy ook terselfdertyd kan sê "ek het sy woord lief en is lojaal daaraan". So wat dan gemaak met 'n situasie vandag waar duisende sê hulle het 'n verhouding met Jesus, maar hulle lees omtrent nooit die Bybel of neem dit enigsins ernstig op nie? Duisende sê hulle is wedergebore, maar het nog nooit eers een van die 66 Bybelboeke deurgelees of werklik moeite gedoen om self die Bybel te begin bestudeer en gehoorsaam nie. Het alle ware dissipels van Jesus 'n aptyt vir sy Woord of net party van hulle? Dit is nie eers 'n moeilike vraag om te antwoord nie. Die Bybel is duidelik dat alle ware dissipels 'n honger vir die Woord het. As jy dit nie het nie is een van drie dinge waar van jou lewe. Jy is of ongered, of ongehoorsaam, of ongesteld. Ongeredde mense het 'n aptyt vir baie dinge in die wêreld, maar jy kan hulle nooit werklik opgewonde kry oor die Bybel nie. Dit bly iets vaag en verwyder van hulle daaglikse lewe en prioriteite. Dit is die pastoor of dominee se domein, nie hulle s'n nie. Ongehoorsame dissipels word van binne gedring deur die Heilige Gees om erns te maak met die Bybel, maar daar is altyd 'n honderd en tien ander dinge wat eers aandag moet kry. Dit is 'n gevaarlike kondisie en as jy volhard daarin word jy uiteindelik ongesteld. Mense wat fisies siek is verloor hulle aptyt vir kos. As jy volhard in ongehoorsaamheid word jy geestelik siek, wat beteken dat jy jou aptyt vir die Woord verloor. Dan is dit krities belangrik dat jy dit sal bely en jou bekeer van jou ongehoorsaamheid met dade wat volg. So waar staan jy met die Bybel? Is jy ongered, ongehoorsaam, ongesteld, of koester jy die woord van Jesus soos wat jy Hom koester en liefhet? [AT] / 'N WOORDREWOLUSIE BEGIN BY JOU Dit is tyd vir ons om 'n radikale breuk te maak met die middeleeue waar net die priesters die

Bybel gehad het en dit met opset moeilik gemaak het sodat mense nie geestelik ingelig kon wees om uit die greep van die Rooms Katolieke kerk te ontsnap nie.  Geen wonder dat dit die donker eeue genoem is nie. Het dit egter nog enigiets te doen met ons hier in die 21ste eeu?  'n Paar eenvoudige vrae kan dalk help om ten minste vir jou as indiwidu lig te gee daaroor, ongeag wat in jou gemeente aangaan.  Het jy al ooit werklik eienaarskap geneem van al 66 boeke van die Bybel? Glo jy dat God jou persoonlik kan, en wil, bedien uit elkeen van daardie boeke? Het jy al ten minste die Nuwe Testament selfs net een keer deurgelees? Het jy 'n gunsteling boek of twee uit die Ou en Nuwe Testament? Lees jy ooit die Bybel vir jou familie? Bespreek jy die Bybel met jou gesin? Pas julle dit prakties toe as 'n daaglikse realiteit in woord (gesprekke) en daad as 'n spontane leefstyl sonder om te verval in vormgodsdiens of om mekaar te beskuldig van prekerigheid? Is jy oop en toeganklik vir 'n radikale Woordkultuur onder gewone mense of is dit vir jou gerieflik en gemaklik om aan te hou glo dit is die domein van die "professionele mense"?  Wat is jou antwoord? Leef jý nog in die donker eeue? God sal jou beide die begeerte en vermoë gee om uit daardie historiese tronk te breek, want dit ís Sy wil vir jou! Hy wil hê jy moet in die krag van die Gees sy Woord liefhê, bedink, bespreek, en prakties toepas in jou gesin en gemeente elke dag van die week. Moenie wag vir ander mense nie. Begin jý die rewolusie in jou gesin en gemeente. God self sál jou toerus en bekragtig vir hierdie taak. Begin net te lees! [AT] / DIE UNIVERSELE BANK VAN SEËNINGE Aan die begin van ‘n nuwe jaar dink almal oor die verloop van hulle lewens en wat dit beteken om ‘n geseënde jaar te beleef. Dit is ook dan die tyd wat familie en vriende seëninge oor mekaar uitspreek vir die jaar wat voorlê. ‘n Mens wonder soms of daar regtig outoriteit is agter hierdie seëninge wat ons oor mekaar uitspreek? Beteken dit werklik iets of is dit maar net bedoel om ‘n aangename gevoel van welwillendheid by die ontvanger te skep wat vir so ‘n dag of twee hou? Die waarheid is dat daar slegs outentieke seëninge kan kom van die Vader van ons Here Jesus Christus, die Koning en soewereine Heerser van die heelal. Al Sý seëninge is eksklusief en alleenlik te vinde in Sy Seun. Hy roep almal wat ware seën wil beleef op met die woorde: “Dit is my geliefde Seun, luister na Hom!” (Markus 9:7) Die wat deur die wedergeboorte “in Christus” is, is alrééds geseën met “alle geestelike seëninge in die hemele”. Hierdie seëninge is egter soos onbeperkte fondse wat vir ons beskikbaar is in die “Universele Bank van Seëninge”. Ons kan slegs die volle voordeel daarvan beleef as ons “die woord van Christus ryklik in ons laat woon” (Kol. 3:16). Dit is net in die Naam van Jesus wat ek by hierdie wonderlike hemelse “bank” kan trek wat ek nodig het vir seën in hierdie lewe. En dit is net diegene wat die woord van Christus lees en bewaar wat weet wat vir hulle beskikbaar is in Hom en sodoende die heerlike voordeel van hulle hemelse bankrekening kan beleef. Hierdie seëninge stel ons nie net in staat om ‘n geseënde lewe van “vrede en blydskap” (Rom. 14:17) te leef nie, maar ook om ‘n seën vir ander te wees. So hoe sal ek dan jou en jou geliefdes seën vir 2016? Miskien kan ek dit doen met ‘n vraag of twee. Het die “woord van Christus” ruim plek in jou hart soos wat jy volhard in die lees van die Bybel? Indien nie, is jy van plan om hierdie jaar gedissiplineerd die Bybel te lees met ‘n verwagting om die volle seën van God se koninkryk te sien in jou lewe? Op geen ander manier kan Jesus nommer Een wees in jou hart en lewe nie (Joh. 8:31) en as dit nie realiseer nie kan

jy nie werklik ‘n geseënde jaar beleef nie, selfs al sou elke mens op die planeet persoonlik en spesifiek ‘n seën oor jou uitspreek. Mag die Heilige Gees jou oprig in ‘n nuwe liefde vir die Woord en ‘n dissipline om dit jou eie te maak deur ‘n heerlike en vrugbare Godgegewe volharding. [AT] / KERK DISSIPEL OF JESUS DISSIPEL? “En Jesus sê vir die Jode wat in Hom geglo het: As julle in my woord bly, is julle waarlik my dissipels.” Johannes 8:31 (OAV) “Toe sê Jesus vir die Jode wat in Hom glo: “As julle aan my woorde getrou bly, is julle waarlik my dissipels.” Johannes 8:31 (NAV) Jesus maak dit baie duidelik in hierdie vers dat sý dissipels ‘n direkte verhouding het met sy Woord. So vroeg soos die Roomse institusionalisering van die kerk het die kerk dissipel al grootskaals begin toeneem en die Jesus dissipel het so skaars soos hoendertande geword. ‘n Kerk dissipel is eenvoudig iemand wat Sondag vir Sondag na preke kan luister en sy gewete daarmee sus dat hy nie nodig het om self die Bybel te lees, bestudeer en gehoorsaam nie. Sy verwantskap met die kerk gee vir hom die idee dat hy self outomaties ook ‘n intieme verwantskap met Jesus het sonder ‘n persoonlike liefde en waardering vir die Woord van Christus. Dit is ‘n baie ernstige, maar ongelukkig ook ‘n baie algemene misleiding. Oor die hele spektrum van jarelange getroue lidmate van gemeentes tot die groeiende getal belydende Christene wat glad nie betrokke is by enige plaaslike gemeente nie is daar ‘n kultuur van kerk dissipelskap wat persoonlike verhouding met Jesus deur middel van ‘n diepgaande omgang met sy Woord opsioneel maak. So asof ek via ‘n pastoor of dominee se geloof en Bybelstudie (of die televisie predikers s’n) ‘n tipe van geestelike osmose met die Bybel kan beleef wat my eie verhouding met die Woord van Christus geheel en al oorbodig maak. Ek wil jou dan reguit vra: Is jy ‘n kerk dissipel of ‘n Jesus dissipel? Miskien is jy al vir dekades lank ‘n kerk dissipel. God nooi selfs vir jou vandag uit om ‘n Jesus dissipel te word. Moet asseblief nie ‘n self-verdedigende houding inneem t.o.v. my vraag aan jou nie. Kies die pad van nederige erkenning. Dit is so verfrissend en vervullend om te beleef hoe die Heilige Gees ‘n mens leer uit die Bybel wanneer jy self erns begin maak met die Skrifte en dit ís God se uitgesproke en neergepende wil ook vir jou. Jou daaglikse omgang met die Woord in kinderlike afhanklikheid sal jou vinniger by geestelike volwassenheid bring as dekades se tweedehandse kontak met Goddelike openbaring. So sal jy ook dan vind dat jou waardering van die lering wat jy in die gemeente ontvang vir jou baie meer betekenisvol en vervullend raak. Mits dit Skrifgetroue en Christus-gesentreerde lering is. Slegs d.m.v. jou nuutgevonde persoonlike avontuur in die Woord sal jy dit ook met tyd kan begin onderskei. Anders bly jy maar ‘n slaaf van wat ookal vir jou opgedis word as geestelike voedsel en as jou gemeente of denominasie ernstig begin dwaal is jy en jou gesin in die middel van die spervuur sonder die vermoë

om die geestelike verwoesting wat onvermydelik gaan volg, mis te loop. [AT] /

Joh 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Joh 8:33 They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.

Joh 8:35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.

Joh 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

BEVRYDING VAN DIE MAG VAN SONDE: Die Vader het volkome versoening gemaak vir ons om te heers oor die mag van die sonde. In Christus het ons gesterf vir die sonde en is ons nou, vandag, in die hede, lewend vir God en vir alles wat Hy in en deur ons lewens wil doen en demonstreer aan ‘n verlore wêreld wat vasgevang is onder die mag van die sonde en die dood. Ons Vader het reeds die oorwinning gebring in Sy Seun. Ons het egter nodig om in nederigheid en geloof te reageer op die vrymakende krag van die evangelie (Rom. 12v1-2).Jn. 8v34-36 Jesus antwoord hulle: Voorwaar, voorwaar Ek sê vir julle dat elkeen wat die sonde doen, ‘n dienskneg van die sonde is. En die dienskneg bly nie vir altyd in die huis nie; die seun bly vir altyd. As die Seun julle dan vrygemaak het, sal julle waarlik vry wees. (OAV) Rom. 5v17 “Die oortreding van hierdie een mens, Adam, het veroorsaak dat die dood oor ons regeer, maar deur die een mens, Jesus Christus, word vir ons nog veel meer gegee: Almal wat God se oorvloedige genadegeskenk van vryspraak ontvang, sal koninklik oor die sonde en die dood triomfeer.” (NLV) Rom. 6v14 “Die sonde mag hoegenaamd nie oor julle heerskappy voer nie. Julle leef immers nie meer onder die verslawende mag van die wet nie, maar onder die bevrydende mag van die genade.” (NLV) DAAROM: “Maak dood dan julle lede wat op die aarde is….” (Kol. 3v5) “Beklee julle dan, as uitverkorenes van God, heiliges en geliefdes, met innerlike ontferming, goedertierenheid, nederigheid, sagmoedigheid, lankmoedigheid.” (Kol. 3v12) [AT] /

Joh 8:37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you.

Joh 8:38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father."

Joh 8:39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did,

GROEPSAFSLAG VIR 'N KAARTJIE HEMEL TOE? "Hulle antwoord en sê vir Hom: Ons vader is Abraham. Jesus sê vir hulle: As julle die kinders van Abraham was, sou julle die werke van Abraham doen...toe sê hulle vir Hom: Ons is nie uit ontug gebore nie; ons het een Vader, naamlik God. En Jesus sê vir hulle: As God julle Vader was, sou julle My liefhê..." Johannes 8:39-42 Hierdie gedeelte in Johannes 8 bevat 'n profetiese boodskap, nie net vir die Jode van die tyd nie, maar ook vir alle "godsdienstige" mense oral en vir alle tye. Die Jode het gedink omdat hulle deel was van die sogenaamde "verbondsgemeenskap" as gevolg van hulle besnydenis en omdat hulle deur natuurlike afstamming "kinders van Abraham" was dat hulle outomaties oppad was hemel toe en God as Vader gehad het. In vers 44 antwoord Jesus hulle egter met 'n verstommende stelling, "julle het die duiwel as vader". Wat maar net beteken dat hulle nog nie die ware wedergeboorte deur die Gees van God beleef het nie en steeds onlosmaaklik verbind was aan die "wet van die sonde en die dood" via die gevalle Adam. Dit is net persoonlike bekering tot God en geloof in Jesus wat red. Geen verwantskap met enige groep, gemeente, denominasie, of tradisie het enige krag of vermoë om te red nie. Daar gaan nie kerke of denominasies in die hemel wees nie, net ware dissipels van Jesus. Geen ritueel of sakrament kan red nie en niemand sal God ooit sien op grond van hulle ouers of leiers se geloof nie. "Vertrou nie op prinse, op die mensekind, by wie geen heil is nie. Sy gees gaan uit, hy keer terug na sy aarde toe; op daardie dag is dit met sy planne gedaan. Welgeluksalig is hy wat die God van Jakob het as sy hulp, wie se hoop is op die Here sy God" (Ps. 146:3-5). Net die hart wat draai téén die sonde in bekering en ná Christus in geloof, onder invloed van die Heilige Gees se oortuiging deur verkondiging van die suiwer evangelie kan ooit die reddende genade van God in waarheid beleef. Maak honderd persent seker dat jou geloof in Christus alleen is. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand." [AT] /

Joh 8:40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did.

Joh 8:41 You are doing the works your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father--even God."

Joh 8:42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.

Joh 8:43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word.

Joh 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Joh 8:45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.

Joh 8:46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?

Joh 8:47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God."

1Jn 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. /

Joh 8:48 The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?"

Joh 8:49 Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.

Joh 8:50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.

Joh 8:51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."

Joh 8:52 The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, 'If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.'

Joh 8:53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?"

Joh 8:54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.'

Joh 8:55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word.

Joh 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad."

Joh 8:57 So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"

Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."

Joh 8:59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

CHAPTER NINE

JOHN 9V1-13

NT LESSONS

1. Earlier in John a man was sick because of his sin. Jesus told him to sin no more so that something worse would not happen to him. Here we see someone who is sick, but not because of anyone's sin. He was sick by the Sovereign arrangement of God, so that God could demonstrate His power to heal and the Lordship of Christ. We must beware of trite and easy answers for people's sickness (9v1-3).

2. Only the light of Jesus can dispel the darkness on this planet. This is why we must cling so closely to Him and have an intimate relationship with Him. It is the only way for us to be light...Mt. 5v14. Jesus is the only One who can open blind eyes. This is also a spiritual picture. When we go to Jesus for healing or any other request for divine intervention we must listen carefully and then obey Him implicitly. Our testimonies about breakthrough should always be truthful and center on Jesus and His power. True salvations and miracles will get religion's attention (9v4-13).

3. Once again Jesus heals on the Sabbath, proving He is the Sabbath, but provoking religion. The manifestation of life brings confusion amongst religious people. Religion will always persecute those who have been freed by Jesus. Those who stand up and testify boldly concerning the power and identity of Jesus will be cast out of the systems and institutions of religion (9v14-34).

4. Jesus is always ready to receive those who have been rejected by religion. If they believe fully into Him they will receive life in abundance (9v35-38).

5. The coming of Jesus is a judgment on all religion and self-righteousness. Those who seem to be the seeing will remain blind unless they acknowledge that they cannot see anything without Jesus. Those who confess they are blind because of sin will receive their sight by the power of Jesus (9v39-41). /

CORNE: John 9:1-3 When the Lord does a miracle, it is always about manifesting His glory. People want to concentrate on the reason why things went wrong, but God wants to focus on the eternal purpose: the manifestation of Christ. :4-13 The miracle Jesus did, was to express the fact that He was the light of the world. It is so beautiful and fitting that He used the healing of a blind man to do this. That is also why we must pray Paul's prayer that the eyes of our hearts may be flooded with light, so that we may 'see' Him, just as the blind man did. 9:14-34 It has never been recorded up to that time that a man born blind has been healed and received his sight. Imagine the stir it caused! Jesus spoke so clearly through this miracle, revealing Himself as God and showing people that from Him alone came true sight, yet the religious people questioned where He was from. They did not have faith and were unbroken and proud. That is why God's light could not break through into their hearts. How amazing is God's grace, but it can only be revealed to the humble and contrite! The Pharisees could not stand the free, and expelled the man who was healed. Religion still persecutes those who received light and was healed in body or soul. :35-38 Jesus is close to the brokenhearted and outcasts. He goes and finds the man that was healed, when He heard that he was persecuted. The result was an even greater revelation of Who the Lord is to this man's heart. If we humble ourselves and cast ourselves n the Lord's mercy, we will always know Him more, even though we are persecuted. :39-41 The revelation of the Life of Christ always confronts and judges the heart of man. The Pharisees were unwilling to be broken and humble and say that they do not know. Therefore they were not able to see and their sin remained. May we be humble and willing to be molded so that we may receive light.

Joh 9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.

'N GENERASIE MET BAIE LIG, MAAR MIN SIG In die evangelie van Johannes is Jesus se opening van die oë van 'n man wat blind gebore is (Johannes 9) een van sewe wonderwerke (tekens) wat bewys dat Hy die Seun van God is. Hierdie opening van die oë van 'n blinde man het plaasgevind te midde van mense wat geroem het daarop dat hulle die Tanakh (die letterlike woorde van God) in hulle besit het en dat hulle daarom anders as alle ander mense was. Jesus gebruik egter die teken van die opening van 'n blinde man se oë om vir hulle in effek te sê "lig is nie gelyk aan sig nie"! Net die wat na Jesus kom en die knie buig voor Hom ontvang sig om dan dinamies om te gaan met lig. En terloops, net

die wie se knieë gebuig bly, behou hulle sig! Baie jare na Jesus die man se oë tydens Sy bediening op aarde oopgemaak het, sien Johannes op die eiland Patmos 'n gesig van die verheerlikte Jesus wat tussen sewe van Sy gemeentes deurloop met "oë soos 'n vuurvlam". Vir een van hierdie gemeentes sê Jesus dan "Want jy sê: Ek is ryk en het verryk geword en het aan niks gebrek nie; en jy weet nie dat dit jy is wat ellendig en beklaenswaardig en arm en blind en naak is nie. Ek raai jou aan om van My te koop goud wat deur vuur gelouter is, sodat jy kan ryk word; en wit klere, dat jy jou kan aantrek en die skande van jou naaktheid nie openbaar word nie; en salf om jou oë te salf, sodat jy kan sien" (Openbaring 3:17-18). Let op dat Jesus hier met een van Sy gemeentes praat. Maar die boodskap is presies dieselfde as wat Hy deur die opening van die oë van die blinde man vir die Jode probeer gee het toe Hy op aarde was, naamlik "lig is nie gelyk aan sig nie"! Net die "salf" wat Jesus gee, kan geestelike blindheid genees. Ons generasie het meer toegang (deur die internet en moderne media) tot Bybelkennis (lig) as enige generasie voor ons in die geskiedenis, maar het ons geestelike sig of is ons soos blindes wat met kragtige flitse in ons hande rondloop en roem in die superieure tegnologie van ons flitse? As ons nie geestelike krag het nie is daar net een werklike oorsaak en dit is dat ons met al ons lig, nie sig het nie. Kan iets meer tragies wees? Is dit nie tyd vir ons om uit te roep na God om ons generasie van gelowiges geestelike sig te gee nie? /

Joh 9:2 And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

Joh 9:3 Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Joh 9:4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

Joh 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Joh 9:6 Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud

Joh 9:7 and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

Joh 9:8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?"

Joh 9:9 Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." He kept saying, "I am the man."

Joh 9:10 So they said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?"

Joh 9:11 He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed and received my sight."

Joh 9:12 They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

Joh 9:13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.

JOHN 9V14-41

Joh 9:14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.

Joh 9:15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."

Joh 9:16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them.

Joh 9:17 So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

Joh 9:18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight

Joh 9:19 and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"

Joh 9:20 His parents answered, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.

Joh 9:21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself."

Joh 9:22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.)

Joh 9:23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."

Joh 9:24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "GIVE GLORY TO GOD. We know that this man is a sinner."

(JOSHUA 7:19) /

Joh 9:25 He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."

Joh 9:26 They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

Joh 9:27 He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?"

Joh 9:28 And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.

Joh 9:29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from."

Joh 9:30 The man answered, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes.

Joh 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.

Joh 9:32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.

Joh 9:33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

Joh 9:34 They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

Joh 9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

Joh 9:36 He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?"

Joh 9:37 Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you."

Joh 9:38 He said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

Joh 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind."

Joh 9:40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?"

Joh 9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains.

CHAPTER TEN

JOHN 10V1-21

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus is the only legitimate door to the sheep. Jesus follows the Father's way explicitly and does not access the sheepfold from an illegitimate individualistic angle. Religion has many doors, but in truth

there is only one door. Jesus leads His own out of religion into life. His sheep know His voice. He leads them to green pastures. (10v1-9)

2. Satan's stealing, killing, and destroying is especially potent in the realm of religion. He uses false shepherds in religion to destroy lives and steal destinies. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and true under-shepherds will do the same. Hirelings flee when satan begins to wreak havoc with the flock. Our safety is in knowing Jesus and being known by Him. Jesus brings Jews and Gentiles into one flock and under one Shepherd...cf. Eph. 2v11-22. The Cross is the central converging power of the flock of the good Shepherd. Religion does not understand the Cross and will always malign it. True seekers will cherish it, however...1 Cor. 1v22-24 (10v10-21).

3. Jesus does not reveal Himself to religious people who refuse to hear with spiritual ears and believe. He states plainly that His sheep do hear His voice and that they are safe in His hand and in His Father's hand (10v22-30).

4. This spiritual reality will always exasperate religion and cause them to want to kill spiritual people. Religion cannot assimilate the truth of sonship. Jesus ignores their hatred and continues to reveal His union with the Father and the truth about sonship (10v31-39)

5. Signs and wonders will not necessarily bring people to faith, but a truthful testimony about Jesus is powerful and will draw many to Him (10v40-41).

CORNE: 10:1-9 Jesus Himself is the door. This means that through Him we can find true rest and protection, and only through Him can we go out to find true pastures. Any other way will leave us hungry and vulnerable. :10-21 Jesus set us the examplenof humbling Himself to become a man. As a man, He came to seek and save the lost. This same shepherd's heart must be in us. If we are not prepared to lay down our own interests for His people, we are not true shepherds. A hireling is an unbroken, proud person, caring for only his own self. May we have the spirit of the Shepherd, and not a hireling mindset. True brokenness like this always confounds religion. 10:22-30 The Jews had no vision of the Lord, because they had no faith. If we believe, we come into the fold and become His sheep, and can hear His voice. Security and rest is the result of believing, hearing and following. :31-39 Religion hates rest and security. The Jews wanted to stone Jesus because He spoke of the security of sonship. We must also expect persecution if we testify of oneness and our true identity in the Lord. :40-42 Jesus went to the place where John testified of Him. This resulted in many people believing in

Him. Jesus will come and visit the place where there is a true witness of Him. We must trust that new conversions and miracles will follow where He is lifted up.

Joh 10:1 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.

Joh 10:2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Joh 10:3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Joh 10:4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

Joh 10:5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."

Joh 10:6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Joh 10:7 So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

Joh 10:8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.

Joh 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

Joh 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Note this statement is in the context of the devastating influence of a false religious authority (v8). [AT] / Die lewe wat Jesus van praat in Jn. 10 is sy eie lewe (zoe), eternal life...Christ, who IS our life (Col. 3v4)...to live is Christ (Phil. 1). The quality of life in perfect peace, joy and love, even in spite of the most negative circumstances...cf Paul's life. Now we do not yet see all things subjected, but we see JESUS (Heb. 2). A perfect environment and perfect circumstances could never be abundant life for man, since man was made essentially for the ONE THING of Ps. 27v4 and Luke 10v42. Our original design demands union and intimacy with Christ as the non-negotiable prerequisite for true human 'living'. [AT] / HOE DEFINIEËR JÝ “LEWE IN OORVLOED”? “…Ek het gekom, dat hulle lewe en oorvloed kan hê.” Joh. 10:10 Die frase “lewe en oorvloed” in Johannes 10 vers 10 is een van die mees bekende Bybelse frases in ons tyd, maar ongelukkig lees ons dit 90% van die tyd deur ons kulturele bril. Dit word ook dan dikwels aan ons opgedis as God se stempel op ‘n aardse lewe van voorspoed op alle terreine. Hoe sou ‘n dissipel van Jesus wat leef in haglike omstandighede en met die daaglikse gevaar van vervolging dan hierdie frase verstaan? Dit kan tog nie net van toepassing wees op dissipels wat toegang het tot al die geriewe en voordele van ‘n goed ontwikkelde infrastruktuur en ‘n vervolgingsvrye omgewing nie. As ons die frase interpreteer in die konteks van die boek Johannes sien ons ‘n heel ander prentjie. Dan word dit glashelder duidelik dat Jesus praat van die soort lewe wat Hy geleef het in verhouding met sy Vader op hierdie aarde. Jesus self het gesê dat Hy op hierdie aarde geen plek het “waar Hy sy hoof kan neerlê nie” (Luk. 9:58), maar tog was Sy ononderbroke verhouding met sy Vader vir Hom ‘n lewe van absolute oorvloed en blydskap. Hy is die “deur van die skape” (10:7) wat hulle inlei na ‘n “ewige lewe” wat gekenmerk word deur ‘n intieme verhouding met die “enige waaragtige God” (17:3). Jesus self is “ons lewe” (Kol. 3:4) en Hy gee vir ons toegang tot die hemelse lewe in verhouding met die Drie-Eenheid (Kol. 3:1-3), sodat ons daardie kwaliteit lewe en oorvloed enige plek, enige tyd, en onder enige omstandighede kan geniet. Hoe definieër jý “lewe in oorvloed”? Dink mooi oor jou antwoord, want die manier wat jy hierdie vraag antwoord bepaal die kwaliteit van jou lewe op hierdie aarde. [AT] / HOE DEFINIEËR JY OORVLOEDIGE LEWE? Die oorvloedige lewe waarvan Jesus praat in Johannes 10 vers 10 is Sy eie lewe wat Hy gekom het om in almal te plaas wat in Hom sou glo. Ons het gedurig nodig dat die Heilige Gees ons perspektief op "oorvloedige lewe" aanpas en wysig. Ons is so geneig om ons lewens te meet aan die natuurlike en materiële in plaas van die bonatuurlike werklikheid van ons eenheid met Christus. Ons kan die beste moontlike omstandighede beleef, maar as die opstandingslewe van Christus nie in en deur ons vloei nie is dit níé oorvloedige lewe nie. Die teendeel is ook waar. Ons kan die swakste en treurigste omstandighede beleef (soos Paulus in die tronk), maar as die opstandingslewe van Christus in en deur ons werk, is ons as't ware omsingel deur “oorvloedige lewe”.  As daar vrede, blydskap, liefde, hoop en lankmoedigheid in ons binnewêreld heers is ons oorwinnaars selfs

in die swakste omstandighede denkbaar. God verander ons omstandighede met tye en ander kere nie. Die belangrike vraag is egter hoe definieër ek en jy “oorvloedige lewe”. Wat is jóú definisie van oorvloedige lewe? “Ek wil hê julle moet weet, broers, dat wat my oorgekom het, juis die verkondiging van die evangelie bevorder het.” Filippense 1:12 "Daarom het ek behae in swakhede, in mishandelinge, in node, in vervolginge, in benoudhede, om Christus wil. Want as ek swak is, dan is ek sterk." 2 Korinthiërs 12:10 [AT] /

Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Joh 10:12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.

Joh 10:13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,

”Ek is die goeie herder, en Ek ken my eie en word deur my eie geken." Johannes 10:14 Dissipelskap is bo alles 'n persoonlike verhouding met Jesus. Ons geloof is ongetwyfeld gebaseer op Bybelse feite en leerstellings, maar hierdie feite en leerstellings is almal geanker in die persoon van Jesus. Hy is die Een wat die Vader openbaar en Hy is ook die Een wat doop met die Heilige Gees (Matt. 3:11). Die Godheid word dus net in Hom ontsluit en dit gebeur net vir mense wat Hom persoonlik leer ken. Christenskap is ten diepste dissipelskap en dissipelskap is nie 'n langafstand affêre nie. Lees maar net aandagtig deur die evangelies en jy sal gou raaksien hoe persoonlik Jesus werk met mense. Daar is geen langafstand dissipels in die koninkryk nie. Ons kan Hom nie ken via die gemeente, die pastoor, die dominee, ons ouers se geloof, of net 'n intellektuele erkenning van 'n geloofsbelydenis nie. Hulle kan help om Jesus aan ons harte te openbaar, maar tensy ek persoonlik reageer op Jesus se roepstem is daar geen dissipelskap nie en dan ook geen verlossing vir my nie. Maak baie seker dat jou geloof nie tweedehands is nie en ook nie bloot intellektueel of verbaal nie. [AT] /

Joh 10:15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

1. DIE HERE IS ONS HERDER EN IN SY KUDDE WORD ELKEEN BAIE PERSOONLIK VERSORG. LEES DIE HELE PSALM 23 EN LET SPESIFIEK OP NA DIE MANIER WAT HY ONS PASTORAAL VERSORG.

Psalm 23:1 ‘n Psalm van Dawid. Die HERE is my herder; niks sal my ontbreek nie. 2. NIE NET IS ONS IN DIE KUDDE VAN DIE GOEIE HERDER NIE, MAAR HY LEEF OOK IN ONS. Joh. 10:14 Ek is die goeie herder, en Ek ken my eie en word deur my eie geken. Joh. 14:20 In dié dag sal julle weet dat Ek in my Vader is, en julle in My, en Ek in julle. 3. IN DIE KUDDE VAN DIE GOEIE HERDER WORD ONS PERSOONLIK VERSORG EN INNERLIK BEDIEN DEUR ONS HERDER EN DAAROM KAN ONS OOK MEKAAR TROOS, VERSORG EN VERKWIK. Phm 1:7 Want ons het groot blydskap en troos oor jou liefde, omdat deur jou, broeder, die harte van die heiliges verkwik is. /

Joh 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

“HULLE SAL NA MY STEM LUISTER” "Ek het nog ander skape wat nie aan hierdie stal behoort nie. Ek moet hulle ook lei, en hulle sal na my stem luister, en dit sal wees een kudde, een herder." Johannes 10:16 Jesus is die goeie Herder wat begeer om mense in te bring in 'n veilige kudde waar Hy hulle kan lei en vir hulle kan sorg. "Ons almal het gedwaal soos skape, ons het elkeen sy eie pad geloop" (Jes. 53:6). Jesus het gekom "om te soek en te red wat verlore was" (Luk. 19:10). Hy bring verlore mense in Sy kudde in en omdat hulle almal in Sý sorg is, word hulle deel van die een unieke kudde regoor die wêreld. Al is daar derduisende menslike herders wat ook onder Jesus pastorale sorg dra vir plaaslike kuddes, is daar oor almal maar net Een unieke Herder. Selfs die menslike herders staan onder Jesus se leiding en is in Sy sorg. Jesus se universele kudde is nie moeilik om uit te ken nie. Hy verklaar duidelik en ondubbelsinnig dat die een uitstaande kenmerk wat Sy kudde eien is dat hulle "luister na Sy stem". Of dit nou leiers of lidmate is, as mense wegdraai van die Woord van God gee hulle daarmee getuienis dat hulle nie deel van Jesus se kudde is nie. Jesus se stem sny in Woord en Gees soos 'n skerp swaard deur al die verwarring in die kerkwêreld en lei steeds Sy skape na "groen weivelde" en "waters waar rus is" saam met ander wat na Sy stem luister. Ons sekuriteit is nie in wisselvallige denominasies en menslike leiers nie, maar in ons goeie Herder wat ons veilig sal bring na ons ewige tuiste. Ons moet net aanhou luister na Sy stem en Hom kinderlik gehoorsaam wanneer Hy ons wil lei na plekke van rus en voeding. [AT] /

Joh 10:17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.

Joh 10:18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."

Joh 10:19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words.

Joh 10:20 Many of them said, "He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?"

Joh 10:21 Others said, "These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

JOHN 10V22-41

Joh 10:22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter,

See Barnes & BBC. /

Joh 10:23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.

Joh 10:24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

Joh 10:25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me,

Joh 10:26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Joh 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Joh 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

Joh 10:30 I and the Father are one."

Joh 10:31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.

Joh 10:32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?"

Joh 10:33 The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God."

Joh 10:34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I SAID, YOU ARE GODS'?

(PSALM 82:6) / Hoekom sê Jesus JULLE wet en nie die wet of ons wet nie? [AT] /

Joh 10:35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came--and Scripture cannot be broken--

Joh 10:36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?

Joh 10:37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;

Joh 10:38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."

HOW JESUS LIVED ON EARTH AND NOW LIVES IN AND THROUGH US IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN The Father was in Him and He in the Father, by the Spirit Joh 10:38  but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Joh 14:10  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Joh 14:11  Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. Joh 14:20  In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Joh 17:21  that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Joh 17:23  I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. THEREFORE… He did not follow His own will Joh 4:34  Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. He did only what He saw His Father doing Joh 5:19  So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. He was fully dependent on the Father in everything Joh 5:30  "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I

seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. His mission was to do the will of the Father alone Joh 6:38  For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. His teaching was not His own Joh 7:16  So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. He declared only what He heard from the Father Joh 8:26  I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him." He did or spoke nothing of His own authority Joh 8:28  So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. He spoke of what He saw with His Father Joh 8:38  I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father." His works was not His own, but that of His Father (cf. Eph. 2:10) Joh 9:4  We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. He was under the Father’s instructions concerning the contents of His speaking Joh 12:49  For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment--what to say and what to speak. Joh 12:50  And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me." He followed the words and works of the Father exclusively Joh 14:10  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Joh 14:24  Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. He did as the Father commanded Him Joh 14:31  but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. He is here IN US now! Joh 14:18  "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Joh 14:17  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. We have the same mission, because it is His mission THROUGH US. Joh 20:21-22  Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."  22  And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. CHRIST IN US Regeneration…new life Joh 6:56  Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. Knowledge of our union with Him Joh 14:20  In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. A new glorification Joh 17:10  All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. The basis of true unity in the church and between churches Joh 17:23  I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved

them even as you loved me. 1 Cor. 13 love is already within us Joh 17:26  I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." Rom 8:9-10  You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.  10  But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 2Co 4:10  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2Co 13:5  Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! Gal 1:16  was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; Gal 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal 4:6  And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Eph 1:23  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Eph 3:17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, Php 1:19-20  for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,  20  as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. Col 3:11  Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 1Jn 3:9  No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 1Jn 3:24  Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. 1Jn 4:13  By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. WHO IS HE WHO DWELLS IN US? One of the great tenets of Scripture is the claim that Jesus Christ is completely sufficient for all matters of life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3,4)!  He is sufficient for creation (Col. 1:16,17), Salvation (Heb. 10:10-12), Sanctification (Eph. 5:26,27), Glorification (Rom. 8:30). So pure is He that there is no blemish, stain, spot of sin, defilement, lying, deception, corruption, error, or imperfection (1 Pet. 1:18-20). So complete is He that there is no other God besides Him (Is. 45:5);  He  is the only begotten Son (John 1:14,18);  All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Col. 2:3);  The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him (Col.2:9);  He is heir of all things (Heb. 1:2); He created all things and all things were made by Him,

through Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16); He upholds all things by the word of His power (Col. 1:17;  Heb. 1:3);  He is the firstborn of all creation (Col. 1:15);  He is the exact representation of God (Heb. 1:3). He is the only Mediator between God and man;  He is the Sun that enlightens;  the Physician that heals;  the Wall of Fire that defends;  the Friend that comforts;  the Pearl that enriches;  the Ark that supports;  and the Rock to sustain under the heaviest of pressures;  He is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:3;  8:1);   He is better than the angels (Heb. 1:4 - 4); better than Moses; better than Aaron; better than Joshua;  better than all the prophets; greater than Satan (Luke 4:1 - 12); and stronger than death (1Cor. 15:55). He has no beginning and no end (Rev. 1:17, 18);  He is the spotless Lamb of God;  He is our Peace (Eph. 2:14);  He is our Hope (1Tim. 1:1); He is our Life (Col 3:4);  He is the living and true Way (John 14:6);  He is the Strength of Israel (1 Sam 15:29);  He is the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16);  He is Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11);  He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2);  He is the Captain of our Salvation (Heb. 2:10);  He is the Champion;  He is the Elect One (Is. 42:1);  He is the Apostle and High-Priest of our confession (Heb. 3:1);  He is the Righteous Servant (Is. 53:11). He is the Lord of Hosts, the Redeemer - the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth (Is. 54:5); He is the Man of Sorrows (Is. 53:3);  He is the light;  He is the Son of Man (Matt. 20:28);  He is the Vine;  He is the Bread of life;  He is the Door;  He is Lord (Phil. 2:10-13);  He is Prophet, Priest and King (Heb. 1:1-3);  He is our Sabbath rest (Heb. 4:9);  He is our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6); He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6);  He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4);  He is Lord God of hosts;  He is Lord of the nations;  He is the Lion of Judah;  the Living Word;  the Rock of Salvation;  the Eternal Spirit;  He is the Ancient of Days;  Creator and Comforter;  Messiah;  and He is the great I AM (John 8:58)! /

Joh 10:39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.

Joh 10:40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.

Joh 10:41 And many came to him. And they said, "John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true."

Joh 10:42 And many believed in him there.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

JOHN 11V1-27

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus loves specifically and individually. Jesus had perfect discernment. We should always ask God whether a specific sickness is not there for the glorification of Jesus and then trust Him for the healing. We should only move as God instructs and not be need and situation-driven. Be Spirit-led at all times. Christians do not die, they just fall asleep. Many things in this life are geared towards faith in Jesus. We need eyes to see (11v1-16). 2. We need to speak to Jesus about everything and obey implicitly when He speaks. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Whether He does a miracle now or brings resurrection in future, all are in His hands. We should use all kinds of situations for evangelistic purposes (11v17-27).3. If we want to move the heart of Jesus we have to fall at His feet and petition Him with all our hearts. He is resurrection and can change any situation and turn it around (11v28-37). 4. If we fully trust Jesus we will see the glory of God in many instances. The Father always hears the Son. We must pray to Him and in Him. Jesus wants to build our faith. Jesus can command any dead situation and it will change instantly (11v38-44). 5. The manifestation of resurrection life has the potential to turn many hearts to Jesus. Religion can plot and scheme, but God will work sovreignly, even to prophecy through unbelievers (11v45-57). [AT] /

CORNE: 11:1-16 Lazarus and his sisters were dearly loved by the Lord. They were going through a death like we often go through the cross. Like them, we should also 'send for the Lord' in our troubled times. If we turn to Him, our experience is not 'a sickness unto death', but Christ will be magnified through it. Even though He may take a long time to come into

our situation, He does it for the building up of our faith. : 17-27 Jesus finds the sisters in a place of utter darkness and mourning. The Lord wants them to find faith in Him in the middle of that darkness, and graciously reveals more of Himself to Martha. As He does this, the light starts to shine again and Martha finds faith for the situation. Our answer is always to find more of the Lord. :28-37 Mary was the one who previoysly sat at Jesus' feet and was commended by Him for her devotion. This time, however, she did not seek him out of her own will. Sorrow paralyzed her, but she did not fully turn from the Lord, because when He called her, she came quickly. May we react quickly when the Lord calls and not remain in our sorrow. Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw their tears. He is not a High Priest Who has no compassion on us, but feel our troubles Himself. :38-44 For the mourners the stone that was in front of the grave signified the finality of the death of Lazarus. However, Jesus is not deterred by what seems humanly impossible. Even though there might be no hope in the natural concerning a situation, the Lord can bring ressurrection from death. :45-57 The Pharisees were concerned with temporal possessions, and could not comprehend that God was building a temple not made with hands. The building of the Kingdom will always be opposed by those who want to create something for themselves here on earth. Jesus therefore hid Himself from them. He will not reveal Himself to such people.

Joh 11:1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

Joh 11:2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.

Joh 11:3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."

Joh 11:4 But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

Joh 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

Joh 11:6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

This demonstrates that Jesus was led by the Spirit at all times. He received the sensory information, but His response shows that His first reaction was always to find the mind of His Father by the Spirit. [AT] /

Joh 11:7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."

Joh 11:8 The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?"

Joh 11:9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

Joh 11:10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."

Joh 11:11 After saying these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him."

Joh 11:12 The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover."

Joh 11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep.

Joh 11:14 Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus has died,

Joh 11:15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

Joh 11:16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

Joh 11:17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.

Joh 11:18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,

Joh 11:19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.

Joh 11:20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.

Joh 11:21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

Joh 11:22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you."

Joh 11:23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

Joh 11:24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."

Joh 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

Joh 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

Joh 11:27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."

JOHN 11V28-57

Joh 11:28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you."

Joh 11:29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him.

Joh 11:30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.

Joh 11:31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.

Joh 11:32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Joh 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.

Joh 11:34 And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see."

Joh 11:35 Jesus wept.

See JFB, BBC & Barnes / kommentaar op Ps 127:5 en 6.

Joh 11:36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

Joh 11:37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?"

Joh 11:38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.

Joh 11:39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days."

Joh 11:40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

Joh 11:41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

Joh 11:42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me."

Joh 11:43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out."

Lazarus suddenly found himself in a grave. He was awoken by the voice of Jesus. This is like our regeneration. We find ourselves in the grave, but we are alive. Now we need to get out of this place of death (sin) and come out into the full light of day (Christ). [AT] /

Joh 11:44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."

This verse refers to the effect of the way we treat one another in the church. We need to unbind one another by seeing each other according to the spirit and thus we are enabled to live and walk in the freedom of the new creation. We can either unbind people and set them free with our attitudes and actions, or we can keep them bound and restrict them in their calling. [AT] /

Joh 11:45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,

Joh 11:46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

Joh 11:47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, "What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.

Joh 11:48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

Joh 11:49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all.

Joh 11:50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish."

Joh 11:51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

Prophecy is not something that we say of our own accord. /

Joh 11:52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

Joh 11:53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

Joh 11:54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.

Joh 11:55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves.

Joh 11:56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?"

Joh 11:57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

CHAPTER TWELVE

JOHN 12V1-19

NT LESSONS

1.  With only six days left to live Jesus visits His friends in Bethany.  His priority was always those who loved and appreciated Him.  The dinner we should serve Jesus is ourselves and everything we have.  But it should be done because of LOVE!  Mary wasted herself on Jesus. The fragrance of the pure nard is still the fragrance released by true lovers of Christ when they give themselves completely to Him... 2 Cor. 2v15-16.  Even among those who profess the Name of Jesus there will always be those who do not really love Him and who are not prepared to waste themselves on Him.  Jesus commends those who acknowledge His pre-eminence.  Religion will always try to destroy anything and anyone that places Christ above all and glorifies Him as the pre-eminent Lord (12v1-11).  2.  There were many who acknowledged the pre-eminence of Christ and who did so because they saw His works as He travelled to Jerusalem.  But it is easier to shout in a parade than stand at a cross (Wiersbe).  Real Christianity is not necessarily in the crowds that shout His name, but rather in the precious nard that is poured out on Him.  Jesus fulfilled prophecy every step of the way, but the disciples did not immediately understand.  Religion hates it when Christ is glorified and draws many to Himself (12v12-19).  3.  The life of Jesus draws many who are perhaps sincerely religious.  When these desire to see Jesus we must point them to the cross.  Do you want to see Jesus?  Then you have to be identified with Him in His death.  We need to give ourselves completely to Jesus and to others...to the point of death.  This is the truly glorious life.  We have to even hate our lives in this world in order to gain full reward in the world to come.  The Father will always glorify His name in those who identify with Jesus in His death.   Jesus saw in His death opportunity to glorify the Father and the victory of life, light, and love over darkness and hate.  All men can come to the cross and receive life.  We must grab the light and life of Jesus with both hands and hold on with all that is in us (12v20-36).4.  Supernatural signs alone will not bring people to faith.  The heart must turn to the Lord.  If the heart does not turn and truth is consistently resisted God Himself will harden the heart to make it impossible for such people to see, understand, turn, and be healed.  Hence there is a turning that we effect and there is a turning that God makes possible.  The first is

under the influence of the Gospel, the second is the inevitable complete turning to the Lord.  The prophets saw the glory of Jesus even in the OT and they spoke of Christ.  Many people believe in Jesus, but they do not confess Him and hence cannot be saved... Rom. 10v9.  The fear of man and the love of the glory of man are formidable enemies of saving faith.  We dare not fear being put out of a religious system more than we fear God.  Religious systems can have a profound grip on the hearts of people, even in Christian churches (12v37-43).    5.  Jesus came to unveil and reveal the Father.  When we believe and behold Him, we believe and behold the Father.  Jesus came as light into the world to rescue us from darkness.  Jesus here exalts His Word above His Name and say that His very words will judge people in the last day.  This is because His words were the very words of the Father given by the Spirit.  Jesus did not speak out of Himself as a source.  How much more should we only speak the Word of the Father in the Bible and unveiled in our hearts (12v44-50). [AT] /

CORNE: 12:1-11 Mary has been through much. Her brother has died and has been resurrected. How this must have impacted her! In the light of this immense miracle, she pours out herself in the form of anointing the Lord's feet. She gave such an expensive gift, it must have cost most of what she owned. But no cost is too dear to waste on the Lord. In a prophetic way she was demonstrating the Lord's death, but her death was included in His. She was not afraid of death anymore, for she knew that He is the Ressurrection and the Life. She has come to rest, and to the place of serving the Lord in the most beautiful manner. She knew the secret of the cross. 12:12-36 Jesus came in upon a donkey and at first His disciples did not understand, but after His glorification they had revelation. It is often difficult to understand the Lord's ways when we are in the midst of things. Often He seems to 'come in upon a donkey', not riding upon a 'fiery steed' and surprises us with the unexpected. May we be encouraged by v 15: ' Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold your King comes, sitting on a donkey's colt'. At this stage many people followed Jesus because of His miracles. This loyalty, however, was soon to be tested by the cross. Jesus prepares the people by telling them that He will lose His life and the people haf to follow Him through death. The real test of devotion was soon to follow. Just as the real test of devotion for us is to follow Him through death. Jesus' heart is troubled and He alone knows the suffering He must endure, but the Father speaks audibly from heaven to confirm His glory in the Eternal Purpose, so that the people cannot doubt He is at work. Everything is now set for His purpose to be fulfilled. The Father has spoken clearly to us in various ways concerning His Son. His voice echoes through the ages that His glory is manifested at the cross and ressurrection of Christ. May we not be slow to understand as the people were, because some heard a voice , but for

others it was only thunder. When we see Him, our ears open for that which will glorify Him, namely ressurrection through death. PS: In many ways Mary makes me think of the Shulamite and how she learnt to respond to the Lord. 1. She loved Him by sitting at His feet 2. Then Lazarus died and she did not come to Him when Jesus came to raise Him, but stayed in the house. She had to be called. 3. After Lazarus was raised, she understood death and ressurection and showed this by anointing His feet.12:36b-43 The religious people could not believe in Jesus, because they had hardened hearts. People also did not want to carry the cross of confessing Jesus, as they were not willing to be put out of the synagogue. May we not harden our hearts and miss the Lord, and may we not love the esteem of men more than God's esteem. :44-50 Jesus' words are life and come directly from the Father, and therefore it can bring light in a dark place. Because His words are life and an absolute standard, if we do not heed His words, we are judged thereby. May we be sensitive to His word and obey it.

Joh 12:1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

Joh 12:2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.

Joh 12:3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Joh 12:4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,

Joh 12:5 "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"

Joh 12:6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Joh 12:7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.

Joh 12:8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

Joh 12:9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

Joh 12:10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,

Joh 12:11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

Joh 12:12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

Joh 12:13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "HOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, EVEN THE KING OF ISRAEL!"

(PSALM 118:26) /

Joh 12:14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

Joh 12:15 "FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SITTING ON A DONKEY'S COLT!"

(ZECHARIAH 9:9) /

Joh 12:16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.

Joh 12:17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.

Joh 12:18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Joh 12:19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him."

JOHN 12V20-50

Joh 12:20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.

Joh 12:21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

Joh 12:22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Joh 12:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

2 Cor. 4v7 /

Joh 12:25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Joh 12:26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Joh 12:27 "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.

Now comes My hour of heartbreak, and what can I say, „Father, save Me from this hour‟? No, it was for this very purpose that I came to this hour. (John 12:27 Phillips)

Joh 12:28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven: "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."

Joh 12:29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him."

Joh 12:30 Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not mine.

Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

Joh 12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

Joh 12:33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

Joh 12:34 So the crowd answered him, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?"

Joh 12:35 So Jesus said to them, "The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.

Joh 12:36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Joh 12:37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him,

Joh 12:38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED WHAT HE HEARD FROM US, AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED?"

(ISAIAH 53:1) /

Joh 12:39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

Joh 12:40 "HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HARDENED THEIR HEART, LEST THEY SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND TURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM."

(ISAIAH 6:10) / There is a blinding by satan (1 Cor. 4v6) and there is a blinding by God. When God blinds your eyes you are in vert serious trouble. /

Joh 12:41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.

Joh 12:42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue;

Rom. 10v10b /

Joh 12:43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Hierdie is van die hartseerste verse in die hele Bybel.  Dit is amper ondenkbaar dat 'n mens jou ewige bestemming kan oorlaat aan die wisselvallige en dikwels skynheilige standaarde van dit wat populêr en aanvaarbaar is in jou gemeenskap. Hier gaan dit nie net oor die sekulêre wêreld nie, maar veral oor dit wat populêr is in godsdienstige kringe.  Sosiale druk is een van die mees effektiewe wapens wat satan gebruik om mense in sy mag te hou.  Om Jesus te volg beteken dat jy moet sterf vir 'wat sal die mense sê' en doen wat jy in jou hart weet die waarheid is. “Want elkeen sal sy eie pak dra.” Gal. 6:5 [AT] / WAT DRYF MENSE? Al ooit gewonder wat dryf mense? Soeke na identiteit. Toe Jesus se bediening begin op dertig, stap Hy die geskiedenis in met 'n totale en absolute begrip van wie Hy is. Hy is nie in kompetisie met enigiemand nie en Hy hoef niks te bewys nie, want Hy leef uit Sy Vader se opinie. Sy waarde is nie in die weegskaal nie, want Sy Vader se hart is absoluut stabiel en onveranderlik. In die evangelies maak Hy bekend wie Hy is, waar Hy vandaan kom en wat Sy roeping is op aarde. My identiteit bepaal my fokus en my doel in hierdie lewe. Dit is duidelik regdeur die Bybel en ook in die geskiedenis. As ek nie weet wie ek is nie sal ek verward bly oor my roeping en bestemming. Mense jaag na geld, mag, sukses en invloed omdat hulle identiteit in wording is en hulle sin en waarde soek

in dit wat hulle kan verwerf op aarde. Glo dit of nie, dit sluit ook die motivering van die godsdienstige mens en godsdiensleiers in. "Want hulle het die eer van die mense meer liefgehad as die eer van God." Johannes 12:43 Die wonderlike is dat almal wat waarlik Jesus se dissipels word oombliklik bevry word van die soeke na identiteit. Hoekom? Want ons verwantskap met Jesus maak ons onlosmaaklik deel van Sy identiteit en roeping. In Handelinge sien ons hoe dissipels en gemeentes lyk wat leef uit hierdie identiteit in Jesus. In die briewe van die Nuwe Testament word terme soos "in Christus", "saam met Christus" en "deur Christus" kosbare sleutels om ons op koers te hou in ons roeping en bestemming. Dit is net mense wat verstaan dat hulle identiteit nie meer in die weegskaal is nie wat werklik ander kan dien en hulle lewe kan uitstort in die hier-en-nou. [AT] /

Joh 12:44 And Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.

