The Life of Dorcas

Acts 9:36

“Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did.”

Luke now introduces us to a female disciple of Christ. She was evidently a rather wealthy woman and loved to serve others, especially the poor and needy. We notice in v. 39 that she made tunics and garments, obviously to give to the needy. We find throughout scripture that God is very concerned about the poor and widows and commands us to care for them.

In Isaiah 58:7 we are encouraged to “divide your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him”. James 1:27 says “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” Later in 2:15-16 we read “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?”

What we glean from Dorcas’ life is that she had a burden for the poor and she acted on that. It is our natural inclination to look down on the poor, but that is not God’s desire. As God exposes us to those who have needs we should be willing to use the resources He has given us to meet those needs. It is not enough to say “be warmed and be filled”, but we should help them accomplish that.

Living in our community we may not get exposed to the needy very much, but they are really all around us. We have had the privilege of ministering at the Union Gospel Mission in Dallas for many years and found that to be a tremendous, growing experience. Many in the third world countries like Africa, India, and Asia are in significant need. It is our privilege and responsibility to help those in need. Recently many from New Orleans came into our community because of a hurricane that destroyed their home.
Often the best way to reach someone’s spiritual needs is to fulfill their material needs first. I hope you will develop a sensitive heart to those in need.

The Discernment of Barnabas

Acts 9:26-27

“And when he (Saul) had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.”

Luke now mentions Barnabas for the second time. He shared in 4:36 the fact that Barnabas sold some land and gave all the proceeds to the church. Now we learn that he was also a man of discernment. His relationship with Paul will grow and he will eventually accompany him on a missionary journey. We will also see the two of them handle a difference of opinion.

Because of Saul’s violent persecution of Christians in the past, they were fearful of him. They did not believe him when he told them he had become a disciple of Christ. It is obvious, however, that Barnabas had taken the time to listen to Saul and learn about his salvation. Barnabas also trusted that Saul was telling him the truth and was willing to put his reputation on the line for his friend. Notice that Barnabas was the one that spoke to the other disciples and explained Saul’s confrontation with the Lord on the Damascus road as well as Saul’s testimony at Damascus.

I think we see the Holy Spirit working in Barnabas’ life in this situation to give him great discernment. I also believe that is a ministry the Spirit continues to have today in the lives of Christians. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom and we know from I Corinthians 12:8 that wisdom is a spiritual gift. I think it is a gift most Christian leaders possess. James 1:5 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” All Christians can and should pray for wisdom in their everyday lives as well as in special situations.

The Courage Of Ananias

Acts 9:10-19

Tucked into the story of the conversion of Paul to Christianity is a brief glimpse of another man; one that you and I may be able to identify with more than Paul. This Ananias was a resident of Damascus where Saul (Paul) had been taken after his encounter with Christ. In that encounter Paul had been struck blind. Those with him had taken him to the house of a man named Judas where he had been for three days without taking food or water.

The Lord came to Ananias in a vision and told him to go explain to Paul what had happened. Ananias was fearful because he had heard of Paul’s reputation of “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (9:1). You and I can understand that fear because often when we feel the Holy Spirit leading us to witness to someone about our faith a feeling of hesitancy or fear grips us. Ananias knew that Paul was intent on persecuting Christians. The Lord told Ananias that Paul was a chosen instrument who would witness to the Gentiles, kings and sons of Israel (v. 15).

I’m impressed that once Ananias understood he obeyed. The next thing we are told he is with Paul and explained to him what was happening “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Saul immediately regained his sight, arose and was baptized and immediately began to proclaim Jesus.

We all know the story of Saul, but we often fail to learn the lesson of Ananias. This quiet faithful Christian was faithful in obeying the Lord in what could have been a difficult situation. Can you imagine the blessing that must have come to Ananias, not only at Saul’s reaction but even years later as he observed the impact Paul had on the world?

We are often given opportunity to share our faith in the Lord Jesus and hesitate because of fear. The Lord wants us to be bold in our witness to others. I think we can see this from the attitude of boldness that has been demonstrated by so many so far in this book. I pray that you will take advantage of the opportunities you are given to share your faith.

Simon And The Ethiopian

Acts 8:9-40

Today we will look at the results of witnessing to Simon and to the Ethiopian. Simon practiced sorcery or magic through the power of Satan. He relished attention and adulation. Consider the contrast between him and Philip. Philip also performed miracles, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. The people also were amazed at his actions, but he deflected their praise to Jesus Christ and led them into a personal faith. We see that Simon was attracted to these miracles (v. 13) and that he also was constantly amazed.

The bestowing of the Spirit in this instance must have been very obvious, because it was evident to Simon. He offered the apostles money if they would allow him to “receive the Holy Spirit.” Notice Peter’s response in v. 20 “may your silver perish with you…you have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right with God”. Simon’s motives were all wrong. He wanted to receive the Holy Spirit for personal gain. Although v. 13 says Simon “believed” I don’t think that means he became a Christian. James 2:19 says the “demons believe, and shudder” because theirs is an intellectual belief but not placing their trust in Him as their Savior. The word “perish” in v. 20 is also strong and is related to the same word in John 3:16.

God then very specifically directed Philip to go travel on a desert road. There he encountered a wealthy Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the Scriptures (probably out loud) while he was being carried in his chariot. As the Spirit directed Philip he came up to the eunuch and began witnessing to him. The Ethiopian trusted Christ as his Savior and then was baptized. When they came up out of the water the Lord snatched Philip away and the eunuch went on his way rejoicing (v. 39).
The point of sharing the stories of these two men with you is to remind you that we will encounter different results as we share our faith with others. Some will truly believe, as did the Ethiopian eunuch. Others will not as was probably the case with Simon. It is important that we leave the results to God. Our responsibility is to be faithful in sharing the message of salvation as we are led. We certainly can rejoice in what the Lord has done as people come to trust Him as their Savior. We must not become discouraged when people reject Him. Remember they are rejecting Him, not us.

Philip

Philip was introduced to us in Acts 6:5 as the second man chosen to assist the apostles in service. Now we see him being led of the Lord to go to Samaria to proclaim Christ. Philip’s message was authenticated by miracles (v. 7). There was a tremendous result as many came to know Christ as their personal Savior (.v 12). As a result there was much rejoicing.

The apostles in Jerusalem received word of what was happening in the city of Samaria in which Philip was ministering and sent Peter and John who prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (v. 15). Many interpret this passage to mean that the receipt of the Holy Spirit is a second blessing that occurs sometime after salvation. I believe that the delay in receipt of the Holy Spirit is because this is the first group of people outside the Jews who responded to the gospel. We see this happening one more time when the first Gentiles believed. In these situations the receipt of the Holy Spirit was authenticating the gospel to those other than Jews. From that time forward believers have received the Holy Spirit in their lives at the moment of salvation.

We can draw another lesson from this passage. Although Philip was one of those appointed to wait on tables he also had a burden and a responsibility to share the message of salvation with others. He was obedient to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in his life directing him to do that. Every Christian receives a spiritual gift that he is to use to serve God. The gifts and their use are discussed in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. All Christians have the responsibility to proclaim the message of salvation to those who do not know Him. We are privileged in that God chose to use us in this way. We should be faithful to Him.

We are not responsible for anyone’s salvation, however. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. We will look next at two men to whom Philip witnessed that responded in two different ways. Philip was faithful in his witness to each of his men.

I urge you to be faithful in sharing the gospel with those with whom you come in contact.