Joh 12:45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.

Jn. 14v9 /

Joh 12:46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

Joh 12:47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

Joh 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

Joh 12:49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment--what to say and what to speak.

Joh 12:50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me."

JOHN 13 TO 17

JOHN 13V1-17

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus loves us to the uttermost and cares intimately for our earthly situation. When Jesus knew He was close to departing from this world He took great care to teach His disciples the most important principles and also to demonstrate to them the life of the kingdom. Hence the portion of Scripture we know as John 13 to 17. Jesus could serve in a most humbling way because He knew where He came from and He knew where He was going. The washing of the feet symbolises confession and forgiveness of sins that we pick up because of our walk in this world. If we do not allow Jesus to wash away our sins it demonstrates that we have not yet received the washing of regeneration. By regeneration we have been completely cleansed, but we still need the washing of our feet for our daily life in this world. Jesus knows the hearts of those who say they follow Him. Not all who say they are followers are truly followers (13v1-11). 2. If Jesus was willing to humble Himself and to wash our feet we should also be willing to wash the feet of others, that is to help them to be pure in this world(Heb. 3v13). This also means that we should be willing that others wash our feet. Thus reprimanding others is a humble service to them. If we are not willing to do this we are actually saying that we are greater than our Master. The blessing is not in the knowing of these truths, but in the DOING of them (13v12-17)! 3. Jesus continues

to reveal His heart to His disciples. He shows again that the Scriptures are fulfilled in Him and His mission. He speaks clearly concerning the one who will betray Him. We may also be as close to Jesus as John was. Jesus allows John to inquire of Him and answers his request. Jesus was not taken by surprise by His betrayer. He demonstartes to the disciples that there will always be Judases in the fellowship who even use communion, but who are in fact just going through the religious motions (13v18-30). 4. Jesus prepares the hearts of His disciples for His suffering, but He tells them that it is actually a glorification. Only through the cross can Jesus be glorified and we in Him. In the light of His great sacrifice Jesus begins to command His disciples and the first command He calls a new commandment. It is the new kind of love for one another that lays down its life for the others. This will become the mark of the Christian and demonstrate to all men that we are the disciple of Jesus. No one could pay the price that Jesus paid for the redemption of man. Peter did not yet know the depravity of his own heart. Jesus reveals to him that not only will he not give his life for Him, but he will actually deny Him three times. We have to know that there is nothing good in our flesh (13v31-38). [AT] /

CORNE: John 13:1-11 Jesus' love for His disciples led Him to serve them. He also knew His own identity and that He came from the Father, therefore He gave Himself freely to the disciples. Love and identity are powerful motivators for ministry. 2. The cleansing by Jesus is a great act of mercy and so we should do with one another. We are not greater than Him and we need to wash each other by reminding each other of our true identity and encouraging each other by the Word. 18-30 Jesus is always aware of what are really in men's hearts, even if we are oblivious. If His light shines in, the true motives of men are exposed. May we be found true when His light shines in. :31-38 God's glory is revealed by Jesus' death and ressurrection. This brings in the New Covenant and the Law is fulfilled, therefore Jesus states the fact that the disciples should love one another in the New Covenant. This is staggering, but the disciples did not yet understand. Often we do not understand the full implications of the Cross and we cannot enter the full provision of it because of our ignorance. May we study this and meditate on it until our hearts break through the murky dawn into the fullness of day. /

Joh 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

See Stedman's excellent commentary on Jn. 13-17/1. GOD: 2. MAN: 3. SIN: 4. PLAN IN CHRIST: Jesus loves me to the end. 5. OBEY: 6. PRAYER: /Rom. 8v31-39 /From eternity past to eternity future, throughout time with all its battles and problems, this love-life remains constant. This means that nothing—neither sin, the flesh, the world, the devil, distresses, or human weakness—can separate us from that love. Praise the Lord! It is this love-life existing in the Son that we are called to partake of and constantly abide in. / John 13v1-11: 1. John begins here with the amazing portion of teaching that Jesus reserved specifically for His own. It is meant to strengthen and comfort them and to unveil the eternal purpose of the Father. It is truly impossible to exaggerate its importance. John begins by unveiling that the mission of Jesus was nearing its end and that the mission was simply love, he came from Love (the Father), He loved His own to the very end, and He was ready and eager to return to Love. Verse 1 is an awesome verse that in a sense summarises Jesus' entire mission. Jesus understood His Identity and His Mission very clearly and because of this profound security in the Father He could wash the feet of those He had created without being reduced in stature in any way. Peter did not understand the significance of what Jesus was doing, but Jesus patiently explained that He needed to cleanse His own of all sin and sins in order to fulfill His mission. We are still in need of the full cleansing of Jesus. There is a complete cleansing and an ongoing cleansing. We need both. Jesus also reveals that there will be those in the Christian company who walk with the true disciples, but who are not truly clean (v11). They have not repented, believed, and received the 'complete cleansing' (justification) of verse ten. In a sense John also gives us a test here for true salvation (cf. 1 John. 1v5-2v2). 2. The Mission of Jesus introduced to the disciples by firstly showing them the need for ongoing cleansing of their walk. / Clean Feet! 3. A TD should be very clear on the mission of Jesus . He should rest completely in the security of the Father's love and his true origin as a son of the Father and his destiny in the Father. He should thus serve with total abandon. We should also understand that both the total cleansing (justification) and the ongoing cleansing (sanctification) are the responsibility of the Son and we should receive both from Him with a joyful and thankful faith! We should be aware of the presence of false brothers and use the tests given us by John to expose them in our midst, with a view to salvation if possible. 4. Am I fully secure in the love of the Father? Am I fully surrendered in the hands of Jesus for the twofold cleansing? 5. Surrender fully to the Father and the Son. 6. Dear Father, the mission of Jesus and the revelation of this that You desire to reveal to us is so great that we stand in deep need of the revelation of the Spirit. Please unveil to us these depths of salvation and eternal purpose in Christ. Amen. / Corne: John 13:1-11. 1. John is now telling us how Jesus taught His disciples how to be humble and servant-hearted. He is repeating Jesus' words and what happened that evening, in order that we can learn from Jesus the way the disciples did. Jesus taught His disciples by his example, and did not only teach them with words. He washed the disciples' feet and through that example gave one of the most powerful exercises of humility ever seen. Peter was so overcome that he refused Jesus' attempt to wash his feet. But when Jesus explained that what he was doing was a type of

sharing in Jesus' own life, Peter was, as ever, over eager. Jesus used this example to show that there is a washing when we become His disciples, that make us part of His lot. Later then, it is only important to have our feet washed, which is a type of that part of us that is in contact with the world. Jesus also inferred that there was a disciple amongst them who looked like one of them, but was not really part of them. He already knew that Judas would betray him. 2. First our feet are washed then we wash each other's feet/Humility in serving. 3. A TD must be willing to be washed by the Lord. If he does not feel he truly needs the Lord's intervention and cries out for a whole cleansing by Jesus, he is not ready to be helped by the Lord and can have no part of Him. A TD must first be washed himself and then follow the example of His Saviour and bring others to the waters where they can be washed. 4. Am I enough under the impression of the water of the washing? Am I burdened with those who have not yet been washed? Do I serve others enough with the water? 5. I must remember that I have received the water of life. I am a servant walking with this precious water and have the calling to humbly serve others with it. 6. Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus with the water of Life. Thank You that we could become part of this living waters and that we are now part of You. Please bring us to people who are thirsty for this water and let us serve them with it. Amen /

Joh 13:2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,

Die verraad was reeds in Judas se hart. /

Joh 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,

Fil. 2v6-7 / A MATTER OF BEING JOHN 13:3-5  "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.  After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded." Yesterday we looked at the matter of identity in a general way.  We saw that the way we think about ourselves has a very specific impact on our life and living.  Let us now consider the

distinction between what we could call 'being' and 'doing'.  The basic message of the gospel is all about 'being'.  The whole religious world emphasizes the matter of 'doing', but in the New Testament we see that it is all about what Jesus did (Rom. 5).  Subsequent to the success of the cross we are meant to proclaim the finished work of Christ and to find our very existence in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-4).  Being a son of the God who dwells in eternity should be infinitely more weighty to us than the dignity that any earthly identity can confer upon us.  Once we have settled into our new identity and we understand who we are in the sight of God we can begin to think about our expression of this new life. Multitudes of believers try to become something by what they do, or to find their identity in their specific gift.  This is not only dangerous in terms of the ever-lurking threat of pride, but it is a great tragedy in the light of the glory of the new birth revealed to us in the pages of the New Testament.  The Christian church is a community of those who have found their identity in God alone.  This is the greatest strength of our testimony to the world.  Men and women are running around, seeking to find some kind of stability in their lives, trying to associate themselves with something permanent.  We have the answer, because we have found this permanence in the eternal God who has rebirthed us in His Son.  This should be our standard testimony to the world.  What we often find, however, is that many believers realize that their achievements in the world do not count in the church of the living God, but then they bring their performance mentality into this new, ecclesiastical arena.  The result is the same jostling for position and incessant competition between people, which is so rampant in the world. Believers who understand their identity in Christ will never try to compete with others in the church to be more spiritual or to have more influence, etc.  When we find our worth in who we are (being), instead of what we do (doing) the natural outflow will be servanthood.  We see this so clearly in the life of Jesus. In our text in John we observe that the Holy Spirit specifically records for us (v.3) the inward knowledge that Jesus rested in before He washed His disciples' feet.  Jesus was the eternal God in human flesh and yet He did not shrink from bowing down and washing the dirty feet of His disciples.  Why?  Because He knew where He came from and where He was going.  Each and every one of us has a different task and in a certain sense a unique calling in the church.  We can express the living Christ in a way that no one else can, because of our particular personality and gifts.  The question is, however: do we know who we are?  If not, we will always try to establish our worth by what we do or by our position in the church, if not in the world.  Consequently we will never really come to the place of true humility and servanthood where the Holy Spirit can begin to work beyond the vessel and start to

manifest the content, Christ.  It is absolutely imperative for the testimony of the church that we should find our identity in Christ alone and begin to serve from a position of fulfillment and not lack. Quote of the Day:  "The whole religious world continues to preach 'do, do, do'!  The gospel proclaims 'done, done, done'!" /

Joh 13:4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.

Joh 13:5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Voordat Jesus sy diepste lering oor genade gegee het (Joh. 14-17), het Hy Homself omgord en Sy dissipels se voete gewas. Hier is 'n ontsaglike belangrike les. Die ouer boetie wat sy jonger boetie wil leer, maar nie wil dien nie is besig met 'n 'projek' wat nooit sal werk nie. Die liefde dien voor dit leer. Groter volwassenheid in Christus plaas die onus op die volwasse dissipel om te dien en selfs te ly ter wille van groter begrip by die 'jonger boetie'. [AT] /

Joh 13:6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?"

Joh 13:7 Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand."

Joh 13:8 Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me."

Joh 13:9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!"

Peter said that because he wanted everything that he could get for himself. Later on, he came to see that everything was to be for the Lord. And he did not lose anything when he came to see that. [Sparks] /

Joh 13:10 Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you."

1 Kor. 6v11 & 1 Jn. 1v9 /

Joh 13:11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "Not all of you are clean."

Joh 13:12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you?

CORINE: John 13:12-17. 1. John is relating Jesus' explanation of what He did when He washed their feet. He is showing them that the washing was more than a physical act just to clean their feet, but it set a spiritual example for them to follow. Jesus explained that even though He is our Lord and Teacher, He humbled Himself to wash the disciples' feet. We are not greater than Him and need to follow His example. Jesus also shows us that there is a joy in servanthood and a fulfillment that we will get in no other place than to become a servant to others. 2. Joy in serving. 3. A TD must follow Jesus' example in serving others. He must have a passion to serve other people spiritually by laying down his life to help them mature spiritually. 4. Am I still finding my joy in helping others become spiritually mature? Do I have a passion and burden to serve like Jesus did? 5. I must not lose my heart to serve and bless others by helping them mature spiritually. I must serve, even though they become a Judas to me. 6. Thank You Jesus for showing is how to serve. May our

hearts be filled with enough love to find our joy in true serving. Amen / Albert: John 13v12-17 (Philips translation v17): 1. Jesus now applies the lesson He has demonstrated practically; first example, then the precept, first the life, then the ministry. This is the NC order. The core of what Jesus is teaching His disciples is that NT leadership is all about having a heart for others, having a desire to see them cleansed and whole, and that without being concerned about position and authority. If Jesus, the Lord of the universe, could wash the feet that He had created then we can be humble enough to serve as leaders. Leadership is thus all about being a spiritual father, not about titles, positions, and authority over people. Authority exists in order to care for and love people into wholeness and spiritual health. Yet Jesus says that when we do this we will find fullness of joy, fullness of blessing. This shows us that we were made to be spiritual fathers who carry others in our heart. This is the goal of all spiritual growth, to have and demonstrate the heart of the Father. Side note: Jesus washed even the feet of Jesus. Thus: 'If I'm a Judas to you, you still have to be like Jesus to me.' Not 'if I'm a Saul to you, you still must be a David to me.' The former example shows the real issue in the kingdom. The latter is used by those who wrongly focus on being kings. There's a big difference between kings and fathers. 2. The essence of being a spiritual father. / Fathers Serve! 3. A TD should realise the extreme importance of the way of leadership (and all can be leaders in their sphere) in the kingdom of God. This kingdom is radically different from the kingdom of this world where the important people get kicks out of others washing their feet. We should know experientially that true happiness in the kingdom can only be realised when we begin to serve others out of the heart of a father (the Father). We should always consider the example of Jesus and follow in His footsteps. 4. Am I finding true joy in serving others? Do I aspire to truly be a selfless spiritual father in the kingdom? Is my ultimate value being a self-deprecating spiritual father bearing the burdens of others without concern for my own reputation? 5. Follow the example of Jesus practically. Be real. Compare Phil. 2v1-8. 6. Dear Father, thank You for being a Father to me. Help me to see Your heart more clearly so that I can represent Your heart more accurately. Amen /

Joh 13:13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.

Joh 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

Mt. 7v5; Gal_5:13; Gal_6:1-2; Mt. 18v 15 /

Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Joh 13:16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

Joh 13:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Die saligheid le nie net in die weet nie, maar ook in die doen. Tog moet ons weet, ons moet ten volle verstaan. [AT] /

JOHN 13V18-38

Joh 13:18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, 'HE WHO ATE MY BREAD HAS LIFTED HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.'

(PSALM 41:9) /

CORINE: John 13:18-20. 1. In this passage John is relating Jesus' reaction to His betrayal by Judas. Jesus prepared His disciples for the coming betrayal, so that they would not doubt Him when that happened. He is teaching the disciples that not everyone accepts Him, and if people accept His disciples, they in turn accept Him and whoever accepts Him, accepts His Father. 2. Meeting Jesus requires a response/Rejection or Acceptance? 3. A TD must not only respond by following Jesus, but also

realise that when he meets others, they will be confronted with a choice. The very fact of Christ's reality brings every person on earth to the place where he either rejects Him like Judas, or he accepts Him and then be default becomes a person who represents Christ and who puts others in a place where they have to decide. 4. Am I loyal to Jesus in all areas of my life or are there areas where I deny Him? Do I live my life in such a way that others are confronted with Him in such a manner that they have to choose? 6. Dear Father, thank You for the reality in Your Son. Help us to make the right choice by responding correctly with the reality You make us face. Amen

Albert: John 3v18-20: 1. Jesus unveils here that He was all the time aware of the one who would betray Him. Jesus dealt with his true disciples very intimately and here He makes known to them what He Himself had to struggle with in terms of human enemies that satan planted, as it were, amongst His own. This is till a reality in the church. Jesus reveals, however, that He was not taken by surprise. He was aware of the one who would betray Him from the start. Additionally Jesus states positively that those who received Him actually receives the Father and this same relationship exists between those whom He will send and Himself. Conversely then, those who reject Him rejects the Father and those who reject the ones whom He will send is rejecting Him (cf. passages in John's epistles about those who reject the apostolic witness). 2. Jesus unveils His knowledge of the betrayer in their midst, thus emphasising His Messiahship. / Jesus Aware! 3. A TD should be aware of the intimate and personal way that Jesus works with us and prepares us for every eventuality. We should listen carefully to Him, for then we will not be taken by surprise by the enemy. We should be aware that there will be Judases amongst God's people (cf. the wolves in Acts 20). We should know also that we represent Jesus as ambassadors. We are now ambassadors of a heavenly 'nation'. 4. Am I living as a loved and cared for disciple of Jesus who is walking on this earth in reality in the company of Jesus with Jesus as the Head leading us into greater and greater glory? Am I sufficiently aware of being an ambassador of heaven? 5. Live daily in the awareness of the initmate care of Jesus. You are in HIS flock! Submit to His caring leadership. Listen to Him! Read Ps. 23 in this light. 6. Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your intimate care. Please make me more aware of Your constant presence in and with me. Amen. /

Joh 13:19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.

Joh 13:20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."

Joh 13:21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."

Joh 13:22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.

Joh 13:23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus,

Joh 13:24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.

Joh 13:25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, "Lord, who is it?"

There is only one explanation for John leaning on the chest of Jesus, and that is that he knew He was God. How wonderful, man leaning on the chest of God. What an intimacy the gospel sponsors! [AT] /

Joh 13:26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

Joh 13:27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."

Joh 13:28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.

Judas managed to deceive all the disciples. /

Joh 13:29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.

Joh 13:30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

Joh 13:31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

Joh 13:32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.

Joh 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.'

Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

See 1Jo_3:23; 1Th_4:9; 1Pe_1:22; 2Th_1:3; Gal_6:2; 2Pe_1:7 / See Carson's excellent commentary on verses 34 and 35 / Cf. 1 Jn. 2v3 and 3v16. Also NB Link: 1 Jn. 4v19 / GETROU MET DIE MINSTE: Waar begin hierdie liefde vir mekaar? Dit begin by ons finansies, die minste. Wanneer ons mekaar liefhet met die 2 Kor. 8-9 inhoud in terme van ons sakke breek ons die mag van Mammon en die sluise (floodgates) van God se evangelie seeninge maak oop. / THE SIGN OF THE NEW COVENANT: The sign of the new covenant is not baptism or anything else, but self-denying love. / NIEMAND KAN LIEFDE VERSTAAN SONDER DIE KRUIS NIE Almal op aarde het 'n idee van liefde en ons dink dat ons weet wat

dit is en hoe dit veronderstel is om te werk. Die Bybel leer egter dat dit net via die kruisdood van Jesus is dat ons waarlik liefde kan verstaan en dat dit net die Heilige Gees is wat vir ons die dieptes van die liefde kan openbaar wat aan daardie kruis vir mense gedemonstreer is. "En ons het die liefde wat God tot ons het, leer ken en geglo. God is liefde; en hy wat in die liefde bly, bly in God, en God in hom." 1 Johannes 4:16 "Ons het lief omdat God ons eerste liefgehad het." 1 Johannes 4:19 (NAV) Hierdie tekste in 1 Johannes maak dit baie duidelik dat ons net liefde reg kan verstaan en werklik kan uitleef wanneer ons verstaan wat aan die kruis gebeur het. Daar het die Lam van God ons sondes gedra, die Onskuldige vir die skuldiges. Boonop het Hy nie gesterf vir die wat Hom goedgesind was nie, maar vir ons wat in ons harte vyande van God was. D.w.s almal van ons. "Want as ons, terwyl ons nog vyande was, met God versoen is deur die dood van sy Seun, veel meer sal ons deur sy lewe gered word nou dat ons versoen is." Romeine 5:10 Daar is soveel hartseer in menseverhoudinge en ongeag ons aandeel aan al die pyn dink ons steeds so maklik dat óns die liefde reg verstaan en dat ander maar net moet sien wat ons sien, dan sal alles reg wees. Die waarheid is dat ons álmal dwaal en 'n self-gerigte idee van liefde het TOTDAT die Heilige Gees vir ons begin openbaar wat werklik aan die kruis gebeur het. Selfs vir ware dissipels van Jesus is dit nie 'n eenmalige gebeurtenis nie, maar veronderstel om 'n immer verdiepende openbaring en dan ervaring te wees. Op geen ander manier kan ons Goddelike liefde uitleef op 'n gevalle aarde nie. "Ons almal het gedwaal soos skape, ons het elkeen sy eie pad geloop; maar die HERE het die ongeregtigheid van ons almal op Hom laat neerkom." Jesaja 53:6 / LOVE THE SAINTS VIA THE ONE ANOTHER COMMANDS: It is crucially important for us to understand that the command to love repeated over and over again in the NT is not left to us to intepret in whatever way we see fit to obey it, according to arbitrary notions. The ONE ANOTHER texts in the NT give very specific instructions as to what this LOVE looks like in our day to day life and in specific situations. God knows that our inherent self-focus will tend to twist love out of all proportion to its true and original meaning. Thus He gives us DETAIL with regards to this life of love in community. We ignore this at our own peril, for whether it be in family life or congregational life, we NEED to obey SPECIFICS in order to conquer via the Trinitarian Community Life that is from of old. Note that He also gives us abundant detail with regards to our love for Him. "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments." That is, you will obey My very specific instructions concerning what love for me looks like in TRUTH! [AT] / See Barnes' explanation. Interesting, but I disagree. I think the commandment is new, because we not only have to love our neighbour as ourselves, but more than ourselves, laying down our own lives. It also means in context that we should love with the full new covenant knowledge of the depravity of man, i.e. loving believers in spite of their sin & washing their feet; helping them carry the sin burden (Gal. 6v2). (AT) / NB The doctrine of sinless perfection falls flat when it is presented with the challenge of loving people in their weakness in all the varied ways presented in the NT. This is in a sense what John challenges when he says that our love for God is tested by the way we love our brothers. (AT) /

Joh 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

This is THE mark of the Christian! / “First, Christians are called upon to love all men as neighbors, loving them as ourselves. Second, we are to love all true Christian brothers in a way that the world may observe. This means showing love to our brothers in the midst of our differences– great or small– loving our brothers when it costs us something, loving them even under times of tremendous emotional tension, loving them in a way the world can see. In short, we are to practice and exhibit the holiness of God and the love of God, for without this we grieve the Holy Spirit. Love– and the unity it attests to– is the mark Christ gave Christians to wearbefore the world. Only with this mark may the world know that Christians are indeed Christians and that Jesus was sent by the Father.” (John 13:34-35; 17:21) [Schaeffer] / Compare this with 'we love because He first loved us'. The mark of a Christian, not only because they love the brethren, but even more so because they have been loved by and love Jesus. [AT] /

Joh 13:36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward."

You cannot now lay down your life, but when the Lamb of God lives in you, you will follow me on the way of the cross. See Jn. 17v26 /

Joh 13:37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

Joh 13:38 Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

DIE GOEIE NUUS AAN DIE ANDER KANT VAN MISLUKKING Petrus is seker dat hy die passie en moed het om sy lewe vir Jesus neer te lê. Die probleem is net Petrus ken nog nie sy eie hart nie. Petrus vertrou nog op sy eie wilskrag en menslike oortuiging. Jesus ken egter elke mens se hart en Hy weet dat nie een van ons die bedrieglikheid van die hart kan baasraak nie. Inteendeel, daai hart aan homself oorgelaat, gaan Jesus keer op keer verloën. Maar daar’s goeie nuus! Verder aan, in hoofstukke 14 tot 17 van Johannes, gee Jesus vir Sy dissipels dosyne kosbare beloftes met betrekking tot die nuwe verbond en nuwe krag vir ‘n heilige lewe. Dit het alles te doen met Sý lewe ín ons (Joh. 15:5). Gaan lees bietjie Johannes 14 tot 17, merk die beloftes en maak dit jou eie. [AT] /

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

JOHN 14V1-14

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus will always be there to comfort us in a crisis.  We should not be troubled by anything, but should trust the Father and Jesus in all things.  Jesus not only comforts us, but He has prepared a place for us so that we may be with Him.  The way to this wonderful place of blessing is Jesus Himself.  He is the all-inclusive Christ and as we follow Him on the way of the cross we are increasingly filled with Him (14v1-6). 

2.  When we behold Christ we know and see the Father also.  We should not try to find anything beyond the revelation of Jesus, for in Him all of the Godhead is wonderfully revealed.  Jesus only spoke and did what the Father told Him to say and do.  If we believe in Jesus we will have the same kind of relationship with the Father and thus do even greater works because of the life-giving Spirit poured out on and indwelling the Body of Christ.  These works can only be fully released through prayer in the name of Jesus.  This is for the glorification of the Father in the Son.  This reveals that we are one with the Father and the Son (14v7-14).

3. Loving and focusing on Jesus will lead to the keeping of His commandments. In this relationship of love there is also the promise and fulfillment of the indwelling Spirit. He will remain with us forever. Not like Jesus who had to leave the earth. Yet it is Jesus who is now with us! The HS brings the reality of Jesus home to our hearts. The world cannot

see or understand the presence of Jesus coming as the life-giving Spirit. Believers do know. True disciples saw in a sense more than just Jesus in the flesh, they saw Jesus as the promise of the indwelling of the life-giving Spirit. The world, however, only saw the bodily presence of Jesus. In the resurrection life of Jesus we behold His glory. With the coming of the Spirit all believers now have the privilege to know the wonderful oneness, namely Jesus in the Father, we in Him, and He in us. (14v15-20).

4. True believers have the commandments of Jesus and keep them, because they love Jesus. These will in turn be loved by the Father and by Jesus and will experience the manifestation of Jesus to themselves. Only those who love Jesus and thus keep His Word will be loved by the Father and and experience the abiding presence of the Father and the Son. Those who do not love Jesus, do not (cannot) keep His words, which are in fact the Father's words (14v21-24).

5. Jesus spoke these wonderful truths while He was with the disciples, but He said that when the HS came He would teach them all things, based on the words spoken by Jesus. Hence we today have the Bible, but also the Spirit opening up the words in the Bible. Once again Jesus comforts His disciples and tells them that He imparts heavenly peace. They do not need to be troubled or afraid. The unveiling of Jesus on earth was limited. The unveiling from heaven comes directly from the Father by the Spirit and is unlimited! Glory! The atonement was, among other things, for the demonstration of the love of Jesus for His Father and His obedience to the Father. Satan had nothing in Jesus. Hence an innocent man was crucified (14v25-31).

CORNE: JOHN 14:1-6 Jesus settles the fears of the disciples by telling them they are not alone and will be with Him in heaven. He will bring them into spirit union with Himself through the ressurrection. We can always find comfort in the fact that our lives are hid with Christ in God. That is our true home and our security. The way there is Christ, and if we focus our attention on Him, we get all of God. :7-14 The Son shows us the Father and we show the Son to the world. Jesus was completely dependent on the Father for all He did on earth. We are completely dependend on Jesus and should never act without askin in His name. That way our works are His. 14:15-20 Jesus did not leave us alone, but came to us as the Spirit of Truth. The purpose is unity with God, and we find our comfort in the fact that we are in Him and He is in us. :21-24 If we love God we will keep His commandments and obey Him. We need to

be sensitive to His Spirit so that we may be obedient. :25-31 The disciples had limited light while Jesus was with them, but the Holy Spirit indwells us and leads us into all truth. Jesus prepared the hearts of the disciples to not be afraid when He left them. We also experience times where it feels as if the Lord has left us. But He sent His Spirit to comfort and guide us. /

Joh 14:1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

VREDE IN DIE STORM Alle wedergebore mense het reeds vrede met God op grond van regverdigmaking deur die geloof (Rom. 5:1). Nie almal leef egter met die vrede van God in hulle binneste as ‘n daaglikse werklikheid nie. “Want ‘n Kind is vir ons gebore, ‘n Seun is aan ons gegee; en die heerskappy is op sy skouer, en Hy word genoem: Wonderbaar, Raadsman, Sterke God, Ewige Vader, Vredevors— tot vermeerdering van die heerskappy en tot vrede sonder einde, op die troon van Dawid en oor sy koninkryk, om dit te bevestig en dit te versterk deur reg en deur geregtigheid, van nou af tot in ewigheid. Die ywer van die HERE van die leërskare sal dit doen.” Jesaja 9:5-6 Die “gawe van geregtigheid” (Rom. 5:17) is bedoel om ‘n heerskappy van vrede in ons lewens te vestig wat radikale implikasies het vir alle aspekte van ons bestaan op aarde. Hierdie vrede vorm die basis van ‘n lewe van oorwinning. Hierdie vrede maak dit moontlik vir jou om God se stem binne-in die storms van die lewe te hoor. Hierdie vrede maak dit ook moontlik om vrede te hou met ander gelowiges. Hierdie vrede is anders as die wêreld se vrede, want dit is geensins afhanklik van omstandighede nie (Joh. 14:27). Hierdie vrede is baie dieper as enigiets wat vandag beskikbaar is by die apteek of die drankwinkel. Hierdie vrede is ten volle toeganklik vir jou, want dit is joune “in Christus”. Om die waarheid te sê dit is Jesus se eie vrede wat Hy vir jou beskikbaar stel. Hy begeer om dit vandag nog vir jou te laat ervaar as ‘n blywende werklikheid. Rus net in Hom. Gee net oor. Jy is in elk geval nie in beheer nie, God is. Klink dit te eenvoudig? Dit is nie, dit is ingesluit in die goeie nuus van die evangelie en dit is jou erfdeel in Christus! “Vrede laat Ek vir julle na, my vrede gee Ek aan julle; nie soos die wêreld gee, gee Ek aan julle nie. Laat julle hart nie ontsteld word en bang wees nie.” Johannes 14:27 [AT] / VEILIGHEID EN VERVULLING IN CHRISTUS  Ons spandeer die meeste van ons tyd op aarde om sekuriteit en vervulling vir ons en ons geliefdes te verkry. Ons wil almal veilig voel en binne 'n veilige omgewing vervulling beleef. Die werklikheid is egter dat ons leef in 'n gevalle en stukkende wêreld met stukkende en sondige mense. In hierdie wêreld vertrou ons al hoe meer op tegnologie om vir ons veiligheid en vervulling te gee wat "permanent" is. Wat sal gebeur met ons as die tegnologie skielik sou faal en ons nie meer die dosyne krukke het wat ons so swaar op leun nie? Die voordele van tegnologie is ongetwyfeld gawes van God, maar dit was nooit bedoel om ons vertroue in God self te vervang nie. Daar is net een permanente voorsiening vir sekuriteit en vervulling en dit is nie materiēle dinge nie, maar 'n Persoon. God het sy Seun gegee om beide ons sekuriteit en vervulling te wees nou en vir ewig. Wanneer ons geskape wesens of vervaardigde

kommoditeite in Jesus se plek stel is ons besig met afgodery. Ondersoek jou hart en vra jouself waar jy werklik jou sekuriteit en vervulling vind. Is dit in Christus of in die gevalle skepping? Daar is so 'n verstommende vrede en blydskap beskikbaar vir die wat hulle oë van die skepping afhaal en op Jesus plaas. "Die Naam van die Here is ’n sterk toring; die regverdige hardloop daarin en word beskut. Die goed van die ryke is sy sterk stad en soos ’n steil muur in sy verbeelding." Spreuke 18:10-11 [AT] /

Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

The Greek for the word "rooms" here (mone) and the word "abide" (meno) are from the same root and this shows that the room Jesus was to prepare was Himself, being placed in Him. / In light of the context (Jesus going to the Father; 13:1, 3; 14:28), it is best to understandmy Father’s house as referring to heaven. In keeping with this image, the many rooms (or “dwelling places,” Gk. monē) are places to live within that large house. The translation “rooms” is not meant to convey the idea of small spaces, but only to keep consistency in the metaphor of heaven as God’s “house.” In a similar passage, Jesus speaks of his followers being received into the “eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9; cf. 1 Cor. 2:9). [ESV SB] /

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Is it really plausible that Jesus prepares a place in heaven, and not rather at the cross? No, He is speaking of the cross. (AT) /

Joh 14:4 And you know the way to where I am going."

Going to the Father. /

Joh 14:5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?"

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Joh 14:7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."

Joh 14:8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."

DIE ANTWOORD IS STEEDS JESUS “Filippus sê vir Hom: Here, toon ons die Vader, en dit is vir ons genoeg. Jesus sê vir hom: Ek is so lankal by julle, en het jy My nie geken nie, Filippus? Hy wat My gesien het, het die Vader gesien. En hoe sê jy: Toon ons die Vader?” Joh. 14:8-9 Die hele Bybel gaan oor Jesus en wil ons van aangesig tot aangesig bring met Hom (2 Kor. 3:18). Ons maak soms ons geloof so gekompliseerd en vra so baie onnodige vrae dat ons die eenvoud mis. Wat is die eenvoud van ons geloof? Die feit dat alles wat ons nodig het net in een Persoon en op een plek te vinde is. Hoe kan ons byvoorbeeld God die Vader ken en Sy karakter peil? Net deur die openbaring van Jesus in die Bybel. As ons geloofsoë oopgaan en ons “sien” Hom, het ons outomaties ook die Vader gesien. Jesus is “die afskynsel is van sy heerlikheid en die afdruksel van sy wese” (Heb. 1:3). Jy hoef nie te wonder nie en jy hoef nie verward te wees nie. Bly by die eenvoud van jou geloof. Alles wat ek en jy nodig het, is in Jesus. Net omdat jy op ‘n moeilike plek in jou lewe is, beteken dit nie die antwoord gaan skielik verander en dat daar nou ‘n ander oplossing is nie. Die antwoord is steeds Jesus. Die manier wat die Vader vir jou uitkoms gaan gee, is steeds eenvoudig deur om vir jou meer van Sy Seun te wys en te openbaar. Slegs hierdie openbaring bring geloof (Rom. 10:17) en dáárdie geloof stel jou in staat om op die branders te loop, bo die omstandighede van die lewe. [AT] /

Joh 14:9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

2 Cor. 4v4-6 /

Joh 14:10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

Union with the Father as God the Son. /We are now in the Son and He in us. Our ministry is in and through Him. (AT) /

Joh 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

Joh 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

Vgl. 14v10b. As Hy na die Vader gaan, kan Hy in ons kom woon deur die Gees en die groter werke deur al die lede van Sy liggaam doen. [AT] /

Joh 14:13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Joh 14:14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Asking JESUS in His own name? /

JOHN 14V15-31

Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Joh_14:21-24, Joh_8:42, Joh_15:10-14, Joh_21:15-17; Mat_10:37, Mat_25:34-40; 1Co_16:22; 2Co_5:14-15, 2Co_8:8-9; Gal_5:6; Eph_3:16-18, Eph_6:24; Phi_1:20-23, Phi_3:7-11; 1Pe_1:8; 1Jo_2:3-5, 1Jo_4:19-20, 1Jo_5:2-3 /Commandments: Joh 14:15  "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Joh 14:21  Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." Joh 15:10  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 1Jn 2:3  And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 1Jn 2:4  Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 1Jn 3:22  and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.1Jn 3:24  Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.1Jn 5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.1Jn 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.2Jn 1:6  And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.Rev 12:17  Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. Rev 14:12  Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. /

Joh 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

Acts 9:31 /

Joh 14:17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Joh 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

GEESTELIKE WEESKINDERS “Ek sal julle nie as wese agterlaat nie..."  Johannes 14:18 Waarom is daar so baie gelowiges vandag wat soos geestelike weeskinders leef? Waarom word gelowiges heen en weer gedryf deur elke wind van lering (Efes. 4:14) in plaas daarvan om volwasse te word in Christus met vaste grond onder hulle voete?  Gelowiges wat weet dat Christus in hulle leef is nie gedurig op soek na nog 'n manifestasie of 'n nuwe lering of 'n nuwe leier of 'n uiterlike aanraking of nog 'n ondervinding nie.  Hulle bely eerder saam met Paulus:  “... in Christus woon al die volheid van die Godheid liggaamlik; en ons het die volheid in Hom wat die Hoof is van alle owerheid en mag, en ...”dat ek Hom mag ken en die krag van Sy opstanding."  Sien Kolossense 2: 9-10 en Filippense 3:10. Alles wat ons ooit sal nodig hê is in Christus en Hy leef in ons. Miskien ís jy onvervuld en ontevrede met die peil van jou geestelike lewe, maar soek jou vervulling in Christus. Die volheid van die Gees word net in Hom gevind. [AT] / STAP SAAM “Ek sal julle nie as wese agterlaat nie; Ek kom weer na julle toe.” Johannes 14:18 Wat ‘n kosbare belofte gee Jesus hier in Johannes 14 vir Sy dissipels! Net soos hulle vir drie en ‘n half jaar saam met Hom gestap het in Sy bediening op aarde was dit vir hulle (en vir ons) beskore om die reis voort te sit saam met Hom die oomblik wat hulle die Heilige Gees ontvang het. Jesus is in ons en by ons deur die Gees en Hy vra maar net dat ons saam met Hom sal stap sodat Hy ‘n gevalle wêreld kan bedien deur ons as Sy liggaam. Dit is in eenvoudige terme wat dit beteken om “deur die Gees gelei” te word. Ons probleem is egter dat ons generasie

dink (en dikwels geleer word) dat die geseënde lewe daaroor gaan dat Jesus saam met óns stap. Dit is verkeerde kant om en is ‘n fatale oordeelsfout. Hy is die Here en ons die dissipels. Ons moet Hom volg waar Hý lei. Dit is absurd om te verwag dat Hy óns moet volg. Soos met die Émmaüsgangers in Lukas 24 sal Jesus wel met tye Homself op ‘n besonderse manier openbaar aan ons op ons lewenspad, maar die doel daarmee is altyd dat ons Hóm dan meer toegewyd moet begin volg. Die kragtige werking van God in die boek Handelinge is maar net die gevolg van dissipels en gemeentes wat hierdie waarheid verstaan het. Hulle het geweet dat die absolute prioriteit van hulle lewens was om deur die Woord, gebed en gemeenskap die rigting waarin Jesus stap te onderskei en dan te volg in kinderlike gehoorsaamheid. Verstaan ons dit? [AT] / KAN LEIERSKAP 'N VLOEK WORD? Jesus het nie gesê "Ek sal julle nie as wese agterlaat nie; Ek stuur vir julle apostels, pastore en dominees" nie, maar: ”Ek sal julle nie as wese agterlaat nie; Ek kom weer na julle toe." Johannes 14:18 Na die uitstorting van die Heilige Gees op die dag van Pinkster ontvang elke ware dissipel van Jesus onmiddellik die Gees van Christus by die wedergeboorte. Ons verhouding met Jesus is van daardie oomblik af persoonlik en direk. Daarom is enige vorm van dissipelskap of leierskap wat mense nie toenemend bewus maak van hierdie direkte verhouding met Jesus nie totaal uit voeling met die hele gees van die Nuwe Verbond. Ons hoor baie van bevryding vandag. Laat my toe om 'n radikale stelling te maak. Die mees algemene bevryding wat die meeste mense in gemeentes vandag nodig het, is bevryding van die soort verhouding met gemeenteleiers wat net Jesus se prerogatief is! Hy alleen is die Middelaar, Verlosser en Hoof van Sy gemeente. Hy wil elkeen van Sy kinders persoonlik bedien en persoonlik ken in 'n groeiende en lewende verhouding. As leierskap in gemeentes hierdie verhouding met Jesus belemmer in plaas van bevorder word dit 'n vloek en nie 'n seën nie. [AT] / DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE HS AND CHRIST The Holy Spirit takes a part of the Spirit of Christ and deposits it in the believer. This is the seed of God, apart from the Person of the Holy Spirit, in the believer. (false - Litzman) The misuse of the H.S is the reason why believers do not know they're in Christ. If they never had a book, tape, etc. on the subject, they could still know they're in Christ if they listened to the H.S. The misuse of the H.S. has given gifts to men rather than Christ being their life and the Gifted One in them. Denying the H.S. His place as the Teacher is what creates law-religion. Then they are being taught by the fivefold ministers what to do and how to do it. There is no Scripture that explicitly says that the H.S. takes the place of Christ in the believer. The H.S. is not the Saviour, He's not the crucified One, He's not the buried One, the resurrected One, or the ascended One. Jesus taught that the H.S. is a teacher. He was given to make us knowers, not to replace Jesus. The H.S. is not the One who is joined to our spirit. He operates solely in our soul area. If the H.S. was our life, our relationship with Christ would always be elusive. The fact that we

are commanded to be filled with the H.S. suggests that we are sometimes empty. Hence if our salvation depended upon Him we would be saved sometimes and other times not. Most Christians live like this. Their salvation is never secure. Salvation is determined by the work of the H.S. I.e. He put us in Christ. Being saved however is dependent on Christ. The H.S. is not the incorruptible Seed or the Divine nature. The Scriptures says we are in Christ. It never says we are in the H.S. /

Joh 14:19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

The heart is able to see only what it desires. If we desire Jesus we will be able to see Him. See 2 Cor. 3v18 [AT] /

Joh 14:20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

God boldly invites us to live by faith in the realm of future perfection (Col. 3v1-4), so that our lives here and now can begin to reflect Him. [AT] / WATTER DAG WAG JÝ VOOR? “In dié dag sal julle weet dat Ek in my Vader is, en julle in My, en Ek in julle.”  Joh. 14:20  ‘Dié dag’ wat Jesus hier van praat het reeds aangebreek amper 2 000 jaar gelede met Sy opstanding en meer spesifiek op die dag van Pinkster (Hand. 2:1-2), maar het hierdie dag al ten volle in jou bewussyn aangebreek?  Weet jy dat jy weet dat jy in Christus is (1 Kor. 1:30) en dat Hy in jou is (Gal. 2:20) en dat jou ware lewe daarom saam met Hom verborge is in die Vader (Kol. 3:3)?  Leef jy VANUIT vereniging met en volheid in Jesus of wag jy steeds vir een of ander dag vorentoe wat hierdie dinge vir jou ‘n werklikheid gaan maak?  / CHRISTUS IN ONS TEKSTE Johannes 6:56 Wie my vlees eet en my bloed drink, bly in My en Ek in hom. Johannes 14:20 In dié dag sal julle weet dat Ek in my Vader is, en julle in My, en Ek in julle. Johannes 17:10 En alles wat myne is, is uwe; en wat uwe is, is myne; en Ek is in hulle verheerlik. Johannes 17:23 Ek in hulle en U in My, sodat hulle volkome een kan wees; en dat die wêreld kan weet dat U My gestuur het, en hulle liefgehad het net soos U My liefgehad het. Johannes 17:26 En Ek het u Naam aan hulle bekend gemaak en sal dit bekend maak, sodat die

liefde waarmee U My liefgehad het, in hulle kan wees, en Ek in hulle. Romeine 8:9-10 julle is egter nie in die vlees nie, maar in die Gees, as naamlik die Gees van God in julle woon. Maar as iemand die Gees van Christus nie het nie, dié behoort nie aan Hom nie. 10 Maar as Christus in julle is, dan is die liggaam dood vanweë die sonde, maar die gees is lewe vanweë die geregtigheid. 2 Korinthiërs 4:10 Gedurig dra ons die doding van die Here Jesus in die liggaam om, sodat ook die lewe van Christus in ons liggaam openbaar kan word. 2 Korinthiërs 13:5 Ondersoek julself of julle in die geloof is; stel julself op die proef. Of is julle nie seker van julself dat Jesus Christus in julle is nie--as julle ten minste nie verwerplik is nie! Galasiërs 1:16 om sy Seun in my te openbaar, sodat ek Hom onder die heidene sou verkondig, het ek dadelik nie vlees en bloed geraadpleeg nie, Galasiërs 2:20 Ek is met Christus gekruisig, en ék leef nie meer nie, maar Christus leef in my. En wat ek nou in die vlees lewe, leef ek deur die geloof in die Seun van God wat my liefgehad het en Homself vir my oorgegee het. Galasiërs 4:6 En omdat julle kinders is, het God die Gees van sy Seun in julle harte uitgestuur, en Hy roep: Abba, Vader! Efesiërs 1:23 wat sy liggaam is, die volheid van Hom wat alles in almal vervul. Efesiërs 3:17 sodat Christus deur die geloof in julle harte kan woon, julle wat in die liefde gewortel en gegrond is, Filippense 1:19-20 Want ek weet dat dit deur julle gebed en die ondersteuning van die Gees van Jesus Christus my tot heil sal strek, 20 volgens my reikhalsende verwagting en hoop dat ek in niks beskaam sal word nie; maar dat Christus met alle vrymoedigheid, soos altyd so ook nou, groot gemaak sal word in my liggaam, of dit deur die lewe of deur die dood is. Kolossense 1:27 aan wie God wou bekend maak wat die rykdom van die heerlikheid van hierdie verborgenheid onder die heidene is, dit is Christus onder (in) julle, die hoop van die heerlikheid. Kolossense 3:11 waar daar nie Griek en Jood, besnedene en onbesnedene, barbaar, Skith, slaaf, vryman is nie, maar Christus is alles en in almal. 1 Johannes 3:9 Elkeen wat uit God gebore is, doen geen sonde nie, omdat Sy saad in hom bly; en hy kan nie sondig nie, want hy is uit God gebore. 1 Johannes 3:24 En hy wat sy gebooie bewaar, bly in Hom, en Hy in hom. En hieraan weet ons dat Hy in ons bly aan die Gees wat Hy ons gegee het. 1 Johannes 4:13 Hieraan weet ons dat ons in Hom bly en Hy in ons, dat Hy ons van sy Gees gegee het. “MOENIE DAT ENIGIEMAND OF ENIGIETS JOU SKEI VAN DIE INWONENDE CHRISTUS AS JOU LEWE EN ALLES NIE" / IN CHRIST “When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” JOHN14:20 Our Lord spoke of His life in the Father in John 14:11: “Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” He and the Father were not two persons next to each other; they were in each other. Even as a man on earth, Jesus lived in the Father. All He did was what the Father did in Him. This picture of Christ in God and God in Christ is the pledge of

what our life in Christ is to be here on earth. We must always live in the faith that we are in Christ and yield ourselves to His power. Then we will learn that, even as the Father worked in Christ, Christ will also work in us. As the Father worked in Christ because He lived in the Father, so Christ worked in the disciples as they lived in Him. Their life in Him was the reflection of His life in the Father. But this did not happen until the Holy Spirit came. They had to wait until they were clothed with the power of the Spirit. Then by daily fellowship and prayer, He did in them the greater works He had promised. The secret of our power is to be found in nothing less than where Christ found it—abiding in the Father and His love. /

Joh 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

Cf. Mt. 28v19 /

Joh 14:22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?"

DIE WÊRELD IN DIE KERK Wat is die groot verskil tussen die wêreld en die kerk en hoe kan ons onderskei of die wêreld gemeentes of denominasies binne gedring het? "Judas, nie die Iskáriot nie, sê vir Hom: Here, hoe is dit dat U aan ons U sal openbaar en nie aan die wêreld nie? 23 Jesus antwoord en sê vir hom: As iemand My liefhet, sal hy my woord bewaar, en my Vader sal hom liefhê, en Ons sal na hom toe kom en by hom woning maak.” Johannes 14:22-23 Ware dissipels bewaar die woord van Jesus. Dit is so eenvoudig soos dit. Jesus self het hierdie standaard gestel en die toets vir ons liefde neergelê. As ons sê ons is lief vir Jesus moet ons ook lief wees vir Sy woord. Ons kan en mag nooit Jesus skei van Sy woord nie. Dit gaan ook nie in die eerste plek oor die verdediging van ons groep of denominasie se leerstellings nie, maar oor absolute lojaliteit aan Jesus en kinderlike gehoorsaamheid aan dit wat die Vader ons self leer uit die Bybel. Kortliks, as ons bely dat Jesus die Here is, sal absolute onderwerping aan Sy woord die kenmerk van ons lewens wees. Daar is so 'n grootskaalse

vermenging van die kerk en die wêreld in ons generasie dat hierdie stelling van Jesus in vers 23 dringend ons aandag eis. [AT] /

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Hence the indwelling is the manifestation. (AT) /

Joh 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

DIE LIEFDE WAT GEHOORSAAM Jesus het na die aarde gekom om te "soek en te red wat verlore was". Ons verlorenheid het ten diepste te doen met 'n ongehoorsame hart. Daarom is ons redding baie meer as net vergifnis van sondes, maar juis ook 'n nuwe gehoorsaamheid deur die wedergeboorte. Die ware toets is dus nie net my belydenis dat ek Hom liefhet nie, maar my lojaliteit aan sy Woord. Bybelse liefde vir Jesus lei altyd tot 'n begeerte om Sy wil te doen. Ek het Jesus lief, ek het sy Woord lief. Hierdie twee loop altyd saam in die Skrifte. Pasop vir boodskappe wat hulle op allerhande subtiele maniere (of blatant!) skei van mekaar. "Jesus antwoord en sê vir hom: As iemand My liefhet, sal hy my woord bewaar, en my Vader sal hom liefhê, en Ons sal na hom toe kom en by hom woning maak. Hy wat My nie liefhet nie, bewaar my woorde nie; en die woord wat julle hoor, is nie myne nie, maar is van die Vader wat My gestuur het." Johannes 14:23-24 [AT] /

Joh 14:25 "These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.

Joh 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

JESUS SELF IS ONS SEKURITEIT "Vrede laat Ek vir julle na, my vrede gee Ek aan julle; nie soos die wêreld gee, gee Ek aan julle nie. Laat julle hart nie ontsteld word en bang wees nie." Joh. 14:27 Sonder die vrede van Jesus in ons binneste is ons soos 'n klein bootjie

sonder 'n anker op 'n baie groot en onstuimige see. Die wêreld waarin ons leef met al sy onsekerhede, woelinge en onvoorspelbare gebeurtenisse is soos die onstuimige see waarop ons lewensbootjie vaar. Daarom is dit uiters belangrik vir dissipels van Jesus om te verstaan dat die vrede van Jesus 'n onveranderlike en vaste werklikheid is wat gewaarborg word deur ons posisie in Hom by die Vader. As Jesus beweeg kan word van Sy plek aan die regterhand van die Vader kan ons vrede in Hom versteur word, maar Hy kan nie en daarom is ons sekuriteit in 'n deurmekaar wêreld onveranderlik! Solank as wat ons, ons oë op Jesus hou, is daar niks op hierdie aarde wat ooit ons ekwilibrium kan versteur nie. Ons sekuriteit is meer as net 'n gawe, dit is Jesus self en daarom is dit vir ewig gewaarborg. Wat 'n vreugde! Wat 'n voorreg! Plaas jou hele geloof daar, nie op finansies, besittings, eiendom, politiese of godsdiens instansies of op enige mens nie. Jesus alleen is ons ewige sekuriteit by die Vader. [AT] /

Joh 14:28 You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Joh 14:29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.

Joh 14:30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,

Joh 14:31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

Note that Jesus also links love & obedience in HIS relationship with the Father. /

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

JOHN 15V1-11

NT LESSONS

1. The wonderful analogy of the vine reveals many precious truths concerning our relationship with the Father and the Son. God wants fruit from the lives of His new creation. We are organically attached to the true vine, Jesus, and the Father is the vinedresser who makes sure that we grow properly in Christ. If there is a Judas branch that is not properly connected to Jesus, the Father removes it and the true branches revealed as such by bearing fruit, He prunes so that it would bear even more fruit. The word of Jesus regenerates and places us in the vine. Our responsibility is to vitally abide in the vine. We can only bear fruit by doing this. Apart from the vine a branch can bear no fruit whatsoever! Judas branches do not abide and will be thrown away and burnt, because they are rooted in self and refuse to lose their lives in order to be rooted in Christ. The secret to answered prayer is abiding in Christ and letting His words abide in us. Thus we will pray spiritual prayers. It seems that answered prayer and fruit-bearing are connected here. The Father is glorified when we bear much fruit. This fruit proves that we are true disciples. One of the secrets of abiding in Christ is abiding in His love. If we allow His love to flow through us to others we will remain vitally connected to His love. Jesus allowed the love of the Father to flow through Him. If we do the same we will have fullness of joy (1-11).

2. Here is a deep yet simple secret of the spiritual life; when we love others as Jesus has loved us (to the point of death) we will remain in the wonderful flow of agape and will be called the friend of Jesus. We are no longer servant when we apply these love and 'abide' secrets. Jesus has revealed to us all that the Father told Him. How precious then these chapters! Jesus chose and appointed us to bear abiding fruit and have answered prayers. The point of all the instruction here is for us to love one another, thus showing that we are vitally connected to the Father in the Son. God is love (12-17)!

3. The world hates these loving ones, even as they hated Jesus. The world's love is completely different to the love that emanates from Jesus and the Father. They persecuted Jesus and did not accept His word, and they will do the same to us, because of our relation to Jesus and His relation to the Father. When agape is revealed and people hate in return instead of break and enter the flow of heavenly love, they show that they are indeed unrepentant sinners. Aah, but we are promised here the wonderful Helper who bears witness about Jesus. By the Spirit we can also bear witness...compare Acts 1v8 (18-27). [AT] /CORNE: Joh. 15:1-11 Unity produces fruit. It is impossible to produce fruit apart from Jesus, for in Him alone Life is found. Pruning is a proof of

life in the branch, and proof that the believer is clean because of the Word the Lord spoke into the believer's heart. The bottom line is that only in Him Life is found, and only in the place of abiding in Him, the life can flow into us and we can bear fruit. Abiding is resting and being persuaded of His love, which results in obedience and joy. :12-17 Jesus calls us friends, not slaves, for He has revealed His mind to us. All the Father has spoken He made known to us. It is possible to live in the reality of the mind of Christ. He wants us to live in the love He displayed on the cross, and the impetus of the gospel, so that we may love others the way He loved us. That is the road to remaining fruit and answered prayers. :18-27 It should be no surprise to us if the world does not accept us, for it is a spirit directly opposed to the Spirit of Christ. We must expect resistance and even persecution. But we are not the ones being hated, it is actually the Father and the Son they reject. But the Holy Spirit is sent to us so that we are comforted and He brings reality and testimony of our true origin, and the fact that we are the offspring of God, chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. /

Joh 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

See A.W. Pink / MEANING: ‘I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.’ (BBE) ‘I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer.’ (MSG) ‘…My Father is the husbandman.’ (Recovery) ‘.Father is the cultivator.’ (Wms) / This verse clearly shows the eternal purpose of the Father is that His Son should be All. Only Jesus is the True Vine, meaning that only in Him is true life to be found. The Father decided before the foundation of the world that His Son would be the only way to Him. The Father is the Initiator. [AT] /

Joh 15:2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

MEANING: ‘He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit.’ (CEV) ‘Any unfruitful branch in me he takes away….’ (TCNT) ‘Every barren branch of mine he cus away’ (NEB) ‘…he cleanseth’ (Alf) ‘to increase its yield’ (Phi) ‘to make it bear more fruit’ (Beck) / 1 Jn. 2v19? / He takes away those branches that do not bear fruit. Cf. 1 Cor. 11:29-31. Those people died because they did not discern the body. Christ and His body are one, just like the vine and the branches. This may be part of the reason why these branches are cut off. In 1 Cor. 11:31 it also says that we should judge and examine ourselves. Paul says in another place we should examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. We should therefore judge and see whether we are 'in

the vine', lest we be taken away. Those branches that bear fruit, however, are pruned and cleaned by the Father. The true sons will be disciplined. This is part of the way we can see that a branch is a true branch, it will be pruned. If we see no discipline from the Lord in the life of those who profess to be His children, we should seriously begin to ask questions about that one's life in the Lord. Rom. 12:5,6. [CT] /

Joh 15:3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

MEANING: ‘You are pruned already because of the teaching’ (Gspd) ‘You are already cleansed by means of the Word’ (Nor) ‘You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.’ (NLT) ‘Already you are cleansed—through the teaching which I have given you.’ (WEY) MEAT: MO: [AT] /13v10, 17v17; Eph. 5v26; 1 Pet. 1v22 / The word of righteousness is a word of acceptance, and a cleansing word. But there is also the washing of the word, that is spoken over us and continually cleanses us as we hear it. The word is also a sword that cuts between soul and spirit and this cutting too cleanses us. [CT] /

Joh 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

MEANING: ‘Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.’ (NIV) ‘Dwell in me, as I in you’ (NEB) ‘Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you’ (TCNT) ‘Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. Live in Me, and I will live in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.’ (Amplified) ‘Continue in me, and let me continue in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself—that is, if it does not continue in the vine—so neither can you if you do not continue in me.’ (WEY) ‘…unless it shares the life of the vine’ (Phi) ‘…if you do not live on in me’ (Knox) MEAT: MO: [AT] / DIE VRUG

VOLG VANSELF "Bly in My, soos Ek in julle. Net soos die loot geen vrug kan dra van homself as dit nie in die wynstok bly nie, so julle ook nie as julle in My nie bly nie." Joh. 15:4 "Maar julle moet toeneem in die genade en kennis van onse Here en Saligmaker, Jesus Christus..." 2 Pet. 3:18 Ons hemelse Vader is die landbouer (Joh. 15:1) en soos enige goeie boer verwag Hy 'n oes. Sy doel in alles is om vrug te sien in ons lewens wat Hom as landbouer verheerlik. Daar is 'n vreugde in die oes wat niks anders kan bring nie. Ons probleem is egter dat ons so dikwels probeer om uit onsself vrug te dra. Jesus maak dit baie duidelik dat ons net vrug kan dra as ons in Hom bly. D.w.s. as ons toeneem en groei in ons afhanklikheid van Hom in elke aspek van ons lewens soos wat ons harte al hoe meer gevul word met die kennis van Sy heerlikheid. Ons verantwoordelikheid is om ons rykdom in Christus in die Bybel te ontgin en geniet. Die Vader sal sorg vir die groei. Ek hoef nie te probeer om groei te bewerkstellig nie. Soos wat ek op Jesus fokus en in verhouding met Hom leef vind die groei vanself plaas en die vrug volg vir seker! O wat 'n salige rus bring dit wanneer ons hierdie waarheid begin ontdek. [AT] / ABIDE IN HIS DEATH JOHN 15:4  “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:11  ‘For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.’ When we combine these two verses, the one words of Jesus Himself and the other words of the apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit, a very interesting and important fact concerning a fruitful Christian life emerges.  Jesus declares in no uncertain terms that we have no ability whatsoever to produce fruit pleasing to the Father without our abiding constantly in Him.  Paul says in effect that the life of God cannot be manifested in us unless we are first identified with the death of Christ.  Therefore he says in the following verse ‘death is working in us, but life in you.’  Unless we cultivate a mindset that allows us to view suffering as a means to the manifestation of the resurrection life of Christ we will probably miss out on a huge part of that which God wants to do in and through our lives.  When we think of the term ‘abide’ in John 15 various romantic ideas might immediately spring to mind, but if we desire to bear much fruit (Jn. 15: 8) we have to also accept the fact that there will be ‘pruning’ (Jn. 15:2).  The Father is absolutely sovereign in all circumstances of our lives and unless we choose to embrace even the seemingly negative events that ultimately conform us to the image of Christ we will frustrate the purposes of God and miss out on many opportunities for abundant fruit-bearing. Quote of the Day:  “We need to be transformed in our thinking to the measure that we will begin to spontaneously recognize the opportunities for resurrection in every circumstance that seems to spell only death.” / THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES JOHN 15:4-5  "Maintain a living communion with me, and I with you.  Just as the branch is unable to be bearing fruit from itself as a source unless it remains in a living union with the vine, so neither you, unless you maintain a living communion with me.  As for myself, I am the vine.  As for you, you are the branches.  He who maintains a living communion with me and I with him, this one is bearing much fruit, because apart from me you are not able to be doing anything."  (Kenneth Wuest Translation) Yesterday we looked at the illustration of the vessel and the content and we saw that we were created to be vessels containing the life of Christ.   Today we focus on the analogy of the Vine and the branches to gain more insight into the kind of relationship that we were brought into by the new birth.  Jesus used this analogy to illustrate our total dependence on His life and our need to become one with His life, His thoughts, and His desires.  The relationship of a branch to a vine is one of receiving.  There is nothing that a branch can give to a vine besides the opportunity to bear fruit.  A branch has no life of its own.  It is merely an expressor of the life that is in the vine.  A branch that is not attached to a vine soon withers and dies.  In the same way we cannot be healthy and vigorous spiritually if our whole life is not intimately related to the vine (Christ).  A branch that tries to bear fruit on its own has an

impossible task.  The organic fluid that sustains and feeds us spiritually is found only in the vine.  The vine gets the nutrients and minerals from the ground and dispenses it to the branch.  The only responsibility of the branch is to remain rightly related to the vine.  In the preceding chapters of the gospel of John Jesus reveals in a unique way His intimate relationship with His Father.  No other gospel gives us this insight into the inner union and communion that Jesus had with God.  Philippians 2 says that Jesus emptied Himself when He became a man and therefore He had to live this life of total dependence on His Father.  The relationship of Jesus to God illustrated so beautifully in the gospel of John gives us a pattern for the kind of relationship that we now have to maintain with Jesus.  Let us first look at it negatively.  In John 8:38 Jesus said to the unregenerate Jews 'I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father'.  In verse 44 He says to them plainly 'you are of your father the devil'.  Before we were regenerated we followed the desires of the sinful nature that dwelt in us.  Now that we are born of God we have to recognize that we have a new life source and despite what we may still experience our relationship to God is that of a branch to a vine, a living union.  This intimate life union must be cultivated and cherished.  Few things are more beneficial to us in this prospect than to study the relationship of Jesus to His Father in the gospel of John.  Let us briefly consider one of Jesus' profound statements of dependence and then I will give you a longer list for your private study. In John 5:19 Jesus said 'Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner'.  If Jesus Himself had to live such a life of total subservience to His Father while he was on earth, how much more should we.  Here follows a list of Scriptures that reveal to us the inward life of our Saviour in His time on earth: John 4:34, 5:19, 5:30, 6:38, 7:16, 8:26, 8:28, 8:38, 9:4, 12:49-50, 14:10, 14:24, and 14:31. Quote of the Day:  "Christianity is not a struggle to become, but a choice to let Jesus be."  Watchman Nee / The rebirth brings forth a vital union with Christ, which activates the flowing of the Life of Christ within the believer and fruit is produced. If we, however, do not honour the Spirit and quench Him, the Lord will take away the flow of life and the fruit will go. How priviledged we are that we are partakers of His nature by the placing of His Spirit within us! [CT] /

Joh 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

AT LINK: "By myself I can do nothing" (John 5:30), He said. "Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me" (6:57). / Jesus is die lewe van die gelowige. Hy is die kern van God se kerk. Uit Hom stroom daar Goddelike lewe en oorvloed na elkeen wat aan Hom verbind is. Wanneer mense, of die kerk, na ander dinge begin draai vir lewe tree daar 'n skreiende verdorring in. Ongelukkig gebeur dit gereeld. Dikwels wanneer gemeentes vernuwing begeer, wend hulle hul na programme en nuwe style en byderwedse metodes om die verandering teweeg te bring. As sulks is daar niks meer fout niee, maar as hooffokus is alles daarmee fout. In plaas van na Jesus draai, draai

die mens na metodes. In plaas van vernuwing, verval hulle net verder in verdorring. Vir die persoon wat groter eenheid met Christus begeer wag daar meer lewe en heerlikheid. Toepassing Keer terug na Jesus. Keer altyd na Jesus. Sý persoon, Sý karakter en Sý bediening is die geheim van alles wat heerlik en lewend is. Vind jou antwoorde in Hom. [RB] / MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / Cf. 2 Cor. 1v9; 12v10 /For Christ to be everything to us in our daily life, we need daily supply. / The practical implications of this truth are the following: 1. a daily QT to obtain His presence 2. continual prayer for the fullness of the Spirit 3. moment by moment consciousness of Christ's presence 4. moment by moment communication with Him 5. asking for help for every single thing in your life 6. remaining humble, dependent & believing at all times. 7. Refusing to trust yr own understanding (Prov. 3v5-6) & waiting for His counsel. 8. Childlike obedience. [AT] / QUESTIONS: What does He: See, Pray, His Attitude, Speak & Do. Personal and corporate application. [AT] / THREE THINGS TO NOTE: 1. Identity: we are branches (I am….state/position) 2. Relationship: we have to abide in Christ 3. Fruit: If we abide in Him we will bear much fruit. [AT] /

Joh 15:6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT]

Joh 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / GEEN WARE GEBED SONDER AFHANKLIKHEID NIE Gebed en afhanklikheid is sinoniem in die Bybel.  Terwyl Jesus op aarde was het Hy gedurig getuig en gedemonstreer dat Sy uitmuntende gebedslewe geheel en al gebaseer was op Sy afhanklike verhouding met Sy Vader. Sonder afhanklikheid is daar geen ware gebed nie.  Bybelse gebed is maar net 'n verlenging van 'n lewe wat eens en vir altyd en in alles oorgegee is aan God.  Om te bid is 'n erkenning van die Godheid van God,  dat Hy alleen in beheer is, en die mensheid van die bidder, dat hy in werklikheid geen ware beheer oor omstandighede op 'n gevalle planeet het nie. Dit is primêr vir hierdie rede dat baie gebede so oneffektief is.  Ons roep God aan om sekere aspekte van ons lewens te

beïnvloed terwyl ons steeds wil leef in die twyfelagtige illusie en pseudo sekuriteit van menslike beheer. Dit is futiel. Mag die Heilige Gees ons lei in ware gebed deur ons te leer om totaal afhanklik te lewe. Dit is niks anders nie as wat die Nuwe Testament noem die lewe "in Christus". "As julle in My bly en my woorde in julle, sal julle vra net wat julle wil hê, en julle sal dit verkry." Johannes 15:7 /

Joh 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / DISSIPELSKAP 101: HEILIGE VERSLAWING Bybelse dissipelskap kan opgesom word in die volgende drie punte. Toets jou dissipelskap hier.

dissipels van Jesus is eerstens mense wat so oorweldig is deur die onverdiende liefde wat aan die kruis bewys is dat hulle as't ware leef in verslawing aan Jesus en die Woord van die kruis (1 Kor. 1:18 en 2:2)

tweedens is dissipels mense wat as gevolg van hierdie "heilige verslawing" nie meer vir hulleself leef nie, maar vir "Hom wat vir hulle gesterf het en opgewek is" (2 Kor. 5:15) met die doel om ook van ander mense dissipels te maak wat leef vanuit die "heilige verslawing" van die Nuwe Testament

in die derde plek is dissipels mense wat deur die liefde van Christus gedring word om almal in hulle invloedsfeer baie spesifiek en intensioneel by die plek te bring waar hulle ook dissipelmakers word.

Dissipelskap is daarom nooit 'n proses wat net stop by my eie toewyding of selfs net by my eie snoesige groepie nie. Dit is per definisie 'n dinamiese proses wat spring van een hart na 'n ander. As dit stop by 'n indiwidu of by 'n groep en hulle die liefde wat God in Sy Seun aan hulle bewys het net vir hulleself hou, is die stroombaan gebreek en die dinamiese element geneutraliseer. Ons word dus nie net geroep om dissipels te maak nie, maar om dissipelmakers te maak. Bybelse dissipelskap is die Goddelike proses wat in die hart van die Vader begin het en wat dissipels maak wat weer dissipels maak wat dissipels maak.... Lewe jy in hierdie stroombaan van evangelie-liefde wat doelgerig aangegee word na mense rondom jou of het die proses by jou gestop? Net jy kan hierdie vraag eerlik antwoord. Dit is so maklik om besig te raak met dosyne programme en kerkaktiwiteite en steeds dissipelskap heeltemal te mis. Derduisende leef vandag so. Jy hoef nie. Raak intensioneel. /

Joh 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] /

Joh 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / NB It is only in our total submission to Jesus that we can remain under the influence of His love. Because He is God, His Spirit can only remain active in us (Rom. 5v5) if we submit to His Lordship. Cf. Jn. 14v15, 21, 23; 1 Jn. 3v. 8v29/NB See 1 Jn. 3v16 - the cycle (circle) of love. The circle must not be broken. / /This is a profound verse and it should be read together with verse 9.  The way Jesus abided in His Father's love was to love us.  The way we abide in the love of Jesus is to love one another with the love that He bestows on us.  It all starts with the Father's love for His Son.  From there it flows to the disciples and then the disciples need to remain in this flow by loving with the Divine love bestowed on them. [AT] /

Joh 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / Daar is blydskap in gehoorsaamheid. /

JOHN 15V12-27

Joh 15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / Jesus cares deeply for His Body and we need to have the same perspective if we would remain in the path of full Gospel blessing. (AT) / DRIE KANALE VIR DIE GENESING VAN DIE

LIEFDE Daar is drie kanale wat moet oop wees in my hart vir die liefde om 'n volle werk van genesing in my te doen en om sielsgesondheid te verseker. Ons spandeer so baie tyd, geld en energie aan so baie dinge wat nie werklik waarde het nie. Die Bybel maak dit baie duidelik dat dit net die unieke liefde van God is wat uiteindelik betekenisvol is en waarde gee aan die mens se lewe op aarde en ook vir alle ewigheid. Die vloei van hierdie liefde van God in Christus werk as't ware via drie kanale in die menslike hart.

Eerstens moet ons die liefde van God ontvang. Dit kan net gebeur as ons God se diagnose van ons verlorenheid en verdorwenheid aanvaar en Hom dan toelaat om Sy unieke kruisliefde aan ons deur-sonde-gebroke harte te bedien.

Tweedens moet ons leer hoe om hierdie liefde wat ons onverdiend ontvang het vir ander te gee in die daaglikse handel, wandel en hartseer van ons eie lewens. Ons almal weet dat dit 'n bonatuurlike werk van God verg.

In die derde plek moet ons egter leer om ook liefde van ander te ontvang. Dit is insgelyks nie kinderspeletjies nie.

As hierdie drie kanale oop is in jou hart sal jy onvermydelik 'n gesonde, volwasse en vrugbare mens word. Vra God om hierdie kanale wyd oop te maak in jou hart; ontvang-gee-ontvang sonder onderbreking. Dit is voorwaar 'n wonderlike gebed om spesifiek en intensioneel te bid vir jouself en vir jou gesin, vriende en gemeente. Satan kan niks meer doen aan die liefde van God wat deur die kruisdood van Jesus histories geopenbaar en geanker is nie, maar hy kan die kanale in ons harte verstop om die vloei van kruisliefde te belemmer. Daarom moet ons bid! / LOVE'S SACRIFICE John 15:12-13  "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." 1 John 3:16   "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.  And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." Reading these verses we are at once confronted with the character of Christian love as opposed to mere human affection.  There is so much talk of love today in our society and it seems to the casual observer that the world is really becoming a better place.  When we bring all these concepts of love to the touchstone of the Word of God however, we find that it simply does not make the mark.  What is wrong with human love you may ask?  There is nothing intrinsically wrong with a man loving a woman or a mother loving her children, for instance, but if this love is not deepened, strengthened and even consumed by the love of God, it can become something very different.  One only needs to look at the divorce rate in our country to get an instant reality check.  Why is it that so many couples can make such lavish promises at the altar and show such sweet love on their wedding day, but a few years down the line there is not a trace of this affection? 

Why do we have such a profound trust in something that has failed us consistently through the thousands of years of human history?  Wars come and wars go, not only between nation and nation, but also between and within families and among friends, yet we remain confident that next time, love, our love, will conquer! In our text we see that God has a different idea of love. The apostle John assumes automatically that we do not really know love.  Hence his words, "by this we know love".  If Jesus did not lay down His life for us we never would have known the true character of love.  We see thus that God's concept of love always involves death.  God's love can be called cross-love.  It is love that has gone through the cross and came out victoriously on the other side.  This is then the love that we are commanded to have for each other.  Let us take a new look at love and allow the Holy Spirit to deepen our understanding of it and to take all our relationships through the cross.  Then we will also experience the joy of partaking with God in a love that truly conquers all. Quote of the Day:     "It's not what you say before the altar, but what you say on top of the altar, that makes the difference." / DIE GROOT VOORWAARDE VIR DIE ONTSLUITING VAN DIE NUWE VERBOND Jesus het gekom na die aarde om aan gevalle en liefdelose mense die liefde tussen Hom en die Vader te openbaar en deur te gee met die doel om van húlle liefdevolle mense te maak. Daarom moet ons so versigtig wees dat ons nie die idee by mense skep dat dit onmoontlik is om die liefde van die Vader teleur te stel nie. Dit is net eenvoudig nie waar nie. Hoor wat Jesus hieroor te sê het. "Soos die Vader My liefgehad het, het Ek julle ook liefgehad. Bly in hierdie liefde van My. As julle my gebooie bewaar, sal julle in my liefde bly, net soos Ek die gebooie van my Vader bewaar en in sy liefde bly." Johannes 15:9-10 Jesus gee 'n baie duidelike opdrag aan Sy dissipels: "Bly in hierdie liefde van My". Die liefde van Jesus is niks anders nie as die Vader se liefde vir Hom wat weer na die dissipels deurgegee word. Dit is egter baie duidelik dat hierdie besonderse liefde by ons kan stop as ons nie Jesus se liefdesgebod gehoorsaam nie. As ons nie aanhou om mekaar lief te hê soos wat Jesus ons liefgehad het nie is ons nie besig om te bly in Sy liefde nie. Dit is die groot voorwaarde vir die ontsluiting van die volle krag van die Nuwe Verbond (natuurlik nie onafhanklik van die reddende geloof wat God se liefde in die evangelie ontvang nie). Die liefde wat jy by God ontvang het, en steeds ontvang, mag nooit by jou stop nie. Ons moet dus baie versigtig wees met die gebruik van die frase "onvoorwaardelike liefde" in terme van die evangelie. Daar ís 'n voorwaarde na geloof; hou aan om die liefde wat jy by Jesus ontvang het deur te gee na ander. God het reeds Sy groot liefde bewys deur Sy Seun te stuur om in ons plek te sterf vir ons sondes, maar die vloei van hierdie liefde hang af van ons gehoorsaamheid aan Jesus se opdrag in Johannes 15 vers 12: "Dit is my gebod, dat julle mekaar moet liefhê net soos Ek julle liefgehad het." / GOD SE ONONDERBROKE EN ONONDERHANDELBARE AGENDA "Dit is my gebod, dat julle mekaar moet liefhê net soos Ek julle liefgehad het." Johannes 15:12 Het ons nie begin om in ons generasie 'n liefdelose kultuur te skep wat net genade wil ontvang van God sonder om dit aan ander te gee nie? Is dit nie hoekom daar so baie mense is vandag wat

perfekte omstandighede eis van God sonder om Sy eis vir die gehoorsaamheid van die liefde ernstig op te neem en dit hulle belangrikste prioriteit te maak nie? Ek wil vandag vir jou met groot oortuiging sê dat God se doel met jou en my lewe is om van ons liefdevolle mense te maak in en deur Christus. Dit is God se ononderbroke en ononderhandelbare agenda en voordat ons nie hierdie Goddelike agenda ons eie maak nie gaan ons gedurig gefrustreerd wees met God en met ons dissipelskap, want ons is nie op dieselfde bladsy as Hy nie! Raak 'n ekspert in die liefde. Bestudeer die Nuwe Testament met die oog op die ontvang en uitdeel van Goddelike liefde in Christus en ek waarborg jou alles in jou lewe sal verander en jy sal die wêreld om jou in 'n totaal nuwe lig begin sien. "Maar die doel van die gebod is liefde uit ‘n rein hart en ‘n goeie gewete en ‘n ongeveinsde geloof." 1 Timotheüs 1:5 Die een vraag wat ons geduriug moet vra is of ons werklik besig is om lief te hê soos wat Jesus ons liefgehad het. Die Nuwe Testament antwoord daardie vraag in verstommende detail en daarom het ons nodig om dit gedurig te lees en te lees met daardie doel voor oë! /

Joh 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / 'N RADIKAAL NUWE BENADERING TOT GEMEENSKAPSVERANDERING Een van die mees verstommende openbarings van die Nuwe Testament is dat dit 'n radikaal nuwe benadering tot verandering van die samelewing vir ons voorhou.  Hierdie benadering is nie polities, filosofies (dit het wel filosofiese inhoud), organisatories of godsdienstig in die normale sin van die woord nie. Dit is ook nie leier-gedrewe in die eerste plek, d.w.s. dat verandering net kan kom deur die inisiatiewe en projekte wat leiers op die tafel sit, nie. Dit is verandering wat begin in die hart van die indiwidu en dan van daar af ander harte in verhouding raak. Dit is ten diepste die intimiteit in die Drie-Eenheid wat deur die evangelie as't ware organies en lewend oorgedra word na die harte van die wat glo (sien Johannes 13 tot 17) en dan wyer uitkring. Dit is so maklik om hierdie punt te mis in die Nuwe Testament en dan terug te val op die ou maniere en metodes tot verandering wat regdeur die geskiedenis van die mens gevolg is; m.a.w. verandering langs die weg van politiese, filosofiese, organisatoriese, leier-gedrewe kanale of deur godsdiens tradisies. Leiers moet wel die toon aangee, maar dan langs die Nuwe Testament se weg tot verandering! In 'n sekere sin word ons almal dan leiers, want alle dissipels van Jesus kan hierdie soort invloed uitoefen.God se manier van verandering is so radikaal anders as die wêreld s'n. Sy liefde,

geopenbaar in die evangelie, verlos die mens se hart toenemend van selfsug en self-gerigtheid met 'n gevolglike verdieping van ons verhoudings. Hierdie verdieping en verinniging van verhoudings is die enigste ware groei, want dit alleen strook met die DNA van die Nuwe Testament; hartsverandering met verhouding ten doel! 'n Sinvolle vraag om jouself te vra in hierdie verband is; hoeveel diep, veilige, standvastige, betekenisvolle en groeiende verhoudings het jy in jou lewe? Sekerlik net 'n baie klein persentasie van jou honderde Facebook, Whatsapp en Instagram vriende! Hoeveel van hierdie verhoudings is met mense in jou gemeente? Slegs daardie verhoudings is eintlik jou ware gemeentelewe. As gevolg van tydsbeperking kan 'n mens nie meer as so tien tot twaalf sulke verhoudings op 'n slag hê nie. Jesus self het in Sy tyd op aarde nie baie meer as twaalf sulke verhoudings gekultiveer nie, en dan was een nog 'n Judas. Maar daardie verhoudings het uiteindelik die wêreld verander! Miskien is dit tyd dat ons ophou probeer om deur die wêreld se metodes die verandering te bring wat net God in ons harte kan bring deur die krag van die evangelie. Dink kleiner (dieper in), dink organies, dink verhouding. Die sleutel tot kragtige transformasie wat dinamies sal uitkring na meer mense lê nie iewers daar buite of in nuwe projekte, planne, leiers of metodiek nie. Dit lê in die verhoudingskapasiteit van jou eie hart. Begin by die mense wat reeds in jou invloedsfeer is. Sommer net daar in jou eie gesin en familie. Kultiveer verhoudingsintimiteit vanuit die Wynstok. "Ek is die wynstok, julle die lote. Wie in My bly, en Ek in hom, hy dra veel vrug; want sonder My kan julle niks doen nie." Johannes 15:5 "Soos die Vader My liefgehad het, het Ek julle ook liefgehad. Bly in hierdie liefde van My." Johannes 15:9 Dít alleen is die dissipelskap waarvan die Nuwe Testament praat. N.S. Die taak-gerigte en projek-gedrewe persoonlikheidstipes gaan moeilik sluk aan hierdie pil, maar sluk maar, dit is 'n evangelie pil. :-) /

Joh 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] /

Joh 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / The whole gospel revelation and especially these 4 chapters. (AT) /

Joh 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / NB See 1 Pet. 3v7 / Asking in His Name is asking IN UNION WITH HIM. /

Joh 15:17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

MEANING: MEAT: MO: [AT] / Is the prayer in v17 linked with love for one another? /  WANNEER DIE WONDERWERK VAN "WAARHEID IN LIEFDE" PLAASVIND Alle families op aarde beleef konflik van tyd tot tyd.  Dit is "normaal" gegewe die gevallenheid van die mens se hart.  Konflik is nie noodwendig iets negatiefs nie.  Inteendeel, dit is 'n nodige pre-kondisie vir die unieke soort vrede waarvan die Bybel praat. Iemand wat ek ken het by geleentheid iets gesê oor een van Jesus se uitsprake in die Bergpredikasie; "salig is die vredemakers, want hulle sal kinders van God genoem word".  Sy stelling sal my altyd bybly: "Peacemakers are not peacekeepers.  Peacekeepers never confront the issue. Peacemakers do." Dit sou wonderlik gewees het as Jesus vir my al die duisternis van my eie hart self kon uitwys en nie nodig gehad het om ook van tyd tot tyd ander mense, en veral die wat so naby aan my is (!), te gebruik om dit te doen nie.   Efesiërs 4 vers 15 sê ons moet "in liefde by die waarheid bly en SO in alle opsigte groei na Christus toe.." Eina.  Ek wens daar was 'n ander manier om te groei.  Hierdie "waarheid' is in konteks die waarheid oor wie Jesus is, maar dít is onlosmaaklik verbind aan die waarheid van my en jou hart.  "In U lig sien ons die lig" (Ps. 36:10). As mense wat steeds gevallenheid met hulle saamdra, kry nie een van ons altyd die balans (nie 50/50 nie, maar 100/100) tussen waarheid en liefde reg nie.  Dit is net in ons gebrokenheid, wederkerige leerbaarheid en ware evangelie-nederigheid wat die wonderwerk van "waarheid in liefde" plaasvind.  En wat 'n kosbare wonderwerk is dit nie.  Hierdie wonderwerk bring altyd

verandering as ons bereid is om te luister. (Ek praat nou uit ervaring in terme van die een uit tien keer wat ek wel geluister het.)  Ons moet sekerlik vir mekaar genade gee as ons nie altyd hierdie balans regkry nie, maar een ding wat ons nie kan bekostig om te doen nie is om op te hou om die waarheid te praat en dan in die valse "vrede" van ons generasie aan te ploeter. Dink daaroor:

ons wil nie hê mense moet vir ons ongemaklike dinge oor onsself vertel nie

maar ons het dit tog broodnodig anders hou ons op om te groei as beste "scenario" en as slegste gaan die Vader baie harder met ons begin praat op verskillende maniere

"Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." (C.S. Lewis)

wie anders as die mense naby aan ons kan vir ons die waarheid oor onsself vertel ? 

wie ken ons goed genoeg om dit te kan doen?

gaan ons dit ontvang in gebrokenheid en leerbaarheid?

of gaan ons aandring op God se alternatiewe spreekbuise?

"Friends mean well, even when they hurt you. But when an enemy puts his arm around your shoulder--watch out!" Proverbs 27:6 (Good News Bible) Die kanse is baie goed dat die mense na aan jou wel lief is vir jou en dat die waarheid wat hulle met jou praat bedoel is om te herstel en genees en nie te verwoes en vernietig nie. /

Joh 15:18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

The world loves its own, it loves things & self instead of the Father & others. The world is not in the Power Circuit of Love: 1. God's self-sacrificing love for us 2. Our faith response of self-sacrificing love for God 3. Our self-sacrificing love for others. This is the POWER CIRCUIT and it must never be broken. /

Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

Joh 15:21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

Joh 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.

Joh 15:23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also.

Joh 15:24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.

Joh 15:25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'

(PSALM 35.19; 69:4) /

Joh 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

HE WILL TESTIFY OF ME JOHN 15:26  “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” This is now at the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and He has His face set towards the cross where he would die a substitutionary death.  In these closing chapters of John, before He faces the cross, Jesus begins to teach His disciples most important matters in order to prepare them for His death and eventual ascension.  Of all the matters that Jesus taught here the most important one concerns His teaching on the Holy Spirit.  Hence, we may say that the definitive teaching on the current ministry of the Holy Spirit is found in these chapters (Jn. 14-16). Jesus says plainly in our text that the Holy Spirit will testify of Him.  He is not here referring only to the ministry of the Spirit during the moments when a person believes on Him for the first time.  No, He speaks of the ongoing mandate of the Spirit throughout His ministry. In other words, the Holy Spirit desires to communicate to us all the attributes of the Person of Jesus in us and the ramifications of the work of Jesus for us. Colossians 1 verse 19 says that it ‘pleased the Father that in Him (Christ) all the fullness should dwell’.  All the fullness of the abundant life that God dispenses to us in salvation we find exclusively in His Son.  Few matters have been more abused in the church at large than this matter of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  We have no right to ever divorce any experience of the Holy Spirit from His ministry to testify of Jesus.  The moment we begin to look at our experience apart from that which the Spirit wants to teach us concerning the Son we are immediately in danger of misunderstanding and consequently abusing the ministry of the Spirit.  Let us be diligent to grasp that which is on the heart of the Father and not be carried away with our own ideas and experiences.  If we stick closely to the teaching that Jesus Himself gave concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit we cannot go wrong. Quote of the Day:  “All our experiences of the Holy Spirit should gravitate towards one focal point: ‘to know Him (Christ) and the power of His resurrection’ (Phil. 3:10)” /

Joh 15:27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

JOHN 16V1-15

NT LESSONS

1. The words of encouragement in Jn. 13-17 will help us through difficult times and times if persecution. These words unveil God's eternal purpose and thus strengthen us tremendously. Religion will not put up with us if we live faithfully in Christ and speak truthfully about the veils of religion. They will cast us out of their synagogues. They do this because they do not know the Father. Jesus warns His people beforehand about difficulty and thus strengthen their faith (1-4).

2. Jesus could not speak these things in chpts 13-17 in the beginning of His ministry, for it was still the time of His physical presence. Now He begins to reveal the coming ministry of the Spirit. We now have Jesus and the Father with us in the Spirit. We do not need to be sorrowful. Jesus cares deeply about the suffering of His disciples (5-7).

3. The HS came not only to be with the disciples, but to continue the ministry of Jesus and to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. We should speak to the world around these three themes. All three themes are related directly to Jesus: sin; failure to believe in Jesus, righteousness; He is now our only righteousness, judgment; satan is judged in the coming and crucifixion of Jesus (8-11).

4. Jesus could not unveil everything He wanted to while He was on earth, for the disciples did not have the Spirit within. Now that we are in the deispensation of the Spirit we have no excuse for ignorance. Hence Paul's rebuke of the Corinthians in chpt 3 is serious business. The spirit unveils the future and the full truth about Jesus. The trinity do not operate independently. The HS speaks what He hears. He unveils the riches of Christ, which are the riches of the Father and all of heaven (12-15).

5. Jesus had to go through death in order to be with us permanently. The disciples did not understand the cross and resurrection principle. Jesus wants us to understand the process He had to go through to bring us life. No one can take our joy away from us, because the resurrection, the indwelling of Christ, and His return are all guaranteed. Jesus wants us to ask in His name. When we ask the Father in resurrection power we will receive answers to our prayers, and we will have fullness of joy (16-24).

6. In a sense Jesus was still communicating in analogy, and not directly. Now He speaks to us directly about the Father and the eternal purpose.

It has been unveiled in the letters of the NT. We must ask in His name and know that the Father hears us, for He loves us and Jesus loves us deeply, because we have believd in the heavenly mission of the Son! The disciples erroneously think that faith comes through natural understanding. Jesus tells them that such a faith will fail miserably. Death/resurrection faith will always conquer, however. The words of Jesus in chpts 13-17 are meant to give us His peace in the midst of the troubles in this world. He has over come the world (25-33)!

CORNE: JOHN 16:1-4 Jesus warns the disciples of persecution to come. The reason why people persecute Christians, is because they do not know the Father. A different spirit is at work. Thus we should not be disheartened, for our Lord suffered before us and warned us against it. We are servants and not more than our Master and therefore bear up patiently under suffering. V5-7 Jesus reassures the disciples with the fact that He is sending the Holy Spirit to them. In the moment it seemed impossible that Jesus' leaving them could be good for them, but the Spirit's coming would mean His living presence inside of them and not only with them outwardly. V8-11 The Spirit is the convincing and convicting Person in the Godhead. Sin, righteousness and judgment contains the whole plan of God with man, which the Holy Spirit needs to reveal to man. V 12-15 The Spirit will lead us into all the truth and reality that Jesus has for us. How precious the ministry of the Spirit, and how dependend are we on His tender guidance and teaching. May we be yielded to His ministry in our hearts and live in the fullness of the Spirit, so we can live in the fullness of Christ. 16:16-24 The Lord gives such an encouring and merciful word to the disciples. He explains the death and ressurrection principle in such tender care, ending with the amazing comfort that He is no further away than a prayer and we can ask whatever we need from our dear and loving God. :25-33 Even though Jesus knows He will be deserted by His disciples, He encourages them, so that they may continue to believe through the trial of seemingly having lost their Saviour. But Jesus knows His origin and we have the same security in Jesus.

Joh 16:1 "I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.

Joh 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.

Joh 16:3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Joh 16:4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. "I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.

Joh 16:5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'

Joh 16:6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

Joh 16:7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

Terwyl Jesus op aarde was, moes mense fisies by Hom wees om Sy heerlikheid te sien. Die skares kon net van ‘n afstand Sy werke, woorde en teenwoordigheid in hulle midde aanskou en waardeer. Al het Hy tog ook baie mense aangeraak, genees en verlos in die tyd van Sy bediening op aarde was Hy beperk tot een liggaam. Vandag leef ons egter in die era van die Gees (2 Kor. 3:8) en kan elkeen wat wil onmiddellike toegang kry tot die heerlikheid van Jesus. Elke dissipel van Jesus het die Gees van Christus in hulle en daarom is daar geen afstand of verwydering tussen ons en Jesus nie. Dit is egter ‘n waarheid waarvan ons net in geloof voordeel kan trek. Die Gees is uitgestort, die afstand is oorbrug, die Seun is teenwoordig, die lewe is nou in jou! Dit is net met die geloofsoog wat die werklikheid daarvan vir jou tasbaar word. Terwyl jy nog steun op jou eie menslike pogings om jou verhouding met God te

verbeter, staan jy in die pad van die openbaring van Christus in jou. Terwyl jy nog vertroue het in jou eie wilskrag (gewilligheid is iets anders) om lojaliteit aan Jesus te verseker, misken jy die krag van jou eenheid met Christus in die era van die Gees. Die Vader se plan werk net deur geloof. [AT] / The Advent of the Spirit It is highly important we should closely observe how that each of the Eternal Three has been at marked pains to provide for the honour of the other Divine Persons, and we must be as particular to give it to them accordingly. How careful was the Father to duly guard the ineffable glory of the Darling of his bosom when he laid aside the visible insignia of his Deity and took upon him the form of a servant: his voice was then heard more than once proclaiming, "This is my beloved Son". How constantly did the incarnate Son divert attention from himself and direct it unto the one who had sent him. In like manner, the Holy Spirit is not here to glorify himself, but rather him whose Vicar and Advocate he is (John 16:14). Blessed is it then to mark how jealous both the Father and the Son have been to safeguard the glory and provide for the honour of the Holy Spirit.

Joh 16:8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

PROGRESSIVE HS CONVICTION: Is it not possible that there is a progression in the conviction of the HS here described? First the Spirit has to convict a person of sin and the fallenness within himself. Only then can he be convicted of the righteousness of Christ and then of the victory over satan that Christ has achieved on his behalf. [AT] / "GESONDE MENSE" HET NIE 'N DOKTER NODIG NIE "Jesus het by hom in sy huis gaan eet, en baie tollenaars en sondaars het saam met Jesus en sy dissipels kom eet. Toe die Fariseërs dit sien, vra hulle vir sy dissipels: “Waarom eet julle leermeester saam met tollenaars en sondaars?” Maar Jesus het dit gehoor en gesê: “Dié wat gesond is, het nie 'n dokter nodig nie, maar dié wat siek is." Mattheus 9:110-12 (NAV) Jesus is die Redder van almal wat bereid is om te erken dat die sonde hulle sielsiek gemaak het. Mense wat weet hoe nodig hulle Hom het, sal altyd by Jesus 'n oop deur en dan vergifnis en verlossing vind. Die Fariseërs het gedink hulle is gesond en dat hulle godsdienstigheid Jesus heeltemal oorbodig gemaak het. Hulle godsdiens was in werklikheid bankrot. Die eerste verantwoordelikheid van die liggaam van Christus is altyd om sout en lig te wees wat mense bewus maak van hulle verlorenheid en behoefte aan 'n Redder (Mt. 5:13-16). Die Vader gebruik sodoende sy gemeente om mense te trek na Jesus, die enigste ware Verlosser van die gevalle mensdom. Dít is ware liefde en niks anders nie. Dit is nié liefde om vir mense wat siek is in die duister te hou oor hulle ware kondisie of om hulle kondisie te misken nie. As 'n gemeente of denominasie nie meer met God saamstem oor wat sonde is nie, het die "sout laf geword" (Mt. 5:13) en het dus nie meer 'n doel nie. Daar is hoofsaaklik vier misleidings van die satan om die oortuigingswerk van die Heilige Gees m.b.t. sonde (Joh. 16:8) te neutraliseer.

Die eerste leer dat ek op die meriete van my ouers en voorouers se geloof (“ons vader is Abraham…” Joh. 8:39) of deur my lidmaatskap by 'n gemeente die hemel kan haal. Dit maak die wedergeboorte oorbodig of 'n nagedagte. Die tweede is 'n godsdienstige wettisisme wat die nakom van reëls en rituele sien as die weg tot saligheid. Die derde is 'n oorgerealiseerde verlossingsleer wat wel sonde op sy naam noem, maar nie wil erken dat mense steeds sondig is na die kruis en daarom bekering nodig het nie. Die vierde is ‘n baie subtiele en waarskynlik die mees gevaarlike misleiding, naamlik om die sonde self te herdefinieer tot so 'n mate dat dit nie meer sonde genoem kan word nie. Waarvan moet ons dan verlos word? Die logiese uiteinde van laasgenoemde is 'n ontkenning dat ons enigsins 'n Verlosser nodig het. Dit is die pad van die dood. "Daar is 'n weg wat vir 'n mens reg lyk, maar die einde daarvan is weë van die dood" (Spreuke 14:12). [AT] /

Joh 16:9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;

Jn. 3:19, 8:24; Rom. 3:19; 1 Cor. 2:14 / The unbelief that is within the nature of the unbeliever is the root of all his sins. Hence the HS goes to the root of the tree of sin (Mt. 3:10). The Holy Spirit convicts a person the individual about the fact that there is, because of the Fall, a deep-seated rebellion inside of him that needs to be confronted and denied. / See D.A. Carson; Dake; Macarthur SB; Ray Pritchard / AT Link: Jn. 6v63-65 - Proving conclusively that true salvation is the HS convicting a man that he has no ability in himself to believe the gospel. In fact in himself he has nothing whatsoever that can profit him spiritually (6v63). What he has in himself is the unwillingness to believe (16v9). Hence the core of biblical faith is an acknowledgment of utter depravity and a subsequent turning to the Father to receive enablement to believe from Him, by the Spirit (6v63). Thus man has a choice to repent, but not strictly speaking the choice or ability to believe. Cf. Eph. 2v1-8. Jn. 6v63 is probably the core text with regard to salvation. /

Joh 16:10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

There at the right hand of the Father He represents us and our righteousness in Him. [AT] /

Joh 16:11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

We need to be persuaded that satan’s power over us (law of sin and death) has been broken and that we can now live a victorious life. [AT] /

Joh 16:12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

Joh 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

NB See 1 Cor. 2 / REALITY OR RELIGION? JOHN 16:13a   "But when He, the Spirit of reality, comes, He will guide you into all the reality…"   (Recovery Version of the New Testament) EPHESIANS 4:25  "Therefore, putting away lying,  'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." Disciples of Jesus, the Man of truth, are supposed to be people of truth who face life squarely and deal with things in a real way.  How often, however, the world says the exact opposite of the church, that they are hypocrites and pretenders.  If we dare to be totally honest we will have to admit that at least some of this criticism are valid.  Why is this?  Why do people often become almost phony in religious settings and what does it mean to be real?  To be real means simply to admit and accept who and what you are in terms of your personality, your strengths, weaknesses and gifts and to admit where you are in life.  In other words to realize your true spiritual and emotional maturity and not try to give an impression of something or someone that you're not. Let me hastily add to this that the greatest incentive to be a person of reality is the knowledge of your identity in Christ.  When you realize that you are complete in Christ you cease trying to impress other people, because you know that you are 'accepted in the Beloved' and that your true life is found in Him.  When we start with God where we truly are in terms of our experience He can work with us and the growth potential in Christ is limitless.  We may be able to hide things from people, but it is futile to try to hide things from God.  Religion can often lock us in a pattern of denial of our true spiritual state, in the midst of endless activities without corresponding reality.  The beauty of the Christian life is that in Christ we do not need to hide from reality.  Hence we may say that the disciple of Jesus lives with the reality of his life, both in terms of his true identity in Christ and his present experience in this life.  To be real also entails that we admit when we are struggling with a problem and not put up a nice religious mask to hide our true feelings and problems.  We all know that there is often a severe difference between the church-life and the home-life of believers.  This is especially detrimental in terms of the small groups in a church.  One of the most important keys to the success of a small group is this aspect of reality.  If we are not real with

each other how will we ever be able to fully love and serve each other?  No, we need to be real!  It is not a shame to have problems in this life.  Life on this earth can overwhelm all of us at certain times, and that includes the leadership in the church.  Obviously there are sometimes sensitive issues, which must be handled discreetly in terms of the timing and the people that you share it with.  Part of the growth process in the church, however, is to live with each other in the midst of our weaknesses and to then strengthen and build each other up in the faith. Let us just state unequivocally in this context nonetheless that human weakness should never be used as an excuse for sin.  Rather admit your weakness so that God can give you victory in Christ. The fact remains that whether you are a believer or unbeliever God can only work with people who are real! Decide today to be a person of truth and reality and you may find that God is able to deal with you on a much deeper level than you have ever imagined possible.  To be real can be terrifying and painful at times, but the rewards are worth it a thousand times over and the alternative is quite frankly devastating. Quote of the Day:  "Nothing has probably been a greater hindrance to the effective growth of the church than our inability to be real with ourselves, with God and with our fellow believers." /

Joh 16:14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Joh 16:15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

JOHN 16V16-33

Joh 16:16 "A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me."

Joh 16:17 So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and, 'because I am going to the Father'?"

Joh 16:18 So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about."

Joh 16:19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'?

Joh 16:20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

In these verses we see the 2 sides of a spiritual walk: humility (the cross) and faith (resurrection). /

Joh 16:21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

This human being refers spiritually to the ‘one new man’ of Ephesians 1. [AT] /

Joh 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Joh 16:23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

This does not mean that we just attach the phrase “in the name of Jesus” to all our prayers, and voila, it will be effective. It also does not just mean that we pray in the authority of Jesus. In context it means that Jesus is praying through us in His own authority. /

Joh 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Jakobus 4v /

Joh 16:25 "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father.

Joh 16:26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf;

Joh 16:27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

Faith working by love! /

Joh 16:28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father."

Joh 16:29 His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!

Joh 16:30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God."

The disciples still thought that knowledge alone was sufficient for a strong faith. Trust in grace is the key, however. /

Joh 16:31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

They still did not know their own hearts. Their faith was not strong. Nevertheless, in the following verses there is encouragement in spite of their failure. /

Joh 16:32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.

Joh 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

JOHN 17V1-13

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus turns His eyes from His disciples to His Father. Jesus had His eyes on His Father and on His disciples most of the time. As man Jesus had to trust the Father to glorify Him in order that He could glorify the Father. We must trust for the same glory to be manifested in us. All authority over man was given to Jesus. Eternal life is all about knowing God. Jesus glorified the Father by manifesting Him. He now prays to be glorified together with the Father. The Father and the Son are one. Just as Jesus was absolutely one with His Father for His mission on earth, we have to be absolutely one with Jesus and consequently the Father by the Spirit for our mission as church on earth (1-5).

2. Jesus manifested the name and identity of the Father to His disciples. These disciples belong to the Father and the Son. They keep the word of the Father. They know that the Father and Son are one. They receive the

words of the Son and understand that He was sent from the Father. Jesus prays for His disciples, not for the world. Jesus prays about the joint ownership of the Father and the Son and links is with His glory in the disciples. Jesus was still on earth, but already He considers Himself to be no moer in the world. Even though Jesus knew He was going to face the cross within 24 hours, He still prays for His disciples and asks the Father to keep them in His name and identity. It is by the name of the Father that we have been named, and that we are one. If we do not see our origin in Him, we will never experience practical oneness...Heb. 2v11. Whilst on earth Jesus kept His disciples together by the revelation of their origin in the Father. The matters Jesus revealed in these chapters were meant to keep the disciples when Jesus left the earthly realm. These heavenly words unveil the Father's eternal purpose (6-13).

3. The word of Jesus and the world are directly opposed to each other. Our strong protector and older brother asks our Father to keep us from the evil one while we fulfill our mission in this world. We are truly not of this world, because we are in Christ and have accepted and believed in our true origin. We are sanctified by the word of the Father. Eternal purpose sanctifies us! This is why it is so important to understand eternal purpose. Just as Jesus was sent into the world by the Father, we were sent into the world by Jesus. His sanctification was for our benefit, so that we would be utterly separated from the world. Jesus now includes all believers who would afterwards believe. This wonderful prayer includes us. Jesus prays that the unity of the Father and the Son would be the unity between all believers. As they are in one another, we are in them. This unity displayed will persuade the world that Jesus really is the One sent by God (14-21).

4. Our unity is empowered by the glory handed down from the Father, to the Son, and then to us. Once we see the opinion of the Father and our sonship, we will see our oneness! Perfect oneness can only be displayed when we see that the oneness between the Father and the Son is now our oneness. This will persuade the world of the mission of Jesus and the love that He has for Jesus and for us in Him. Jesus reveals in His prayer that He desires for us to be seated with Him in heavenly places, so that we might see His eternal glory and know the love between the Father and the Son (22-24).

5. The world cannot know the Father. He can only be known in Christ, because Jesus alone knows Him and can make Him known. We who have acknowledged the identity of Jesus, have the privilege to also know the Father. In this knowledge we also participate in the love between the Father and the Son. Jesus ends this wonderful prayer with the petition to be in us. How precious beyond words (25-26)! [AT] /

CORNE: 17:1-5 Jesus came to the time in history where He could bring eternity into time and make man part of the Eternal Life in Himself. This participation in eternal life is what enables us to know God. Jesus glorified the Father by being obedient, and now awaited His glorification by the Father. What a privilege that we are included in the work and glorification of Jesus, by being partakers of His Spirit. :6-13 Jesus enjoys intimacy and union with the Father. They are One, and Jesus has brought us into this same union. Jesus firstly prays that the Father will guard the unity between the believers. Being in unity is an important aspect of being guarded by the Father. Even before Jesus was ressurrected, He says in v 11: 'I am no longer in the world.' How amazing that He already lived as if He was in Heaven with the Father. May we also walk like that. 17:14-21 Believers are separated from the world, even as Jesus is. This is because He is the truth, vs the lies of the world. The Father does not take us out of the world, but He protects us in it. Unity is a proof of life to the world, therefore Jesus prays for us and those who will believe through us that we might be one. V22-24 Jesus includes us in the glory that He has received from the Father. This provides the basis of unity with Him and one another. V25-26 Knowing God is what it's all about. And because we know Him, we can proclaim Him.

In order to understand Jn. 17 we have to enter into the spirit of selfless humility that characterises this chapter. [Sparks] / In this chapter we see the glory, unity, and love of the Trinity being shared with God's people. The moment we believed in Christ we had instant access to these riches and instant unhindered fellowship with the Trinity and one another in the realm of the divine glory, unity, and love! Glory! Also note the mention of truth in this chapter, though. Compare it with 2 John vss 1-6. [AT] /

Joh 17:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,

Note the theme of glory & cf. 1 Pet. 1v1-2v12 (AT Link) /

Joh 17:2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.

Joh 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

WAAR GOD IS, IS DIT HEMEL “En dit is die ewige lewe, dat hulle U ken, die enige waaragtige God, en Jesus Christus wat U gestuur het.” Joh 17:3 Die ewige lewe is meer as ‘n oneindige tydperk. Die hemel is meer as ‘n wonderlike plek. Ons is almal geneig om te dink oor die hemelse vanuit ons aardse perspektief. Ons prioriteite raak so maklik deurmekaar en voor ons, ons kom kry dink ons oor die hemel net as ‘n volmaakte plek waar ons vir ewig gaan bly. Jesus sny met Sy gebed in Johannes 17 as’t ware met ‘n vlymskerp mes deur al ons minderwaardige idees oor die ewige lewe en die hemel. Sy stelling gerig tot die Vader in vers 3 is verstommend in sy eenvoud. Die “ewige lewe” is eenvoudig om die Vader en die Seun werklik te ken. Het jy al ooit gewonder wat gaan aan in die hemel en hoe gaan dit daar wees? Lees die Bybel met die een enkele fokus om die Vader te ken in Sy Seun deur die verligting van die Gees. So kan jy nou-al begin om hemel op aarde te beleef, want waar God geken en geniet word, daar is dit hemel. Dit raak ook net beter, want daar is geen einde aan Sy wese en heerlikheid nie. Hy is die oneindige God. [AT] / AN INTIMATE KNOWING JOHN 17:3  "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.' EPHESIANS 4:20  "But you have not so learned Christ." It is very significant that the grammatical construction in our text in Ephesians refers to the fact that we learned Christ and not about Christ.  You cannot be a true believer if you do not have a personal and experiential knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  This is very clear from the Scripture verse in John 17.  In fact, Jesus specifically defines the possession of eternal life, that is being saved, as knowing God experientially.  In a religious country there is always the danger that one may know a lot about Christ without having a personal knowledge of Him.  The rebirth is by definition a matter of relationship.  Every saved person knows that God exists and that He cared enough to save him or her in particular from their sin.  This is the basic testimony of everyone who has ever placed his or her trust in Christ.  When Paul says 'you have not so learned Christ' he is appealing in a specific way to the Ephesian church to continue in the intimate union that was wrought in their regeneration.  Many believers experience Christ in a wonderful way when they are saved, but then they are religiously indoctrinated along lines that are contrary to the character of the regeneration experience.  By this I mean that the disciplines of the Christian life are often presented in a way that is somehow divorced from the intimacy of relationship that God intends for us in the process of spiritual growth.  It is of cardinal importance that we never view any aspect of the Christian life apart from our union with Christ and our vital relationship to a loving heavenly Father.  Every religion, including that which goes through as the Christian religion, inevitably ministers from a position of separation and then the subsequent process to 'get connected' as it were.    The wonderful assurance of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we have been fully reconciled to our Father God and every discipline and phase of the Christian life is based on the vital union that we have with Him.  Once we discover that this union has been fully and finally consummated our concern is less with all the mechanics of Christianity and more with the Person of Christ and knowing Him intimately.  Then we discover that many of the things that we so longed for as believers spontaneously begin to manifest as a consequence of our

new emphasis.  2 Corinthians 3:18 makes it clear that it is only as we behold Christ that we are being transformed into His image from glory to glory. Quote of the Day:  "After all is said and done Christianity is in its essence a matter of knowing God in all His splendour." /

Joh 17:4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

Joh 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

Joh 17:6 "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

Joh 17:7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.

Joh 17:8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.

Joh 17:9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.

Joh 17:10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

10a: Basis for Rom. 12:1 / This verse deals with the disciples of Jesus. / When we can truly say ‘all mine are Yours (Rom. 12:1), we can also with confidence say ‘all Yours are mine’. /

Joh 17:11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

AT Link: Col. 2:20 /

Joh 17:12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

Joh 17:13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

JOHN 17V14-26

Joh 17:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Joh 17:15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

Joh 17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Joh 17:18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

Joh 17:19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Joh 17:20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

Joh 17:21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

AL DIE PLUSSE WAT WARE EENHEID EN VERHOUDING VERWOES Dit is al die plusse wat ons by Jesus voeg wat eindelose probleme veroorsaak. In plaas van om eksklusief te ywer vir die evangelie, die Persoon en Werk van Jesus, ywer ons soms vir soveel ander dinge ook. Dit is nie moeilik om te toets in praktiese situasies nie. Dissipels wat ‘n suiwer fokus op Jesus en ‘n onverdeelde lojaliteit aan Hom alleen koester, geniet die ware en universele gemeenskap van die Liggaam van Christus en kan dan rustig gesels oor verskillende goed in die Bybel waaroor hule mag verskil. Wanneer daar egter ‘n Jesus plus fokus by een of albei dissipels is, vind ons omtrent nooit mekaar se harte nie. “Dat almal een mag wees net soos U, Vader, in My en Ek in U; dat hulle ook in Ons een mag wees, sodat die wêreld kan glo dat U My gestuur het.” Johannes 17:21 Jesus was die enigste soenoffer wat kon betaal vir ons sondes om ons verhouding met God te herstel. Ons het gesterf saam met Hom. Ons is begrawe saam met Hom. Ons het opgestaan saam met Hom. Ons het opgevaar saam met Hom. Ons sit in hemelse plekke saam met Hom. Hy leef nou in ons as ons wysheid, geregtigheid, vrede, hoop

en daaglikse krag. Hy is die Een wat ons doop met die Heilige Gees en Hy is die Een wat die Vader vir ons openbaar. “Ons is lede van sy liggaam, van sy vlees en van sy bene” (Efes. 5:30). Hy is ook ons Bruidegom wat weer kom. Kortliks, Hy is ons alles. Hy is waarlik ons lewe en bedoel om die middelpunt van al ons gesprekke te wees. Ons toewyding en onverdeelde lojaliteit aan Hom gee vir ons onmiddellike toegang tot die hart van elke ander dissipel op aarde wat ook hierdie lojaliteit aan Jesus alleen koester en daarom Sy Woord liefhet en bewaar. Ongeag kultuur, ras, kleur, geslag, nasionaliteit; dit is ons onverdeelde lojaliteit aan Hom wat ons harte verbind! Ons kan verskil oor nie-essensiële dinge in die Bybel, maar as ons lojaliteit en fokus suiwer is, gaan ons by mekaar se harte uitkom. Waarvoor ywer ons werklik? Is ons fokus suiwer? Is die leringe waaraan ons vashou en waarvoor ons ywer ‘n resultaat van ons fokus op Jesus alleen of is dit die vrug van ons eie intellektuele of emosionele voorkeure en afkeure of dalk tradisie en groepsdruk in ons gemeente of denominasie? Laat die Heilige Gees toe om jou hart te ondersoek en wees braaf genoeg om die plusse te laat gaan wat dalk subtiel ingesluip het in jou hart. As dit van die Here was sal Hy dit wel weer onder jou aandag bring. Maar hierdie keer vanuit ‘n suiwer Jesus fokus en vir die regte redes. [AT] /

Joh 17:22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

Joh 17:23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Verse 23 is a process and a consummation, ultimate oneness. The glorifying also is threefold. There is the glorifying of the Father in the Son, v1. Then the glorifying of the Son in the church, v10. Finally the glorifying of the church in the Son, v24.[Sparks]/ The "I in them" is inseparably linked to the "You in Me." "I in them" means that the Son is in us. "You in Me" means that the Father is in the Son. So we have the Father in the Son as the Spirit flowing into us as our state of perfection. This perfection is the perfection of the oneness existing between the Father and the Son. That oneness comes into us when Christ comes into us. Therefore, perfection is not what we attain; it is what we receive when we receive Christ. In every relationship in the Body of Christ, recognize the existing perfection, and then persist and continue in it. /

Joh 17:24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

DIE GLIMLAG VAN GENADE “Vader, Ek wil dat waar Ek is, hulle wat U My gegee het, ook saam met My sal wees, sodat hulle my heerlikheid kan aanskou wat U My gegee het, omdat U My liefgehad het voor die grondlegging van die wêreld.” Johannes 17:24 “…want dit is goed dat die hart versterk word deur genade…” Hebreërs 13:9 Jesus het ons deur Sy verlossingswerk gebring op ‘n plek waar ons kan leef in die glimlag van die Drie-Eenheid (lees die hele Johannes 17) en nou verwag God van ons dat ons met mekaar sal praat en saamleef vanuit die glimlag van genade. Ons gee maklik vir ons kinders, veral wanneer hulle nog klein is, die glimlag van genade. Dit is genesend, stigtend, en dit anker jou kind se hart in die tasbare liefde van ‘n ouer wat die Vaderhart van God verteenwoordig. Natuurlik is daar ook in die lewe van ‘n kind, en ‘n dissipel van Jesus, tug en dissipline (Heb. 12:5-10). Dit is egter juis in die sonskyn van die Vader se glimlag wat ons die hart agter die tugtiging raaksien en daarom reg reageer op die liefdevolle dissipline van ons Vader. Hy verwag van ons om nie net vir ons kinders nie, maar ook vir ons mede-dissipels die glimlag van genade te gee. ‘n Hart vol genade kan selfs met vermaning en teregwysing sonskyn bring. “You fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds you so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,But trust Him for His grace;Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” (William Cowper) [AT] /

Joh 17:25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.

Joh 17:26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

AT Link: Rev 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. / This love is the basis of 1 Cor. 13. [AT] / NB The IDENTITY (name) of the Father has everything to do with self-sacrificial love. There is a Lamb on the Throne. The Son is the Lamb, but the IDENTITY of the entire Godhead is the Lamb. There is a Cross in the heart of God. Thus to speak of our IDENTITY in Christ (or even union with Him) without fully understanding His LAMB-IDENTITY in us is not ony folly, but positively dangerous. This love is the basis of 1 Cor. 13. This is the

TRUE CHRIST-LIFE, the true union between us and God, and therefore also the basis of the church-life. [AT] /

JOHN 18 TO 21

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

JOHN 18V1-27

NT LESSONS

1. Religion shows its true colours and appears with weapons. Religion is violent in its self-righteousness. Among Jesus' apparent followers there will always be the religious traitors. Jesus is never caught unawares and He does not fear the violence of religion. The authority with which Jesus proclaims His identity slays religion. Jesus was at all times aware of His fulfillment of Scripture. Peter tries to fight violence with violence, but Jesus tells Him that the Father is still in control and violence is not needed. (1-11).

2. Religion uses official authority to interrogate Life. Peter's denial of Jesus shows him his own heart, and that he cannot be faithful to Jesus in his own strength. Yet Jesus knows the heart of every disciple of His and knows how to deal with each one of us. Jesus is unfazed by the interrogation of religion. He appeals to His transparency and the effect of His teaching. He shows up the hypocrisy of religion and its unrighteous use of violence to intimidate and dominate. (12-27).

3. Religion sticks closely to its rules even while they are unrighteously persecuting an innocent man. It cares more for its rules than for an innocent human life. This has always been the way of self-righteous man acting without light. Even the secular politician is more righteous than the so called holy religious institution. Jesus answers once again on the heavenly plane when He is questioned by the secular authority. We must always remember that our kingdom is not of this world. We must maintain a heavenly perspective at all times. Jesus is the King of truth. Truth itself was standing before the secular authority (28-38).

4. The secular authority tries to release Jesus on legitimate grounds, but religion wants blood. Thus the true evil of self-righteous religion is exposed (38-40). [AT] /

CORNE: John 18:1-11 Judas knew where Jesus would be, for that is the place where He often went with His disciples. The enemy is most aware of Christians when they meet together. Even though He was about to die, the Lord was steadfast in His identity. When we go through trials, we should also remember our origin. Simon wanted to sidestep the cross by acting in the flesh. Our Lord does not want us 'taking other's ears off' when we experience death. v12-27 Religion does not understand Jesus' words. Those who truly follow Him can testify of what He teaches. 18:28-38 Pilate asks a question that still haunts mankind up to this day: 'What is truth?' Pilate himself is confronted by the Truth in the form of Jesus. Jesus always confronts with the truth, and He Himself is truth. People must either believe or disbelieve Him, and therefore find His kingdom or be lost. 38b-40 The Jews chose a robber over Jesus. The King of the Universe was exchanged for a common sinner. How this must have hurt His heart, to be scorned by the ones He created and whom He chose to be His people. Today still people choose the basest things over the King.

Joh 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.

Joh 18:2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

Joh 18:3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Joh 18:4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?"

Joh 18:5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

Joh 18:6 When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Joh 18:7 So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

Joh 18:8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go."

Joh 18:9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one."

Joh 18:10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)

Joh 18:11 So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

Joh 18:12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.

Joh 18:13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

Joh 18:14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

Joh 18:15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest,

Joh 18:16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.

Joh 18:17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, "You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."

Joh 18:18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Joh 18:19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

Joh 18:20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.

Joh 18:21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said."

Joh 18:22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?"

Joh 18:23 Jesus answered him, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?"

Joh 18:24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Joh 18:25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not."

Joh 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?"

Joh 18:27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

JOHN 18V28-40

Joh 18:28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.

Joh 18:29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"

Joh 18:30 They answered him, "If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you."

Joh 18:31 Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death."

Joh 18:32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

Joh 18:33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

Joh 18:34 Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?"

Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?"

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."

Joh 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

Joh 18:38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, "I find no guilt in him.

Joh 18:39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"

Joh 18:40 They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

JOHN 19V1-24

NT LESSONS

1. Pilate first mistreats Jesus and allows the soldiers to mock Him, and then brings Him out to the Jews. It is as if he feels obliged to make Jesus suffer and in that way exonerate Him. The world and religion are cruel. They are the same. Yet, even the world is not as cruel as religion ultimately, for Pilate finds no fault in Jesus but religion insists that He must be crucified. Religion persecutes the identity of sonship. Pilate can see there is something different to Jesus, but he does not have the courage to release Him when religion insists on judgment. When it suits them religion pays lip service to the secular king. They have to win at all costs (1-16).

2. Religion has no compunction about killing an innocent man. Pilate's notice 'King of the Jews' was prophetic. Jesus is the King of all true Jews! Religion can do nothing against God's sovreign will. God had it written and they could not stop it. It is like the Word. It cannot be broken. The soldiers fulfill prophecy when they cast lots for His garment (17-24).

3. Even whilst dying Jesus cares for His mother and makes sure she will be looked after. Jesus cares for our earthly situation. We need to take each other into our homes and care for each other in His care and by His instruction (25-27).

4. Jesus had control over His own death. After fulfilling all Scripture He died. His words 'it is finished' are most meaningful, and speak of a complete atonement (28-30).

5. Every wound of Jesus was for our benefit and redemption. The blood that cleanses and the water of life that quenches our thirst were bought for us by the piercing of Jesus. John was an eyewitness of these things, to report so that we would believe. Faith in the historical cross is crucial to our salvation. Every Scripture about Jesus was fulfilled to the letter (31-37).

6. Jesus had secret disciples who nevertheless were true disciples. These were different from those Pharisees who believed in Him, but did not want to confess Him before men. Among men there were those who care for the body of Jesus. The Father arranges eveything sovreignly (38-42). [AT] /

CORNE: John 19:1-16 The Jews had all sorts of arguments and ways to manipulate to crucify Jesus. They also used political pressure on Pilate. This is typical of the flesh. It would do anything to not have Jesus as its King, because that would mean that it has to submit to Him. 17-24: Even though Jesus was not acknowledged by the Jews as the King, Pilate wrote it on the sign above His head and in this God used Pilate to show the world that He was truly His son. At the moment of death, He reigned, despite the protests of religion. Nothing is as powerful as the cross. The Scripture was also fulfilled to the last detail in terms of His clothes. How great is our God-His very words are true and they are life to us. 25-27: Jesus loved John, and because of His special love for him, he trusted him with the care of His mother. A tender love for the Lord should have its outworking in the caring of widows, orphans and other underpriviledged ones. :28-30 Jesus only gave up His spirit when everything was accomplished. He who began a good work in us, will complete it. The Lord always fulfills His word and finishes His work in all its details. John 19:30-37 Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. His bones was not broken and the Scripture was fulfilled. The Lord was our complete sacrifice, nothing lacked, and He provided full restoration and propitiation. He provided the blood and the water. Blood for righteousness and water for sanctification. Hallelujah! Our complete Lord for complete salvation: spirit, soul, body. V 38-42 Joseph and Nicodemus 'served the Lord at night', because of the fear of man. May we not serve Him only when it is comfortable for us, but serve Him in the day! The Lord was buried before sabbath, but His first day of death was on the sabbath.

Joh 19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.

Joh 19:2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.

Joh 19:3 They came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands.

Joh 19:4 Pilate went out again and said to them, "See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him."

Joh 19:5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!"

Joh 19:6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him."

Joh 19:7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God."

Joh 19:8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.

Joh 19:9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer.

Joh 19:10 So Pilate said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?"

Joh 19:11 Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin."

Joh 19:12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar."

Joh 19:13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha.

Joh 19:14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!"

Joh 19:15 They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar."

Joh 19:16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,

Joh 19:17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.

Joh 19:18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.

Joh 19:19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

Joh 19:20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek.

Joh 19:21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but rather, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.'"

Joh 19:22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."

Joh 19:23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom,

Joh 19:24 so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, "THEY DIVIDED MY GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS." So the soldiers did these things,

(PSALM 22:18) /

JOHN 19V25-42

Joh 19:25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Joh 19:26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"

Joh 19:27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Joh 19:28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst."

Joh 19:29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.

Joh 19:30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Joh 19:31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.

Joh 19:32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him.

Joh 19:33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

Joh 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

Joh 19:35 He who saw it has borne witness--his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth--that you also may believe.

Joh 19:36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "NOT ONE OF HIS BONES WILL BE BROKEN."

(EXODUS 12:46, NUMBERS 9:12, PSALM 34:20)

Joh 19:37 And again another Scripture says, "THEY WILL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED."

(ZECHARIAH 12:10)

Joh 19:38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.

Joh 19:39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.

Joh 19:40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.

Joh 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.

Joh 19:42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

CHAPTER TWENTY

JOHN 20V1-18

NT LESSONS

1. The lovers of Jesus can be women, children, or Samaritans. God honors those who seek Him diligently. Mary got up early to go to the tomb, because her heart was truly with Jesus. Mary ran. No casual approach here. Passion! Peter and John also ran when they heard Jesus was not in the tomb. John outran Peter. Peter was probably still depressed about his denial of Jesus. The historical facts surrounding the resurrection are crucial to our faith. This is the basis of our subjective faith. Peter and John only begab to understood the Scriptures on Jesus' resurrection once they saw the linen cloths. We have both the OT Scriptures and their NT testimony (1-10).

2. Mary wept. Once again, passion! Angels appear in the context of resurrection. Heavenly realities break through. Mary's love went beyond

death, but she could not see resurrection yet. Mary wanted to take care of the body of Jesus. Oh, how she loved Him! What an example to us. She calls Him 'my Lord'. Precious! Jesus just has to say her name to get her to regognise Him. She cries 'Rabboni', showing the passion in her heart. She wanted to cling to Jesus, but He focuses her attention on His ultimate mission; to send the Spirit so that He would be with and in us in unspeakable intimacy forever! How precious that Jesus says to Mary to tell the disciples that He is ascending to His and our Father and God. He is the Man Christ Jesus, forever representing us as a Man, and forever ushering us into family intimacy as a Son! And so Mary reports to the disciples. How amazing that this woman was chosed to do this, by sheer love and devotion on her side. Such a beautiful response to the love of Jesus. May we be stirred to follow her example (11-18)!

3. Before the cross, in the time of uncertainty for the disciples, Jesus was with them and He comforted them with many words and instructions and His immediate presence. Now again, after the resurrection, in this time of fear for the Jews, Jesus appears to His disciples and comforts them with words of peace. He repeatedly says 'Peace be with you'. In chpt 16 He said there will be tribulation in the world for them, but He gives heavenly peace. Now He proclaims this peace to them. He Himself is our peace. Jesus supernaturally appears to them, demonstrating that no door can keep Him out. He is the Lord of glory and He is with His people in their crises. Even in this time He instructs them and gives them the same commission that He had when He became flesh. The Body of Christ must now continue the ministry of the Son. To do this they need the Spirit, and so Jesus breathes on them. We can do nothing without the Spirit of life. With the Spirit comes the authority to preach the gospel and to lay down the basis of forgiveness in terms of faith in Jesus (19-23).

4. Thomas was a true disciple, but he had weak faith. Jesus appears again to His disciples and specifically deals with Thomas, demonstrating that He knows what is going on in the heart of everyone of His disciples. Jesus is merciful to Him and shows him the marks of the cross. We also need to deal specifically with the need of every disciple. Jesus says we are more blessed if we believe without seeing. We have to believe implicitly that Jesus is the risen Lord who is present with us all the time, and who deals with us with words of comfort and very specific instruction (24-29).

5. Jesus gave abundant evidence for His disciples to believe. The things which were written in John were written for us to know and believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that we have life in Him when we believe into Him (30-31). [AT] /

CORNE: JOHN 20:1-10 When Jesus rose from the dead, He did not need others to take His grave clothes off, like Lazarus. Because He is Lord, deliverance comes completely through Him, and He includes us in it. The fact that the disciples did not understand what Jesus did, made no

difference to the fact that they were now part of the new creation. Even though we might not see the implications yet, we are included in the work of Christ. How great is God's mercy! :11-13 In the midst of trials it might seem to us that we 'lost the Lord', but He is close by, even though we can't 'see' Him. John 20:14-18 The Lord seems to have been taken away from Mary. Often when we suffer, the Lord seems to have dissappeared from our lives. We cannot recognise Him, even when He is actually close. In that moment we need to quieten our hearts again and find His voice. If we listen , we will 'see' Him again, and be able to testify of His ressurrection power. :19-25 First of all, Jesus gives peace to His disciples. He always first brings us to a place of rest and from this place of rest He sends them out and givea them the Holy Spirit to equip them. Thank you, Lord, for rest, mission and equipping! :26-31 Often we can be in a place where we doubt the Lord's ressurrection power in our lives, and first want to see results before we believe. But the point is to believe without seeing, and for us to exercise our faith. Jesus points Thomas to His wounds. That is the place for us to find our faith again if we lost it-the sacrifice of Christ.

Joh 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Joh 20:2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."

Joh 20:3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.

Joh 20:4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

Joh 20:5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.

Joh 20:6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,

Joh 20:7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.

Joh 20:8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;

Joh 20:9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

Joh 20:10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Joh 20:11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.

Joh 20:12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.

Joh 20:13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him."

Joh 20:14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Joh 20:15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away."

Joh 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

Joh 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

Joh 20:18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"--and that he had said these things to her.

JOHN 20V19-31

Joh 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

Joh 20:20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

Joh 20:21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

Joh 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Joh 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld."

Joh 20:24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.

Joh 20:25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."

Joh 20:26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

Joh 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe."

Joh 20:28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Joh 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Joh 20:30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

Joh 20:31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

JOHN 21V1-14

NT LESSONS

1. Jesus reveals Himself again, demonstrating that God works in a very specific way with the hearts of His disciples. Peter gets six of the disciples to fishing with him again. It seems that his heart is in a way turning back to the world, for he has lost sight of the purposes of God. Yet Jesus will always reveal Himself in one way or another when our hearts begin to turn back. Once again Jesus only speaks and when the disciples obey the obtain a full blessing, a large quantity of fish. Only by obeying the voice of Jesus will we be able to bring in the harvest of souls. John immediately recognises the blessing as the work of the Lord. Peter throws himself in the sea for shame. His conscience was grilling him. When the Lord gives blessing the net is not torn, nothing is lost. Jesus prepares breakfast for the disciples. He gives us our daily bread. His care is astounding (1-14).

2. After breakfast Jesus begins to deal with the heart of Peter. He confronts him with the issue of love. Just like with Paul on the road to Damascus, Jesus introduces His church as the crucial issue with regard to love for Him. We should be acutely aware of the tender love of Jesus for every lamb of His. We should be very faithful in the way that we tend to and feed the sheep of Jesus. This will require a self-sacrificial love of the deepest kind. This love for Jesus may even mean a martyr's death, but we have to follow Him all the way. Jesus makes the way of the cross most clear and does not try to hide it from Peter. True love for Jesus requires the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus calls us to follow Him all the way, even through death (15-19).

3. Peter ponders the words of Jesus and now notices John following them on their walk on the beach. His attention shifts to Jesus' other disciples and he wants to know if they also need to make the same sacrifices. Jesus immediately corrects Peter's focus and tells him to keep following Him, and not to be concerned with the destiny of the other disciples. These things are all in the hands of Jesus and we should not focus on the others to the exclusion of our own walk before the Lord. The things that were written down in the NT contain only what God chose to stir our faith, but there were much much more miraculous phenomena surrounding the life of Jesus. Our Jesus is limitless (20-25)!

CORNE: JOHN 21:1-14 At first the disciples did not recognise the Lord. This often happens when things go wrong in our lives, like the disciples when they did not catch any fish. We often do not recognise the working of the Lord, until His answer comes through, like the disciples did when they caught the fish. This encourages us to keep on trusting and praying,

even though it seems that we are left alone, and Jesus is not with us. :15-25 The bottom line of Jesus' discussion with Peter is that Love is the compelling and driving force behind all we do. If we truly love the Lord, it will flow out into service for Him. We are also tested throughout our lives to see whether we truly love the Lord. When we are tested like this, we should not concern ourselves with other believers and compare ourselves with them. We should just follow the Lord, for we each have our own cross to bear.

Joh 21:1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.

Joh 21:2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.

Joh 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Joh 21:4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Joh 21:5 Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No."

Joh 21:6 He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

Joh 21:7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

Joh 21:8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

Joh 21:9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.

Joh 21:10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught."

Joh 21:11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.

Joh 21:12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.

Joh 21:13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.

Joh 21:14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

JOHN 21V15-25

Joh 21:15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."

Jesus is saying to Peter that he has to dispense the love that he has for Jesus into His church.  Loving His church is loving Him. This instruction is not only for ministers and full time

workers, it is for all disicples.  We all have little lambs that we have to care for.  Determine who your lambs are. / Throughout this portion John's characteristic link between love for Jesus and love for one another is maintained.  Even in ministry the way to remain in the sweet flow of the love of Jesus is to love Him by loving those whom He cares for so deeply.  His church is His priority throughout and we have to love what He loves. /

Joh 21:16 He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."

See Carson for an explanation of the various Greek words for love. /

Joh 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

Joh 21:18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."

I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked... But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go. (John 21:18 NLT)

Joh 21:19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."

Follow me. He had once forsaken Christ through fear of death. Now, with a prospect of violent death before him, he is bidden to resume the Master's work and to follow him. He did this, from this time, faithfully. (PNT) /

Joh 21:20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?"

Joh 21:21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

Joh 21:22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"

God's servants do not have the same gifts, the same tasks, the same success, or the same degree of divine intervention. It is partly a matter of gifts and calling; it is partly a matter of where we fit into God’s unfolding redemptive purposes. Has he placed us in times of declension, for example, or of revival; of persecution, or of major advance? Let God be God; let all his servants be faithful. /

Joh 21:23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"

Joh 21:24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

Joh 21:25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

ACTS AT COMMENTARY

ACTS BACKGROUND

Time: AD 62 (15th)

Stats: 28 chapters/1007 verses/24 250 words/75 questions/21 OT prophecies/20 new prophecies/949 verses of history/49 verses of fulfilled and 14 verses of unfulfilled prophecy

I. Paul's early ministry

A. Conversion and early activities (AD 33-46)

1. Conversion experience, Acts 9:1-19a; 22:3-16; 26:2020; Gal 1:13-17 2. Ministry in Damascus, Acts 9:19b-25; 2 Cor 11:32-33; Gal 1:17 3. First visit to Jerusalem (AD 36), Acts 9:26-31; Gal 1:18-24 4. Ministry in Syria and Cilicia, Acts 9:30; Gal 1:21 5. Ministry in Antioch, Acts 11:25-30 6. Second visit to Jerusalem (AD 46), Acts 11:29-30; 12:25

B. First missionary journey (AD 46-47), Acts 13:1-14:28

1. Establishing Christian congregations, Acts 13:4-14:20; (Gal 4:12-15)

a. Work in Seleucia, Acts 13:4a b. Work in Cyprus, Acts 13:4b-12 c. Work in Perga, Acts 13:13

d. Work in Pisidian Antioch, Acts 13:14-52 e. Work in Iconium, Acts 14:1-7 f. Work in Lystria, Acts 14:8-20a g. Work in Derbe, Acts 14:20b-21a

2. Discipling Christian congregations, Acts 14:21-28

C. Jerusalem council (AD 48), Acts 15:1-35, Gal 2:1-10

1. Problems at Antioch, Acts 15:1-3 2. Victory in Jerusalem, Acts 15:4-29; Gal 2:1-10 3. Ministry in Antioch, Acts 15:30-35; Gal 2:11-14

II. Paul's middle period of ministry

A. The second missionary journey (ca. AD 48-51), Acts 15:36-18:22

1. Ministry in Syria and Cilicia, Acts 15:41 2. Ministry in Galatia and Mysia, Acts 16:1-10; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:5-6; 1 Cor.16:1 3. Ministry in Macedonia, Acts 16:11-17:14; Phil 4:15-16

a. Work in Philippi, Acts 16:12-40; Phil. 1:4-6; 1 Thess 2:2 b. Work in Thessalonica, Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thess 1:4-2:20; 2 Thess 2:6, 3:7-10 c. Work in Berea, Acts 17:10-14

4. Ministry in Achaia, Acts 17:15-18:17

a. Work in Athens, Acts 15:15-34; 1 Thess 3:1-5 b. Work in Corinth, Acts 18:1-17; 1 Thess 3:6-13; 1 Cor 2:1-5; 1:13-17; 2 Thess 3:1-5;

1 Cor 3:5-10; 11:2,23; 15:1; 2 Cor 11:7-9

5. Return back to Antioch, Acts 18:18-22

B. The third missionary journey (ca AD 52-57), Acts 18:23-21:16

1. Ministry in Galatia-Phrygia (AD 52), Acts 18:23 2. Ministry in Asia (AD 52-55), Acts 19:1-20:1; 1 Cor 1:11-12; 4:11-13,17; 16:10-12,17-18;

2 Cor 1:8-11, 15-17 (plans), 23; 2 Cor 12:18; 15:32

3. Ministry in Macedonia and Achaia (AD 55-57), Acts 20:1-3; 1 Cor 16:5-7 (plans);

2 Cor 2:12-13; 7:5-7,13-16; 8:1-7; 8:16-9:15 (plans); 13:1-3 (plans)

4. Return to Jerusalem (AD 57), Acts 20:3-21:16; 1 Cor 16:3-4 (plans); Rom 16:31 (plans)

III. Paul's final period of ministry

A. Arrest in Jerusalem (AD 57), Acts 21:17-23:22 B. Imprisonment in Caesarea (AD 57-60), Acts 23:23-26:32 C. The Voyage to Rome (AD 60), Acts 27:1-28:13 D. House Arrest in Rome (AD 61-62), Acts 28:14-31; Eph. 3:1, 4:1, 6:18-22; Phil. 1:12-26; 2:19-30;

4:1-3, 10-19; Col 4:7-18; Philm 22-24.

E. Release from Imprisonment and Resumption of Ministry (AD 63-64), 1 Tim. 1:3-4;

Titus 1:5, 3:12-13.

F. Subsequent Arrest and Execution (AD 64), 2 Tim. 1:8, 15-18; 4:7-21.

Key People:

Peter—one of the twelve disciples of Jesus; called “the Rock” (1:13–12:18; 15:7–14)

John—one of the twelve disciples of Jesus; called “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (1:13; 3:1–4:31; 8:14–25; see John 21:20)

James—one of the twelve disciples; first disciple to die for his faith in Christ (1:13; 12:1–2)

Stephen—appointed as a manager of food distribution in the early church; martyred for his faith in Christ (6:3–8:2; 22:20)

Philip—appointed as a manager of food distribution in the early church; one of the first missionaries to Samaria (1:13; 6:5; 8:1–40; 21:8)

Paul—New Testament writer and missionary; originally named Saul; early persecutor of Christians before his conversion (7:58–8:3; 9:1–30; 11:25–30; 12:25–28:30)

Barnabas—name means “Son of Encouragement”; traveled as a missionary with Paul and then with John Mark (4:36; 9:27; 11:22–15:39)

Cornelius—Roman officer; one of the first Gentile Christians (10:1–48)

Timothy—Paul’s assistant; later became a pastor in Ephesus (16:1–20:4)

Lydia—believer and hostess to Paul and Silas; seller of purple cloth (16:13–40)

Silas—served as a missionary; involved in the ministries of Paul and Timothy and Peter (15:22–18:5)

Apollos—Alexandrian preacher who ministered in Achaia; instructed by Aquila and Priscilla (18:24–19:1)

Felix—Roman governor of Judea; kept Paul in prison for two years (23:24–25:14)

Festus—succeeded Felix as governor; reviewed Paul’s case with Herod Agrippa II (24:27–26:32)

Herod Agrippa II—reviewed Paul’s case with Festus; responded to the gospel with sarcasm (25:13—26:32)

Luke—medical physician who traveled with Paul; author of the Book of Acts (16:10–28:31)

Key Term: “Spirit”. This book records what the apostles and early Christians accomplished as they were empowered by the HS. The author understood that none of this would have been possible apart from the HS.

Key Words:

Spirit: Greek to pneuma—2:4; 5:9; 8:39; 10:19; 11:12; 16:7; 19:21; 23:9—derived from the verb pneo, meaning “to breathe” or “to blow.” It is sometimes used to refer to the wind and sometimes to life itself (see John 3:8; Revelation 13:15). It can refer to the life of angels (Hebrews 1:14), demons (Luke 4:33), and human beings (7:59). Yet this word is also used for the Spirit of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:11), that is, the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), the third Person of the Trinity, the One who lives inside believers (see James 4:5; 1 John 4:13). This same Spirit is called “the Spirit of Jesus Christ”(Philippians 1:19); manuscripts have the title

the Spirit of Jesus in 16:7. This title emphasizes the unity of action between Jesus and the Spirit that permeates this book and its companion volume, the Gospel of Luke. During the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the disciples were directed by Jesus; now, after His resurrection and ascension, by the Spirit of Jesus.

Grace: Greek charis—4:33; 11:23; 13:43; 14:26; 15:11; 18:27; 20:32—probably equivalent to the Hebrew word chesed meaning “loving-kindness,” a word frequently used by the psalmists to describe God’s character. In the New Testament, the word charis usually signifies divine favor or goodwill, but it also means “that which gives joy” and “that which is a free gift.” This is a noteworthy occurrence of the word grace because while it was one of Paul’s favorite words for God’s free gift of salvation, here we see Luke using it in the same way.

Together: Greek epi to auto—1:15; 2:1, 44—idiom meaning “toward the same thing” or “in the same place”; it conveys the idea of united purpose or collective unity. In the early church it acquired a special meaning, indicating the union of the Christian body. All the members of the church not only gathered together regularly, they shared all things in common and were committed to each other and Christ with united fervor.

Key Text:

Acts 1:8 maar julle sal krag ontvang wanneer die Heilige Gees oor julle kom, en julle sal my getuies wees in Jerusalem sowel as in die hele Judéa en Samaría en tot aan die uiterste van die aarde.

Provocation & Context:

Luke’s purposes in writing the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a powerful parallel. Luke sought to write “an orderly account” (Luke 1:3) of what Jesus had accomplished during His earthly ministry. Acts simply extended the effort, offering “an orderly account” of what Jesus had accomplished through the early church.

Beginning with Christ’s ascension (His rise into heaven), through the birth of the church on the Day of Pentecost and to Paul’s preaching in Rome, Acts chronicles the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church (see 1:15; 2:41, 47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 13:49; 16:5; 19:20). It also tells of the mounting opposition to the gospel (see 2:13; 4:1–22; 5:17–42; 6:9–8:4; 12:1–5; 13:6–12, 45–50; 14:2–6, 19–20; 16:19–20; 17:5–9; 19:23–41; 21:27–36; 23:12–21; 28:24).

Like the Gospel of Luke, Acts begins with a dedication to Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God.” The name has no history apart from Luke’s use in his two books. Whether this was a believer whom Luke was instructing or a pagan whom Luke was seeking to convert is unknown. Luke’s positive salutation, “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3), suggests that the recipient was a Roman official of some importance. Examples of this kind of greeting can be found in 24:3 and 26:25.

Acts begins in Jerusalem and ends in Rome. Luke’s account captures the geographical spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. He provides the story of how God “opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (14:27).

One Sentence Summary:

Christianity spread from Jerusalem to Rome and from Jews to Gentiles by the power of the HS, working especially through Peter and Paul. In the Christian canon Acts fills a pivotal role. As volume 2 of a two-part work, it looks back to the life of Jesus. By virtue of its description of Paul’s conversion and ministry, it provides a historical context for understanding Paul’s letters. Without Acts there would be no firm basis for understanding the origins of Christianity.

Everyone underestimated the possibility and the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even those who had advance warning were taken by surprise. The truth of His victory over death transformed the lives of His followers. They became living witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. That good news spread like wildfire.

Those first disciples were filled with more than a message, however; they were also filled with a Motivator—the Holy Spirit. Their travels, trials, and triumphs changed the course of history. Led by the Holy Spirit, the apostles carried the gospel throughout the world. In fact, this book that describes the early years of the Christian church could most properly be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.” The Holy Spirit’s directing, controlling, and empowering ministry strengthened the church and caused it to grow in numbers, spiritual power, and influence.

Basic Outline:

1.

The key text, Acts 1:8, provides a useful way of organizing the book. The apostles proclaim Jesus in Jerusalem (Chapters 1-7); the apostles proclaim Jesus in Judea and Samaria (Chapters 8-10); the apostles go “unto the uttermost” (Chapters 11-28).

Paul’s ministry may be divided into three parts:

1.) The period of personal growth in discipleship, about AD 33-47 (Acts 9-12)

2.) The period of three missionary journeys, about AD 48-57 (Acts 13-21)

3.) The period of consolidating the churches, about AD 58-65 (Acts 22-28)

2.

1. Jesus Ascends to Heaven2. A Replacement for Judas is Chosen3. The Holy Spirit and the Day of Pentecost4. Peter’s Address on the Day of Pentecost5. The Response to Peter’s Address6. The Fellowship of the Early Believers7. Peter and John Heal a Lame Man at the Temple8. Peter Addresses the Crowd9. The Arrest and Trial of Peter and John10. The Followers of Jesus Pray for Boldness11.Conditions Among the Early Believers12. The Judgment on Ananias and Sapphira Error: Reference source not

found13. The Apostles Perform Miraculous Signs and Wonders14. Further Trouble for the Apostles15. The Appointment of the First Seven Deacons16. Stephen is Arrested......17. Stephen’s Defense Before the Council18. Stephen is Killed...........19. Saul Begins to Persecute the Church20. Philip Preaches in Samaria21. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch22. The Conversion of Saul.23. Saul’s Escape from Damascus24. Saul Returns to Jerusalem25. Peter Heals AeneasError: Reference source not found26. Peter Raises Dorcas......27. Peter Visits Cornelius....28. The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit29. Peter Defends His Actions to the Jerusalem Church30. Activity in the Church at Antioch Error: Reference source not

found31. Famine Relief for Judea.32. James is Killed and Peter Imprisoned33. The Church at Antioch Commissions Barnabas and Saul34. Paul and Barnabas Preach in Cyprus35. Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch36. Paul and Barnabas at Iconium37. Paul and Barnabas at Lystra38. Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria39. The Jerusalem CouncilError: Reference source not found40. Paul and Barnabas Part Company41. Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

42. Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian Man43. Arrival at Philippi..........44. Paul and Silas Are Thrown Into Prison45. Paul and Silas at Thessalonica46. Paul and Silas at Berea.47. Paul at Athens...............48. Paul at Corinth..............49. Paul Before the Proconsul Gallio50. Paul Returns to Antioch in Syria51. Apollos Begins His Ministry52. Disciples of John the Baptist at Ephesus53. Paul Continues to Minister at Ephesus54. The Seven Sons of Sceva55. A Riot in Ephesus..........56. Paul Travels Through Macedonia and Greece57. The Voyage to Miletus. .58. Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem59. Paul’s Defense..............60. The Roman Commander Questions Paul61. Paul Before the Sanhedrin62. The Plot to Kill Paul.......63. The Accusations Against PaulError: Reference source not found64. Paul’s Defense Before Felix65. Paul Speaks Repeatedly to Felix66. Paul Appeals to Caesar.67. Festus Asks King Agrippa for Advice68. Paul Before King Agrippa and Bernice Error: Reference source not

found69. Paul Offers His Defense70. Paul and Company Sail for Rome71. Caught in a Violent Storm72. Paul is Shipwrecked......73. Paul on Malta................74. Paul Finally Reaches Rome75.Paul Addresses the Jewish Community in Rome

Sketch: The Propagation of the Resurrected Christ in His Ascension, by the Spirit, through the Disciples, for the Producing of the Churches—The Kingdom of God.

Key Doctrines:

The establishment of the church—the history of how the faith spread (2:1; 4:23–24, 32–37; 9:31; Matthew 16:18; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:12; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4:15–16; 1 Timothy 3:15; Revelation 19:8)

The work of the Holy Spirit—how the Spirit of God directed the church and individual believers (1:8; 2:2–4, 16–18, 38; 4:8; 8:29; 11:12; 13:2; 16:6; 21:11; Genesis 6:3; Numbers 11:25–27; Nehemiah 9:30; Isaiah 48:16; Zechariah 7:12; John 15:26; Romans 8:16, 26; 1 Corinthians 2:4, 9–10; Hebrews 2:4; 1 John 3:24; 4:13; Revelation 2:7, 11, 29)

God’s Character:

God is accessible—14:27

God is glorious—7:2, 55

God is good—14:17

God is just—17:31

God is Most High—7:48

God is a promise keeper—1:4; 2:33, 39; 7:17; 13:22–23, 32; 26:6–7

God is provident—1:26; 3:17–18; 12:5; 17:26; 27:22, 31–32

God is righteous—17:31

God is wise—15:18

Christ Revealed:

The Book of Acts records several examples of the early apostolic proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the pattern is consistent. First, Jesus is presented as a historical figure, a man empowered to perform signs and wonders (2:22; 10:38). Next, the death of Jesus is attributed equally to the wickedness of men and to the purpose of God. On the one hand, the Jews had “crucified” Him “by lawless hands” (2:23; see 3:13-15; 4:10; 5:30; 7:52; 10:39; 13:28). On the other hand, Jesus had been “delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God” (2;23; see 17:3). Then the resurrection of Jesus is emphasized, particularly as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy and as God’s reversal of men’s verdict on Jesus (1;3; 2:24-32; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40, 41; 13:30-37; 17:31). The apostles declare that Jesus has been exalted to a position of unique and universal dominion (2:33-36; 3:21; 5:31). From that place of supreme honor and executive power Jesus had poured out the promised Holy Spirit (2:33), who bears witness to Him (5:32) and empowers believers (1:8). Jesus has been “ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead” (10:42) and will return in triumph at the end of the age (1:11). Meanwhile, those who believe in Him will receive forgiveness of sins (2:21; 3:19; 4:12; 5;31; 10:43; 13;38, 39) and “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (2;38). Those who do not believe in Him are destined for terrible things (3:23).

The Book of Acts gives the account of Jesus’ ministry being passed on to His disciples. Their mission was to proclaim the resurrected Christ and fulfill the Great Commission given to them by Jesus (Matthew 28:19, 20). The disciples acted as witnesses to the salvation brought about by Christ (4:12; 10:43).

The Holy Spirit at Work:

The power of the Holy Spirit through the church is the most striking feature in Acts. The book has been called The Acts of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Spirit in Acts, however, cannot be understood without seeing the relationship between Acts and the Gospels, which demonstrates an essential continuity. Both the public ministry of Jesus in the Gospels and the public ministry of the church in Acts begin with a life-changing encounter with the Spirit; both are essential accounts of the results of that event.

The power of the Spirit in Jesus’ life authorized Him to preach the kingdom of God and to demonstrate kingdom power by healing the sick, casting out demons, and setting the captives free (Luke 4:14-19); Matt. 4:23). The same Spirit power in acts 2 gave the same authority to the disciples. Jesus is the prototype of the Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered life (10:38). The Book of Acts is the story of the disciples receiving what Jesus received in order to do what Jesus did.

Luke’s terminology in describing people’s experience with the Holy Spirit in Acts is fluid. He is more interested in conveying a relational dynamic than in delineating a precisely worded theology. He notes that people were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (2:4; 9:17), that “they received the Holy Spirit” (8:1), that “the Holy Spirit fell upon (them)” (10:44), that “the Holy Spirit had been poured out on (them)” (10:45), and that “the Holy Spirit came upon them” (Acts 19:6). These are all then essential equivalents of Jesus’ promise that the church would “be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (1;5; see especially its immediate fulfillment in 2:4, which Luke describes as a filling).

Three of these five instances record specific special manifestations of the Spirit in which the people themselves participated. Those on the Day of Pentecost and the Gentiles of Cornelius’s house spoke with other tongues (2:4; 10:46); the Ephesians “spoke with tongues and prophesied” (19:6). Although it is not specified, it is generally agreed that there was also some type of manifestation in which the Samaritans participated because Luke says that “when Simon saw that …the Holy Spirit was given” (8:18)

Content:

Christus die Lewe en Hoof (gee leiding) van die gemeente. Christus in aksie deur Sy gemeente. Christus lewend in en deur ons. Lordship of Jesus in building the church, activity of the Spirit, Peter and Paul. Sovereignty and Providence. Community and Church. Discipleship. Die Ander Trooster arriveer en keer die wêreld om Die boodskap van die evangelie is vir Jood en Heiden. Die verhaal van die oorsprong en groei van die Christelike Kerk Die Geskiedenis van die Eerste Gemeentes. Die Transisie van die Ou na die Nuwe Verbond. ‘n Profiel van gelowiges vol van die HG. Petrus en Paulus se Bedieninge . Christ Builds His Church. The second half of Luke’s masterpiece, Acts, records the

story of the early church. Lordship of Jesus in building the church / Activity of the Spirit / Peter and Paul

Christianity spread from Jerusalem to Rome and from Jews to Gentiles by the power of the Holy Spirit, working especially through Peter and Paul.

Acts - The Formation of the Church. Historical account from Jesus’ ascension to travels of Paul in his missionary Church planting journeys.

In ACTS we are a VICTORIOUS MISSIONARY CHURCH in Christ.

OT QUOTATIONS:

Book 5 - THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLESChapters 1-8 - The Jewish Period

THE CHURCH MEETS; MATTHIAS APPOINTED AN APOSTLE

Acts 1:20b - 'Let his habitation be desolate, and let no one live in it' (Psalm 69:25), and

Acts 1:20c - 'Let another take his office' (Psalm 109:8).

PETER SPEAKS TO JEWS VISITING JERUSALEM FOR PENTECOST

Acts 2:17-21 - 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and notable day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' (Joel 2:28-32)

Acts 2:25b-28 - 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh will also rest in hope, because you will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in your presence.' (Psalm 16:8-11)

Acts 2:34-35a - 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool'. (Psalm 110:1)

PETER SPEAKS AFTER HEALING THE CRIPPLED MAN

Acts 3:22b-24 - 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever he says to you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' (Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19)

Acts 3:25b - ''And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' (Genesis 22:18; 26:4)

Acts 4:11 - 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone' (Psalm 118:22).

THE DISCIPLES PRAY AND ALL ARE FILLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 4:25b-26 - 'Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ' (Psalm 2:1-2) -

STEPHEN DEFENDS HIMSELF AGAINST CHARGES OF BLASPHEMY

Acts 7:3b - 'Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.' (Genesis 12:1)

Acts 7:7a - 'And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,' (Genesis 15:14)

Acts 7:7b - 'and after that they shall come out and serve me in this place.' (Exodus 3:12)

Acts 7:27b-28 - 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?' (Exodus 2:14)

Acts 7:32a - 'I am the God of your fathers - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' (Exodus 3:6)

Acts 7:33-34 - 'Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I have certainly seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' (Exodus 3:5,7,8,10)

Acts 7:37b - 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.' (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Acts 7:40b - 'Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' (Exodus 32:1)

Acts 7:42b-43 - 'Did you offer me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, images which you made to worship; and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.' (Amos 5:25-27)

Acts 7:49-50 - 'Heaven is my throne. and earth is my footstool. What house will you build for me? says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Has my hand not made all these things?' (Isaiah 66:1,2)

Chapters 8-13 - Earliest Missionary Journeys 

  THE CHURCH SCATTERS; PHILIP EVANGELISES SAMARIA AND BAPTISES THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

Acts 8:32b-33 - 'He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation his justice was taken away. And who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.' (Isaiah 53:7-8)

Chapters 13-15 - Paul's First Missionary Journey & the Council at Jerusalem

PAUL ADDRESSES THE JEWS IN THE SYNAGOGUE AT PISIDIAN ANTIOCH IN ASIA MINOR

Acts 13:22b - 'I have found David (Psalm 89:20) .... the son of Jesse .... a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.' (a paraphrase of 1 Samuel 13:14)

Acts 13:33b - ''You are my son, today I have begotten you.' (Psalm 2:7)

Acts 13:34b - ''I will give you the sure mercies of David.' (Isaiah 55:3)

Acts 13:41 - ''Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.' (Habakkuk 1:5)"

Acts 13:47b - 'I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.' (Isaiah 49:6)"

THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM; PETER & JAMES SUPPORT PAUL & BARNABAS

Acts 15:16-18 - 'After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord who does all these things. (Amos 9:11,12)

Chapter 15-18 - Paul's Second Missionary Journey

Chapters 18:23b-20 - Paul's Third Missionary Journey

Chapters 21-28 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem & Journey to Rome

PAUL IS TAKEN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

Acts 23:5b - 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.' (Exodus 22:28)"

PAUL PREACHES TO THE JEWS OF ROME

Acts 28:26-27 - 'Go to the people and say, Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn, so that I should heal them.' (Isaiah 6:9-10)

Sparks Intro

If you read the Acts you will find two main features running right through the book, two things which are uppermost; they are the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is mentioned seventy times, and the Name of Jesus more than thirty. You will see they are joined together, are in operation together, the Holy Spirit has assumed charge of everything and as He goes forward with His mighty work He does it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus. I would suggest a perusal of the book with the place of the Name of the Lord Jesus in mind; you will not get far before you have a strong impression of wonder and praise. This main character and feature of the book bears out clearly John 7:39 and the words of Peter at Pentecost about the exaltation and glorifying of the Lord Jesus. When John by way of comment on John 7:39 said, "The Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified", the logic of it all was that when He was glorified the Holy Spirit would be given, the day would come. We see that upon the Lord Jesus being glorified, the Holy Spirit was at once given, He immediately came forth. And now under the guidance of the newly ascended Spirit the words of men on whom He came were around the Name, the exaltation, glorifying, and Lordship of the Lord Jesus, and the deeds done were all in or on the basis of the Name. Later we see the apostle Paul gave a very full explanation of what happened when the Lord Jesus returned to glory, "God highly exalted Him, and gave unto Him the name which is above every name" (Phil. 2:9), "put all things in subjection under His feet", as "Head over all things". That is the explanation of what took place when Christ returned to heaven. That is the ground on which the Holy Spirit came forth. [Sparks] / You need to get to the New Testament with this purpose in mind, this thing before you, to be impressed with the significance of the resurrection of Christ in this startling way. You read the first few chapters of the Acts, and you find that the preaching there was little else than the proclamation of the resurrection of Christ. If you have not done so, take the first chapters of the book of the Acts and underline every reference to the resurrection of Christ, and you will be amazed. When you have done that, follow "resurrection" right through, and see how many sides of the whole revelation it touches in a direct way, and you will see that the resurrection affects everything, spreads itself over everything. [Sparks] /

THE COMMENTARY

ALL THE ELEMENTS OF TRUE NT MNISTRY: Stick to the Bible, soak everything in prayer, trust the Spirit, focus exclusively on Christ, serve and love in weakness, and work in a team context at all times. These are all the important elements of a true New Testament ministry. See the book of Acts for confirmation of this statement. /

SIGNIFICANT WORDS AND TERMS IN THIS BOOK

Kingdom

CHAPTER ONE

ACTS 1V1-14

'n Goeie opskrif vir die boek Handelinge is 'die oorwinning vd een nuwe mens in Christus' (Efes. 2v15). Ons moet baie meer van die boek gebruik maak as 'n kosbare geskenk van die Vader om ons op te wek tot 'n oorwinnende gemeentelewe wat die vlees, die wereld en die satan beskaam en Christus verheerlik! Dit is ook ‘n boek wat baie spreek van die oorwinnende geloofslewe. Hoe het die eerste gelowiges die struikelblokke in die pad van die evangelie oorkom? / As mens die beginsels en praktyke van Handelinge en die apostoliese patroon, maar bo alles die Jesus van Handelinge in die krag van die Gees volg, dan kan jy nooit verkeerd gaan nie en sal God jou lei van oorwinning tot oorwinning.  Maar dis 'n Liggaam wat moet saam-beweeg. Heiligheid is 'n groepsprojek. / In ons verkondiging vd evangelie het ons deur die jare baie klem gelê op die persoonlike 'aanneem' van Jesus (Jn. 3). Dit is reg, maar nie genoeg nie. Ons moet ook verkondig dat die Koninkryk in Christus gekom het en dat God nou alle mense oral roep tot bekering (Hand. 17v30). Ons het veral in die 'individualistiese Weste' dringend nodig om die evang. binne die raamwerk vd Koninkryk te plaas sodat mense kan breek uit die vorm van 'n materialistiese self-handhawing en harte verruim kan word om ons Vader se Majestueuse Verlossingsplan in Christus (Kol. 1v15-20) te akkommodeer. Ons moet dieper EN wyer gaan. / Die hoofrede waarom die term 'koninkryk' so baie in die evangelies en in Handelinge voorkom en omtrent nooit in die briewe nie, is omdat die evangelies & Hand. primêr fokus op hoe mense in die koninkryk inkom. Die beeld word dus van buite af gegee. In die briewe kom die term 'in Christus' baie voor, maar nooit in die e's & Hand. nie, want hier word die beeld van binne af gegee. Die tema bly die koninkryk, maar die koninkryk wat groei deur die INNERLIKE werking v.d. Koning. Ons moet bly by die apostoliese patroon. Dissipels moet geleer word primêr uit die briewe anders loop ons die gevaar van Israel om 'n uiterlike koninkryk te soek. Tog moet die makrobeeld v.d. Koninkryk ook geleer word, anders die gevaar van beheptheid net met ons eie geestelike groei. / Three things keep the modern church from a dynamic testimony in the world: 1.) The lack of a revelation of the Cross & the Christ-life (the exchanged life). 2.) The mistaken idea that God cherishes duty FOR Him above delight IN Him. This is the root of the man-focused instead of God-focused problem. 3.) The unnatural Pastor-flock (one man)

model that makes it IMPOSSIBLE for a local church to live, move & grow under the HEADSHIP of the ONE TRUE PASTOR. Christians CANNOT be directly related to Christ & take up their priestly duties as long as that human system is in place.It needs to be UTTERLY broken down. / Actually the church has only ONE need, the CHRIST-LIFE. This is: 1.) a CRUCIFIED life 2.) a NEW life 3.) a GOD-CENTERED life (Jn. 8v28) and 4.) a CORPORATE life (Eph. 4v15-16). / NB THE CONFLICT IN THIS BOOK: TWO TEMPLES AND TWO KINGDOMS IN CONFLICT. The temple of Judaism versus the new creation temple, the body of Christ. The limited kingdom of Israel versus the universal kingdom of God. ..TWO HEADQUARTERS IN CONFLICT: The Headquarters moved from earth (Jerusalem) to heaven (heavenly Jerusalem of Gal. 4). ALSO TWO ALTARS in conflict: human altars with animals on and a h=divine altar with the Son (Lamb) of God offered. Still today in the Christian church man wants to establish again headquarters on earth. This will never receive the blessing of heaven. Any headquarters on earth will again be in bondage with its children (Gal. 4:25)! The ADMINISTRATION of the new creation is in heaven and carried out by the HS on earth. This is very clear in the book of Acts. / The OFFENSE OF THE CROSS is not only that it offers a righteousness that is not of man's making or doing, but also that it demands a death that makes only a heavenly kingdom available, not an earthly one. For flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God! /

NT LESSONS (Church and Ministry Lessons: Faith and victory: How did the Gospel conquer)

1. This book is the extension of what Jesus did and taught in the Gospels. This proves that the resurrected Lord now lives and acts through His Body, the church, and that His life is propagated through the many members. The Gospels end with the ascension of Jesus and Acts tells us what happened after that. Jesus gave very specific instructions to the apostles before He ascended, and even then He did it by the Spirit. This proves that the HS is the executive Person in the universe, for Jesus spoke by the Spirit even after He was raised and had a resurrection body. How much more do we need to do everything by the Spirit (1-2).

2. Even in these opening verses we see that Acts is a document that strongly emphasises the resurrection of Jesus. When you see “kingdom”, think eternal purpose. Jesus spoke in resurrection about the kingdom. This proves that we need to be heavenly minded in the church and with our message. We need to speak of the kingdom that is here now, and that is coming. This kingdom was proven to be a reality by the resurrection of Jesus (v3).

3. The very first command of Jesus recorded in Acts is that they should wait for the HS, the gift the Father promised. This shows how crucial the fullness of the Spirit is for the church. Without the baptism with the Spirit the apostles could do nothing. They had to wait for the One who would occupy and mobilise them. The baptism with the Spirit is directly linked with the water baptism by John, where Jesus was baptised with the Spirit for His mission. This proves that the church cannot fulfill her mission without the baptism with the Spirit. The apostles were still thinking of the kingdom of Israel, but Jesus had a much greater

kingdom in mind. Times and dates in the future should not occupy our minds, but rather the NOW power of the HS that enables us to be the witnesses of Jesus to the uttermost part of the earth. Hence, the expansion of the spiritual kingdom should occupy our minds and hearts (4-8)!

4. The record of Jesus’ ascension is given to us. We need to note the link between the ascension and the pouring out of the economical Spirit. Also note that we are to know that Jesus will return again the way He left. The church needs to be conscious of this. Jesus and everything about Him should occupy our minds and hearts completely (9-11).

5. Jesus’ closest company when He walked the earth now wait for the fullness of the Spirit in obedience to the instruction of the Lord. Those of us who have a heart of full consecration towards Jesus should often seek his fullness together. The Spirit has already been poured out. Nevertheless, we should seek the full manifestation of that together. Note carefully the three elements of their waiting. They were waiting in prayer. They were waiting in united and harmonious prayer. They were waiting steadfastly and unwavering in this prayer. This was the environment for the birth of the ancient church. Do we ever wait in such and environment, and for such an outcome, with the three elements present (12-14)?

6. Proper leadership still functioned in this spiritual environment. Peter ‘stood up in the midst’. Note that he was leading ‘in the midst’, not separately as a separate class. A man was sought who could stand with the eleven other apostles and be a witness of the entire earthly ministry of Jesus, and especially of his resurrection. Once again we see the crucial importance of the resurrection. The church should testify of the resurrection of Jesus. This should be central. Note that even thought they cast lots, which was part of an OT economy, they DID first pray. Once again, the crucial importance of PRAYER can be seen here. They did not just decide, they first prayed. All of them prayed together. The church often needs to pray TOGETHER about important matters. It was not just the twelve that prayed and decided, it was 120, the whole church at the time (15-26). /

CORNE: Acts 1. 1. What Jesus did and taught to his disciples is the basis of what follows in Acts (:1-2). 2. In many ways Jesus presented Himself in His ressurrection to the apostles. He taught them new lessons, that were invaluable for the time to come. There is a great difference between Christ according to the flesh and the ressurrectec Christ, and they were starting to know that. The ressurrection is the start of the new creation. Glory!(:3). 3. One of the most difficult things for us as Christians is to wait on God, like the disciples had to do. But that is the only way to have the true power of God, otherwise we act in our own strength. The disciples still did not understand all things and were waiting for an earthly kingdom. We must realise it's not about the here and now, but Christ's kingdom is firstly spiritual,with Him reigning as King over sin, death and the devil in the power of the Holy

Spirit (:4-8). 4. The disciples witnessed the ascension. They must have felt that they were all alone now, and did not understand what was going to happen next, except that they had to wait. Often we have to be faithful in the 'in between stages', where things are uncertain. But we can always be sure and strengthen our hearts with the fact that He is coming back! (:9-11) 5. The disciples did as Jesus told them to do and continued steadfastly with one accord in prayer. How powerful it is when Christians continue in prayer in unity. May we do the same. 1:12-14) 6. What a privilege to be a leader in the Church. God sovereignly appoints those who should lead. This must bring us to fear and trembling in dependence on the Lord to lead His church right (15-26). /

Act 1:1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,

AT Link NB: Acts 14:27 and 15:4..."what God had done WITH THEM". Amen! / His vision becomes our mission. The cross, resurrection and return of Christ was the overwhelming vision and mission of the early church. The cross was their sword (1 Cor. 1:18). /In the way he structured his 2 volumes, Luke wished to demonstrate the essential unity between the mission of Jesus and that of the early church. /

Act 1:2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

Act 1:3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

Act 1:4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me;

Act 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"

Act 1:7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

HOE MOET ONS DINK OOR DIE EINDTYE? Annekie Barnard vra: “Albert, as ek die Woord reg verstaan kom Jesus sy kinders haal voor die verdrukking.Mense of ek het die kat aan die stert beet wat se ons is in begin van die 7jr verdrukking. Kan jy dalk daarop vir my antw. Baie dankie. Blessings.” Hello Annekie, iemand het eendag gesê: "die vraag is nie net wanneer Jesus terugkom nie, maar wanneer wil jy HÊ Hy moet terugkom." Ek dink daardie persoon maak 'n belangrike punt. Die heel belangrikste, myns insiens, rondom eskatologie is dat ons in ons harte 'n verwagting moet hê en 'n verlange dat Jesus moet terugkom, terwyl ons terselfdertyd ons alles moet gee vir die redding van verlore mense. Ons moet ook natuurlik volgens die Nuwe Testament áltyd reg wees beide om verdrukking te ondergaan of om te sterf, want ons weet nie of vandag of môre dalk ons laaste dag is nie. Daar is pre-tribbers (pre-tribulationists), mid-tribbers, post-tribbers, en dan ook pre-Millennialiste, a-Millennialiste, post-Millennialiste, ook "full rapture", "partial rapture" en “no-rapture" aanhangers. In elkeen van hierdie kategorieë verskil mense dan gewoonlik ook nog oor die fynere detail van hoe die gebeure van die eindtyd gaan realiseer. So kan ‘n mens dalk dink “aah, hierdie gelowige praat my taal”, totdat jy bietjie dieper begin delf. Dan kom jy dalk agter hierdie mede pre-tribber glo nie heeltemal soos jy nie. Jou vraag verg dus 'n baie lang antwoord en dalk is jy aan die einde van die antwoord meer verward as voorheen. Of anders weet jy dalk nie meer wát jy glo as jy al die moontlikhede sien nie. :-) Dalk hét jy al wyd gelees oor die onderwerp. Soms weer is mense so dogmaties oor wat hulle glo dat hulle glad nie belangstel in wat ander gelowiges glo oor die onderwerp nie. Ek weet nie presies waar jy staan nie. Die Bybel gee vir ons baie detail oor die eindtye, maar nie altyd presiese dogmatiese antwoorde nie. Ek sou dus versigtig wees vir presiese skemas van die eindtye. 'n Beter benadering vir my is om elke gedeelte in die Skrif wat handel oor die onderwerp op eie meriete toe te laat om met jou te praat. As daar 'n waarskuwing is neem dit ter harte. Neem die opdragte ernstig op en vra die Here om jou te wys hoe jy dit in jou eie lewe moet gehoorsaam. Mediteer oor die beloftes wat gegee word, en maak dit jou eie. Die meeste gelowiges vandag het nie hulle siening van die eindtye direk in die Bybel gekry nie (al kan hulle waarskynlik verwysings gee na 'n klompie tekste), maar liewer van predikers, leraars, hulle denominasie of boeke wat hulle gelees het wat 'n spesifieke skema van eskatologie probeer verdedig. As daar mettertyd ‘n basiese oortuiging vorm by ‘n mens oor die moontlike verloop van die eindtye dink ek dit is belangrik dat jy in nederigheid die deur oop los vir die Heilige Gees om jou verdere lig te gee oor die saak en ook om nie te dogmaties te wees teenoor ander dissipels van Jesus nie. Ons gemeenskap met mekaar is gebaseer op ons eenheid met Christus en ons oortuiging dat Hy wel liggaamlik gaan terugkom na hierdie aarde en ons gereed moet wees daarvoor, nie op ons

spesifieke siening van die detail rondom tye en historiese gebeure nie. Bo alles, maak seker dat jy leef in 'n "eerste liefde" verhouding met Jesus Christus sodat hy met jou eie hart uit die Skrif kan praat oor Sy wederkoms en hoe jy daarvoor voorbereid moet wees. Dít is, myns insiens, veel belangriker as om al die argumente reg te hê om 'n skema te verdedig, terwyl 'n mens se hart dalk nie werklik voorbereid is vir die wederkoms van Jesus nie. Openbaring hoofstukke 1 tot 3 is 'n wonderlike gedeelte vir gemeentes en individuele gelowiges om te bestudeer met die oog op hartstoetsing in die lig van Christus se heerlikheid vandag en vir die toekoms. Laastens wil ek graag net 'n gedeelte aanhaal wat 'n oorkoepelende waarheid rondom die implikasies van die Vleeswording van Jesus uitlig. Ongeag wat ‘n mens se siening is van die eindtye, gee hierdie tekste bemoediging en ‘n vaste versekering dat Jesus op die Troon is en daar sal bly. “Vir ons is 'n Seun gebore, aan ons is 'n Seun gegee; Hy sal heers, en Hy sal genoem word: Wonderbare Raadsman, Magtige God, Ewige Vader, Vredevors. Sy heerskappy sal uitbrei, en Hy sal vir altyd vrede en voorspoed bring. Hy sal op die troon van Dawid sit en oor sy koninkryk regeer. Hy sal dié koninkryk vestig en in stand hou deur reg en geregtigheid, van nou af en vir altyd. Daarvoor sal die onverdeelde trou van die Here die Almagtige sorg.” Jes. 9:5-6 (NAV) Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end…now and forevermore.” Isa. 9:7a (ESV) N.S. Ek probeer nie met hierdie plasing die idee skep dat dissipels van Jesus nie in liefde en nederigheid kan praat oor die detail van die eindtye vanuit spesifieke gedeeltes in die Skrif nie. Ek poog eerder om die fokus te plaas op die kondisie van ons hárte m.b.t. die onderwerp. [AT] /

Act 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Micah 5v7 / BAPTISM WITH THE SPIRIT AND GOD'S ECONOMY: The pattern that shows the purpose of the BWS is very clearly established in Ezra and Nehehemiah where it speaks repeatedly of the Hand of God upon E and N. Obviously these are the two recovery books in the OT. Pentecostal and Charismatic churches have almost completely missed the point in terms of BWS. The purpose of the BWS is always God's economy, the building of His temple. God lays His hand upon us so that we may bring in living stones for His temple (evangelism) and build each other up in Christ (edification) so that His temple may be built (Eph. 2v19-22). [AT] / STAP SAAM “Ek sal julle nie as wese agterlaat nie; Ek kom weer na julle toe.” Johannes 14:18 Wat ‘n kosbare belofte gee Jesus hier in Johannes 14 vir Sy dissipels! Net soos hulle vir drie en ‘n half jaar saam met Hom gestap het in Sy bediening op aarde was dit vir hulle (en vir ons) beskore om die reis voort te sit saam met Hom die oomblik wat hulle die Heilige Gees ontvang het. Jesus is in ons en by ons deur die Gees en

Hy vra maar net dat ons saam met Hom sal stap sodat Hy ‘n gevalle wêreld kan bedien deur ons as Sy liggaam. Dit is in eenvoudige terme wat dit beteken om “deur die Gees gelei” te word. Ons probleem is egter dat ons generasie dink (en dikwels geleer word) dat die geseënde lewe daaroor gaan dat Jesus saam met óns stap. Dit is verkeerde kant om en is ‘n fatale oordeelsfout. Hy is die Here en ons die dissipels. Ons moet Hom volg waar Hý lei. Dit is absurd om te verwag dat Hy óns moet volg. Soos met die Émmaüsgangers in Lukas 24 sal Jesus wel met tye Homself op ‘n besonderse manier openbaar aan ons op ons lewenspad, maar die doel daarmee is altyd dat ons Hóm dan meer toegewyd moet begin volg. Die kragtige werking van God in die boek Handelinge is maar net die gevolg van dissipels en gemeentes wat hierdie waarheid verstaan het. Hulle het geweet dat die absolute prioriteit van hulle lewens was om deur die Woord, gebed en gemeenskap die rigting waarin Jesus stap te onderskei en dan te volg in kinderlike gehoorsaamheid. Verstaan ons dit? [AT] / The HS will make you a lampstand by your forst love (firsthand) relationship with Me. if you lose this your lampstand is removed because you have no testimony left, even though you may still have lots of knowledge, experience, influence with people, etc. Cf. 2 Cor. 11:3 [AT] /

Act 1:9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Act 1:10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,

Act 1:11 and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

WHAT CHRISTIANS AGREE ON: 1. The Sudden, Personal, Visible, Bodily Return of Christ 2. We should eagerly long for Christ's Return 3. We do not know when Christ will Return 4. The Final Results of Christ's Return (E.g. judgment, reward, new heaven & earth) / WHAT CHRISTIANS DIFFER OVER: 1. The Nature of the Millennium 2. The Relationship of C's Return to the M 3. The Sequence of C's Return 4. The Great

Tribulation 5. The Salvation of the Jews 6. The Relationship between saved Jews and the Church /

Act 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.

Act 1:13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.

See RWP on absence of Thaddeus. /

Act 1:14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Mt. 18v19-20 / Note 'with one accord', 'devoted to prayer'. This is how we should live. / EENDRAGTIGHEID IN HANDELINGE: Act 1:14 Hulle almal het eendragtig volhard in gebed en smeking, saam met ‘n aantal vroue en Maria, die moeder van Jesus, en met sy broers. Act 2:1 En toe die dag van die pinksterfees aangebreek het, was hulle almal eendragtig bymekaar. Act 2:46 En dag vir dag het hulle eendragtig volhard in die tempel en van huis tot huis brood gebreek en hulle voedsel met blydskap en eenvoudigheid van hart geniet, Act 4:24 En toe hulle dit hoor, het hulle eendragtig die stem tot God verhef en gesê: Here, U is die God wat die hemel en die aarde en die see en alles wat daarin is, gemaak het, Act 5:12 En deur die hande van die apostels het daar baie tekens en wonders onder die volk plaasgevind; en hulle was almal eendragtig saam in die pilaargang van Salomo. Act 8:6 En die skare het eendragtig ag gegee op die woorde van Filippus toe hulle dit hoor en die tekens sien wat hy doen. / ONE ACCORD: This phrase is one that appears often in the book of Acts as a descriptive of the response of the people who put their faith in Christ. The believers were "in one accord" on several occasions (Acts 1:14; 2:1,46; 4:24; 5:12). The Greek word is "homothumadon" [3661] and means "with one mind, with one accord, with one passion." Strong's says: A unique Greek word, used 11 of its 12 New Testament

occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison." The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church. (Strong's Greek Dictionary) Paul later uses this same Greek word to call on his readers to "with one mind [3661] and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom. 15:6) In concert, he says, glorify God with one unified heart of praise. Paul later uses another Greek word, "sumpsuchos" [4861] when he writes to the Philippians, "fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord [4861], of one mind." (Phlp. 2:2) Of this word, Wayne Steury writes: This word is made up of two words "sum" (together with) and "psuchos" (soul, self, inner life, or the seat of the feelings, desires, affections). So the word refers to being united in spirit or harmonious. Paul desired the Philippians to be united in their affections - one in Christ in all desires! Used only here in the New Testament. (Wayne Steury, quoted in Strong's Greek Dictionary) The unity of the body of Christ is not some goal toward which we are to strive and strain. It is a spiritual reality which, when we walk in the Spirit of God, will be manifested among us. When we live by the Spirit, we will be in one accord with all others who live by the Spirit. There is no other option. [Neil Girard] /

ACTS 1v15-26

Act 1:15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,

Act 1:16 "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.

Act 1:17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry."

Act 1:18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.

Act 1:19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

Act 1:20 "For it is written in the Book of Psalms, "'MAY HIS CAMP BECOME DESOLATE, AND LET THERE BE NO ONE TO DWELL IN IT'; AND "'LET ANOTHER TAKE HIS OFFICE.'

Acts 1:20b - 'Let his habitation be desolate, and let no one live in it' (Psalm 69:25), and Acts 1:20c - 'Let another take his office' (PSALM 109:8). /

Act 1:21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Act 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection."

The apostles also received the Baptism of John. /

Act 1:23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.

Act 1:24 And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen

Jer. 17v10 / It is the Lord who knows and searches our hearts. He is even identified by a compound title in Greek—"the Heart-Knower" (Acts 1:24; 15:8). Thus, to know ourselves we must first come to know God. We may think we know ourselves by introspection, or by analyzing our own heart.

We may imagine that we know ourselves rightly. But apart from being in fellowship with the Heart-Knower, we are prone to deception. /

Act 1:25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."

Act 1:26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

CHAPTER TWO

ACTS 2v1-21

1. Nothing can be done in the church without the supernatural work of the HS. When we are all together as one, God can work supernaturally by His Spirit and manifest Himself beyond our expectations (1-4).

2. When the Spirit works supernaturally in the church people will be amazed and astonished, but there will also always be mockers (5-13).

3. We need to explain to people from the Scriptures why the HS works in a specific way. We also need to link the work of the Spirit with the gospel, and then invite people to call on the name of the Lord (14-21).

4. We must proclaim the gospel of the death and resurrection of Christ with a reference to prophetic fulfillment of the OT as often as possible. The focus must remain on the Person of Jesus, though. Then we should also include the enthronement and Lordship of Jesus and the outpouring of the HS on this basis (22-36).

5. When we preach the gospel purely and with the power of the Spirit it will cut people to the heart and THEY will ask what they need to do to be saved. Those who respond to the gospel should be told immediately to repent and be baptised with a view to the receiving of the HS. This is crucial. There should also be warning to flee the wrath to come. Then we

should baptise them immediately and make them understand that they have now been added to the church (37-41).

6. A proper spiritual birth will lead to a complete devotion IN UNITY to the four essentials of church life; the Word, fellowship, communion, and prayer. This will in turn lead to awe and the powerful operation of the Spirit. The goal of all this is a shared life of unity, love, devotion, simplicity, and praise. Such a community will have growth in numbers, for God Himself will add to them (42-47). [AT] /

CORNE: 1. When God's people is together in unity, the Holy Spirit can work as He pleases. He came as a rushing violent wind, showing that the old is gone and the new has come. A wind blows away many things. And He also came as fire, and a fire burns away that which is dry and dead. And then they were filled and spoke forth with tongues. May we be open to the wind and fire of the Spirit, where He blows and burns before He fills so we can speak up and speak out. (1-4). People will always be drawn to the place where the Spirit is moving. No one can ignore the Sound of the Spirit. You are either drawn by it or make a mockery of it (they said they were drunk). The Spirit may actually give us a tongue that other nations can understand, but in today's context it is more common that when we are filled with the Spirit, the people will be able to hear what we are saying with their hearts. They will understand the magnificent works of God. It is important to note that this is what the people filled with the Spirit was communicating in their tongues: the mafnificent works of God! (5-13)

2. Peter was standing with the eleven. This indicates the partnership and teamwork in the Gospel. Peter explains the signs and wonders the people witnessed. He called on the people to listen to what he was saying. Signs and wonders are forerunners to the proclamation of the Gospel. The end of the signs and thereafter the declaration of the Gospel, should be that those who call on the Lord's name shall be saved. (14-21)

Act 2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

Vgl. Ps. 133 en Efes. 5v18 / Pentecost was God's act. God did it! The intervention of God by the Third Person of the Trinity, the intervention of God in history to bring as from death, as from death this new race... this new race. I do wish that all people who are so interested in this word "Pentecost" would recognize really what Pentecost was. They limit it to this and

that and something else, "This is Pentecost". The Lord save us from this restricted conception. Pentecost is the act of God in bringing to birth a new, altogether new, humanity. And if your Pentecostalism or experience (forgive me using the very phrase) doesn't mean that there is a new humanity of a different order that is God's doing and not the result of any kind of soul, psychic, or any other force produced by the energy of man, it is not something that you have to stand back and say, "It's God; and it is God producing a new kind of humanity, unique, different. God's act!" Resurrection and Pentecost are one thing as God's act, firstly in the One Son and then in the sons to be. [SPARKS] / Pentecost was not as much an event as it was a door into a new kind of living, living by the indwelling Christ. The Pentecostals and Charismatics have highjacked this event and dragged it into the Outer Court. [AT] /

Act 2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

In the beginning of the book of Acts we see the explosion of the revelation of Christ and the glory of the ministry of righteousness and the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:8-9). Yet the believers did not understand properly what the secret of the power was. Then in the book of Galatians chpt 3 Paul explains that the works of the Spirit emanate from hearing the word of righteousness. [AT] /

Act 2:3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Act 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

Act 2:6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

Act 2:7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

Act 2:8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?

Act 2:9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

Act 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,

Act 2:11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians--we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."

Act 2:12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"

Act 2:13 But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."

Act 2:14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, reported in Acts 2: whatever its distinctive features, it is above all the first post-resurrection Christian evangelistic sermon, the first Christian sermon after the descent of the Holy Spirit. /

Act 2:15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

Act 2:16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

Act 2:17 "'AND IN THE LAST DAYS IT SHALL BE, GOD DECLARES, THAT I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH, AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;

'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and notable day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' (JOEL 2:28-32) / DREAMS AND VISIONS OF THE KINGDOM: Acts 2:17 One of the most characteristic signs of the coming of the Spirit into the heart of a believer is that He plants dreams and visions of the kingdom's expansion on earth in the inner being ofbthat believer. We have to see :"dreams and visions" in this text in the context of the kingdom of God breaking through on this earth by the gospel. [AT] /

Act 2:18 EVEN ON MY MALE SERVANTS AND FEMALE SERVANTS IN THOSE DAYS I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT, AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY.

Act 2:19 AND I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE;

Act 2:20 THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED TO DARKNESS AND THE MOON TO BLOOD, BEFORE THE DAY OF THE LORD COMES, THE GREAT AND MAGNIFICENT DAY.

DAY OF THE LORD (5 times in NT) Act 2:20  the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 1Co 5:5  you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 1Th 5:2  For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of

the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 2Th 2:2  not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. /

Act 2:21 AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.'

Joel 2v32 & Rom.10v13/

ACTS 2V22-47

Act 2:22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know--

Act 2:23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

Act 2:24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Act 2:25 For David says concerning him, "'I SAW THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME, FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND THAT I MAY NOT BE SHAKEN;

Acts 2:25b-28 - 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh will also rest in hope, because you will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in your presence.' (PSALM 16:8-11)

Act 2:26 THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD, AND MY TONGUE REJOICED; MY FLESH ALSO WILL DWELL IN HOPE.

Act 2:27 FOR YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES, OR LET YOUR HOLY ONE SEE CORRUPTION.

Act 2:28 YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE PATHS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.'

Act 2:29 "Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

Act 2:30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,

Act 2:31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

Act 2:32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.

Act 2:33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

Act 2:34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,

Acts 2:34-35a - 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool'. (PSALM 110:1)

Act 2:35 UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL.'

Act 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."

Act 2:37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

Act 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When were the apostles baptised with a Christian baptism? / Bediening van geregtigheid en van die Gees /

Act 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

Act 2:40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation."

Act 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Act 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

See Stott / The fellowship of the apostles (Acts 2v42 and 1 Jn. 1v1-4) is a touchstone and a test for the churches and ministries today. This very specific fellowship was, and is 'with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ'. A fellowship that falls short of this is not the fellowship of the apostles, but a humanly contrived hybrid. [AT] / These four elements that the early church were devoted to are most important, not least because they are the primary means of grace for the life of the indwelling Christ to be manifested. Of the four the fellowship is more than just a means of grace, but also part of the eternal purpose of God. The breaking of bread is a holy remembrance of Christ, but also more than that, though the more is difficult to explain. Yet it is there and therefore we dare not neglect it. When these means of grace truly become part of the daily spontaneous life of the ekklesia and the homes and families in the ekklesia, without being focused on the means but rather on the end...God Himself, then we will see Christ manifested on this earth. Then we have truly become a lampstand and the light of the world in practice, not only in birthright. [AT] /

Act 2:43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

HANDELINGE GEMEENTE WAARDES

Ons is ‘n familie van gemeenteplantende netwerke.  Ons gemeentes is verbind aan samewerking met en tussen netwerke rondom die volgende doelwitte.  Dit is ‘n stelling van ons oogmerke en is nie bedoel om ‘n oordeel te fel oor andere met ‘n evangeliese fokus wat dinge anders as ons doen nie.

1.  DIE prioriteit van die evangelie

Ons is toegewyd daaraan om die gewone alledaagse lewe met ‘n evangeliese fokus te vul, om mekaar pastoraal te bedien met die evangelie en die evangelie te bedien aan ongelowiges.  Ons daag mekaar uit om opofferend te leef met die harte van diensknegte terwyl ons bereid is om risiko’s te neem en ook buigbaar te wees, want die evangelie het prioriteit oor ons gemak, voordele, sekuriteit en tradisies.  Ons sal nie toelaat dat Christelike aktiwiteit net een deel van ons lewens vul nie.

2.  DIE sentraliteit van die kruis

Omdat die woord van die kruis die krag van God is, is ons verbind daartoe om dit sentraal in ons lewens en bedieninge te hou.  Ons sal nooit aanneem dat dit sentraal staan, bloot omdat ons Christene is nie.  Ons onderneem om mekaar daaraan te herinner dat God nie die ou skepping kan of wil seën nie, omdat dit verdoem was by die kruis en dat ons natuurlike lewe, talente, gawes en bedieninge konstant aan die voet van die kruis neergelê moet word, sodat ons in die opstandingskrag van Christus wat in ons is, kan leef.  Ons erken dat die Nagmaal onder andere bedoel is as ‘n herinnering aan die belang van die kruis in lewe, aanbidding en al ons aktiwiteite.

3.  AANBIDDING as ‘n doelwit op sy eie

Ons is toegewyd daaraan om God in Gees en waarheid te aanbid en om Hom te verheerlik as die enigste ware God.  Ons sien dit as die hoofdoel van ons lewens.  Ons wil Hom verheerlik in alles wat ons sê en doen en

sal mekaar daaraan herinner dat die kerk bestaan vir God en Sy koninkryk en nie andersom nie.  Ons wil graag ‘n intense God-gesentreerdheid kultiveer.

4.  SENDING deur gemeenskap

Ons is toegewyd daaraan om die evangelieboodskap te kommunikeer in die konteks van ‘n evangeliese gemeenskap.  Soos wat ons verhoudinge bou met mense en die evangelieboodskap met hulle deel, sal ons hulle voorstel aan die Christengemeenskap.  Ons wil hê mense moet die kerk ervaar as ‘n netwerk van verhoudinge eerder as ‘n vergadering wat ‘n mens bywoon of ‘n plek wat jy binnegaan.  Ons sal nie evangelistiese sendings buite die konteks van ‘n Christengemeenskap plaas nie.

5.  DIE huis as die primêre bymekaarkomplek van die kerk

Ons streef na ‘n reproduseerbare model van die kerk sonder onnodige omslagtighede wat vryheid en buigbaarheid inhibeer.  Ons is verder toegewyd daaraan dat huise ‘n konteks bied vir die hele of grootste gedeelte van gemeentelewe en dat dit ook die etos van die kerk sal bepaal.  Wanneer gemeentes ander geboue gebruik, sal daardie geboue nie gesien word as die hooffokus van sending nie.

6.  DIE deel van ons lewens as ‘n uitgebreide familie.

Ons is vasbeslote om ons lewens te deel in ‘n Christen gemeenskap, om vir mekaar te sorg, te dissipel en konflik op te los.  Ons verwag van mekaar om besluite te neem met inagneming van die implikasies vir die kerk en ook om belangrike besluite te neem in konsultasie met die kerk.  Ons sal nie toelaat dat konflik onopgelos voortduur, of om kerk te sien bloot as ‘n byeenkoms wat bygewoon word nie.

7.  INKLUSIEWE gemeenskappe

Ons is toegewyd daaraan om gebroke mense te verwelkom en om gemeentelewe toeganklik te maak vir ongelowiges. Ons wil ‘n atmosfeer skep wat mense laat behoort en gemeenskappe van genade word waarbinne mense oop en sonder skanse kan leef.  Ons sal nie toelaat dat ons openhartigheid afhanklik gemaak word van kulturele norme wat nie deur die evangelie bepaal word nie.

8.  SAMEWERKING vir stedelike vernuwing

Ons streef daarna om te werk daaraan dat buurte en stede vernuwe word op die grondvlak – om ongeregtigheid aan te spreek, versoening na te jaag en ook die gemarginaliseerdes te verwelkom.  Ons vier die verskeidenheid van kulture in ons plaaslike konteks, terwyl die behoefte aan evangeliese hernuwing nie uit die oog verloor word nie.  Ons moedig mekaar aan om God te verheerlik en andere te dien deur die werkplek, besigheid, gemeenskapsprojekte, regering en die kunste.  Ons maak nie ‘n onderskeid tussen geestelike en nie-geestelike areas van ons lewe nie.

9.  GROEI deur gemeenteplanting en netwerke wat gemeentes plant

Ons wy onsself daaraan toe om nuwe gemeentes te begin.  Ons sal saamwerk binne, tussen en wyer as ons netwerke van sendinggemeentes.  Ons visie is om saam te werk in ‘n wyer gemeenteplanting beweging om die wêreld te beïnvloed met gemeenskappe van lig.  Ons sal nie ontwikkel in enkele, groot gemeentes, of insulêr word nie.

10.  GEBED as ‘n sendingaktiwiteit

Ons erken dat God die primêre agent en organiseerder van sending is en ons sien gebed as ‘n sendingaktiwiteit.  Ons wil hê sending moet beide dien as ‘n gereelde gemeenskapsdissipline en ook verder ‘n impromptu reaksie op behoeftes en geleenthede.  Ons sal nie aanneem dat ons in beheer is van sending nie, of God beroof van sy heerlikheid deur te spog oor ons prestasies nie.

11.  ALMAL geroep om die evangelie te bedien

Ons is toegewyd daaraan dat elke Christen hulself sien as ‘n sendeling en die evangeliebediening uitleef in elke aspek van hul lewe.  Ons vorm ons aktiwiteite rondom evangelie geleenthede en die gawes en passies van gemeentelede.  Leierskap gaan nie oor beheer nie, maar om ‘n sendingvisie daar te stel deur die evangelie en lering te modelleer en dus ‘n kultuur te skep waarbinne elkeen floreer in bediening.  Ons maak nie onderskeid tussen voltydse en deeltydse bedienaars van die Woord nie.

12.  GEVORM deur die Bybel se storielyn

Ons wil hê ons individuele lewens en ons lewens saam moet gevorm word deur die Bybel se verhaal van redding.  Ons glo dat die Bybel betroubaar, gesaghebbend en die voldoende Woord van God is en is daarom toegewyd daaraan om die Bybel te leer en ‘n gemeentekultuur te skep waar die individuele gelowige se persoonlike greep op die Bybel die norm eerder as die uitsondering is.  Ons sal nie op die basis van tradisie, gewoonte of pragmatisme optree, sonder refleksie op die Bybel nie.  Ons sal nie die lering van die Bybel as ‘n doel opsigself beskou nie, maar as iets wat ons denke en aksies moet vorm.

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Act 2:45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Act 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

DIE KONSTANTE FEES VAN INNERLIKE VERVULLING "En dag vir dag het hulle eendragtig volhard in die tempel en van huis tot huis brood

gebreek en hulle voedsel met blydskap en eenvoudigheid van hart geniet." Handelinge 2:46 Wat 'n lieflike prentjie word vir ons hier geskets van die daaglikse lewe van die eerste gemeente. Wat 'n vreugde is dit nie as mense kan saamleef met innerlike vervulling en dankbaarheid. Dan raak selfs 'n eenvoudige ete 'n fees! Daarteenoor staan die hebsugtige lewe van die wêreld wat net nooit genoeg kan kry nie en selfs met oorvloed nooit werklik vervuld is nie. "Die bloedsuier het twee dogters: Gee, gee! Drie is dit wat nie versadig word nie; vier sê nooit: Genoeg nie!" Spreuke 30:15 Leef jy in die konstante fees van innerlike vervulling of is jou dae gevul met die nimmereindigende soeke van onvergenoegdheid? /THE URGENT NEED FOR CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY ACTS 2:46   ‘So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.’ MATTHEW 6:24  ‘No one can serve two masters.  For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.’ 1 JOHN 2:16  ‘Because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.’ The ancient church in the book of Acts were so overwhelmed with the power and presence of Christ by the fresh outpouring of the Spirit that they spontaneously committed to a lifestyle of Christian simplicity.  Their living was truly a seeking of the kingdom first in all matters that pertained to the detail of daily existence (Mt. 6:33). Hence today we may take a glance back in history as it were and read these precious words ‘they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.’  Man’s most basic need is the need to sustain the body with food.  This statement in Acts thus in a sense addresses the entire spectrum of human dependency on God.  In their daily living the church was uncomplicated and separated from the world in their entire approach to the practicalities of living. The matter that we are considering today is one of the most practical touchstones of true spirituality.  The first church established a pattern in this regard and being dead they still speak and challenge us even today with their testimony of uncluttered living.  It is not in the detail of the steps they took that we necessarily need to follow, but it is the heart behind their actions that truly confront us in the twenty first century.  They were so conscious of the reality of the good news in Christ Jesus that the things of this world inevitably became a secondary consideration.  Can we say the same?  Are we not so preoccupied with an intellectual discernment of the causes of powerlessness in the church today that we miss the heart of the issue?  Undoubtedly one of the crucial questions that Christianity in the West will have to face is whether we are in fact really free with regards to our possessions, our status in the community and what we often consider our inalienable right to creature comforts (1 Jn. 2:16).  In other words fortune, fame and pleasure.  A few centuries ago an infidel called Voltaire said that ‘when it comes to money all people speak the same language’.  He was referring especially to Christians.  I wonder what he would say today.  Jesus goes right to the heart of the issue when He says that we ‘cannot serve God and mammon.’  It is very significant that we are here put in a place where we

have to choose specifically between God and money.  This verse alone should bring us to the realization of the importance of this matter.  The crucial consideration in this regard is the direction of our hearts.  What counts is not necessarily what you have in your hands, but what you have in your heart.  We are in urgent need of a more simple approach to things and circumstances.  Paying lip service to allegiance to God’s kingdom whilst our hearts remain in bondage to the value system of this world will prove disastrous in the long run.  Let us rather if necessary lose and let go of what we cannot keep so that we may truly gain what we cannot lose. QUOTE OF THE DAY:   “ We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity."  A.W. Tozer /

Act 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

NUMERICAL GROWTH VS SPIRITUAL GROWTH: It is a most interesting fact, not considered by any of the modern church growth proponents, that the NT never promotes numerical growth of the church. The NT promotes the universal publishing of the Gospel and the spiritual growth of the believer. When we focus on this we are told that God adds to the church. The terrible danger of a numerical growth focus is that WE may be adding to the church and filling it with tares which make it increasingly difficult to get on with the goal of true spiritual growth IN CHRIST. This numerical pursuit then becomes a machine and a monster that swallows God's eternal purpose in Christ and obscures the true design of the church of the living God. [AT] /

CHAPTER THREE

ACTS 3V1-18

1. The disciples in Acts were devoted to prayer. They were not rich materially, but they had the Lord’s name in power! They were bold in their prayers. We should listen to the HS as they did. The effect of God’s power manifested will be th glorification of God. The power of the Spirit manifested creates opportunity for the Gospel to be preached (1-10).

2. When people are astonished by the power of te Spirit, they will be ready to listen to what we have to say. We should at all times be ready to be used by the Spirit for the manifestation of the glory of God. We should be bold enough to confront people with their natural hatred of Jesus and the Gospel. We should preach the Gospel based on the fulfillment of OT prophecy (11-18).

3. After proclamation of the Gospel we should call for repentance and a turning to Christ and also give the incentive of times of refreshing and the return of Jesus. We should use the Scripture all the time in our preaching, even as Peter did. We should finally give warnings and make it clear that rejection of the Gospel will lead to destruction. The Gospel is for the Jew first (19-26). [AT] /

CORNE: 1. The disciples heard the cry of the lame man. He expected a financial blessing, that would have satisfied his needs only for a day or two, but he received much more than that. He wished for a fleeting blessing, but out of his physical infirmity, God gave him the eternal blessing of being a witness and himself a sign of the goodness and mercy of God. Peter took the man by his hand and raised him up. We must also reach into peoples situations and raise them to the place where they can be witnesses of the goodness of God. May we attain to the place of faith that the disciples were walking in. In faith, they walked out the good works prepared beforehand for them. (1-10).

2. The lame man was holding on to Peter and John while Peter addressed the crowd. How touching is this scene where the poor man, who was lame from birth, could now stand with the disciples while Peter preached. He was a witness to such amazing things. And on the other hand how amazing that Peter was such a bold witness, full of faith. He healed a man and now directly confronted the crowd, whereas before he denied Jesus three times! This teaches us that no man can stay the same when he comes into contact with the powerful working of God's Spirit! We will be His witnesses, and even our own bodies could be a witness by the miracles done to it! (11-18).

3. The Jews witnessed many prophets through the centuries, but missed the One True Prophet. Only by repentance and turning away from sin, can a person encounter Christ the Truth. (19-26).

Act 3:1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

Act 3:2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.

Act 3:3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.

Act 3:4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us."

Act 3:5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.

Act 3:6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"

Act 3:7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.

Act 3:8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Act 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God,

Act 3:10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Act 3:11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's.

Act 3:12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?

Act 3:13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.

Act 3:14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

Act 3:15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

Act 3:16 And his name--by faith in his name--has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Act 3:17 "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.

Act 3:18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.

ACTS 3V19-26

Act 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,

Act 3:20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

Act 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

Act 3:22 Moses said, 'THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BROTHERS. YOU SHALL LISTEN TO HIM IN WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

Acts 3:22b-24 - 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever he says to you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' (DEUTERONOMY 18:15,18,19)

Act 3:23 AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERY SOUL WHO DOES NOT LISTEN TO THAT PROPHET SHALL BE DESTROYED FROM THE PEOPLE.'

Act 3:24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.

Act 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'AND IN YOUR OFFSPRING SHALL ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED.'

ACTS 3:25b - ''And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' (Genesis 22:18; 26:4) /

Act 3:26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness."

The Spirit of God is lingering over Israel in longsuffering mercy, pleading with God's ancient people to receive the glorified Lord Jesus as Messiah and thus hasten the advent of Christ's kingdom on earth. /

CHAPTER FOUR

ACTS 4V1-22

1. Religion will always rise up against the power of God manifested and the Gospel proclaimed boldly to their followers. The Gospel proclamation was with power...many believed. When confronted by religion we should make sure we are filled with the Spirit as we answer the accusations of religious men. We should boldly proclaim the Name of Jesus and confront religion with their rejection of Christ as the Center of God’s economy of salvation. We should proclaim the absolute exclusivity of the one Gospel and way to salvation (1-12).

2. People should be able to see that we have been with Jesus. The true power of the Spirit cannot be contested. Religion will try to gag us, but we should not comply. We must obey God rather than men. We should be in a place where we can also say ‘we cannot but speak...’ The manifestation of the power of the Spirit will cause praise to to become a force to be reckoned with in the mouths of the multitudes (13-22).

3. We should often lift our voices spontaneously and corporately to God. When we are faced with opposition we should PRAY as the early church did! We should pray the Scriptures to God, and plead the promises. We should make the focus of our prayers the proclamation of the Gospel, as they did. We should also ask for the manifestation of the power of the Spirit in signs and wonders for the glorification of the name of Jesus. When we pray in unity as they did we will also se the power of the Spirit manifested powerfully. The effect should be the corporate filling with the HS and the ability to speak the Word of God with boldness (23-31).

4. Here is another snapshot of the early church. We should be of one heart and soul as they were and the power of materialism must be BROKEN in our midst. The grip of Mammon on our hearts hold us back from the blessings of life together! We should also have all things in common, at least in principle. Power, testimony to the resurrection, and grace should be combined in our experience. We should also testify to the resurrection of Jesus as a central message of the Gospel. As we do this in unity great grace will also be upon us all. There should never be a needy person among us as we share what we have with one another. Note though that the context here is power, grace, and gospel proclamation. Without these elements it become mere communism and people begin to take advantage of the generosity of others. They were very aware of the Presence of Jesus among them. The effect of true Gospel power will always be generosity and Mammon losing its grip on the hearts of people (32-37). [AT] /

CORNE: 1. Religion will always be offended where the death and ressurrection of Christ is boldly proclaimed. The disciples were imprisoned to keep them from testifying, but the Word is unfettered and still 5000 came to believe. How powerful is the Gospel! (1-7).

2. Peter is bold in his testimony, whereas previously he did not want to even say he knew Jesus, but the secret is found in verse 8: 'he was filled with the Holy Spirit'. So wonderful

that when the Spirit fills us, we become bold and unafraid. Peter also witnesses to the Pre-eminence of Christ. (8-12).

3. Religion cannot fake what the disciples had. They knew that the disciples were ordinary men, but marveled at their wisdom and boldness. They also could not dispute the miracle. Authentic Christianity can confound the most sceptic of hearts. The only way to do this, is to 'be with Jesus' ourselves. (13-18)

4. True conviction cannot be silenced. We must do what pleases God, not people. (19-20).

5. When God is glorified, it is most difficult to stand against God's work. (21-22).

6. What the disciples prayed was true Spirit-led prayer. May we pray in spirit like them. (23-31)

7. The people's hearts were so touched by grace, they gave freely of their possessions. May we also be entirely free from worldly lusts. (32-37).

Act 4:1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,

Act 4:2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Cf. Mt. 4v23 - the apostles were also teaching & proclaiming. /

Act 4:3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.

Act 4:4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

Act 4:5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem,

Act 4:6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.

Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?"

Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders,

Act 4:9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,

Act 4:10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by him this man is standing before you well.

Act 4:11 This Jesus is THE STONE THAT WAS REJECTED BY YOU, THE BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CORNERSTONE.

Isa. 28v16 / Acts 4:11 - 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone' (PSALM 118:22).

Act 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Act 4:14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

Miraculous authentication of the gospel effectively silences opposers. /

Act 4:15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,

Act 4:16 saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Act 4:17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name."

Act 4:18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,

Act 4:20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

UNDER OBLIGATION ACTS 4:20  "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." ROMANS 1:16  "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish." Right across the globe today various churches and mission organizations are launching numerous evangelistic programs and initiatives.  We have seen the emergence of a strong mission emphasis in our day, for the church has once again realized that there is a harvest field waiting outside our comfort zones.  There is however an area where we still fall short of the biblical pattern.  Our texts speak in both cases of an inward drive that propelled the believers of old to preach the gospel.  When the apostles were arrested in the book of Acts and ordered to cease speaking in the name of Jesus, their reply was short and to the point, 'we cannot but speak'.  In our verse from Romans Paul gives us a glimpse of the driving force behind his relentless evangelistic endeavours.  He says I am 'under obligation' to preach the gospel.  In effect he says that he has something that belongs to people and he cannot rest until they have received the knowledge of the truth. Even though there was organization involved in Paul's missionary journeys he was never driven by organization.  He was driven and constrained by the love of Christ (2 Cor. 5:14).  He lived constantly with a deep spiritual burden that he had to unload.  It was driving him on through valleys and over hills and through many trials and tribulations. We cannot all go to the mission field, but we can and should have the inner burden that drove Paul and the apostles to unceasing evangelism.  Every believer has been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19).  We have all been called to make the gospel known in word and deed wherever we are.   Thank God for evangelistic initiatives in our churches, but we cannot afford to wait for some program to organize us before we will evangelize.   We have to rediscover the heart of the gospel that made evangelism a spontaneous explosion of love in the first century.  We should begin to read the New Testament as a book that has something to say to us in the now and not merely as an ancient history of our redemption.  We must look into the mirror of the Word and not merely do window-shopping when we read the Bible.  Moreover we need to pray and ask God to give us a heart for people so that we would see them as human beings in need of a Saviour and not just as numbers and statistics that we enter on evangelistic forms. Quote of the Day:  "The Bible is not an AK47.  Its verses are not bullets, and people are not targets!"  Anonymous /

Act 4:21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

Act 4:22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

ACTS 4V23-37

Act 4:23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

Act 4:24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,

GEBARSTE REËNBAKKE "Want my volk het twee verkeerde dinge gedoen: My, die fontein van lewende water, het hulle verlaat om vir hulle reënbakke uit te kap, gebarste reënbakke wat geen water hou nie." Jeremia 2:13 God alleen is "die fontein van lewende water" en Sy kinders het die voorreg om in gebed van hart tot hart met die lewende God te kommunikeer om sodoende te drink en ontvang van hierdie onuitputlike fontein. Maar dan moet ons verstaan dat ware gebed in sy essensie te doen het met net één wil, God s'n. Gebed is dan in 'n sin ons vereniging met die wil van God deur ons diepe afhanklikheid van die Heilige Gees in ons nadering tot God op grond van die bloed van Jesus. "En net so kom ook die Gees ons swakhede te hulp, want ons weet nie reg wat ons moet bid nie, maar die Gees self tree vir ons in met onuitspreeklike sugtinge." Romans 8:26 In Handelinge 4 (en baie ander plekke in Handelinge) sien ons dat die gemeente van die Here in absolute afhanklikheid van die Heilige Gees gebid het en dat dit nie net gelei het tot beantwoorde gebed nie, maar ook tot toenemende bekragtiging deur die Gees. Let ook op dat hulle gebede primêr gerig was op die verkondiging van die evangelie aan 'n verlore mensdom. "En nou, Here, let op hulle dreigemente en gee aan u diensknegte om met alle vrymoedigheid u woord te spreek, deurdat U u hand uitstrek tot genesing, en tekens en wonders deur die Naam van u heilige Kind Jesus plaasvind. En toe hulle gebid het, is die plek geskud waar hulle saam was, en hulle is almal vervul met die Heilige Gees en het die woord van God met vrymoedigheid gespreek." Handelinge 4:29-31 So wat moet ons dan, in die lig van die Bybelse data, sê van die moderne tendens om via whatsapp en ander kanale standaard/templaat "gebede" uit te stuur wat mense oproep om allerhande "verklarings" te maak oor wat ons eis moet gebeur? Dit wil voorkom asof die mense wat hierdie "gebede" saamstel werklik glo dat as *duisende Christene almal saam hierdie "verklarings" maak dit ongetwyfeld 'n werklikheid moet word. Verklaar

ons dan nie "in geloof" al die positiewe dinge en maak dit sodoende deur ons korporatiewe positiewe belydenis 'n realiteit nie? Die kort antwoord is, nee. Ongelukkig nie. Ware gebed is 'n eenwording met God se wil in afhanklikheid van die Heilige Gees sodat ons in die oomblik kan bid wat op Gód se hart is. Is dit verkeerd om via die moderne media dringende behoeftes bekend te maak en oproepe te maak vir dissipels van Jesus om eendragtig te bid? Nee, sekerlik nie. Maar die praktyk om templaat gebede uit te stuur wat primêr bestaan uit "verklarings" en bitter min afhanklikheid en ware petisie voor 'n soewereine God is 'n gebarste reënbak wat nie water kan hou, kan voorsien of kan bring nie. Miskien moet ons eerder 'n slag die boek Handelinge indringend bestudeer en gaan kyk hoe die vroeë gemeentes gebid het en hoekom hulle so 'n impak gehad het. * Hoe meer hoe beter; daarom dikwels die opdrag of soms selfs verskuilde dreigement/veroordeling "moenie hierdie ketting breek nie". /

Act 4:25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES PLOT IN VAIN?

Acts 4:25b-26 - 'Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ' (PSALM 2:1-2) -

Act 4:26 THE KINGS OF THE EARTH SET THEMSELVES, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER, AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS ANOINTED'--

Act 4:27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,

Act 4:28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

Act 4:29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,

Act 4:30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Act 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Phi_1:27; Phi_2:1-2 /

Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

Act 4:34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold

Act 4:35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Act 4:36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,

Act 4:37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

CHAPTER FIVE

ACTS 5V1-16

1. This incident proves that there was still something like private property. Their sin was that they thought they could lie to the HS. They did not fear God. When the HS begins to work supernaturally believers must be most careful to be in awe of what is happening and respect and revere God's working. God can at any time work in peculiar ways in our midst in order to bring great fear and reverence for His name (1-11).

2. While the Lord was working in powerful ways unbelievers did not join the church and floated along in an unsaved state like today. Yet many true believers did join. Why did God work primarily through the apostles? We must trust the Lord to again work in such a powerful way healing and delievering people so that multitudes may be added (12-16).

3. Religion will always rise up with persecution when the Lord begins to work powerfully and tangibly. Jails cannot contain us when the lord decides to deliver. He wants us to speak and preach the Gospel to the lost. This is our commission. Religion can be trumped and embarrassed by God when He so chooses. When we are brought before councils we must testify boldly to the Gospel and not shrink back from confronting them with their own carnality and sinfulness. We must obey God rather than man and also trust the Lord to bring us to a place where we will say 'we cannot but speak...' Even though religion may beat us we must continue to preach Christ as resurrected Lord and Master in homes, churches, and wherever and whenever we can (17-42). [AT] /

CORNE: Acts 5. 1. Annanias and Saphira thought they could mislead the Spirit of God, but there is no hiding from Him. We cannot argue our 'clever' points and think God must be convinced. Only faith pleases God, followed by obedience. 2. When the Spirit of the Lord is upon the people, it is hard to miss. Some people are attracted by the presence of God, and others only watch from a distance. We must pray for the presence of the Lord to fall on us in the same way as in Acts. (12-16). 3. Sometimes the Lord puts us in a narrow place as in a prison. Out of this place can be birthed extroadinary works of God, if we are available to Him. The whole purpose of a prison is to become a servant. (17-25). 4. The word of the Lord cannot be chained. Even though the religious Jews wanted to stop the disciples, they could not do so. The fire of the Lord was burning in the disciples hearts, and so it should in ours.(26-42). /

Act 5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,

AT Link: Gal. 6:7 /

Act 5:2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Act 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?

Act 5:4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

Act 5:5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.

Act 5:6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

Act 5:7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

Act 5:8 And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." And she said, "Yes, for so much."

Act 5:9 But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."

Act 5:10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Act 5:11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Act 5:12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico.

Also elders (Jas. 5) /

Act 5:13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.

Act 5:14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

Act 5:15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

Act 5:16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

ACTS 5V17-42

Act 5:17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy

Act 5:18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.

Act 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

Act 5:20 "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."

Act 5:21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of the people of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Act 5:22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported,

Act 5:23 "We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside."

Act 5:24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.

Act 5:25 And someone came and told them, "Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people."

Act 5:26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Act 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,

Act 5:28 saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us."

Act 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.

Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.

Act 5:31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

Act 5:32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

Act 5:33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

Act 5:34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.

Act 5:35 And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men.

Act 5:36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.

Act 5:37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.

Act 5:38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail;

Act 5:39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice,

Act 5:40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Act 5:41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

Act 5:42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Memo this verse /

CHAPTER SIX

ACTS 6V1-15

Acts 6:

1. Even though the twelve took the lead in the church, they did summon ALL the disciples to make known what they thought was God's will. They asked the whole church to pick out deacons. And the Bible notes that what they said pleased the whole gathering. This proves that we should get the whole church involved in important decisions. Even deacons ahould be wise and filled with the Spirit. Those who have responsibility with regard to the Word should not be tied down with the daily administrative matters of church life. Apostles and elders should be devoted to prayer and the Word. Hands should be laid on those who are going to minister in any capacity in the church. The result of the freeing up of the apostles' and elders' time for prayer and the Word is the increase if the Gospel and multiplication of disciples (1-7)!

2. Even deacons can minister powerfully by the Spirit. Deacons or any other disciple should be allowed to run in the power of the Spirit. They should have freedom in the church to do what the Spirit leads them to do. You cannot keep a man down who is full of grace and power! Once again religion rises up in opposition when the Spirit begins to move powerfully. If we have no opposition from religion we should go back to the drawing board and find the power of the Spirit again. Religion is no match for the wisdom of the HS through a man wholly yielded to Him. Religion has no scruples with lying and false accusation. Religion is always very jealous for their temples and their laws. Their status ('our buildings')and their use of the law to control people are sacred things to them and must not be touched. In the midst of this oppressive atmosphere the face of a true disciple shines with the glory of heaven. God demonstrates the glory of the true holy place (man) and the law written on the heart (8-15)! [AT] /

CORNE: Acts 6.

1. All service in the New Covenant is spiritual. Therefore to see to people's physical needs, a deacon has to be led by the Spirit of God. It is imperative, because otherwise it just becomes a humanistic effort, without discernment. (1-7)

2. Stephen understood that all believers are called of God to minister, even though he was not an elder in function. Fullness of the Spirit is not an option for a believer-it is a necessity. The Spirit led Stephen into martyrdom, but in it his face was shining. May we also have the shining faces that show we have been with Jesus. (8-15) /

Act 6:1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

BBC /The size of a church, not to say its rising problems of equity and communication, may demand improvements in organization and the appointment of new officers. /

Act 6:2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

Act 6:3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

ALTHOUGH THE SEVEN MEN WHO ARE appointed to certain responsibilities in Acts 6:1-7 are not explicitly called “deacons,” few doubt that this is the beginning of what came to be called the diaconate./At bottom, these seven men are appointed because they are judged to be mature and godly Christians as well as gifted for the tasks assigned them. /

Act 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

See TSK / NB AT Link: Acts 6v4 and Col. 1v28-2v1&2 and 4v12. Cf. also with the importance of Eph. 4v13. / Cf. Mark 1v35-39 and see Ryle's comment. We see here that Jesus Himself maintained the priorities of ministry that He demands from preachers and elders. /

Act 6:5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.

Act 6:6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Act 6:7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

That is, the gospel was more and more successful, or became more mighty and extensive in its influence. An instance of this success is immediately added. / THE UNSTOPPABLE WORD OF GOD ACTS 6:7  ‘And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.’ ACTS 12:24  ‘But the word of God grew and multiplied.’ ACTS 19:20 ‘So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.’ When the word of God has free recourse in the hearts of His people a proportionate expansion into the world around them is inevitable.  This is exactly the picture that is given us in the book of Acts.  We see there that the word of God grew…increased…and prevailed!  Nothing could stop the power of God manifested through His living word in the saints.  The word of God as spoken of here has specific reference to the revealed gospel of Jesus Christ as it lived in the hearts of the believers in the ancient church.  The message concerning the Person and work of Jesus was no mere subject to be studied along with other theological subjects, to those believers.  The love of God revealed in the cross of Christ was the very epicenter of their existence and the passion of their daily thought.  The question immediately arises; what happened

between then and now?  Let us briefly examine this matter. History reveals that when the church was institutionalized, so was the word.  That is to say, the word became the domain of priests and the church literally kept the word out of the hands, and therefore the hearts, of the people.  They did this in various ways.  One of these was to keep the word locked up in the Latin vernacular and to use this language in all official rites and ceremonies.   The word of God was not available in the language of the people and the reigning impression among them was that it was the exclusive domain of the clergy.  This evil was directly responsible for the appalling spiritual conditions in the dark ages.  Then came the Reformation and things changed radically.  The word of God once again took flight and multitudes were delivered from the bonds of ignorance and spiritual darkness.  Yet, in all honesty we have to admit that it was not the same vibrant picture as is revealed to us in the book of Acts.  And so it is even today. In our day the word of God is still freely preached and proclaimed in most western countries.  Why then do we not see the word in action, as it were, mightily growing and prevailing?  Could it be that we have substituted the evil of the dark ages for another kind of malady?  Yes, almost all believers in the west have Bibles in their homes and in their own language, but the question is not whether the Bible is in your home.  The question is whether that Bible is in your heart.  Have we not made the word of God the special responsibility of the preacher and the pastor?  Have we not locked up the wonderful truths of the everlasting gospel in theological colleges and seminaries?  Do we not underestimate the power of the living word in the heart and mouth of a simple believer?  How often are believers encouraged to literally eat and drink the word of God so that it may become an overwhelming unction within them?  Praise God for preachers and preaching.  It has its place.  If we relegate the eternal word of God to a sermon or two on a Sunday however, we are surely missing God’s intention with His church.  When believers become addicted to pulpit input without discovering gospel truths for themselves, their spiritual condition remains infantile, even with the best of preaching.  I believe that our heavenly Father longs for His word to be alive and active in the hearts of every one of His blood-bought saints.  I leave this matter for you, my reader, to consider in the presence of God. Quote of the Day:  “May God be merciful to us so that we will not one day hear our Saviour say that we have ‘made the word of God of no effect by our tradition’.” /

Act 6:8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Act 6:9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.

Act 6:10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

Faith (v5) & wisdom go together. /

Act 6:11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."

Act 6:12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council,

Act 6:13 and they set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,

JFB & PNT/

Act 6:14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us."

Act 6:15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Cf. Mark 9v2 and 2 Cor. 3/

CHAPTER SEVEN

ACTS 7V1-30

Acts 7:

1. Under religion's accusation Stephen simply spoke the Word of God with a focus on Jesus. Satan is behind religion and when he tempted Jesus, he was answered with the Word. Here Stephen did the same. When we are under the power of the Spirit, the Word will pour from us. We need to be steeped in Scripture in order to powerfully speak the Word of God when the Spirit is upon us. Note that Stephen knew the Word very well! Stephen also knew God's economy well, for he related the OT facts in the light of God's redemptive plan. Note that Moses already knew something of God's calling when he struck the Egyptian. God's calling is revealed deep in our consciousness from a young age. Stephen showed God's plan, then the disobedience of the Israelites. We should also show that in God's economy He was looking for the temple of the human body and then corporate man as His temple. Stpehen proved from Scripture that the whole dispensation of the law and the time of material temples were just a shadow of the true temple that God was looking for (1-50).

2. Stephen discerned the unbelief of his audience. We should not hesitate to call down the divine judgment on religion when prompted by the Spirit at the time of their total rejection of Christ (51-53).

3. Religion can ground their teeth in anger, but God will fill us with His Spirit as we behold Christ. Stephen had eyes only for Jesus. We should also have a single eye, and not even look at the faces of religious men! This is most important! Religion has to stop their ears to keep the glory from reaching their hearts. What a tradegy and a shame. Oh, to die like Stephen. With such a petition to Jesus to receive his spirit, and such a sweet petition for the forgiveness of those who are killing us. Stephen did not die, he just fell asleep (54-60). [AT] /

CORNE: Acts 7.

1. Stephen understood the gospel very well. He started in the Old Testament with the promise God made to Abraham and ended with Solomon building a temple for God. From here he went to the fact that God does not live in buildings made with hands. This shows that Stephen understood that the plan of God was all along to live in man. This key to understanding God's plan always outrages religion. (1-53).

2. Stephen saw Christ in His ressurrected state. Any person who has a revelation of Christ will be persecuted. (54-60). /

Act 7:1 And the high priest said, "Are these things so?"

Act 7:2 And Stephen said: "Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,

Act 7:3 and said to him, 'GO OUT FROM YOUR LAND AND FROM YOUR KINDRED AND GO INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.'

Acts 7:3b - 'Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.' (GENESIS 12:1)

Act 7:4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living.

Act 7:5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child.

Act 7:6 And God spoke to this effect--that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years.

Act 7:7 'BUT I WILL JUDGE THE NATION THAT THEY SERVE,' said God, 'AND AFTER THAT THEY SHALL COME OUT AND WORSHIP ME IN THIS PLACE.'

Acts 7:7a - 'And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,' (GENESIS 15:14) Acts 7:7b - 'and after that they shall come out and serve me in this place.' (EXODUS 3:12) /

Act 7:8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

Top: COVENANT ()/

Act 7:9 "And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him

Act 7:10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.

Act 7:11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food.

Act 7:12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit.

Act 7:13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.

Act 7:14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all.

Act 7:15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers,

Act 7:16 and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

Act 7:17 "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt

Act 7:18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph.

Act 7:19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.

Act 7:20 At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God's sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house,

Act 7:21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son.

Act 7:22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.

Act 7:23 "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.

Act 7:24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.

Act 7:25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.

Act 7:26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?'

Act 7:27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, 'WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE OVER US?

Acts 7:27b-28 - 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?' (EXODUS 2:14)

Act 7:28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'

Act 7:29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

Act 7:30 "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.

ACTS 7V31-60

Act 7:31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord:

Act 7:32 'I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM AND OF ISAAC AND OF JACOB.' And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.

Acts 7:32a - 'I am the God of your fathers - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' (EXODUS 3:6)

Act 7:33 Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.

Act 7:34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.'

Act 7:35 "This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'--this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

Act 7:36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.

Act 7:37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BROTHERS.'

Acts 7:37b - 'THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN. HIM YOU SHALL HEAR.' (DEUTERONOMY 18:15)

Act 7:38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.

Act 7:39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt,

Heb. 3V12/Let op...met hulle harte /

Act 7:40 saying to Aaron, 'MAKE FOR US GODS WHO WILL GO BEFORE US. AS FOR THIS MOSES WHO LED US OUT FROM THE LAND OF EGYPT, WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAS BECOME OF HIM.'

Acts 7:40b - 'Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' (EXODUS 32:1) /

Act 7:41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.

Act 7:42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: "'DID YOU BRING TO ME SLAIN BEASTS AND SACRIFICES, DURING THE FORTY YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS, O HOUSE OF ISRAEL?

Acts 7:42b-43 - 'Did you offer me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, images which you made to worship; and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.' (AMOS 5:25-27)

Act 7:43 YOU TOOK UP THE TENT OF MOLOCH AND THE STAR OF YOUR GOD REPHAN, THE IMAGES THAT YOU MADE TO WORSHIP; AND I WILL SEND YOU INTO EXILE BEYOND BABYLON.'

Act 7:44 "Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.

Act 7:45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David,

Act 7:46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

Act 7:47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him.

Act 7:48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,

ISA. 66v1-2 /

Act 7:49 "'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND THE EARTH IS MY FOOTSTOOL. WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME, SAYS THE LORD, OR WHAT IS THE PLACE OF MY REST?

Acts 7:49-50 - 'Heaven is my throne. and earth is my footstool. What house will you build for me? says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Has my hand not made all these things?' (ISAIAH 66:1,2) /

Act 7:50 DID NOT MY HAND MAKE ALL THESE THINGS?'

Act 7:51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.

Act 7:52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,

The main purpose of the OT prophets. /

Act 7:53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."

Deu_33:2; Psa_68:17; Gal_3:19; Heb_2:2 /

Act 7:54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.

Act 7:55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Act 7:56 And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

Act 7:57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.

Act 7:58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 7:58

Act 7:59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

2 Tim. 1v12/

Act 7:60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

The death of Stephen was a murder, instead of an execution, because (1) no vote of the Sanhedrim was taken, and (2) the consent of the Roman governor, requisite to capital punishment, was not obtained. Consult Joh_18:32, note. /

ACTS 8 TO 14

CHAPTER EIGHT

ACTS 8V1-25

ACTS 8:

1. Sometimes God uses persecution to bring about migration of the church so that the Gospel can spread and church life can extend to places beyond our comfort zones (1-3).

2. Here we see it was not only the apostles who preached the Word, but everyone. We need to come to a place where we can all proclaim Christ by the power of the Spirit. When the Gospel is truly pre-eminent in our hearts we will see supernatural signs confirming the power of the Gospel. People must be able to both hear the Gospel, and see its effect(4-8).

3. The Word shows that there is a clear contrast between true and false spiritual power. The Gospel will lead people to change and they will be willing to be baptised immediately upon belief. The Good News concerns the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus. Sometimes people can be baptised with water after repentance and faith, but not yet baptised with the Spirit. Laying on of hands can help people to receive the BWS. Sometimes people will misread the power of God and think it can be purchased in some way with material things. We need to rebuke that lie. The Word and the Gospel must be prominent at all times in the church (9-25).

4. We must be prepared to even be assited by angels in our evangelistic endeavours. When we truly have a heart for the Gospel we will see much more of the power of God in action. We must be willing and ready to hear and obey the Spirit directly as He guides us to people in order to bring them the Gospel. We must be quick to help those who are already serious about the Scriptures. We must use the Scriptures to reveal Christ. Make a beeline for Him. In

our Gospel presentation we must always include water baptism. It is clear that this was what Philip did. Therefore the eunuch immediately asked to be baptized when he saw there was water. We need to present the gospel of death and resurrection in such a way the people will desire to be baptized after repentance and faith. We must be ready even to be supernaturally transported as we GO to preach the Gospel. The eunuch rejoiced, so will all rejoice who hear the gospel and respond with total obedience (26-40). [AT] / CORNE: ACTS 8. 1. In this devastating time for the church, believers were torn from their homes and each other. Satan comes to rob and destroy. But even in this the Lord could work the best result in the end, for the gospel was spread. It often happens that through our loss the kingdom gains ground. (1-3). 2. Philip announced the gospel in such a way that Christ was seen and heard. This was so effective that 'crowds gave heed with one accord' to the things that Philip said. May we proclaim Christ in such a way that He is seen and heard, for this is powerful and effective and much joy will come from this.(4-13). 3. No money can compare with the gifts of God. The heart is what God is after, and He only reveals Himself if the heart is pure. Simon the magician repented in order to obtain a pure heart. Only if we are willing to go lower and ever lower will we receive the full filling and working of the Holy Spirit. (14-25). 4. Philip was so full of the Spirit, his whole life was taken over. From this place the Lord sent him wherever He wished. May we so completely be given over to the Lord. (26-40). /

Act 8:1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Act 8:2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.

Act 8:3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Act 8:4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

Act 8:5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

Act 8:6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.

Act 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.

Act 8:8 So there was much joy in that city.

Act 8:9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.

Act 8:10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great."

Act 8:11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Act 8:13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,

Act 8:15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

Act 8:16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 8:17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

Act 8:18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,

Act 8:19 saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

Act 8:20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Act 8:21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

Act 8:22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Act 8:23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity."

"Ek kan sien jy is vol bitterheid en deur sonde geboei." (NLV) /

Act 8:24 And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

Act 8:25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

ACTS 8V26-40

Act 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place.

Act 8:27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship

Act 8:28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.

Act 8:29 And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot."

Act 8:30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

Act 8:31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Act 8:32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: "LIKE A SHEEP HE WAS LED TO THE SLAUGHTER AND LIKE A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT, SO HE OPENS NOT HIS MOUTH.

Acts 8:32b-33 - 'He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation his justice was taken away. And who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.' (ISAIAH 53:7-8)

Act 8:33 IN HIS HUMILIATION JUSTICE WAS DENIED HIM. WHO CAN DESCRIBE HIS GENERATION? FOR HIS LIFE IS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE EARTH."

Act 8:34 And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?"

Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

Act 8:36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?"

Act 8:37 [And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]

Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Act 8:39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Act 8:40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

CHAPTER NINE

ACTS 9V1-19

ACTS 9:

1. God can trun great persecutors into great apostles. We must always leave room for God's Sovreignty. Jesus fully identifies Himself with His church...'why do you persecute Me'. When we see Jesus in His glory we lose our natural sight and our natural appetite. To really see Jesus means the end of the focus on the sense-ruled world for us. This vision of the resurrected Christ became the driving force of Paul's life for decades (1-9).

2. We must make allowance for the supernatural guidance of God through visions and dreams. When we have a vision we must continue to speak to the Lord like Ananias. After Paul's vision he was spontaneously praying, probably without ceasing. The Lord was moving his internal furniture around. God is not beholden to human authority. When He chooses a man He intervenes according to His own good will and limitless power. We are meant to carry the Lord's name before all people. We must be zealous for the name of the Lord, not any other name. Not the name of any church, but only the Lord's name! Carrying God's name without compromise before people will most often mean suffering and persecution. Ananias was an obedient man, he immediately called Paul brother. The sequence of baptism in water and with the Spirit is difficult to determine here. The point is, however, that it did happen (10-19).

3. We have to proclaim Christ boldly in the face of religion. The name of Jesus boldly and uncompromisingly proclaimed will soon reveal what's really going on in the hearts of religious people.religion will rise up with venom against the exaltation of the name of Christ, because they have zeal for their own name and glory. Sometimes the Lord will raise up someone to help us in the launching of our ministry when there are obstacles in the hearts of people. Some ministries will draw more fire from religion than others, especially when a champion for the cause and name of religion turns to Jesus. Sometimes we have to move to another place when religion seeks to kill us. Other times we must stay and be martyred. God decides. Our church multiplication must be in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the HS. Notice how these two go together (20-31).

4. Physical healings can sometimes turn the hearts of people to the Gospel. We must trust God for these. Even apostles must pay attention to the pleas of the churches for help. Apostles serve the churches, they don't serve the apostles. Sometimes we have power to immediately speak healing when there is sickness. Other times we first have to pray. Great miracles can have great effects on the hearts of people (32-43). [AT] / CORNE: ACTS 9: 1. Paul saw the Lord and his spiritual eyes were opened, but he was struck blind in the natural. When we really 'see' the Lord, our eyes are closed for the natural things around us and we only have eyes for Him. May we be so overwhelmed by Him! (1-9). 2. Official worldly authority can be a scary thing, but we need fear no man, because our life is in God's hands. Ananias obeyed God even though his own life seemed to be endangered, because he thought Paul was in a position to have him executed. But he still obeyed and witnessed a mighty miracle. May we be willing to lay down our lives like that. (10-19). 3. The Lord can

choose the most unlikely of vessels. Paul's life was completely turned around from persecutor to persecuted. What a radical change can Jesus bring in a man! If he could do this in Paul, no change is to big in our hearts. (20-30). 4. The signs Peter performed were for the spreading of the gospel and for many to turn to the Lord. We must trust the Lord for miracles in order for the lost ones to turn and believe on Him. (32-43). /

Act 9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

Act 9:2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Act 9:3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

Act 9:4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

Act 9:5 And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

Act 9:6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

Act 9:7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.

Act 9:8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

Act 9:9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Act 9:10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."

Act 9:11 And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,

''for behold, he is praying,'' - God always makes a way for a praying man! /

Act 9:12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."

Act 9:13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.

Act 9:14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."

Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

Act 9:16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."

Act 9:17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Act 9:18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;

Act 9:19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

ACTS 9v20-43

Act 9:20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."

Act 9:21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?"

Act 9:22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Act 9:23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him,

Act 9:24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him,

Act 9:25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

Act 9:26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.

Act 9:27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

Act 9:28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Act 9:29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.

Act 9:30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Act 9:31 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.

See the excellent article by Austin Sparks on fear. / DAAGLIKSE AFHANKLIKHEID VAN DIE HEILIGE GEES "En die gemeentes deur die hele Judéa en Galiléa en Samaría het vrede gehad; en terwyl hulle opgebou is en gewandel het in die vrees van die Here en die vertroosting van die Heilige Gees, het hulle vermeerder." Handelinge 9:31 'n Mens kan nie met aandag deur die boek Handelinge lees sonder om diep beïndruk te word deur die antieke gemeentes se kinderlike afhanklikheid van die Heilige Gees nie. Vir hulle was die werklikheid van Jesus se teenwoordigheid by hulle en in hulle nie net 'n teorie nie. Die uitstorting van die Heilige Gees was vir hulle die groot gebeurtenis wat alles op hierdie aarde verander het. Om te "wandel deur die Gees" was nie 'n onderwerp vir die volgende Bybelstudie nie, maar hulle daaglikse belewenis. Dit was ondenkbaar om nie die Heilige Gees te vertrou vir elke behoefte aan wysheid, krag en oorwinning in die daaglikse lewe nie. Is jý bewus van die onmiddellike teenwoordigheid en werking van die Gees in jou lewe? Dit begin alles met geloof. Ons moet onwrikbaar glo dat die Trooster en Helper gegee is vir ons om daagliks in die krag en

karakter van Jesus te kan leef op hierdie aarde. Elke belofte wat vir ons gegee is in die Bybel kan net gerealiseer word deur die bediening van die Heilige Gees. Die Woord en die Gees werk saam om Jesus in die hier-en-nou van ons lewens 'n werklikheid te maak. [AT] / THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT ACTS 9:31  "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were edified.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied." 2 COR. 1:3-4  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." One of the most precious revelations of God's character is found in our text for today.  He is "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort."  How important it is for us to have a correct view of God's character.  We tend to think about God in human terms, but the Bible reveals Him to us as the totally different One.   God never changes and His steadfast love never ceases.  He calls us into His presence where we may begin to see things from His point of view.  The vehicle that God uses to reveal Himself to us is His Word; therefore we have to put our preconceived ideas about Him aside when we approach His Word.  Hence you may be assured God wants to envelop you in the comfort that He alone can bring.  Why is it then that we often do not experience this comfort that God wants to give in abundance?  Perhaps it is because we approach God on our terms and not on His. The churches spoken of in our text walked in 'the fear of the Lord' and therefore they experienced the 'comfort of the Holy Spirit.'  Proverbs 1:7 says, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."  This fear does not speak of a paralyzing terror, but rather of an attitude of immense respect for whom God really is.  Consider Isaiah 66:2b - "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my Word." Are you experiencing the comfort and mercies of God?  Do you have the assurance deep within you that the God who loves you is in control of everything in His creation, including you?  If not, then maybe you should ask yourself whether you really tremble at His Word, and if you are approaching Him on your terms or His. Quote of the Day:  "Do not adjust the Word of God to your experience, but adjust your experience to the Word of God." /

Act 9:32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

Act 9:33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.

Act 9:34 And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose.

Act 9:35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Act 9:36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

Act 9:37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Act 9:38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay."

Act 9:39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.

Act 9:40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

Act 9:41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

Act 9:42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Act 9:43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

CHAPTER TEN

ACTS 10v1-33

ACTS 10:

1. It seems that God-fearers who HONOUR GOD, GIVE, AND PRAY are prime candidates for divine revelation. God sometimes arrest people who do no expect His grace and at other times He specially reveal Himself to those who are devoted to Him, yet without knowledge...just walking in the light that they have. Cornelius must have really feared God in a REAL, not just religious way. We must be open, even for angelic visitations. Cornelius was probably praying when the angel appeared to him in a vision. When we receive specific supernatural instruction we must obey explicitly (1-8).

2. Peter also had a supernatural experience during prayer. We must be faithful in prayer. Sometimes God has to work supernaturally to change our ingrained perceptions. We may pray and ask God to supernaturally change people when the normal channels do not have an effect. Religious indoctrination can sometimes be so strong that we do not even want to obey when God speaks to us supernaturally. People are no longer ceremonially unclean. They are now clean because of the sacrifice of the Son. The Spirit can speak to us very clearly and specifically. We MUST be open to this. Peter obeyed the Lord, and so should we. We should be obedient to the heavenly vision, even as Paul and Peter were. God often wants us, like Cornelius did, to begin with our relatives and close friends when He has spoken to us. It took a long time and supernatural intervention for the Jewish apostles to begin to understand that the Gospel was for the whole world. Religion is a terrible veil! We should no longer call any man common or unclean. How profound is this truth! We should hear the Word the way Cornelius and his family and friends did, 'in the presence of God'. Cornelius was truly a man who feared God (9-33).

3. V35 needs to be studied in depth. It sounds antithetical to faith. This is a wonderful summary of the Gospel. Note the importance of the resurrection here. Also Lordship (v42). NOW Peter recognises that even the prophets testified that EVERYONE who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins. Thus Peter revisited the OT prophecies in the light of the NT revelation, and so should we (34-43).

4. The power of the Spirit attends the preaching of the Gospel. This can happen even while we are preaching. It happened again in history with Whitefield, Wesley, and others. Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. We must return to the power of the Gospel! The outpouring of the Spirit was the sign of God's approval and acceptance of the gentiles! Note that tongues were onca again evident. We should baptise new converst immediately, just like they did. We should also COMMAND people to be baptised. Those who are really converted by the Gospel will desire to hear more..'they asked him to remain' (44-48). [AT] / CORNE: ACTS 10. 1. (1-8) The fact of Cornelius' life that is specifically mentioned, is his continual prayer and giving heart. Cornelius first gave himself to the Lord and then to others. May we also have this order in our lives. 2. The timing of the Lord is amazing. As Peter was receiving the vision, the men were drawing near to his house. The Lord was preparing his heart at exactly the right time when he needed it. We must heed the voice of the Spirit as He prepares our hearts, so we can minister from life. (9-16). 3. What a momentous occasion in the history of the Church! Peter himself was still perplexed and did not fully understand, but it became clear to him what God was doing as they went to Cornelius' house. Often we only see God's plan as time elapses. Such a great moment! This is the fruit of Jesus' travail: the two becoming one body. The middle wall of separation demolished by the cross. (17-33). 4. The preaching of Jesus will always be accompanied by the working of the Spirit. How beautiful is the working of the Lord togther with the Spirit. Peter also came with a team, which is an example to follow. (34-46) 5. The gentiles werenbaptised in the Spirit so that Peter and his team could see that they were really converted and touched by the Lord. Because of this evidence, he was convinced that they could be baptised. Thank the Lord for His wisdom and the detail of His working in our lives. He knows exactly how to work with each one. Thank the Lord also for Cornelius' life-through him the gentiles came into God's economy. From prayers and devotion to God a mighty harvest was born. What is to say what will be born from our prayers and devotion if we continue steadfast in love for the Lord? (47-48). /

Act 10:1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,

Act 10:2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

Cf. themes of Mt. 6 /

Act 10:3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius."

Act 10:4 And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Act 10:5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.

Act 10:6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea."

Act 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him,

Act 10:8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Act 10:9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.

Act 10:10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance

Act 10:11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.

Act 10:12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air.

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

Act 10:14 But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."

Act 10:15 And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common."

Act 10:16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

Act 10:17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate

Act 10:18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there.

Act 10:19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you.

Act 10:20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them."

Act 10:21 And Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?"

Act 10:22 And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was

directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say."

Act 10:23 So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

Act 10:24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Act 10:25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.

Act 10:26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man."

Act 10:27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered.

Act 10:28 And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.

Cf. v. 15 - referring to Gentiles, ceremonially cleansed./

Act 10:29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me."

Act 10:30 And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing

Act 10:31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.

Act 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.'

Act 10:33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."

ACTS 10v34-48

Act 10:34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,

Act 10:35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

? /

Act 10:36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),

Act 10:37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:

Act 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Act 10:39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,

Act 10:40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,

Act 10:41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

Act 10:42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.

Act 10:43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Let op in hierdie twee verse dat die bediening van geregtigheid ook onmiddellik die bediening van die Gees bring! Kosbaar! 2 Kor. 3v8-9 [AT] /

Act 10:44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

Act 10:45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.

Act 10:46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,

Act 10:47 "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ACTS 11v1-18

ACTS 11:

1. Religion will always criticise the work of the Spirit. It will always find some excuse to demonise something that fall outside of their human control. 'Peter explained in order'...we must be willing to explain carefully what we believe and what we experienced. Peter cited the authority of the direct speaking of the Spirit. We may do the same when the Spirit speaks to us in this way. God's will is to save the individual and his household. When the HS really moves we can stand on that authority and declare 'who am I to stand in God's way'. Even the religious ones in Christianity will have to acknowledge God's hand when He moves in this way. God's will is that men should repent and receive life in Christ (1-18).

2. It is clear from v19 that the early church had a culture of speaking the Word constantly. They preached the Lord Jesus, not only about Him. They were witnesses reporting His living power to save. The grace of God can be seen...v23. When we already experience the grace of God, we only need to remain faithful to the Lord to continue in the experience of grace...v23. We need to be full of the HS and faith, like Barnabas. Even the apostle Paul needed to be brought by someone into the ministry God had for him...v25-26. Note the strong emphasis on believers being taught...v26. The Gospel will only be truly increased as believers grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The believers did not call themselves Christians. They were called Christians by the outsiders. Foretelling is linked with the office of a prophet...v27-28. The believers responded with generosity. Co-operation between apostles and elders...v30 (19-30). [AT] / CORNE: ACTS 11. 1. Peter was a witness of the miracle of the dividing wall being torn asunder between Jew and Gentile. The effect was that the brothers praised God for the miracle of unity. How effective is the witness if Christians stand together(1-18) 2. The hand of the Lord was with the believers and its effect could be seen. The grace of God was evident. May it be so with us. (19-30). /

Act 11:1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

Act 11:2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying,

Act 11:3 "You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them."

Act 11:4 But Peter began and explained it to them in order:

Act 11:5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me.

Act 11:6 Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air.

Act 11:7 And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.'

Act 11:8 But I said, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'

Act 11:9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What God has made clean, do not call common.'

Act 11:10 This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.

Act 11:11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.

Act 11:12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house.

Act 11:13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;

Act 11:14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.'

Act 11:15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.

Act 11:16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'

Act 11:17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?"

Act 11:18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life."

ACTS 11v19-30

Act 11:19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

Act 11:20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Act 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

Act 11:22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Act 11:23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

Act 11:24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Act 11:25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,

Act 11:26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Act 11:27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

Act 11:28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

Act 11:29 So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

Let op die dissipels het dit besluit, nie die leiers nie! /

Act 11:30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

CHAPTER TWELVE

ACTS 12v1-12

ACTS 12:

1. It is not only the religious world that hates the truth about Jesus, but also the secular world. Persecution can come from any system that resists the Lordship of Jesus alone. Sometimes God will allow His saints to be martyred and cause them to fall as seed into ground. Other times He may allow His saints to be put in chains for His own purposes and glory...Peter. In any crisis the church should be involved in one thing only, namely corporate, unified, unceasing, and Spirit-led prayer (1-5).

2. God may intervene at any time with an angelic visitation etc. No jail can keep a saint in when God decides to release him. The world and religion may hate God's people and persecute them, but God is still in control. We should pray in homes as they did. Sometimes the church is surprised when God answers prayer supernaturally. We should expect God's intervention when we pray earnestly. Peter did not stay to discuss. He went were the HS sent him. God's intervention will confound evil world rulers. At this point Herod should have repented (6-19).

3. God now gave Herod over to himself. His pride caused him to utterly abandon the inner regocnition that there is only one God. This will always result in final judgment by God. Mortal men will die, but only the Word will continue. When we side with the Word we will also continue on into glory. All flesh is as grass, but the Word remains (20-25). [AT] / CORNE: ACTS 12. 1. The church earnestly prayed for Peter. It is so important to be burdened for others who are kept from what they should be doing, meaning their destiny in Christ. (1-5) 2. The Lord sent an angel to wake Peter, and a light shone in the prison. The angel gave Peter very specific instructions about how to get out of the prison. The Lord leads us step by step into freedom. We should obey each of the steps and a great freedom and testimony

will follow. (6-19) 3. God will not allow any person to come in His place. Such a person will be struck down. /

Act 12:1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.

Act 12:2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword,

Act 12:3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.

Act 12:4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.

Act 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Act 12:6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.

Act 12:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.

Act 12:8 And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."

Act 12:9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

Act 12:10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.

Act 12:11 When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

Act 12:12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

ACTS 12v13-25

Act 12:13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.

Act 12:14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.

Act 12:15 They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!"

Act 12:16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.

Act 12:17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place.

Act 12:18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.

Act 12:19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

Act 12:20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.

Act 12:21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.

Act 12:22 And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!"

Act 12:23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

Act 12:24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

Act 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ACTS 13v1-25

Albert: ACTS 13: 1. Prophets and teachers are crucial to the church, but they do not need to be 'official' to function. What is crucial is corporate devotion to the Lord in worship and fasting so that He may speak in the church. The HS will speak when we begin to devote ourselves corporately to GOD ALONE without agenda, just worship because of who He is. It seems that some of these prophets and teachers 'became' sent ones (apostles) under the governing corporate anointing. We don't just go, God sends! We need to be under the INSTANT speaking of the HS in the church. Even after the HS has spoken there needs to be fasting and praying before the called ones are sent off with laying on of hands (1-4). 2. We should be able to say 'I was sent out by the HS, not man.' At times we might have to begin our proclamation of the Word in the religious synagogues. We should travel in teams. There can be assistants, like John, on the team. When we are sent by the HS we should go proclaiming the Gospel and preaching Christ to everyone, unless otherwise directed by the HS. We should be so filled with the Spirit when we are on mission, that we would be able to, at times, supernaturally deal with those who oppose the Gospel. We need prophetic insight and words of knowledge, etc., on mission. The teaching of the Lord should be accompanied by power so that unbelievers can not only hear, but also see the Lordship of Christ that we proclaim. For this to happen we ourselves must be absolutely under the Lordship of the One we proclaim as Lord (4-12)! 3. Note that John Mark did not stay on mission, but left to return to Jerusalem. The synagogue is again the place to start. Nevertheless, if we do not have an opening to speak like Paul had, we might be wasting our time. We need to go where we will be heard. We should relate the history of God's people to religious crowds in order to unfold God's master plan in Christ. We should know and then show the fulfillment of prophecy in order to stir up faith in the hearts of the hearers (Rom. 10v17). It is crucial for us to understand 'the utterances of the prophets'! We need to use OT prophecy to demonstrate the gospel of death and resurrection. The resurrection is the lynchpin of saving faith. It is crucial in all our proclamation. Forgiveness of sins must be linked with the cross and resurrection message, and freedom from the law. At the end of our gospel proclamation there must always be a warning of the dangers of unbelief. We should preach the gospel in such a way that people would beg to hear more and would want to follow us in order to hear more of this marvelous Gospel! We must urge people to continue in the grace

of God based on death and resurrection and not return to the law (14-43). 4. The Gospel has the power to draw entire cities. Religion will always retaliate with jealousy when the Gospel begins to work powerfully. They will contradict the Gospel of grace and resist it. If religion rejects the gospel we must turn to secular unbelievers. We are all worthy of eternal life because of Jesus' labour, but we can judge ourselves unworthy! When people begin to respond to the Gospel en masse the Word can spread very rapidly. Religion will always retaliate. There may come a time when we have to shake off the dust from our feet and move to another place. In the midst of all the persecution of religion we can be filled with joy and with the HS (44-52). / CORNE: ACTS 13 The way to find out where the Lord is leading is to pray and minister to Him. If our eyes and dependence are on Him, we will be led by His Spirit. (1-4a) Wherever the work of the Lord is resisted, there will be darkness. The Word always brings light and sight, but if it is opposed, a person is left wandering in the darkness of his own reason. (4b-12) Preaching of the Gospel is often followed by persecution by religion. But the effect of the Gospel in the hearts of true believers will always be more excitement and joy. Persecution is often on the false foundation of stirred up emotions and lies. If this is the case, we should shake the dust off our feet and move on to the disciples who are hungry for the Lord. (13-52). /

Act 13:1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Act 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Act 13:3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Act 13:4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Act 13:5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

Act 13:6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.

Act 13:7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.

Act 13:8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

Act 13:9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him

A man filled with the HS can confront evil. [AT] /

Act 13:10 and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?

Act 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.

Act 13:12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Act 13:13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,

Act 13:14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.

Act 13:15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it."

Act 13:16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.

Act 13:17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.

Act 13:18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.

Act 13:19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance.

Act 13:20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Act 13:21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

Act 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I HAVE FOUND IN DAVID THE SON OF JESSE A MAN AFTER MY HEART, WHO WILL DO ALL MY WILL.'

Acts 13:22b - 'I have found David (Psalm 89:20) .... the son of Jesse .... a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.' (a paraphrase of 1 SAMUEL 13:14)

Act 13:23 Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

Act 13:24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Act 13:25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'

ACTS 13v26-52

Act 13:26 "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.

Act 13:27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

Act 13:28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed.

Act 13:29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.

Act 13:30 But God raised him from the dead,

Act 13:31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.

Act 13:32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,

Act 13:33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU.'

Acts 13:33b - ''You are my son, today I have begotten you.' (PSALM 2:7)

Act 13:34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, "'I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY AND SURE BLESSINGS OF DAVID.'

Acts 13:34b - ''I will give you the sure mercies of David.' (ISAIAH 55:3)

Act 13:35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, "'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.'

Act 13:36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,

Act 13:37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.

Act 13:38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

THE POWER OF ABSOLUTE FORGIVENESS EPHESIANS 1:7  "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." ACTS 13:38  "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness

of sins." The first imperative of our salvation is the forgiveness of our sins.  This is the basis of our entire Christian walk and without a thorough and comprehensive understanding of this first of God's graces we will never become mature believers.  When we on the other hand take a firm hold of all the glorious aspects of the Scriptural teaching of forgiveness we find rest and God now has ground in us to effectively transform us.  So many believers have an inadequate view of forgiveness and therefore they live under the constant false accusation of the enemy.  The arrows of the enemy successfully penetrate the heart of a believer who does not have on the breastplate of righteousness, which is amongst other things the knowledge of our legal acquittal from the penalty of sin.  Because of the cross of Christ there is no longer any enmity between God and us.  He spent all His wrath when He punished His Son in our stead.  We are no longer apart from Him.  In fact we are His very children and He now deals with us as children.  Our sins have been dealt with once and for all, not because of some sentimental feeling, but because Jesus legally took the punishment for our sins.  There is no more offering for our sins, for the perfect offering (Christ) has already been given (Heb. 10:18).  Our past, present and future sins have been fully paid for and dealt with.  We are completely free from the guilt and penalty of sin.  God has made full provision for the sins that we may still do.  Would it not be absolute folly for God to forgive us of our past sins and then to leave us to sort out the rest (present and future) for ourselves?  No, no, God saves to the uttermost!  When we sin as believers we do not go to God as pathetic sinners who are once more at enmity with Him, but as sons who have grieved our Father. Quote of the Day:  "When we constantly bring to mind our sins instead of appropriating the blood of Christ, we insult the grace of God and forfeit sweet fellowship with our Father." / Paul makes it clear that the purpose and focus of Christ’s coming is the forgiveness of sins. He compares and contrasts the nature and scope of this forgiveness with what the Law of Moses provided. Paul is interested in the salvation-historical developments that have taken place with the coming of the Messiah (13:39). Further, the salvation Paul announces assigns a central role to justification. /

Act 13:39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Act 13:40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

Act 13:41 "'LOOK, YOU SCOFFERS, BE ASTOUNDED AND PERISH; FOR I AM DOING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS, A WORK THAT YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE, EVEN IF ONE TELLS IT TO YOU.'"

Acts 13:41 - ''Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.' (HABAKKUK 1:5)" /

Act 13:42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.

Act 13:43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Act 13:44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.

Act 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.

Act 13:46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

Act 13:47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I HAVE MADE YOU A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.'"

Acts 13:47b - 'I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.' (ISAIAH 49:6)" /

Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

Act 13:50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

As on other occasions, Paul’s preaching causes both a riot and a revival. /

Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ACTS 14v1-18

Albert: ACTS 14: 1. The Gospel can be preached 'in such a way' that it stirs up faith in the hearers and brings a great number to saving faith. Religion once again resists the success of the Gospel. Religion poisons the minds of those who want to continue with the Lord. BEWARE of their poison. We should speak boldly for the Lord, despite the opposition of religion. We should also trust the Lord to give witness to the word of His grace with signs and wonders. At times we will have to flee from persecution, but always we should continue

to preach the Gospel (1-7)! 2. It is under the powerful proclamation of the GOSPEL that people will begin to have faith to be healed, delivered, etc. We should proclaim the Lordship of Christ in resurrection in such a way that it would stir up faith for deliverance in people. When we see faith in people we should command them to act on it! When people want to put us on a pedestal because of the power of the gospel we must stop them immediately and point them to out living God! We should always emphasise that we are just dust in and of ourselves, just like all other men. We must point to our creator God. We are just vessels (8-18). 3. Religion might pursue us in order to persecute us. God will strengthen us to get up again and continue to proclaim the Gospel. The Gospel should be so strong in us that nothing would dissuade us from continuing to proclaim it. We should preach the Gospel and make disciples by it. Then we should also strengthen and encourage those who already believe by the same Gospel. We should at the same time tell them that there will be persecution for the gospel, but they need to continue steadfastly in the faith despite the persecution. At some stage elders must be appointed for the task of strengthening and encouraging the disciples in the faith. Hence elders should be strong in the gospel! There can be no such thing as an elder who is not strong in the GOSPEL. The process of appointing elders should be done with prayer and fasting, because it is not MAN who appoints, but GOD. The appointment of elders is thus a very serious matter (19-23). 4. We should report back to the whole church to tell them about the successes of the Gospel (not our successes). When we remain with the disciples we should do so with the aim of strenthening and encouraging them in the grace of God (24-28). / CORNE: ACTS 14 Even though the brothers were persecuted, they proclaimed the gospel with boldness in the Lord. It's important to note the gospel is called the word of His grace. Grace always has an effect, and some people will accept it while others reject it, like they did in Iconium. (1-5) Crowds are fickle and can easily be swayed in one direction or the other if group dynamics are at work. Here they first wanted to offer sacrifices to the apostles, and then the Jews persuaded them and then they stoned the apostles. Only true disciples of the Lord can be counted on, like they surrounded Paul when they thought he were dead, and must have prayed for him. (6-21) The apostles retraced their steps and went back to where new converts were made. It is important to note what they did when they went back: 1. They established the souls of the disciples (a heart can only be established through grace). 2. Exhorting them to continue in the faith, in other words, to persevere. 3. Through tribulations one must enter the kingdom, in other words, the Word of the cross. 4. They appointed elders in every church. 5. They prayed and fasted. 6. They committed them TO THE LORD. (They didn't commit them to themselves (the apostles)! (22-25) They went back to Antioch, where they were commended to THE GRACE OF GOD. In other words, they were 'handed over to grace' before they were sent out. (1 Cor. 15:10) They were not handed over to people, but to God's grace. They came back full of the testimony of what God has done. Testimonies are powerful in the hands of God to show forth His grace and kindness. (26-28) /

Act 14:1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.

'such a way' - see 1 Cor. 2v1-4. Spoke with such power - their preaching was attended so much with the influence of the Spirit. / POWERFUL PREACHING: Never preach without emphasising the greatness of God, the weakness of man, the abundant supply in the Son in terms of the cross, resurrection, the new creation in the throne room position moving towards the New Jerusalem, and the urgent need of the Spirit's ministry to the heart of man! These four themes should run throughout all your teaching and preaching. [AT] /

Act 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Act 14:3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Act 14:4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.

Act 14:5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,

Act 14:6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,

Act 14:7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Act 14:8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.

Act 14:9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,

Act 14:10 said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking.

Act 14:11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"

Act 14:12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

Act 14:13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.

Act 14:14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,

Act 14:15 "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

Act 14:16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.

Act 14:17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."

AT Link: Gal. 6:17 /

Act 14:18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

ACTS 14v19-28

Act 14:19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

Act 14:20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

Act 14:21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

Mt. 13v52; 27v57, 28v19 /

Act 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Act 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

The original word in the Greek which is usually translated 'ordained' actually means 'acknowledged' or 'recognized'. Paul and Barnabas acknowledged elders in every church. This is not an official ordination like ministers are ordained today. It is simply a public recognition of what was already happening. See Commentary Tit. 1v5. [Viola] /

Act 14:24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.

Act 14:25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,

Act 14:26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.

Act 14:27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

Act 14:28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

ACTS 15 TO 21

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ACTS 15v1-21

Albert: ACTS 15:

1. As God's purpose moves forward in His divine economy, there will always be those religionists used by satan to try and distract the disciples with their legalism. We must stand firm against legalistic teachings. In every contention we need to go to the Word with the whole church in order to find light. Even in the midst of the defense of the faith we need to

continue to witness of the power of the Gospel (v3)! Note that it is firstly the whole church that receives and welcomes the traveling workers and then also the apostles and elders (v4). We should have a church where everyone is involved in what happens. In the midst of great Gospel joy we have to be very watchful for the influence of the legalists. Church leaders may debate ecclesiastical issues, but when God gives light we have to go along with it (v7b). Only faith cleanses our hearts and prepares an inner dwelling place for the Spirit (v9). It is the participation in the grace of God by faith that strengthens the church, nothing else! We must not place heavy yokes of the law on people. James did not say anything different from Peter and Paul, he just confirmed what they said and he used scripture to do so. He did not try to make a point on his own authority, but on the authority of Scripture. This was a unilateral testimony from various church leaders against legalism, not just one super-apostle taking charge. James' answer in verses 19-21 seems ambivalent? (1-21).

2. Note once again the apostles and elders made decisions and chose men for the gospel mission 'with the whole church'. They stood under the Vicar of Christ, not some human authority. Note that the letter is sent by 'the brothers' and these brothers were also apostles and elders (v23). This is very significant. Decisions are made in the church by complete consensus under the Spirit (v25). Verse 28 does not propagate a human decision added to the will of the HS, but rather the human will aligned with the HS! Prophets should encourage with the Gospel spoken from the heart, the Gospel of grace. After the contention the work of the Lord must always continue (v35) through the teaching and teaching of the Gospel (22-35).

3. Even apostles should think of fellow believers as brothers in the common Gospel fellowhip and not just 'projects' (v36). There may at times be sharp disagreement between Gospel workers. Yet the work must continue. It seems that Paul got the stamp of approval by the grace of God. The work of translocal donkeys is primarily to strengthen churches by the message of GRACE (36-41). /

CORNE: ACTS 15 The dissensions stopped as soon as the apostles started to place their focus on the gospel and the success of the cross. In the light of grace, they received light on what to do next. May we also always return to this place of rest where we can hear the Lord clearly. (1-21) The unsettling of the Gentiles' hearts was the result of an inferior Gospel, where they had to attain to perfection through an old covenant ritual. It is impossible to add to Jesus' work on the cross. If we try and add, the result is always an unsettled heart. The Gentiles were encouraged by the letter, because they realised again they were included in a great salvation.(22-34) Paul wanted to revisit the churches to see how they were doing. It is good to follow up in areas where we have worked. The dispute that arose between Paul and Barnabas was so intense they parted ways. It is also good to note that Paul did not try and override Barnabas' conscience and play God over him. He was free to go, even though they differed in opinion. (35-41) /

It was one thing for the Jerusalem leaders to give their approval to the conversion of Gentiles: but could they approve of conversion-without-circumcision, of faith in Jesus without the works of the law, and of commitment to the Messiah without inclusion in Judaism? Was their vision big enough to see the gospel of Christ not as a reform movement within Judaism but as good news for the whole world, and the church of Christ not as a Jewish sect but as the international family of God? These were the revolutionary questions which some were daring to ask. No wonder Haenchen can write: ‘Chapter 15 is the turning point, “centrepiece” and “watershed” of the book, the episode which rounds off and justifies the past developments, and makes those to come intrinsically possible.’ This is not an exaggeration. Luke draws attention to it by silent shifts of emphasis. In this chapter Jerusalem is still the focus of interest, and Peter makes his final appearance in the story. But from now on Peter disappears, to be replaced by Paul, and Jerusalem recedes into the background as Paul pushes on beyond Asia into Europe, and Rome appears on the horizon. Indeed we ourselves, from our later perspective of church history, can see the crucial importance of this first ecumenical Council held in Jerusalem. Its unanimous decision liberated the gospel from its Jewish swaddling clothes into being God’s message for all humankind, and gave the Jewish-Gentile church a self-conscious identity as the reconciled people of God, the one body of Christ. And although the whole Council affirmed it, Paul claimed that it was a new understanding granted specially to him, the ‘mystery’ previously hidden but now revealed, namely that through faith in Christ alone Gentiles stand on equal terms with Jews as ‘heirs together, members together, sharers together’ in his one new community. [Stott] /

Act 15:1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."

Act 15:2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

Act 15:3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.

Act 15:4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.

It is most interesting to note here that the welcome of Paul and Barnabas was firstly by the church, and then the apostles and elders are mentioned. Do our churches today have that significance, or are they so ruled by the elders and apostles that they have not taken ownership before the Lord? [AT] /

Act 15:5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses."

Act 15:6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

Act 15:7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

Act 15:8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,

Act 15:9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.

Act 15:10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

Cf. Mt. 11v29…the Rabbi’s yoke. /

Act 15:11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."

Act 15:12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

Act 15:13 After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brothers, listen to me.

Act 15:14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.

Act 15:15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

Act 15:16 "'AFTER THIS I WILL RETURN, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TENT OF DAVID THAT HAS FALLEN; I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL RESTORE IT,

Acts 15:16-18 - 'After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord who does all these things. (AMOS 9:11,12)

Act 15:17 THAT THE REMNANT OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD, AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS

Act 15:18 KNOWN FROM OF OLD.'

Act 15:19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,

See Stott for lengthy discussion of the four prohibitions. /

Act 15:20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.

Act 15:21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues."

1. AL IS DIE HELE SKRIF DEUR GOD INGEGEE EN IS DIT DIE LEWENDE WOORDE VAN GOD HOOR ALMAL WAT BESIG IS MET DIE BYBEL NIE NOODWENDIG SY STEM NIE. JESUS SÊ VIR DIE JODE WAT SY BEDIENING VERWERP HET DAT HULLE NOG NOOIT DIE VADER SE STEM GEHOOR HET NIE EN TOG HET HULLE BAIE GEREELD KONTAK GEHAD MET DIE BYBEL.Handelinge 15:21 Want van die ou tyd af het Moses in elke stad diegene wat hom verkondig, terwyl hy elke sabbat in die sinagoges gelees word. Joh. 5:37 En die Vader wat My gestuur het, Hy het van My getuig. Julle het nog nooit sy stem gehoor of sy gedaante gesien nie. 2. ALLE WEDERGEBORE MENSE HET DEUR DIE VERKONDIGING VAN DIE EVANGELIE WEL DIE STEM VAN JESUS GEHOOR. DIT IS DUS DUIDELIK DAT NET MENSE MET DIE REGTE HARTSGESINDHEID GOD SE STEM AGTER DIE WOORDE VAN DIE BYBEL KAN HOOR. Joh 5:25 Voorwaar, voorwaar Ek sê vir julle, daar kom ‘n uur, en dit is nou, wanneer die dode die stem van die Seun van God sal hoor; en die wat dit gehoor het, sal lewe. 3. ONS MOET EGTER AANHOU OM WERKLIK TE HOOR WAT DIE BYBEL SÊ EN ONS HARTSGESINDHEID REG HOU VOOR GOD SODAT ONS NIE NET BESIG BLY MET DIE BYBEL EN LATER NIE MEER GOD SE STEM AGTER DIE WOORDE HOOR NIE. Spreuke 2:1-2 My seun, as jy my woorde aanneem en my gebooie by jou bewaar, 2 sodat jy jou oor laat luister na wysheid, jou hart neig tot verstand. Openbaring 2:29 Wie ‘n oor het, laat hom hoor wat die Gees aan die gemeentes sê. /

ACTS 15v22-41

Act 15:22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,

Act 15:23 with the following letter: "The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.

Act 15:24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,

Act 15:25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Act 15:26 men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Act 15:27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.

Act 15:28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements:

Act 15:29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."

Act 15:30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter.

Act 15:31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

Act 15:32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.

Act 15:33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.

Act 15:34 [But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.]

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

Act 15:36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."

Act 15:37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.

Act 15:38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

Approximately seven years after Mark deserted them. /

Act 15:39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,

Act 15:40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Act 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ACTS 16v1-24

Albert: ACTS 16: 1. The testimony of the brothers concerning one of their own has merit. Translocal donkeys can at times identify brothers who should accompany them in the work. We need to become all things to all men culturally in order that there be no stumbling block in the way of the Gospel (v3). The apostles and elders in Jerusalem were representative of the whole church in Jerusalem (v4). These decisions must be seen in the light of the forming of the canon of scripture. It is no longer applicable to us in terms of decisions of councils of some head office, that are binding on several local churches. The important thing is for churches to be strengthened in the faith, specifically in terms of the message of grace (1-5). 2. These two verses (6-7) are most important and demonstrate that the HS is supreme in the ordering of the work. We must constantly be under His inner guidance, EVERY STEP of the way. We need to go everywhere as He sends us, but if He restrains we need to obey. God can alos give visions to direct us as we are on mission. We have to be open for this. We need to obey when God speaks like this. Paul and his company were probably restrained (vss 6-7) because God wanted them to go to Macedonia (6-10). 3. Why the mention of the Sabbath day (v13)? It may be that the apostles made use of days of religious observance in order to find a gap to preach the Gospel of grace. Note the informal way of speaking to people and engaging them with the gospel (v13b). We may find even among unbelievers worshipers of God in the context of the old covenant. Only God can open hearts to make people pay attention to the Gospel proclamation. This is most important. Even when we speak to believers about the Christ-life message we need to be aware that they will not pay attention unless God opens their hearts. Note immediate water baptism upon repsonse. Immediate hospitality follows when the Gospel has entered a heart (11-15). 4. The apostles loved to go to places of prayer in order to engage people there. We have power in Christ to command demons to come out of people. Note that Paul did not ask for the woman's permission before he commanded the demon. We have power, but we must still wait for the HS to lead us. Whenever people's financial situation or their position in society is threatened by the Gospel they will viciously persecute those who preach the Gospel (16-24). 5. Paul and Silas were living in the heavenly realm, unperturbed by their physical suffering and chains. They spontaneously and joyously prayed and sang hymns to God. We should live in this realm as

well (Mt. 5v10-11). At times God will cause the spiritual realm to break into the physical realm as we rejoice in the realities of the heavenly realm! The purpose of these manifestations is always to advance the Gospel and bring men to faith in Jesus. The jailer was already at a place of repentance and only needed to believe. Paul and Silas had faith that God wanted to save the entire household of the jailer. Once again water baptism was immediate. And once again the effect was love and hospitality (25-34). 6. Paul and Silas were not willing to leave quietly. At times we may use the laws of the land to embarass those who oppose us and who acted illegally, so that they may perhaps turn and believe. In this case they asked the apostles to leave the city. At all times the apostles were focused on building up the disciples and encouraging them with the Word of grace (35-40). [AT] / CORNE: ACTS 16:1-5 The believers were strengthened and increased in number daily. Part of what Paul ministered to them were the decrees decided upon by the Jerusalem council. These decrees' bottom line was purity. How important for the health of the church to remain pure. (6-10) In the Spirit there was a cry for help. We must be more organic than organisational, and follow the Spirit in our work. (11-18) One person can turn the tide in a city. Lydia's heart was opened to receive the Gospel and also the Lord's workers. We may never overlook individuals. The preaching of the gospel also reveals darkness, as in the fortune teller. We may expect that light will expose demonic activity. (19-40) Even in the prison Paul and Silas experienced the flow of the Spirit and the joy of the Lord. A mighty work of God and testimony followed. We never know how our 'prison experiences' will turn out. Let's keep our joy levels up in the Spirit. /

Act 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.

Act 16:2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.

Act 16:3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

1 Cor. 9v20 /

Act 16:4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.

Act 16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

Act 16:6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.

Act 16:7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.

55. HOW TO HEAR THE LORD'S VOICE: 1.) The first question is what does the NT say. Think through the 27 books (categories). Then the wisdom lit., esp. Proverbs. 2.) Just by reading your daily portions and LISTENING. Respond to the Word. 3.) God's Light: the Word, the Spirit (in regenerated spirit), the Church. 4.) Conscience-Communion-Intuition 5.) Keep conscience clear - the window of the spirit (see note Rom. 9v1). Sin causes us to hear the Lord less clearly. Those who love the Lord must (& will) HATE evil. 6.) Love Jesus. Cultivate relationship with Him. Walk with Him moment by moment. Talk to Him about EVERYTHING. Calling on the name of the Lord throughout the day & in all circumstances. 7.) Distinguish between the way Satan & the HS speak. Observe their distinguishing characteristics. E.g. Satan condemns, but the HS convicts. 8.) We must ALWAYS consult God in ALL things (Prov. 3v5-6). 9.) We must learn to let the peace of God, or lack of it guide us. Sometimes we have to pray UNTIL we obtain peace or clarity. 10.) God also speaks through dreams, visions, prophecies, & even angels or an audible voice. 11.) We need to constantly ask, seek and knock to obtain the fullness of the Spirit and His constant guidance. 12.) God often speaks to us through our subconscious thoughts & the 'normal' flow of our thoughts. 13.) God

also speaks to us through spiritual burdens. 14.) We need to recognise the constraints & restraints of the Spirit. 15.) We hear at least four voices daily: i. God ii. our own flesh & desires iii. society iv. Satan . Therefore we need to learn to discern the origin of every thought...'take every thought captive'. 16.) Sometimes we have to wait silently on God UNTIL He reveals a matter (Isa. 40). 17.) God speaks especially in His Son & through the process of death & resurrection. The Word of Christ divides between flesh and spirit. 18.) God also speaks to us through the gifts of the Spirit in the church. 19.) God also speaks through nature & circumstances. He may even speak through open and closed doors. 20.) When the Word, the Spirit, the Church & circumstances line up we may know for sure that God has spoken. 21.) We must be absolutely dedicated & submitted in mind to hear the Lord in a specific area (Rom. 12v1-2) 22.) Journaling over a period may be a great help to begin to discern God's voice & direction. 23.) Deliberately direct your thoughts to focus on Jesus and meditate on His Word (2 Cor. 3v18 & Heb. 12v2) /

Act 16:8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.

Act 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

Act 16:10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Act 16:11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,

Act 16:12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.

Act 16:13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.

Act 16:14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

Jn. 12v20 /

Act 16:15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.

Act 16:16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.

Act 16:17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."

Act 16:18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.

Act 16:19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.

Act 16:20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.

Act 16:21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice."

Act 16:22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.

Act 16:23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.

Act 16:24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

ACTS 16v25-40

Act 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

Paul and Silas blended their praying with singing: "Now, about midnight Paul and Silas while they were praying were also singing praises to God, mingling petition with songs of praise . . ." Our time with the Lord may include a blend of several ways of contacting Him. /

Act 16:26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.

Act 16:27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.

Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."

Act 16:29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.

Act 16:30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

In ons verkondiging vd evangelie het ons deur die jare baie klem gelê op die persoonlike 'aanneem' van Jesus (Jn. 3). Dit is reg, maar nie genoeg nie. Ons moet ook verkondig dat die Koninkryk in Christus gekom het en dat God nou alle mense oral roep tot bekering (Hand. 17v30). Ons het veral in die 'individualistiese Weste' dringend nodig om die evang. binne die raamwerk vd Koninkryk te plaas sodat mense kan breek uit die vorm van 'n materialistiese self-handhawing en harte verruim kan word om ons Vader se Majestueuse Verlossingsplan in Christus (Kol. 1v15-20) te akkommodeer. Ons moet dieper EN wyer gaan. [AT] /

Act 16:31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Act 16:32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.

Act 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.

Act 16:34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

Act 16:35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, "Let those men go."

Act 16:36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace."

Act 16:37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out."

Act 16:38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens.

Act 16:39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city.

Act 16:40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

ACTS 17v1-15

ACTS 17:

1. Once again the apostles begin their work in towns with the temples of religion, 'to the Jew first'. Here we see the main mandate of the apostolic Gospel, to show from the Scriptures that Jesus had to suffer, die, and be raised from the dead, and that this Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the King (v3). To summarise then, the Lordship of Christ is preached via death/resurrection. This was the proclamation of the kingdom, Christ Pre-eminent via death and resurrection. We also have to use to Scriptures to reason and persuade men of the Gospel. The moment the Gospel begins to impact scores of people religion rises up in opposition because its evil kingdom of men (masquerading as the kingdom of God) is challenged. Religion will use any means to destroy those who proclaim the kingdom of Christ (v7). We see here that it is all about authority and Lordship. The kingdom of men in whatever form (Herod or Pilate, or Sanhedrin) will continue to challenge the kingdom of God until Jesus returns with vengeance against His enemies to subdue once and for all those who oppose His reign (1-9).

2. Despite opposition in one town the apostles move to the next town and carry on with their mission. We must continue to advance the kingdom of God wherever we go. The nobility that counts with God is an eagerness to hear the Gospel and to examine the Scriptures with a view to understanding and believing the message (v11). People who do this will be persuaded by the Spirit and thus believe (v12). This 'therefore' in v12 is exceedingly important. Religion will even pursue the proclaimers of the Gospel in order to maintain their evil human kingdom. Note that 'the brothers' had the authority to send apostles (v14)! Why? Because they were under the reign of Christ, not the reign of men! Verse 15 shows that Paul always desired to work in team (10-15).

3. Paul lived by the condition of his spirit and so should we. We should also be provoked by false religion and ungodliness. If our spirit is in a normal condition it will also be provoked by these things. This should cause us to reason from the Scriptures and nature, first with the religious ones and then with the secular ones. We will meet all kinds of philosophies in our Gospel mission. We have to be ready to present the Gospel as the one answer to all their questions. We should focus centrally on Jesus and the resurrection, even as Pal did (v18). Those who seek 'some new thing' will be ready to listen, but not necessarily ready to hear (16-21)!

4. God will sometimes place us in the middle of the platforms of men (v22). We should begin our Gospel presentation with exactly where people are, where they live philosophically. Then we must deconstruct and show them the folly of their philosophy in the light of the

Gospel. We should proclaim that God is no longer invisible and does not need to be 'unknown'. We should show unbelievers from nature that God is not our invention, we are His! He is the Creator, we merely created. He does not need our worship, we need Him. Yet, He demands our worship. We should begin with Adam and show God's purpose with creation. We need to show that our entire existence is geared towards finding God. He is not far, He is very near (cf. Rom. 10v6-8). We should show unbelievers the link between their creation and the Creator who made them. We are all God's offspring, but some of us are His birthed sons. We should show that no outer thing can reveal God, but that our creation design in His image and likeness is the real revealer of God (v29)! Since the incarnation God's purpose with man has been revealed and we should now proclaim to everyone that God demands repentance on the basis of His revealed will for man. We should proclaim the Lordship of Christ via the resurrection and then demonstrate by this that the day of the Lord will be a judgment with regard to the acceptance or rejection of the Gospel. The resurrection is the lynchpin of the Gospel. We should proclaim it thus! Some will believe and others will mock, but we have to continue steadfastly with the message (22-34). [AT] / CORNE: ACTS 17 1. Paul reasoned from the Scriptures. The reaction was that some believed, while the Jews wanted to imprison them through false accussations. A slave is not more than his Master. If they did it to Jesus, they will do it to us. (1-9) 2. If people are open to search the Scriptures with unbiased hearts, the results are fruitful, as in the case of the Bereans. (10-13) 3. Even though Paul has been persecuted recently, he still does not relent and follows the stirring in his heart as he sees the foreign idols. May our personal experience of opposition not quench our passion. (14-18) 4. Like the Athenians, people often love hearing new things, which does not mean that they are really interested in the Gospel. However, Paul took this opportunity to preach the Gospel. He showed that we can never have idols made from earthly materials as our gods, for we are made not after an earthly image, but after God's image. We are His race, and therefore should pray to the One whose image we bear. (19-34) /

Act 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

Act 17:2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Act 17:3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."

Act 17:4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.

Act 17:5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.

Act 17:6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,

Act 17:7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."

Act 17:8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.

Act 17:9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Act 17:10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.

Act 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

See MATTHEW-HENRY /

Act 17:12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

Act 17:13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.

Act 17:14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.

Act 17:15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

D.A. Carson’s audio sermon on this portion. /

ACTS 17v16-34

Act 17:16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.

Act 17:17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

Act 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"--because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

Act 17:19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

Act 17:20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean."

Act 17:21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Act 17:22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.

ESV Study Bible note on Acts 17v22-23 /

Act 17:23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

Act 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,

1. GOD IS DIE SKEPPER Handelinge 17:24 Die God wat die wêreld gemaak het en alles wat daarin is, Hy wat Here van hemel en aarde is, woon nie in tempels met hande gemaak nie. HY HET MENSE GEMAAK NA SY BEELD EN GELYKENIS EN HY HERSKEP ONS IN CHRISTUS Genesis 1:26 En God het gesê: Laat Ons mense maak na ons beeld, na ons gelykenis, en laat hulle heers oor die visse van die see en die voëls van die hemel en die vee en oor die hele aarde en oor al die diere wat op die aarde kruip. 2 Kor. 5:17 Daarom, as iemand in Christus is, is hy 'n nuwe skepsel; die ou dinge het verbygegaan, kyk, dit het alles nuut geword. 3. ONS WORD GEROEP OM UITING TE GEE AAN HIERDIE WONDERLIKE ONTWERP IN CHRISTUS Efes. 2:10 Want ons is sy maaksel, geskape in Christus Jesus tot goeie werke wat God voorberei het, sodat ons daarin kan wandel. / DIE EINDE VAN TEMPEL-GODSDIENS “Jesus antwoord en sê vir hulle: Breek hierdie tempel af, en in drie dae sal Ek dit oprig. En die Jode sê: Ses en veertig jaar lank is aan hierdie tempel gebou, en U, sal U dit in drie dae oprig?” Joh. 2:19-20 “Of weet julle nie dat julle liggaam ‘n tempel is van die Heilige Gees wat in julle is, wat julle van God het,

en dat julle nie aan julself behoort nie?” 1 Kor. 6:19 Die Jode het gesukkel om te aanvaar dat die koms van Jesus die einde van ‘n era van tempel-godsdiens ingelui het. Die van hulle wat wel die lig in Christus gesien het en deur die Gees wederbaar is, is toenemend deur God geleer om weg te draai van ‘n godsdiens wat fokus op aardse, mensgemaakte tempels en instede te fokus op die realiteit van Christus wat nou ín ons woon. Hoe lyk dit met óns benadering tot geestelike dinge? Het ons nie dalk weer ‘n tempel-godsdiens opgerig wat Jesus eintlik gekom het om af te breek sodat ons in die realiteit van sy 24/7 inwonende teenwoordigheid kan leef nie? ‘n Gebou is goed om die reën, wind en koue buite te hou, maar as dit vir ons ‘n heilige koei geword het en die middelpunt van ons verhouding met God en medegelowiges (of dalk die ding wat ons afskei van ander dissipels van Jesus!), is dit ‘n struikelblok wat die openbaring van die Nuwe Testament versluier en verdoesel. [AT] /

Act 17:25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

1. GOD IS DIE LEWEGEWER. Acts 17:25 Ook word Hy nie deur mensehande gedien asof Hy aan iets behoefte het nie, omdat Hy self aan almal lewe en asem en alles gee. 2. ONS HET LEWE IN CHRISTUS. Romans 6:23 Want die loon van die sonde is die dood, maar die genadegawe van God is die ewige lewe in Christus Jesus, onse Here. 3. ONS MOET WANDEL IN 'N NUWE LEWE. Romans 6:4 Ons is dus saam met Hom begrawe deur die doop in die dood, sodat net soos Christus uit die dode opgewek is deur die heerlikheid van die Vader, ons ook so in 'n nuwe lewe kan wandel. /1. GOD IS ALMAGTIG Daniël 4:35  En al die aardbewoners word as niks geag nie, en na sy wil handel Hy met die leër van die hemel en die bewoners van die aarde, en daar is niemand wat sy hand kan afslaan en vir Hom kan sê: Wat doen U nie? 2. ONS STAAN AS GELOWIGES ONDER BESKERMING VAN DIE ALMAGTIGE GOD Psalm 91:1  Hy wat in die skuilplek van die Allerhoogste sit, sal vernag in die skaduwee van die Almagtige. 3. ONS MOENIE BEVREES WEES NIE, MAAR IN ALLES VERTROU OP DIE ALMAG VAN GOD Jesaja 41:10  Wees nie bevrees nie, want Ek is met jou; kyk nie angstig rond nie, want Ek is jou God. Ek versterk jou, ook help Ek jou, ook ondersteun Ek jou met my reddende regterhand. /

Act 17:26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

GOD STEEK HOMSELF NIE WEG VIR ONS NIE Die mens is gemaak deur God én vir God. Ons is geskape na Sy “beeld en gelykenis”. “En Hy het uit een bloed al die nasies van die mensdom gemaak om oor die hele aarde te woon, terwyl Hy vooraf bepaalde tye en die grense van hulle woonplek vasgestel het, sodat hulle die Here kon soek, of hulle Hom miskien kon aanraak en vind, al is Hy nie ver van elkeen van ons nie; want in Hom lewe ons, beweeg ons en is ons, soos sommige van julle digters ook gesê het: Want ons is ook sy geslag.” Hand. 17:26-28 In ‘n gevalle wêreld wat desperaat sin probeer maak uit sintuiglike data rondom ons en dikwels verwarrende subjektiewe waarnemings in die innerlike dring God steeds daarop aan dat Hy nie “ver van elkeen van ons” is nie. Dawid sê in Psalm 19 “die hemele vertel die eer van God, en die uitspansel verkondig die werk van sy hande. Die een dag stort vir die ander ‘n boodskap uit, en die een nag kondig vir die ander kennis aan”. God gee vir ons welsprekende getuienis van Sy nabyheid in die natuur, in die Skrif, in getuienis in die menslike gewete en bo alles in Sy eniggebore Seun wat ons geskiedenis binnegestap het toe Hy vlees geword het en vir ons kom sterf het. Op grond daarvan verkondig Paulus met blydskap en vrymoedigheid die boodskap: “naby jou is die woord, in jou mond en in jou hart”. En hy noem hierdie evangelieboodskap “die woord van die geloof” (Rom. 10:8). Die oomblik wat iemand Jesus se naam met geloof bely en met sy hart glo dat Jesus opgewek is uit die dode (Rom. 10:9) breek die heerlikheid van God deur en die “son van geregtigheid” gaan op met “genesing onder Sy vleuels” (Mal. 4:2). Oombliklik is God nie meer net naby nie, maar Hy leef ook binne-in hierdie nuwe dissipel van Jesus (Gal. 2:20; 1 Kor. 6:19). God is teenwoordig, Hy is naby, maar Hy leef ook in jou as jy ‘n dissipel van Jesus is en Hy wil van binne af jou hede en jou toekoms rig en verhelder. Dit is ‘n heerlike waarheid. Glo dit! [AT] /

Act 17:27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,

GOD IS NABY AL VOEL DIT NIE ALTYD SO NIE “Vir die musiekleier. ‘n Psalm van Dawid. HERE, U deurgrond en ken my. U ken my sit en my opstaan; U verstaan van ver my gedagte. U deurvors my gaan en my lê, en U is met al my weë goed bekend. Want daar is nog geen woord op my tong nie—of U, HERE, U ken dit geheel en al. U sluit my in van agter en van voor, en U lê u hand op my. Om dit te begryp, is te wonderbaar vir my, te hoog: ek kan daar nie by nie.” Psalm 139:1-6 God se aktiewe betrokkenheid by ons is verstommend! Dit is so oorweldigend dat Dawid, maar net kan sê dit is “te wonderbaar…ek kan daar nie by nie”. Ons is soms so oorweldig deur lewensomstandighede of bloot net ons onstuimige en onvoorspelbare emosies dat alles in ons vra, “waar is God se teenwoordigheid en aktiwiteit in my lewe”? Die werklikheid is dat God naby is en aan die werk in en om jou, al voel dit nie so nie. Let op na die werkwoorde in hierdie paar verse. God “deurgrond”, Hy “ken”, Hy “verstaan”, Hy deurvors”, Hy “is goed bekend” met, Hy “ken geheel en al”, Hy “sluit in van agter en van

voor” en Hy “lê” Sy hand “op” jou. Moenie toelaat dat emosies, omstandighede en sintuiglike waarneming jou blind en doof maak vir ‘n ander en baie groter werklikheid nie. God leef, Hy is teenwoordig, en Hy is nie passief nie. Lees die res van die Psalm en kyk hoe Hy verder werk in en om ons en wat die regte respons is (verse 14, 17, 23 en 24) op Sy betrokkenheid en aktiwiteit in ons lewens. [AT] /

Act 17:28 for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.'

Act 17:29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

Do we ever tell unbelievers ‘’we are His offspring’’? Why not? [AT] /

Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

Act 17:31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

Act 17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this."

Act 17:33 So Paul went out from their midst.

Act 17:34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

Paul’s evangelistic method here was not a failure as some assume. See Carson’s explanation. /

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

ACTS 18v1-17

Albert: ACTS 18: 1. Sometimes Paul just followed the heart-route of those he spontaneously met. Paul made tents as a trade, but he remained at all times Paul the one called to make known the Gospel (Rom. 1v14). Paul made use of every possible opportunity on Sabbaths and religious days to proclaim the Gospel and to persuade Jews and the God-fearing Greeks. We also need to be 'occupied with the Word' at all times! Our message must be the Lordship of Christ and its implications for human life and living! When there is sustained opposition to the Gospel we need to move on to those who will listen. We have an obligation for the life of those we come into contact with (v6). Paul was relentless. When one door closed, he immediately moved on to the next. God often touches entire households. We have to be ready to reach not only the individual, but his household as well. Water baptism must immediately follow faith. God will at times supernaturally comfort and encourage us. Our main responsibility in a community is to teach the Word (v11). Legalistic people cannot tolerate anyone who does not worship in their circles (v13). It seems there were two synagogues in Corinth? Or was Crispus also calles Sosthenes? Religion will seize any opportunity to be violent (1-17). 2. Paul often took strong leaders with him on his journeys, after he established local churches in the Gospel. We may also reason and persuade from the Scriptures the way Paul did. But we must reason always with a single focus on Christ the Lord. Paul was not under his own management, he followed the will of God (v21). After we have established churches in the Gospel, we only need to strengthen the disciples from time to time with the word of grace (18-23). 3. Competence in the Scriptures is commended and can be a great aid in our preaching and teaching and it will give us boldness. We need to teach accurately, for this will be more effective. Yet we must always be open to be taught even more accurately the revelation of Christ. From time to time letters from one church to another can open doors for us. It is the revelation of grace that causes us to believe. When we are competent in the Scriptures we can powerfully refute religion and help people to come into the true faith in Jesus the Lord (24-28). / CORNE: ACTS 18 1. Paul is an example of how we can use everyday occupations to reach people. He was available to be used of God in any capacity, whether it was as a tentmaker or an apostle. When the preaching of the Gospel was opposed, he shook the dust from his

cloak as he did the dust from his feet. If we tried our best to reason with people, we must move on if they continue in their denial of the message. (1-6) 2. The Lord opened another door for Paul to preach the Gospel, after the first one was closed. The Lord encouraged Paul by confirming his call to speak and not be silent, and also not to be afraid. He stayed for as long as the Lord allowed. We can be bold as Paul was, and unafraid, for if the Lord is with us, who can be against us? (7-11) 3. Even the strong opposition of the Jews could not deter Paul. God's sovereign Hand was at work. Sometimes the Lord allowed Paul to be imprisoned, and sometimes he was free to preach. We must learn to be content in all circumstances. (12-17) 4. Paul sometimes worked with others, and was sometimes alone. It is clear that he travelled as the Lord led. May we not be so fixed in systems and programs that we cannot follow the Leading of the Spirit in our ministry. (18-23) 5. Pricilla and Aquila was properly discipled by Paul and here could disciple Apollos. Here we can again see the organic and relational way in which the Lord works. It is also clearly stated that the believers 'through grace' believed. Therefore it is important to stay in the rythms of grace. (24-28) /

Act 18:1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

Act 18:2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,

Act 18:3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

Act 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Act 18:5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.

Act 18:6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

Act 18:7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.

Act 18:8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

This person held an office of considerable consequence; and therefore his conversion to Christianity must have been very galling to the Jews. It belonged to the chief or ruler of the synagogue to preside in all the assemblies, interpret the law, decide concerning things lawful and unlawful, punish the refractory, excommunicate the rebellious, solemnize marriages, and issue divorces. It is likely that, on the conversion of Crispus, Sosthenes was chosen to succeed him. /

Act 18:9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,

Act 18:10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people."

Act 18:11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Act 18:12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal,

Act 18:13 saying, "This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law."

Act 18:14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint.

Act 18:15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things."

Act 18:16 And he drove them from the tribunal.

Act 18:17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Sosthenes was now the new ruler of the synagogue. /

ACTS 18v18-28

Act 18:18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.

Nazirite Vow/

Act 18:19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

Act 18:20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined.

Act 18:21 But on taking leave of them he said, "I will return to you if God wills," and he set sail from Ephesus.

Act 18:22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.

'N GESONDE GEMEENTE Die Bybelse benadering tot gemeentelewe kan in die volgende 12 punte uiteengesit word. Toepaslike skrifte wat die punt duidelik illustreer word telkens ingesluit. [1. Fokus van die gemeente] – Die Gekruisigde Christus en ons eenheid met Hom. Jn. 5:39 Julle ondersoek die Skrifte, omdat julle meen dat julle daarin die ewige lewe het; en dit is dié wat van My getuig. 1 Kor. 2:2 want ek het my voorgeneem om niks anders onder julle te weet nie as Jesus Christus, en Hom as gekruisigde. Heb. 1:1 Nadat God baiekeer en op baie maniere in die ou tyd gespreek het tot die vaders deur die profete, het Hy in hierdie laaste dae tot ons gespreek deur die Seun. Filip. 3:10 …sodat ek Hom kan ken en die krag van sy opstanding en die gemeenskap aan sy lyde terwyl ek aan sy dood gelykvormig word… 1 Kor. 1:30 Maar deur Hom is julle in Christus Jesus, wat vir ons geword het wysheid uit God en geregtigheid en heiligmaking en verlossing. 1 Kor. 6:17 Maar wie die Here aanhang, is een gees met Hom. Gal 2:20 Ek is met Christus gekruisig, en ék leef nie meer nie, maar Christus leef in my. En wat ek nou in die vlees lewe, leef ek deur die geloof in die Seun van God wat my liefgehad het en Homself vir my oorgegee het. Kol. 3:3-4 Want julle het gesterwe, en julle lewe is saam met Christus verborge in God. (4) Wanneer Christus, wat ons lewe is, geopenbaar word, dan sal julle ook saam met Hom in heerlikheid geopenbaar word. [2. Die suiwer verkondiging van die evangelie, beklemtoning van persoonlike wedergeboorte en ‘n passie vir verlorenes] 1 Kor. 15:1-5 Broeders, ek maak julle die evangelie bekend wat ek aan julle verkondig het, wat julle ook aangeneem het, waarin julle ook staan, (2) waardeur julle ook gered word as julle daaraan vashou op die wyse waarop ek dit aan julle verkondig het, of julle moet tevergeefs geglo het. (3) Want in die eerste plek het ek aan julle oorgelewer wat ek ook ontvang het, dat Christus vir ons sondes gesterf het volgens die Skrifte; (4) en dat Hy begrawe is, en dat Hy op die derde dag opgewek is volgens die Skrifte; (5) en dat Hy aan

Céfas verskyn het; daarna aan die twaalf. Hand. 20:20-21 …hoe ek niks agtergehou het van wat nuttig is nie, om dit aan julle te verkondig en julle te onderrig in die openbaar en in julle huise, (21) terwyl ek kragtig by die Jode sowel as die Grieke aangedring het op die bekering tot God en die geloof in onse Here Jesus Christus. Jn. 3:3-6 Jesus antwoord en sê vir hom: Voorwaar, voorwaar Ek sê vir jou, as iemand nie weer gebore word nie, kan hy die koninkryk van God nie sien nie. (4) Nikodémus sê vir Hom: Hoe kan 'n mens as hy oud is, gebore word? Hy kan tog nie 'n tweede keer in die skoot van sy moeder ingaan en gebore word nie? (5) Jesus antwoord: Voorwaar, voorwaar Ek sê vir jou, as iemand nie gebore word uit water en Gees nie, kan hy in die koninkryk van God nie ingaan nie. (6) Wat uit die vlees gebore is, is vlees; en wat uit die Gees gebore is, is gees. Kol 1:13 Hy wat ons verlos het uit die mag van die duisternis en oorgebring het in die koninkryk van die Seun van sy liefde. Mat 28:18-19 En Jesus het nader gekom en met hulle gespreek en gesê: Aan My is gegee alle mag in die hemel en op aarde. (19) Gaan dan heen, maak dissipels van al die nasies, en doop hulle in die Naam van die Vader en die Seun en die Heilige Gees; en leer hulle om alles te onderhou wat Ek julle beveel het. Hand. 1:8 maar julle sal krag ontvang wanneer die Heilige Gees oor julle kom, en julle sal my getuies wees in Jerusalem sowel as in die hele Judéa en Samaría en tot aan die uiterste van die aarde. [3. Die Woord van God en bediening van die Heilige Gees as praktiese middelpunt (fokus).] Dit is van geen waarde om te sê ons glo aan die inspirasie van die Skrif en dat die Bybel die Woord van God is, maar ons pas dit nie prakties en ywerig toe nie. Ons moet ook altyd in gedagte hou dat omgang met die Skrifte en die bediening van die Heilige Gees altyd saam moet gaan in gemeentelewe en dat die een nie teenoor die ander gestel of die een ten koste van die ander beklemtoon mag word nie. Die sleutel tot kragtige gemeentelewe is Woord en Gees dinamika met die fokus op Christus en Sy versoeningswerk. Hand. 20:27 Want ek het nie nagelaat om aan julle die hele raad van God te verkondig nie. 1 Tim. 4:13 Totdat ek kom, moet jy aanhou met voorlesing, vermaning en lering. 2 Tim. 4:1-4 Ek besweer jou dan voor God en die Here Jesus Christus, wat die lewende en die dode sal oordeel by sy verskyning en sy koninkryk: 2 verkondig die woord; hou aan tydig en ontydig; weerlê, bestraf, vermaan in alle lankmoedigheid en lering; 3 want daar sal ‘n tyd wees wanneer hulle die gesonde leer nie sal verdra nie, maar, omdat hulle in hul gehoor gestreel wil wees, vir hulle ‘n menigte leraars sal versamel volgens hulle eie begeerlikhede, 4 en die oor sal afkeer van die waarheid en hulle sal wend tot fabels. Jn. 14:16 En Ek sal die Vader bid, en Hy sal julle ‘n ander Trooster gee om by julle te bly tot in ewigheid: 17 die Gees van die waarheid wat die wêreld nie kan ontvang nie, omdat dit Hom nie sien en Hom nie ken nie; maar julle ken Hom, omdat Hy by julle

bly en in julle sal wees. 18 Ek sal julle nie as wese agterlaat nie; Ek kom weer na julle toe. Rom 8:14 Want almal wat deur die Gees van God gelei word, dié is kinders van God. [4. Geen vertroue in die vlees of roem in mense nie.] Jn. 6:63 Dit is die Gees wat lewend maak, die vlees is van geen nut nie; die woorde wat Ek tot julle spreek, is gees en is lewe. Filip. 3:3 Want óns is die besnydenis, ons wat God in die Gees dien en in Christus Jesus roem en nie op die vlees vertrou nie. 1 Kor. 1:27-31 …maar wat dwaas is by die wêreld, het God uitverkies om die wyse te beskaam; en wat swak is by die wêreld, het God uitverkies om wat sterk is, te beskaam; (28) en wat onedel is by die wêreld en wat verag is, het God uitverkies, en wat niks is nie, om wat iets is, tot niet te maak, (29) sodat geen vlees voor Hom sou roem nie. (30) Maar deur Hom is julle in Christus Jesus, wat vir ons geword het wysheid uit God en geregtigheid en heiligmaking en verlossing. (31) Daarom, soos geskrywe is: Die wat roem, moet in die Here roem. [5. Liefde vir die Waarheid.] 1 Tim. 3:15 Maar as ek vertoef, dan kan jy weet hoe iemand hom moet gedra in die huis van God, wat die gemeente is van die lewende God, ’n pilaar en grondslag van die waarheid. 2 Kor. 4:2 Maar ons het van die heimlike dinge wat skandelik is, afstand gedoen, en ons wandel nie in listigheid of vervals die woord van God nie; maar deur die waarheid aan die lig te bring, beveel ons ons by elke menslike gewete voor God aan. [6. Waarskuwing teen die leuen; beide in leer en lewe (dus leerstellig en moreel).] Titus 1:9 een wat vashou aan die betroubare woord wat volgens die leer is, sodat hy in staat kan wees om met die gesonde leer te vermaan sowel as om die teësprekers te weerlê. Hand. 20:31 Daarom moet julle waak en onthou dat ek drie jaar lank nag en dag nie opgehou het om elkeen met trane te vermaan nie. 1 Tim. 4:16 Let op jouself en op die leer; volhard daarin; want deur dit te doen, sal jy jouself red sowel as die wat jou hoor. [7. Die Vier Elemente in Handelinge 2:42.] 42 En hulle het volhard in die leer van die apostels [die Woord van God] en in die gemeenskap en in die breking van die brood [Nagmaal] en in die gebede. [8. Eenvoud.] Hand. 2:46-47 En dag vir dag het hulle eendragtig volhard in die tempel en van huis tot huis brood gebreek en hulle voedsel met blydskap en eenvoudigheid van hart geniet, 47 terwyl hulle God geprys het en in guns was by die hele volk. En die Here het daagliks by die gemeente gevoeg die wat gered is. Ons hoef nie gesofistikeerd te wees, volgens wêreldse maatstawwe, om kragtig te wees in die Here nie. [9. ‘n Lewenswyse - Gemeente in die huis.] Selfs al is ‘n gemeente nie ‘n huisgemeente in die streng sin van die woord nie, moet daar tog die kenmerke van daaglikse gemeenskap van huis tot huis teenwoordig wees. Met ander woorde spontane meelewing tussen gemeentelede en in die gesin self. Hand. 2:46 En dag vir dag het hulle eendragtig volhard in die tempel en van huis tot huis brood gebreek en hulle voedsel met blydskap

en eenvoudigheid van hart geniet, Hand. 5:42 En hulle het nie opgehou om elke dag in die tempel en van huis tot huis te leer nie, en die evangelie te verkondig dat Jesus die Christus is. Rom. 16:5 Groet ook die gemeente by hulle aan huis. Groet Epénetus, my geliefde, wat die eersteling van Acháje is vir Christus. 1 Kor. 16:19 Die gemeentes van Asië groet julle. Aquila en Priscílla saam met die gemeente wat in hulle huis is, laat vir julle baie groete weet in die Here. Kol. 4:15 Groet die broeders in Laodicéa en Nimfas en die gemeente wat in sy huis is. Fil. 1:2 en aan Appia, die geliefde suster, en aan Archíppus, ons medestryder, en aan die gemeente wat in jou huis is: Ek haal vir u ‘n gedeelte aan uit ‘n preek van C.H. Spurgeon wat hierdie punt duidelik toelig. HOME CHURCHES? (C.H. Spurgeon) These first believers were in such a condition that their homes were holy places. I beg you to notice this, that they were breaking bread from house to house, and did eat their food with gladness and singleness of heart. They did not think that religion was meant only for Sundays, and for what men now-a-days call the 'House of God'. Their own houses were houses of God, and their own meals were mixed and mingled with the Lord's Supper. They elevated their meals into diets for worship. They so consecrated everything with prayer and praise that all around them was holiness unto the Lord. I wish our houses were thus dedicated to the Lord, so that we worshipped God all the day long, and made our dwellings temples for the living God. Does God need a 'special house'? He who made the heavens and the earth, does he dwell in temples made with hands? What crass ignorance is this! No house beneath the sky is more holy than the place where a Christian lives, and eats, and drinks, and sleeps, and praises the Lord in all that he does. There is no worship more heavenly than that which is presented by holy families, devoted to his fear. To sacrifice home worship to public worship   is a most evil course of action. Morning and evening devotion in a cottage is infinitely more pleasing in the sight of God than all the cathedral pomp which delights the carnal eye and ear. Every truly Christian household is a church, and as such it is competent for the discharge of any function of divine worship, whatever it may be. Are we not all priests? Why do we need to call in others to make devotion a performance? Let every man be a priest in his own house. Are you not all kings if you love the Lord? Then make your houses palaces of joy and temples of holiness. One reason why the early church had such a blessing was because her members had such homes. When we are like them we shall have "added to the church daily of the saved." [10. Verbind tot dissipelskap en die geestelike groei van die individuele gelowige.] Efes. 4:11 En Hy het gegee sommige as apostels, ander as profete, ander as evangeliste, ander as herders en leraars,12 om die heiliges toe te rus vir hulle dienswerk, tot opbouing van die liggaam van Christus, 13 totdat

ons almal kom tot die eenheid van die geloof en van die kennis van die Seun van God, tot ‘n volwasse man, tot die mate van die volle grootte van Christus;14 sodat ons nie meer kinders sou wees nie wat soos golwe geslinger en heen en weer gedryf word deur elke wind van lering, deur die bedrieëry van die mense, deur sluheid om listiglik tot dwaling te bring; 15 maar, terwyl ons in liefde die waarheid betrag, in alles sou opgroei in Hom wat die Hoof is, naamlik Christus. [11. Liggaambediening.] Efes. 4:16 …uit wie die hele liggaam—goed saamgevoeg en saamverbind deur die ondersteuning wat elke lid gee volgens die werking van elke afsonderlike deel in sy mate—die groei van die liggaam bevorder vir sy eie opbouing in liefde. 1 Kor. 14:26 Hoe staan die saak dan, broeders? Wanneer julle saamkom, dan het elkeen van julle ’n psalm of ’n lering of ’n taal of ’n openbaring of ’n uitlegging—laat alles tot stigting geskied. [12. God se hoogste doel met Sy gemeente word nooit uit die oog verloor nie; om lewende stene vir God se geestelike woning te vergader: ] Jn. 20:21 Jesus sê toe weer vir hulle: Vrede vir julle! Soos die Vader My gestuur het, stuur Ek julle ook. 2 Kor. 5:18-19 En dit alles is uit God wat ons met Homself versoen het deur Jesus Christus en ons die bediening van die versoening gegee het, 19 naamlik dat God in Christus die wêreld met Homself versoen het deur hulle hul misdade nie toe te reken nie en die woord van die versoening aan ons toe te vertrou. 1 Pet. 2:5 en laat julle ook soos lewende stene opbou, tot 'n geestelike huis, 'n heilige priesterdom, om geestelike offers te bring wat aan God welgevallig is deur Jesus Christus. Ons moet dus vir onsself die vraag vra: waarom is ek by ‘n spesifieke gemeente en is dit vir die regte redes? Let wel dat dit nie gaan oor ‘n perfekte gemeente nie, maar oor die rigting waarin die gemeente beweeg, soos hierbo uiteengesit. “It is not about perfection, but direction!” In watter rigting beweeg die gemeente? Gaan dit werklik oor die koninkryk van God of net oor die gemeente se visies, missies, ensovoorts? [AT] /

Act 18:23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Act 18:24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.

Act 18:25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

Act 18:26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Act 18:27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,

Act 18:28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

ACTS 19v1-20

Albert: ACTS 19: 1. There is tremendous movement in Acts. The Gospel will mobilise us and get us moving. When grace really gets a hold of our hearts it will compel us to speak and persuade from the Scriptures. Paul was never just content to hear that people were disciples, his aim was to make known the full counsel of God (v2). From verse 3 it seems that there was in the apostolic MONTH a very distinct link between water baptism and Spirit baptism. John's baptism pointed forward to Jesus. Believer's baptism points back to His death and burial and then ushers us into His resurrection and enthronement with resultant fullness of the Spirit. Spirit baptism will often, not always, result in tongues and prophecy. 'Reasoning and persuading' should be a prominent part of our Gospel kit (cf. 2 Tim. 3v16-17). Note that the revelation of Christ as Lord, the word of grace, and the teaching of 'the kingdom of God' are synonymous in Acts (v8). When religious people begin to negatively influence true disciples we must lead them out of the religious structures and take them to a place where they can sit under the Word of grace and be established in Christ. we must preach and teach the Word of Christ day and night so that the Word may spread widely and

deeply. We should be 'occupied with the word'! (1-10). 2. When we are truly occupied in spirit, soul, heart, mind and being with the word, God will begin to attend the word with 'extraordinary miracles'. Note that these miracles began to happen after two years of intense and sustained preaching and teaching of the Word!!! People who try to use the name of Jesus without true faith in Him will come to a terrible end. God will at times powerfully expose and show the difference between true faith and a magical superstition. This will glorify his name and cause many to confess occultic connections, and cause them to turn from idols to the living God. The aim of it all is, however, for the word of the Lord to increase and prevail (11-20)! 3. Paul's movements were under the direction of the Spirit. Paul utilised his team for maximum effect (v22). When God works powerfully there will always be opposition from the secular and/or religious world. Paul was willing to face anything for the sake of the Gospel, but he also allowed himself to be persuaded by friends to not be unwise (21-41). / CORNE: ACTS 19 1. When we work with believers, it is so important to establish whether they have the right foundations. Paul gives us the example of how he baptized people in water and prayed for baptism with the Spirit before he started to work with them. Sometimes it's necessary to take the teaching work to a place where it will be received and not resisted. In the school of Tyrannus Paul could freely teach and preach, and the result was that the whole of Asia heard the Word.(1-10) 2. The victory over darkness and evil spirits was attributed to the reign of the Word of God. 'The word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. It does not attribute this success to a person or a church. In this way, the Lord is lifted up, and not man.(11-20) 3. Pagans will always be upset if their plans for wealth are disturbed by the Gospel. It is a real test of a man's heart whether he will choose Mammon over God. (21-41) /

Act 19:1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.

Act 19:2 And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

Act 19:3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism."

Act 19:4 And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus."

Act 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Act 19:7 There were about twelve men in all.

Act 19:8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

Act 19:9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

Act 19:10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Act 19:11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,

Act 19:12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.

Act 19:13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims."

Act 19:14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.

Act 19:15 But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?"

Act 19:16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Act 19:17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.

Act 19:18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.

Act 19:19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Act 19:20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

ACTS 19v21-41

Act 19:21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

Act 19:22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

Act 19:23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.

Act 19:24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen.

Act 19:25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, "Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.

Act 19:26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods.

Act 19:27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship."

Act 19:28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

Act 19:29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel.

Act 19:30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him.

Act 19:31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater.

Act 19:32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Act 19:33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd.

Act 19:34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

Act 19:35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?

Act 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.

Act 19:37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess.

Act 19:38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

Act 19:39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.

Act 19:40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion."

Act 19:41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

CHAPTER TWENTY

ACTS 20v1-16

Albert: ACTS 20: 1. There is always encouragement in the Gospel of grace. Paul had a large team that travelled with him. Their plans and itinerary were very fluid under the direction of the HS (1-6). 2. Note that they were gathered together for the sole purpose of breaking bread...nevertheless it was also an apostolic meeting where Paul spoke (v7). Do we ever do that? Paul not only preached, he also moved in the power of the gifts, healing Eutychus...without great fanfare. The 'full blessing of the Gospel' is word, fruit, and gifts (Rom. 15v29). Note 'broke bread AND eaten' in v11. Note that apostolic meetings could at times carry on right through the night. The Gospel conquers sickness and death and hence comforts believers (v12). Why did Paul want to be at jerusalem on Pentecost (7-16)? 3. Paul had such a good relationship with the elders of churches that he could just send a message and they would all come. This was spiritual, not official. The way we live among people is most important. It is the Gospel display of the character of God that should always accompany the message (v18). We have to serve with humility and tears amidst trials and persecution. We must not shrink back in any way from declaring the whole truth of the Gospel to people. We should not only teach in public, but also in private homes even during informal visits. Our message should always require a repentance and faith response from all people, regardless of their culture. Pau was under the constraint and the direct speaking of the Spirit. We should not count our lives as precious to ourselves, but above all we have to be focused on running and finishing the course that God has set for us. Our course will (and should) always be linked with testifying to the Gospel of grace. Note that the gospel of grace and the message of the kingdom are the same (v24-25). We should also be able to say after our labour in a place that we are 'innocent of the blood of all those with whom we had contact. This can only be achieved by the proclamation of the whole counsel of God (17-27).

4. As elders we need to pay attention to ourselves and to the flock. First ourselves or else we have no message in power if our lives are out of line with the Gospel. The HS is the One who appoints overseers. We need to care for the church of God as a precious possession, because she was bought with the blood of God Himself. We must always be aware of the danger of fierce wolves in our midst who could speak twisted things and draw people away. We should watch and pray. We should also admonish 'day and night with tears' (v31). We may trust the Word of God's grace implicitly to do the work of God in and among people. A minister of the Gospel must always be free from all covetousness and willing to labour to help the weak and poor. From time to time we need to kneel down with all the saints when we pray (36). With a true work of God among people there will be weeping and emotion when we leave (28-38). / CORNE: ACTS 20 1. Paul encouraged the disciples and he went around to the churches and encouraged them as well. The prophetic speaking of Christ is encouraging and the Lord can strengthen our hearts through building our inner man in this way. (1-6) 2. Again in this passage the Word speaks of believers being comforted. This time it is through the healing of the young man who fell from the window. The Holy Spirit is our Conforter and often when we think the life is lost in a situation, we find that He is in control as He restores life and He comforts us. (7-16) 3. It is astonishing to see how Paul lived among the believers and the way he taught them. He did not only prach the word, he lived it. But when he went away he knew that wolves would come in and mislead the church. Nonetheless he had enough confidence in grace that he could commit the believers to it! (17-36) /

Act 20:1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.

Act 20:2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.

Act 20:3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

Act 20:4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.

Act 20:5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas,

Act 20:6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.

Act 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.

Act 20:8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.

Act 20:9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

Act 20:10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him."

Act 20:11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed.

Act 20:12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

Act 20:13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land.

Act 20:14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene.

Act 20:15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus.

Act 20:16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Exo. 34v22; 1 Cor. 16v8 /

ACTS 20v17-38

Act 20:17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.

Act 20:18 And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,

In his farewell message to the elders, Paul reviewed his past ministry (vv. 18–21), shared his present concerns (vv. 22–24), and revealed future dangers (vv. 28–31). One day, life will end, and we will have to give our farewell speech. Can we look back without regret and look ahead without fear?/

Act 20:19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;

Act 20:20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,

Act 20:21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

FAITH AND REPENTANCE

*  True repentance is closing and locking a specific door behind u, throwing the key away and walking towards the corresponding door of faith. Repentance is the burning of a bridge behind us. It is a radical thing that requires chopping of offending 'members'.

* Repentance is motivated by the holiness and fear of God and the facts of the gospel.

* Repentance is commanded and the time is always NOW!

* Repentance is based on death. Because ot the cross we are commanded to repent. Repentance is an active acknowledgment of our death to sin...and then on that basis the dealing with specific sins.

* Faith is opening a new door by the power of the resurrection of Christ and the ever present Spirit.

* There are thousands of doors in the Bible. They are all repentance doors on the one hand and faith doors on the other. This is how we should read the Bible. At the same time we should pray and ask for the power of the Spirit to repent and believe. / Only intelligent repentance, living faith, and tangible obedience turn the world upside down. /

Act 20:22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,

Act 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Act 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

"Lord lift us up where we belong. Where we can say with Paul: 'I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.' (Acts 20:24). Read also Gal. 6:14. [AT] /

Act 20:25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.

Act 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you,

Act 20:27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

Act 20:28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

1 Tim. 4v16 / See VIOLA commentary on 1 Tim. 5v17. /

Act 20:29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;

VERWORWE IMMUNITEITSGEBREKSINDROOM "Self weet ek dat daar ná my vertrek wrede wolwe onder julle sal indring, en hulle sal die kudde nie spaar nie. Selfs uit julle eie geledere sal daar mense na vore kom wat, deur verdraaide dinge te verkondig, die gelowiges sal probeer verlei om hulle te volg. Daarom: Wakkerloop! Onthou dat ek vir drie jaar lank sonder ophou vir elkeen van julle die

regte koers aangedui het, dag en nag, en met trane.” Hand. 20:29-31 (NLV) Kan ons nie net glo soos kindertjies en alles vir soetkoek opeet wat lyk soos 'n geestelike boodskap of wat vir ons van kansels en deur die massamedia opgedis word nie? Kan ons nie maar net kerktradisies en denominasionele dogma heel insluk sonder om te kou nie? Die kort antwoord is, 'nee'. Kinderlike geloof en beoordeling van waarheid staan nooit teenoor mekaar in die Bybel nie. Hoekom is dit nodig om voortdurend boodskappe te toets en te beoordeel, om te onderskei en te "waak" oor waarheid en ons eie harte soos Jesus en die apostels oor en oor beveel het? Want net soos daar 'n menigte "goggas" is wat jou liggaam wil aftakel, is daar 'n baie slinkse geestelike vyand wat die boodskap van die evangelie op allerhande maniere verdraai en ons wil voer met sy leuens. Ons liggame het 'n immuunstelsel wat die "goggas" veg. Net so het God vir ons 'n immuunstelsel gegee om geestelike "goggas" te veg. Die Woord van God wat jy in jou hart bewaar en bely met jou mond is die "swaard van die Gees" (Efes. 6:17). As jou liggaam se immuunstelsel skielik afskakel, het jy groot probleme, my vriend. Net so is dit fataal om jou geestelike immuunstelsel te verloor of te misken dat jy een nodig het. Die kerk oor die wêreld lei ongelukkig grotendeels aan geestelike VIGS ("verworwe immuniteitsgebreksindroom") en dit raak al hoe erger. Die probleem met baie leraars van ons generasie is nie net dat hulle verkeerde dinge leer nie, maar dat hulle verder gaan en dissipels van Jesus afraai om boodskappe te toets en onderskei. Hulle versprei sodoende geestelike VIGS. Ons moet wakker word en reguit loop, in lyn met die duidelike bakens wat vir ons gegee word in die Woord van God. Glo alles wat in die Bybel staan soos 'n kind, met totale oorgawe en 'n rein gemoed en bly by die eenvoud van die openbaring van Jesus (Heb. 1v1-3). Maar moenie alles wat geestelik klink of wat van kansels gepredik en geleer word glo soos 'n kind nie. “Beproef alle dinge; behou die goeie” (1 Thes. 5:21). [AT] /

Act 20:30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

Note that these men draw away the disciples of Jesus after themselves. They make these men disciples of themselves. In contrast Paul said ‘we do not preach ourselves’ and ‘I betrothed you to one husband’. [AT] / DIE WARE WOLWE TEEN WIE ONS MOET WAAK"Ek weet dat daar ná my vertrek wrede wolwe onder julle sal indring, en hulle sal die kudde nie ontsien nie. Ja, uit julle eie geledere sal daar mense na vore kom wat met leuens die gelowiges agter hulle aan sal probeer verlei." Handelinge 20:29-30 Die satan kom soos 'n engel van die lig (2 Kor. 11:14). Sy misleiding is subtiel. Sy misleiding is dikwels binne-in gemeentes, onder die kudde, deur dit wat so 'normaal en liefdevol' voorkom. Paulus se bediening is by uitstek 'n voorbeeld van die veilige benadering wat ons waaksaam en weerbaar kan maak teen hierdie gevaarlike misleidings. Paulus was 'n geroepe apostel en 'n baie sterk leier, maar ten alle tye het hy sy uiterste bes gedoen om mense dissipels van Jesus te maak, nie van homself nie. Tog is Paulus is in sy eie tyd gedurig aangeval deur leiers wat gepoog het om gelowiges onder hulle eie invloed te hou, terwyl hulle óók die naam van Jesus gebruik het, let wel! Hulle het waarskynlik vir Paulus 'n wolf genoem wat gelowiges voor versigtig moet wees. Maar wie was die ware wolwe? Leiers wat hulle lewe gee om mense ware dissipels van Jesus te maak wat aan Hom alleen lojaal is, is nie die wolwe nie. Die wolwe is die leiers wat subtiel gelowiges se lojaliteit verdeel tussen Jesus en hulleself, kerke, tradisies, en historiese figure. Wees wakker, alles is nie soos dit voorkom in hierdie lewe nie. Onderskei vir jouself of leiers en kerke werklik mense dissipels van Jesus maak en of hulle hul dissipels van hulleself maak. Daar is iets soos lojaliteit aan die mense saam met wie ek 'n pad stap en respek vir leierskap, maar daardie lojaliteit en leierskap is áltyd ondergeskik aan my eksklusiewe en radikale lojaliteit aan Jesus alleen. Hou ook net in gedagte dat daar onkunde by

sekere leiers kan wees, omdat hulle dalk self geskool is in 'n sisteem wat mense dissipels van ander mense en van kerke maak en nie van beter weet nie. Dit beteken dan egter nie dat ons nie reguit kan praat met sulke leiers en kan toets waar hulle in werklikheid staan nie. Dit is nie opsioneel nie. Dit is ons elkeen se verantwoordelikheid. [AT] /

Act 20:31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

Rev. 16v15 /

Act 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Cf. v32b with Jas. 1v21b / THE WORD OF HIS GRACE Acts 20:32  “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” The apostle Paul spoke these words to the Ephesian elders after three years of ministry in Ephesus.  In the last verse of this chapter, it says that they would ‘see his face no more’.  This was a farewell and therefore the words that Paul spoke to them on this occasion were solemn and weighty.   In this context, he says to them that he commends them to ‘God and the word of His grace’.  He could have commended them to some apostolic leader that he trusted or to a specific ecclesiastical order of worship or brilliant strategy, but instead he commends them to God Himself and specifically to the word of His grace. Paul had enough trust in the merits of the eternal gospel to know that it had the ability to not only sustain believers, but also to build them up.  For three years he diligently taught them the message of God’s grace.  This grace called them, washed them, justified them, sanctified them, placed them in Christ Jesus, and hence also had the power to keep them and build them up.  In Colossians one verse six Paul says to those believers that the gospel brought forth fruit among them since the day

they ‘heard and knew the grace of God in truth’.  Paul placed no trust in the flesh or in man’s ability to sustain and inspire people.  The success of his ministry was directly related to the power of the gospel and the inherent ability of the word of God’s grace to stir the hearts of men and women.   Even though he was the apostle to the gentiles and a man with tremendous gifts, he did not place his trust in that.  He did not even place his trust in a specific church model, helpful though that may be in certain contexts.  He had an intense focus on one thing only and that was the power of the grace of God revealed in the gospel.  Hebrews 13 verse nine says that it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by various and strange doctrines. Perhaps it is time for the church of God to take these Scriptures at face value.  Do we not often trust human plans, organisation, and dynamic leadership to do what only the word of God can do?  Should we not rather focus our efforts on the revelation of the word of God’s grace in order for that word to do its mighty work in and amongst us?  I leave that question with you for prayerful consideration. Quote of the Day:  “There is no substitute in ministry for the inward working of the grace of God in the heart of man.” / HERWIN DIE GEKAAPTE GENADE-BOODSKAP Genade is per Bybelse definisie net beskikbaar vir die nederiges wat weet hoe afhanklik hulle van God is. "Maar Hy gee groter genade; daarom sê Hy: God weerstaan die hoogmoediges, maar aan die nederiges gee Hy genade." Jakobus 4:6 Genade is nie meer genade as 'n mens dink jy verdien dit omdat jy intrinsieke waarde of enige kwaliteit in jouself het wat God se genade as't ware aktiveer of Hom onder verpligting plaas om dit vir jou te gee nie. Genade kan net die onmiskenbare dankbare respons lewer in die hart van mense wat gesien het dat hulle heeltemal verlore en onder God se oordeel is. Verder bring die Bybelse verstaan van genade ons nie net by gebrokenheid en dan geloof nie, maar dit bly ook deurgaans die bron en impetus van ons lewe en groei as dissipels van Jesus. Daarom is dit so krities belangrik vir ons om die genade-boodskap wat deur satan gekaap is te herwin. Ons het nodig om die hele spektrum van die genade-boodskap te heroorweeg en te hersien. Van die manier wat ons ongelowiges blootstel aan die evangelie van genade tot die volle werk van genade in alle aspekte van die lewe van 'n dissipel. In Handelinge 20 sê Paulus vir die ouderlinge in Efese in effek dat dit slegs deur "die woord van sy genade" is wat God alle dissipels opbou en 'n erfenis in die koninkryk gee. "En nou, broeders, dra ek julle op aan God en aan die woord van sy genade, wat magtig is om julle op te bou en julle ‘n erfdeel te gee onder al die geheiligdes." Handelinge 20:32 Ons geestelike groei en oorwinning is volgens hierdie en baie soortgelyke tekste totaal afhanklik van 'n suiwer verstaan van die genade-boodskap van die evangelie. Kan iets daarom meer dringend wees vir die gemeente van God as om die gekaapte genade-boodskap te herwin? /

Act 20:33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

Act 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.

Act 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Act 20:36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Acts 21v5; Eph. 3v14 /As Paul reviewed his ministry in Acts 20:24–26, he saw himself as an accountant (“I count”), a runner (“I may finish my race”), a steward (“the ministry which I received”), a witness (“to testify”), a herald (“preaching the kingdom”), and a watchman (“innocent of the blood”). What a responsibility it is to be a servant of God! /

Act 20:37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him,

Act 20:38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

ACTS 21v1-26

Albert: ACTS 21: 1. Note the simplicity of the statement in v4, 'having sought out the disciples'. Apostolic teams should also consider themselves as only brothers seeking fellowship with other brothers. Even the apostles must then also be ready to receive ministry from the disciples (v4b). Felloswhip is a family thing including the wives and children (v5). Once again they knelt to pray. Evangelists can also be deacons and vice versa (v8). Prophets can introduce their prophecy with 'thus says the HS' (v11). Disciples should always honour the conscience of the individual believer (v14). Sometimes disciples spontaneously accompanied the apostolic teams to their next port of call (1-16). 2. 'Brothers' is the most used designation for believers in the NT. We must always maintain this brotherhood in our hearts above all other identifications for fellow believers. Paul and his team went in to James and the elders to greet them and report all the Lord had done among the Gentiles. The reply of James reveals, however, that he was still very much under the old covenant economy and not at all clear about the 'law of Christ' alone. We must be most careful to not allow ourselves to be drawn into the religious zeal of those who do not see clearly, no matter who they are! Even the mighty Paul was drawn into this OT purification which was a blunt denial of grace. James himself was probably buckling under the pressure of the Jewish legalists. We need to clearly understand that the battle for grace and righteousness is the primary battle for the citadel of our hearts. If this battle is lost there is no way that Christ can be formed in us for the glorification of God through the human vessel unto the realisation of His NT economy (17-26). 3. The whole plan of James backfired completely and God sovereignly intervened to show that He was not at all pleased with the scheming of James and Paul. It is impossible to satisfy the legalists, anyway. They will always find something to accuse us of. Religion can never be mollified and we should not try to please men, but rather our Father who bought us with the blood of His Son. Paul was being beaten senseless by the legalists when God intervened via the Roman authorities (27-36). 4. Paul was always looking for an opportunity to make known the Gospel. Even after being severely beaten by the crowd he still had the desire to speak to them about the message of life (37-40). / CORNE CELL: ACTS 21. 1. Sometimes the Lord warns us of suffering, like He did Paul. Paul was not deterred, even though He knew what lay ahead. The Lord teaches us to have peace in all circumstances, we must trust Him, even though it seems things are against us. Paul was ready to die, because he was already living as a dead man. 2. Paul related to the brothers in Jerusalem the work that the Lord has done. It is good for Christians to get a wider perspective of the Lord's dealings in other places, as He is working all over the world. This gives us a sense of humility, as He alone can do such a wondrous work.(17-26) 3. The age old battle rages between religion and relationship. Paul was falsely accused and beaten

by religion, and almost killed. Whether Paul did what was right in taking the vows or not, he was falsely accused. Religion will always target a man or woman who wants to be completely given over to the Lord, but through it all the Lord works His purposes to be seen. (27-36) 4. Paul uses every opportunity to preach the gospel. He preaches in season and out of season. (37-40) /

Act 21:1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

Act 21:2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.

Act 21:3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo.

Act 21:4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

Act 21:5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed

Act 21:6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

Act 21:7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.

Act 21:8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

Act 21:9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.

Act 21:10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

Act 21:11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

Act 21:12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Act 21:14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."

Act 21:15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.

Act 21:16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Act 21:17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

Act 21:18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.

Act 21:19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Act 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law,

Experiences in Samaria (Acts 8) and Peter’s visit with Cornelius and his household (Acts 10—11) have prepared the church to delight in the manifest progress of the Gospel among the Gentiles. /It is this passage that is especially controverted, for does not Paul himself say that he is flexible on such matters (1 Cor. 9:19-23; Gal.)? Yet before we write off the Jerusalem elders and Paul himself for massive inconsistency, or Luke for making up stories, observe: (a) The initial charge is that Paul exhorts all Jews in the Diaspora to abandon circumcision and the Law of Moses. That he does not do. He refuses to allow circumcision and kosher observance to become a test of spirituality, but he does not advocate universal abandonment of the Law. He himself circumcised Timothy to advance the communication of the Gospel. (b) One suspects that the biggest fear of some conservative Jews was that Paul would desecrate the temple (21:27-29). The elders therefore sought to show that while he was in Jerusalem Paul was a carefully observant Jew, even paying for the temple purification rites of others. After all, neither Paul nor the Jerusalem leaders imposed full observance on all Christian believers (21:25; cf. Acts 15; see vol. 1, meditation for July 28). So in the providence of God, Paul is arrested. Thus he arrives, for the first time, in Rome, and the Gospel is heard in Caesar’s courts. /

Act 21:21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.

Act 21:22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.

Act 21:23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;

See Numbers 6 /

Act 21:24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.

CR: Acts 16v1-3, 18v18; 1 Cor. 9v19-23 /

Act 21:25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality."

Act 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

ACTS 21v27-40

Act 21:27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,

Act 21:28 crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."

Note very carefully the 3 contentious issues: 1. the exclusivity of Israel (vs the new creation) 2. the law (vs Christ being both justifier & sanctifier) 3. the temple (vs the church as God's temple ). /

Act 21:29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.

Act 21:30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.

Act 21:31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Act 21:32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

Act 21:33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.

Act 21:34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.

Act 21:35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd,

Act 21:36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, "Away with him!"

Act 21:37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek?

Act 21:38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?"

Act 21:39 Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people."

Act 21:40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

ACTS 22v1-16

Albert: ACTS 22: 1. We should if possible speak the language of the people we address. Interestingly he calls them 'brothers and fathers', obviously in the natural. This was an example of becoming all things to all men in order to win them over. He begins with the statement 'I am a Jew...' He acknowledges that they are 'zealous for God', but then proceeds to show them it is an unenlightened zeal (Rom. 10v2). He refers to the faith as 'this Way'. This Way according to him is a Person, Jesus the Christ! Religion puts people in bonds and punishes them if they do not comply with their rules and regulations (v5 and Gal. 4v29). Paul often used his personal history in Judaism and then the Damascus experience to lay the foundation for his preaching of Christ. We too can use our history in religion and then the revelation of Christ for the same purpose. Jesus is called 'the Righteous One' (v14). He is the only righteous one who ever lived after the fall and we can only be righteous in Him. Our ministry should also come from what we have 'seen and heard' (v15). Once again water baptism is immediate...'why do you wait?' (V16). Paul intertwines his connection with the practices of Judaism (praying in the temple etc) with the personal walk with Christ to show that he was under new government and had to obey. The moment he mentioned his calling to the Gentiles his troubles began. The Jews of the day were narrow and very sectarian, not willing to share their heritage with the nations. 2. Religion hates the ground of oneness and will kill to preserve their sectarian stance. We should not hesitate to use the secular law to defend ourselves and our mission if necessary (v25). God will give us opportunities to testify of Christ before religious councils (v30). / CORNE: ACTS 22. 1. Paul gives his testimony and uses each opportunity to preach of Christ. His natural lineage was of the best, and yet he counted it loss, for Christ was his gain. Paul had a vision of Christ as the Messiah, which forever changed his life. In the same way, when we see Christ, we will never be the same again. We cannot continue as before, and we will never be able to just do 'business as usual'. Because we are changed from the inside, religion will see the light and will be offended. Religion will always be offended with a kind of worship that do not arise from works. Religion will also be offended with a way that no longer judges according to the flesh. When Paul said that he was sent to the gentiles, the Jews lost their marbles, because it went against their judgement of people from a human perspective. Thank God, He no longer sees us that way. (1-21) 2. The world is often mystified by religious persecution. The Romans couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. What they do understand, however, is a person's human achievements or status, like being a Roman citizen. On the one hand, religion wants religious prestige, on the other hand, the world wants human prestige. Both stem from the self-route, and therefore dependence on God is frowned upon. But Paul does not regard any one of these two, for whomever is in Christ, is a new creation, the old things have passed away. (22-30) /

Act 22:1 "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you."

Act 22:2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

Act 22:3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.

'Zealous for God' but it was a zeal without knowledge (Rom. 10v2). [AT] /

Act 22:4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,

Act 22:5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

Act 22:6 "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.

Act 22:7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'

Act 22:8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'

Act 22:9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.

Act 22:10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'

Act 22:11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

Act 22:12 "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

Act 22:13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him.

Act 22:14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;

Act 22:15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.

Act 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'

ACTS 22v17-30

Act 22:17 "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

Act 22:18 and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.'

Act 22:19 And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.

Act 22:20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.'

Act 22:21 And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"

Act 22:22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live."

Act 22:23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,

Act 22:24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.

Act 22:25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?"

Act 22:26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen."

Act 22:27 So the tribune came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" And he said, "Yes."

Act 22:28 The tribune answered, "I bought this citizenship for a large sum." Paul said, "But I am a citizen by birth."

Act 22:29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

Act 22:30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

Why did he only unbind him the next day if he was so afraid? /

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

ACTS 23v1-22

Albert: ACTS 23: Sometimes civil authorities and religious authorities work together to put believers under pressure. Compare Paul's statement here with Phil. 3v6b. Paul's statement seemed so farfetched in the light of his anti-Judaic evangelistic zeal for the Gentiles, etc. Religion sometimes reacts out of sheer malice without listening properly. Paul was quick to see the inconsistency in the actions of Ananias. He probably apologised for calling Ananias a 'whitewashed wall', not for the statement itself. The statement was accurate. Paul did not want to go against the Word in any way whatsoever. We should uphold the righteousness of the Scriptures at all times. We may at times pit two religious groups against one another to escape persecution and thus advance the Gospel (v6). Paul was well aware of the contentious nature of religion and that they just vied for an advantage over their religious counterparts. Religion is sick! The dogs turned against each other (v10). At crucial times the

Lord will encourage us. We must never forget that our mission is to testify to the facts about Him (1-11)! 2. Religious people are not only murderers, but also scheming and lying snakes. God will at times sovereignly arrange for us to escape the claws of religion (12-22). 3. Sometimes the secular authorities have to defend us against the religious authorities. Undoubtedly as a general rule religious people are more vicious than secular people (23-35). / CORNE: ACTS 23. 1. Paul testified of the Lord in Jerusalem, in the midst of great tribulation and in highly stressful situations. The councils of men may sit to judge us, but ultimately the Lord decides whether He is satisfies with our life. The Lord encouraged Paul by saying that He wants him to testify also in Rome, thus in a way He confirmed that what befell Paul in Jerusalem, was working for the good of the gospel. (1-11) 2. The plans of the wicked are open before God. Their snares will not capture the righteous and what is hidden will become clear as day. (12-22) 3. Paul was completely given over to the Lord, and in His hand he has been molded in many ways and through many sufferings. He has learnt to be content in all circumstances and here he is dragged to a Roman court. But he already knew the Lord was in it, because he was encouraged by the Spirit before it happened. Thank God for the Encourager standing by our sides in times of trouble. Now we can also encourage those with the same encouragement we have received in difficult times.(23-35) /

Act 23:1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day."

Act 23:2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

Act 23:3 Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?"

Act 23:4 Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God's high priest?"

Act 23:5 And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.'"

Acts 23:5b - 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.' (EXODUS 22:28)"

Act 23:6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."

Act 23:7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Act 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

Act 23:9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, "We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?"

Act 23:10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

Act 23:11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."

Act 23:12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Act 23:13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy.

Act 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul.

Act 23:15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near."

Act 23:16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

Act 23:17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him."

Act 23:18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, "Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you."

Act 23:19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Act 23:20 And he said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.

Act 23:21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent."

Act 23:22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of these things."

ACTS 23v23-35

Act 23:23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, "Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.

Act 23:24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor."

Act 23:25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:

Act 23:26 "Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.

Act 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen.

Act 23:28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council.

Act 23:29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.

Act 23:30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him."

Act 23:31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

Act 23:32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him.

Act 23:33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him.

Act 23:34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

Act 23:35 he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

ACTS 24v1-14

Albert: ACTS 24: 1. Religion always accuses. It will do virtually anything to make itself look squeaky clean and virtuous just so that it can make a better case against its opponents. Religion lives in the realm of evil suspicions. It is spawned in the domain of darkness, where the father of lies is always ready to spin another tall tale with a view to destroying the reputations of righteous people who stand on the Gospel. Religion will even compliment those they hate if these are the ones in power and the situation demands it for the accusation of their opponents. Hypocrisy is the lifeblood of religion. We must be ready to be called 'a plague' by religion. In fact we should be worried if they do not call us 'a plague'. We should plainly and simply state the facts of a case when we are accused, but then we should unequivocally take our stand on the Gospel and testify of the life! It seems then that it was ultimately the Pharisees and not the Sadducees primarily who kept accusing Paul (v15). We should be aware that a good conscience should not only be maintained in the here and now, but is necessary also in light of the life after this one (v16 with reference to v15). In v21 Paul

is probably saying that his statement about the resurrection is what caused all the trouble and it was the primary reason for the current dispute before Felix (1-21). 2. Felix had some knowledge of the Way and it seems he was more interested to hear more about this than he had with regard to the details of the accusations against Paul. We must always keep in mind when we are accused that God sovereignly arranges these matters so that we can testify of the GOSPEL. We must focus on this and keep our thoughts and words centered there, the death and resurrection of Jesus! Now Felix brings his wife to also hear Paul. Paul emphasised faith in Jesus, but he did so against the backdrop of our response-ability to the Gospel and the coming judgment on this basis. We should always do the same. Felix was a sad case of a man who was stirred somehow by the Gospel, but who would not pay the price to believe in it and adjust his life accordingly (22-27). / CORNE: ACTS 24. 1. It is interesting to note that Tertullus, the spokesman for the Jews, is a real politician and starts off by complementing Felix. Meanwhile we all know the Jews hated the Romans. This is the lying spirit that goes with religion, and can also be seen in the way they lied about Paul. Paul's reactiin is refreshing. He just state the facts as they are without trying to curry favour with Felix. If God is for us, who can be against us? (1-21) 2. Paul talked to Felix about righteousness, self-control and the coming judgement. He proclaimed the whole council of God, ie past, present, future. We must always have these things in balance: our hope springs from Christ in the eternal past where the Lamb was slain for us (past), Christ in us is the hope of glory now (present), and we will be like Him and see Him as He is (future), and He will save us from the wrath to come. So: He saved us, He saves us, and He will save us! Of Him, through Him and to Him are all things. (22-27) /

Act 24:1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.

Act 24:2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation,

Act 24:3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.

Act 24:4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.

Act 24:5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

Act 24:6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him [and we would have judged him according to our law.]

Act 24:7 [But the chief captain Lysias came and with great violence took him out of our hands,]

Act 24:8 [commanding his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him."

Act 24:9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

Act 24:10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.

Act 24:11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

Act 24:12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city.

Act 24:13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me.

Act 24:14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

ACTS 24v15-27

Act 24:15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

Act 24:16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.

Act 24:17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.

Act 24:18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia--

Act 24:19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me.

Act 24:20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council,

Act 24:21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'"

Act 24:22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case."

Act 24:23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

Act 24:24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

Act 24:25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."

Act 24:26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.

Act 24:27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

For two years he is torn between a desire to repent and a desire for a bribe. In eternity, how will Felix assess those two years? /

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

ACTS 25v1-12

Albert: ACTS 25: 1. Religion has a long memory and a sustained animosity against men who speak the truth. After two years they still wanted to kill Paul. Religion is in the business of accusation. They always have long lists of charges and usually they cannot prove them (v7). Once again it seems that they were whining about the 'law and the temple' being desecrated by Paul. Paul plainly and simply stated that he did not commit an offense against religion or the state. Political leaders are just concerned about pleasing men (v9). We must speak the truth plainly and simply and if necessary use legal means the way Paul did (v11b). Festus had no choice but to yield to the request of a Roman citizen (1-12). 2. The resurrection was and still is the lynchpin of the Gospel in terms of its power to save (v19). God can arrange for us to testify of the Gospel before kings and dignitaries (v23). They had no real charges to bring against Paul, just the rantings and ravings of religion (13-27). / CORNE: ACTS 25 1. With the Jews it was more of the same in terms of the false accusations against Paul. He defends himself in such a level headed calm way, stating the facts and clearly pointing out the gaps in their arguments. The Lord already prepared his heart to go to Rome (23:11), so he knew he had to appeal to Ceasar. This protected him from the ambush the Jews wanted to lay for him to kill him. Praise God for His protection and the way He goes before us to make a way out. (1-12) 2. The accusations of religion is always a lot of hot air, with no substance to it. But in this process of being sent from one person to the other, opportunities are given to Paul to preach the gospel. We never know where we may end up, even in front of prominent people like kings, but we must use the opportunities to declare the truth of God. (13-27) /

Act 25:1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

Act 25:2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him,

Act 25:3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem--because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.

Act 25:4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly.

Act 25:5 "So," said he, "let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him."

Act 25:6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.

Act 25:7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.

Act 25:8 Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense."

Act 25:9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?"

Act 25:10 But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.

Act 25:11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar."

Act 25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, "To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go."

ACTS 25V13-27

Act 25:13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.

Act 25:14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix,

Act 25:15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.

Act 25:16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.

Act 25:17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.

Act 25:18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.

Act 25:19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.

Act 25:20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.

Act 25:21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."

Act 25:22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," said he, "you will hear him."

Act 25:23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

Act 25:24 And Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.

Act 25:25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.

Act 25:26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.

Act 25:27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him."

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

ACTS 26V1-16

Albert: ACTS 26: 1. Religion is supposed to give life to people, but very often all it can offer is 'customs and controversies' (v3). Paul took a very clever angle, using the 'hope of the Pharisees' as the lynchpin of his argument. His logic concerning the resurrection is

irrefutable. Why believe in a God who cannot raise the dead? What's the point of that? Once again the resurrection is central. Take note. Religion kills, it punishes, it incites to blasphemy and then punishes for blasphemy, it persecutes furiously, and it pursues over land and sea. Religion cannot let true believers be. It puts itself under obligation to restrict the freedom of true believers (Gal. 4v29). It cannot sleep properly when there are still people who dwell in freedom (1-11). 2. Religion feels safe under the authority of its 'chief priests', considering it to be legitimate authority from God. Before the King of kings (the true authority), however religion falls to the ground in fear. Religion thinks it's persecuting people, but in fact it is persecuting Jesus. Hence their persecution is a very dangerous thing, for them. Jesus is fully identified with His Body, for we are flesh of His flesh and bone of His bones. God can reveal to a man his full calling, even at the point of conversion. True ministry is all about witnessing to the things we have seen (v16). We are under God's protection until we have fulfilled our ministry. True ministry opens the eyes of people and causes them to turn form darkness to light. God's desire is for people to receive forgiveness of sins and to be sanctified by faith in Christ. Believe this and speak it! True ministry flows from the 'heavenly vision'. True ministry demands repentance and good deeds in the light of the Gospel. Religion persecutes us when we tell them that they lack something and need to repent (v21). They hate to be told that they are missing something, because the foundation of religion is pride and self-righteousness. Paul was always ready to point out that he was just saying what the OT said. The natural man cannot compute the death-and-resurrection message (v24). Festus completely misunderstood the driving force behind the man Paul. It was not great learning, but great Gospel passion. Paul had no fear to speak boldly to the king. At times, if the HS leads thus, we may draw out faith from people by proclaiming it (v27). Paul was driven by just one thing, and that was his desire to make all men see the freedom and glory in the Gospel. Even the secular authorities could see that Paul was innocent, but religion relentlessly seeks guilt and thrives on accusation (12-32). / CORNE: ACTS 26. 1. Paul makes his defense based on the fact that he hoped in God's promised Messiah and that He raises from the dead. Ressurrection is what it comes down to and is our hope for a future full of glory. Not only do we hope in ressurrection one day, but we hope for it in our lives and believe that after death we will experience life. We can always hope, because the life follows after the death of the kernel of wheat. (1-11) 2. Saul had such a clear revelation of Christ, it completely steered his life in a new direction. When we too see Christ revealed, we are His forever and we cannot but go where He sends us and do what He asks. Even as Paul followed this vision into imprisonment and standing before the highest authorities, we have nothing to fear, because we have seen and we have a hope. When Paul saw Christ, he also saw the unity of the body with Christ, for the Lord showed him that if he persecutes the body, he is persecuting Him, Who is the Head. If people persecute us, they also persecute the Lord and we need not fear, for He is far above all principalities and powers. Even though Paul went through many things for the Lord and the Gospel, he never waivered from the true Heavenly Vision. May we stay true, even though things are tough. /

Act 26:1 So Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

Act 26:2 "I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,

Act 26:3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

Act 26:4 "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.

Act 26:5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.

Act 26:6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,

V 6-7 It is interesting that Paul focuses here on the hope of the gospel. /

Act 26:7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!

Uninterrupted worship & commitment is the norm. /

Act 26:8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

Act 26:9 "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Paul's mention of 'the name' in this context is very revealing. It shows that the reputation of Jesus should be our concern and hence we should confess His name. /

Act 26:10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.

Act 26:11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Act 26:12 "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.

Act 26:13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.

Act 26:14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

Act 26:15 And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

Act 26:16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,

ACTS 26V17-32

Act 26:17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you

Act 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Act 26:19 "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

WHAT IS THE HEAVENLY VISION OF ACTS 26V19 THAT GOVERNED PAUL'S LIFE AND MINISTRY? It must be linked with Eph. 3v11, Eph. 2v19-22, Col.1v19-20 and 27, 2 Cor. 5v16, Rom. 1v9, Phil. 3v3, and Rev. 21v1-4. There are three basic elements in this heavenly vision: 1. God is building a SPIRITUAL temple. As opposed to an earthly physical temple with all its trappings and focus on an earthly priesthood, this natural life being sorted out, etc. 2. God is

building this temple BY CHRIST in the believer and in His Body. It is in our knowing our identitiy in Him and knowing Him intimately in His resurrection and sufferings that we are being built up. As opposed to knowing Christ outwardly, according to the flesh, or knowing just the types, shadows and rituals surrounding Him. 3. In God's building of this spiritual temple He is focused on and He uses as building material the regenerated human spirit (Rom. 1v9). This happens, though, through the renewing of the mind and the transformation of the soul so that the spirit may be expressed and not hampered. As opposed to focusing on the soul (and the body, circumstamces, etc) and the changing of the soul and its behaviour. Instead of understanding change is effected from the inside out. [AT] / Profound revelation received today about key to the spiritual life. It is all about loving Jesus. The heavenly vision that Paul speaks of in Acts 26. Cross references: 2 Cor. 3v18; Heb. 12v2; Gal. 3v1-5. ''Hearing of faith'' refers to everything Jesus is and our simple response to that. This brings the fullness of the Spirit, for Jesus is the baptizer with the HS. The result is Rom. 5v5, a life constantly animated by love. The question in life is thus very simple: ''What would please Jesus.'' No other question is required. Without this first love we are a clanging cymbal. The order of spiritual growth in the soul is as follows. Jesus above all else, then the fullness of the HS and consequently a life of love leading to true church life and evangelism. The alternative is powerless religion. Theology must never be doctrine without passion. It then becomes loose pieces without the heavenly vision. It is utterly without merit. It is a form of godliness. [AT] / In a sense Paul's prayers recorded in Eph., Col., Phil., Thes., etc. were prayers for the churches to receive a revelation of the apostolic vision of Christ and the Church that governed Paul's entire life and ministry (Acts 26v19). There is no substitute for this in the church life. It is crucial for the restoration of NT church life that we build on apostolic vision. The modern-day apostolic gift is meant to pioneer the unveiling of the vision of the NT apostles so that the other gifts in Eph. 4v11 may build together with apostles under that vision. [AT] / TRANSFORMASIE DEUR DIE HEMELSE GESIG: Moses Daniel Jesaja Petrus, Johannes & Jakobus Paulus 2 Kor. 3v18; Gal. 3v1-5; Jesus die doper in die HG; 2 Pet. 1v15-19; 1 Jn. 1v1-3 [AT] / This vision of the resurrected Christ became the governing power of Paul's life and ministry. His entire ministry was based on this vision. Here is the spiritual progression: Christ (Gal. 3v1-5)-- the Spirit of love (2 Cor. 3v18; Rom. 5v5 & 2 Cor. 5v14) -- the church. [AT] / THE HEAVENLY VISION JOHN 14:19  "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me.  Bacause I live, you will live also."  ACTS 26:19  "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was no disobedient to the heavenly vision." When Paul was on his way to Damascus to destroy the believers in Jesus, the resurrected Lord Himself supernaturally confronted him.  Whilst describing this event to king Agrippa years later, Paul refers to it as 'the heavenly vision'.  He also states that he was from then on not disobedient to the heavenly vision.  How delightfully simple this is.  Paul saw his entire Christian life in all of its intricate detail as a simple obedience to the vision that he had of Christ.  In a very real sense this is

the biblical standard for everyone who ever placed his or her trust in Jesus alone.  In our verse from the gospel of John we see that Jesus said 'the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me'.  This has a dual application.  On the one hand Jesus was speaking of the appearance that He would make to some of His disciples after His resurrection.  He did not show Himself to the world.  On the other hand He was referring to the Holy Spirit that would come to indwell all believers after His ascension.  The Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us and within us, and this is our 'heavenly vision' of the Lord Jesus.  Our responsibility as believers can thus be summed up as a simple obedience to the Person and instructions of the Lord Jesus as given by the Holy Spirit, normally through the Word. In the day that we live in this concept of 'vision' is spoken of so often in the church that it sometimes loses all its meaning.  It is true that every church should have a specific vision, but if that vision is not intimately related to the vision of Jesus in every individual believer's heart, it is all quite futile.  Let us ever remind ourselves that our main responsibility as believers entails an implicit obedience to the heavenly vision of Christ, as revealed by the Holy Spirit within us. Quote of the Day:  "The corporate vision of a church can never be stronger than the depth of Christ-revelation in the hearts of the individual members." / When vision governs us, our lives are properly controlled and directed. When there is no vision, then our lives are spent in vanity. First comes vision; then comes a controlled and directed life in practical service. It was vision that gave Paul direction and caused him to spread the gospel and build up local churches in an ever-increasing sphere. The apostle Paul was under a mandate because he was under vision. /

Act 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

Act 26:21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

Act 26:22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:

Act 26:23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."

Act 26:24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind."

Act 26:25 But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.

Act 26:26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.

Act 26:27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

Act 26:28 And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?"

Act 26:29 And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am--except for these chains."

Act 26:30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.

Act 26:31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, "This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment."

Act 26:32 And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

ACTS 27V1-22

Albert: ACTS 27: 1. Paul was on his way to Rome, seemingly under the direction of man, but as we know under the sovereign hand of God. Paul's team accompanied him even in his imprisonment. We should stay with one another through thick and thin in the joined mission of evangelism. The kindness of Julius (v3) was actually the kindness of God. God gave Paul a word of knowledge, but it was not heeded by the pagans. God wanted to display His wisdom and glory, however. Journeys were slow and painstaking in those days. We should slow down our clock a bit and be more patient in our mission (1-12). 2. God was in control of the storm all along. Once again Paul receives a word of knowledge. This time he reminds them that they should have listened to him the first time. God always has the last say. In every crisis we should trust the Lord for a WORD OF KNOWLEDGE! Even if it should come via an angel! Paul obviously stayed in close communion with the Lord 24/7. God reveals His will to those who LISTEN. Paul was most probably petitioning the Lord constantly. God supernaturally revealed his will. Just like Paul we need to be so aware that we 'belong' to God, and secondly that we therefore are engaged in 24/7 worship of Him (1 Cor. 10v31). This is the reality of the Christian state of being, and it should therefore be our state of MIND. Paul boldly communicated what he saw and his unfailing faith in God's communication to him. Christians who listen to God will naturally lead others in every crisis that might arise. When we are under the reign and the rhema of God, there is no need to take matters into our own hands (v30-31). Paul remained in 'control' of the situation under the authority of the HS and was bold to be restrictive and prescriptive in terms of his revelations from God. We should walk in the same steps of faith. We desperately need this holy boldness. Paul also comforted them and in a sense fed them. What a wonderful picture of God's care in a crisis. The world has no answers, but God's people can give direction and comfort (13-38). 3. Once again there are snags and difficulties, but God sovreignly intervenes and Paul's prophecy is fulfilled to the letter. We should trust our God implicitly (39-44). / CORNE: ACTS 27. 1. Many times the journey that we have is full of difficulty and the going is slow. It can become frustrating, but sometimes the Lord wants us to stop and rest even though we think we should continue. It is better to listen to the voice of reason,

like the advise Paul gave, that to journey further would cause greater damage. (1-12) 2. God often gives us people for His kingdom in difficult circumstances. They mifht not be willing to listen to us when all goes well, but when the storm strikes, their ears are often opened to hear the voice of the Lord. (13-38) 3. Any authority that people exercise, are from God. Whether they abuse it or use it aright, is for their account. In this instance the centurion was placed there to save the life of Paul. The Lord's will was exercised according to the word given to Paul that he will not perish, but go to Rome. (39-44) /

Act 27:1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.

1) Rejecting Paul’s counsel (1–13). 2) Hearing Paul’s encouragement (14–26). Following Paul’s example (27–38). // What did a Jewish tentmaker know about sailing a ship? So, the advice of the experts (v. 11) and the vote of the majority (v. 12) carried the day. When you are impatient (v. 7) and uncomfortable (v. 12), and when the golden opportunity seems to come along (v. 13), beware! A storm may be brewing! /

Act 27:2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

Act 27:3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.

Act 27:4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us.

Act 27:5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia.

Act 27:6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board.

Act 27:7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone.

Act 27:8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

Act 27:9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,

Act 27:10 saying, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."

Act 27:11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.

Act 27:12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

Act 27:13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore.

Act 27:14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land.

Act 27:15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.

Act 27:16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat.

Act 27:17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along.

Act 27:18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo.

Act 27:19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands.

Act 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

It takes time to get people to this point. In a crisis people are primed to turn to God. /

Act 27:21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.

Act 27:22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

NB Note the contrast between this verse and verse 31. This is how we should view the warnings in the NT. (Schreiner) /

ACTS 27V23-44

Act 27:23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship,

Act 27:24 and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

May we not also trust God to grant us all those who 'sail with us' through life's storms? /

Act 27:25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.

Act 27:26 But we must run aground on some island."

Word of knowledge? /

Act 27:27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land.

Act 27:28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.

Act 27:29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.

Act 27:30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow,

Act 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved."

Act 27:32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.

Act 27:33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing.

A true crisis causes men to forget abt eating. /

Act 27:34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you."

Act 27:35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.

Act 27:36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.

Act 27:37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.)

Act 27:38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Act 27:39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore.

Act 27:40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach.

Act 27:41 But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.

Act 27:42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape.

Act 27:43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land,

Act 27:44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

ACTS 28V1-16

4/17/2013 5:57 AM: CORNE CELL: ACTS 28 1. People are fickle and the people on the island were no different. They easily sway in their opinions from saying Paul is a murderer to a god, however, this is not so with our God. We are priviledged that our God is always the same. (1-10) 2. How wonderful is the encouragement of the brothers! The Body of Christ on the earth can lift us up when we most need it and strengthen us on the way. (11-16) 3. It is remarkable that Paul firstly spoke to the Jews in Rome again. He has just been through a terrible ordeal with the Jews in Jerusalem, yet he speaks to them first to proclaim the gospel. His perseverence and love is exemplary. Even though the Jews did not fully receive him, he continued to preach the gospel for two years, and also welcomed all into his house at his own expense. May we also be fruitful in ministry and hospitable to aid the Word we bring.(17-30)

4/17/2013 6:19 AM: Albert: ACTS 28: 1. Man, even primitive man, is quick to assign guilt and to presume knowledge of how justice operates, but God alone holds the judgment in His hands. How fickle is man's judgment. In man's estimation of us we can go from a murderer to a god in a flash. Paul was resting completely in God's grace and made no big fuss of the snake that bit him. Faith rests and refuses to be disturbed (1-6). 2. We need to repay the kindness of strangers with what we do have, namely the power and authority of God to heal spirit, soul, and body. When we minister the blessing and power of the Gospel to people they will often respond with kindness and generosity. Note that right to the end of the book of Acts there were miracles and healings in abundance (7-10). 3. Note the constant use of the terms 'disciples' and 'brothers' in Acts to designate believers. Brotherhood is the foundation of our relationships in the church life. We should be hospitable and ready to receive those who are on mission for our God into our homes. In the true church life there is always encouragement in the presence of the brothers (v15). We should have this view of the family of God and we should be this to other believers (11-16). 4. How come Paul had the authority to call the leaders together (v17)? It was probably as a Rabbi that he had this authority. We should always be ready and bold to speak of the hope that we have in Christ. We are allowed to make connections with Christian or Judaic religion as an introduction, before we proceed to the full message of the Gospel. It is interesting that even though the

Gospel brought tremendous blessing to so many people, at the same time it was spoken against everywhere. We should have the same results. If no one speaks against us, something is radically wrong and we have moved away from the offense of the cross (17-22). 5. The Jews came to Paul as a visiting Rabbi, and he used the opportunity to speak of the kingdom and of Jesus. This proves that it was ONE message. We cannot speak of the kingdom without speaking of the Lordship of Christ. We should show from the Scriptures that He is the Messiah. Now Paul speaks of 'your' (not our) fathers, referring to the unbelieving Jews of the past and thus including the unbelieving ones in the present. Paul started with the Jews, but never hesitated to say that the gentiles were next in line when the Jews refused the Gospel. If religion refuses to listen we must focus on the heathen. We should pay much more attention to the unbelievers and their need for the Gospel. Religion is generally very stubborn and hard of heart. The Gospel of grace welcomes and receives everyone, but then challenges them with the kingdom and Lordship of Christ. What a wonderful verse to end Acts. Meditate on it (23-31). /

Act 28:1 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.

Act 28:2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

Act 28:3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.

Act 28:4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live."

Act 28:5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

Act 28:6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Act 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

Act 28:8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him.

Act 28:9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

Act 28:10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Act 28:11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead.

Act 28:12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days.

Act 28:13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.

Act 28:14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome.

Act 28:15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

Act 28:16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.

ACTS 28V17-30

Act 28:17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Act 28:18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.

Act 28:19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar--though I had no charge to bring against my nation.

Act 28:20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain."

Act 28:21 And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.

Act 28:22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against."

Act 28:23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Act 28:24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

Act 28:25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

Act 28:26 "'GO TO THIS PEOPLE, AND SAY, YOU WILL INDEED HEAR BUT NEVER UNDERSTAND, AND YOU WILL INDEED SEE BUT NEVER PERCEIVE.

Acts 28:26-27 - 'Go to the people and say, Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn, so that I should heal them.' (ISAIAH 6:9-10) / HORENDE DOOF EN SIENDE BLIND "... Gaan na hierdie volk en sê: Met die gehoor sal julle hoor en glad nie verstaan nie, en julle sal kyk en kyk, en glad nie sien nie." Handelinge 28:26 Dit is regtig skrikwekkend om te dink dat twee mense langs mekaar kan staan en dieselfde geestelike dinge kan hoor en sien, terwyl die boodskap in klank en beeld vir die een 'n seën is en vir die ander 'n oordeel. Twee mense kan dieselfde Bybel lees, maar die een sien net woorde op papier, terwyl die ander God se stem hoor. Twee mense kan dieselfde liefdesdade en opoffering van 'n dissipel van Jesus aanskou, maar die een sien net 'n mens wat vir een of ander rede doen wat hy doen, terwyl die ander Jesus geopenbaar sien. Wat is die verskil? Die een het net uiterlike sintuie, maar sy innerlike sintuie is nog nooit geaktiveer nie. Die ander het nie net fisiese ore en oë nie, maar sy geestelike ore en oë is deur God as't ware aangeskakel. Dit is primêr die kondisie van ons hart wat die bepalende faktor is in hierdie verband. Ongelukkig kan selfs dissipels van Jesus se harte tot so 'n mate verhard dat hulle nie meer geestelike werklikhede duidelik kan hoor en sien nie.

Alles wat vroeër kosbaar was het vervaag. Vir diesulkes is daar 'n baie kosbare uitnodiging in Openbaring 3. Jesus sê ons kan na Hom gaan en Hom pertinent en direk vra om ons geestelike oë weer te open. "Ek raai jou aan om van My te koop...salf om jou oë te salf, sodat jy kan sien." Openbaring 3:18 / NET GOD KAN ONS GEESTELIKE OË OPEN Die volgende teksgedeeltes maak dit baie duidelik dat geestelike sig 'n bonatuurlike werklikheid is. Net God kan mense se oë oopmaak om die heerlikheid van die evangelie te sien. Aan die ander kant doen satan alles in sy vermoë om mense blind te hou vir die waarheid van die evangelie. "Naamlik die ongelowiges in wie die god van hierdie wêreld die sinne verblind het, sodat die verligting van die evangelie van die heerlikheid van Christus, wat die beeld van God is, op hulle nie sou skyn nie." 2 Kor. 4:4 Hieruit kan mens sekerlik aflei dat God wil hê dat mense se geestelike oë moet oopgaan sodat hulle die vreugdes van verlossing en gevolglik Sy teenwoordigheid kan beleef. Daarom maak Paulus dit dan ook duidelik dat dit God is wat as't ware die lig in ons binneste aangeskakel het sodat ons die geestelike inhoud van die boodskap aangaande Jesus kan "sien". Dit is dus baie meer (maar ook nooit minder nie let wel) as net 'n oortuiging en gevolgtrekking wat ons met ons verstand by uitgekom het. "Want God wat gesê het dat daar uit duisternis lig moet skyn—dit is Hy wat in ons harte geskyn het om die verligting te bring van die kennis van die heerlikheid van God in die aangesig van Jesus Christus." 2 Kor. 4:6 Wat egter ook glashelder duidelik is as 'n mens ander teksgedeeltes oor dieselfde onderwerp ondersoek, is dat God nooit mense se geestelike oë oopmaak langs die weg van ongehoorsaamheid nie. Daarom is dit ongelukkig ook tragies waar dat 'n mens baie godsdienstig kan wees (soos die Jode van ouds) en gedurig besig met die Bybel, maar as jy nie bereid is om die evangelie te gehoorsaam met 'n totale oorgawe aan Jesus Christus nie bly jy geestelik blind en gevolglik ook verlore. "En toe hulle onder mekaar onenig was, het hulle uiteengegaan nadat Paulus hierdie woord gesê het, naamlik: Tereg het die Heilige Gees deur Jesaja, die profeet, tot ons vaders gespreek en gesê: Gaan na hierdie volk en sê: Met die gehoor sal julle hoor en glad nie verstaan nie, en julle sal kyk en kyk, en glad nie sien nie." Handelinge 28:25-26 /

Act 28:27 FOR THIS PEOPLE'S HEART HAS GROWN DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY CAN BARELY HEAR, AND THEIR EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED; LEST THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND TURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.'

Act 28:28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."

Act 28:29 [And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves.]

Act 28:30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,

Paul’s Last Years Paul was a prisoner in Rome from 61 to 63, and during that time wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. From 63 to 65, he was free to minister, and he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. Paul was imprisoned again in 66, wrote 2 Timothy, and was martyred at Rome in late 66 or early 67. /

Act 28:31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Die hoofrede waarom die term 'koninkryk' so baie in die evangelies en in Handelinge voorkom en omtrent nooit in die briewe nie, is omdat die evangelies & Hand. primêr fokus op hoe mense in die koninkryk inkom. Die beeld word dus van buite af gegee. In die briewe kom die term 'in Christus' baie voor, maar nooit in die e's & Hand. nie, want hier word die beeld van binne af gegee. Die tema bly die koninkryk, maar die koninkryk wat groei deur die INNERLIKE werking v.d. Koning. Ons moet bly by die apostoliese patroon. Dissipels moet geleer word primêr uit die briewe anders loop ons die gevaar van Israel om 'n uiterlike koninkryk te soek. Tog moet die makrobeeld v.d. Koninkryk ook geleer word, anders die gevaar van beheptheid net met ons eie geestelike groei. [AT] / UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM (Isa. 9v6-7): It is Christ-centered (Col. 1v15-20), Universal (for all nations), Exclusive (only One Gospel), Spiritual (Rom 14v17), Individually Received (Jn. 3), Corporately Realised and Expressed (Eph. 3), Came in One Event (Incarnation to Pentecost) but Two Phases (1st & 2nd Coming), Already Here but Not Yet fully manifest in the material realm (Rom. 8v23), Contested by Satan (Mt. 26v41; Eph. 6v10-20), Will Appear in Fullness at the Second Coming (Titus 2v13).  [AT]

/THEMES IN ACTS: Suffering for the gospel : Paul: / Prayer: Isaiah 65v6-7 / Act 8:22  Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. Act 8:24  And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." Act 10:9  The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. Act 1:24  And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen Act 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Act 6:6  These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. Act 8:15  who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, Act 9:40  But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Act 10:2  a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. Act 20:36  And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Act 21:5  When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed Act 27:29  And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. Act 28:8  It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. Act 9:11  And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, Act 10:30  And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing Act 11:5  "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. Act 12:12  When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. Act 13:3  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Act 16:25  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Act 22:17  "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance Act 1:14  All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Act 3:1  Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. Act

6:4  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Act 10:31  and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Act 12:5  So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Act 14:23  And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Act 16:13  And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. Act 16:16  As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. Act 2:42  And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Act 10:4  And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. /