Discuss Acts 14 Page 3

give the main outline of this chapter

I will state at the outset Melvin, that I've never fasted & prayed: I've never sensed the need to do so, though I do understand Jesus Own Words in this regard ( Matthew 17:21) & others in the Bible who have fasted & prayed ( Luke 2:37, Acts 14:23). There is no reason to not fast & pray, but when we consider these examples, it seems clear that fasting (coupled with prayer), is an act to make one more conscious & focused on the important/urgent matter in our hearts or in the spiritual work we might be called to do, that engages with the spirit world.

The opposite is also true: if you have a big lunch & its a lovely warm day, it doesn't take much for the body to relax & slowly drift away into sleep (for me at least). But when the body is denied food & coupled with a determination to bring our matters before the Lord, then our spirits are more centred on this & stray thoughts & need for sleep are kept at bay. As well, I would think that the Lord also sees the earnestness of our hearts about our matters before Him & we in a sense 'wrestle with the Lord' in prayer as Jacob did physically with God's Angel, saying, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." ( Genesis 32:26). And James in James 5:16 says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much", which almost implies that if we choose to fast & pray, then this adds 'weight' to our fervent, effectual praying. Does this make our prayers more powerful? If our prayers are then made in full faith not doubting, in full earnestness, in full agreement with the Will of God, then yes, by fasting, both ourselves & God are pressed into 'action': from us, focused fervent prayer; from God, being conscious of our appeal to Him & not letting go until we see His Hand move.

Maybe others here on this Site, who engage in fasting & prayer may be able to help you further in this matter.

Page 1.

Spike, we generally understand that this letter, as also 3 John, are attributed to the Apostle John. Even though the letters don't indicate this, the early Church fathers, including Polycarp, a contemporary of John, ascribed the letter to the aged John (around 90 yrs of age). As well, even though elders were appointed in the Church by this time ( Acts 14:23, James 5:14, etc.), John's use of the word "Elder" speaks of his old age & apostolic position rather than any sign of humility. He was the last apostle to enter Glory & so probably felt a greater burden to give his remaining time to full use.

We aren't told who the "elect lady" was. She is generally referred to as Kuria or Kyria, but that is debatable as it doesn't come from any reliable source. Yet, from John's letter, we assume that she was a lady of note (a person, not a Church), who was faithful to Christ with her family & may have even received teachers of the Word into her home & supported the ministry. In any case, John had an approving view of her & hoped to see her on a visit - which we don't believe ever took place. You could also be correct, in that John abstained from naming her as it might have been improper & too forward to address a lady by name. And this may be clarified by his naming Gaius in his third letter.

Acts 14:11-14 tell us that Paul & Barnabas healed a crippled man at Lystra. This miracle caused some to think that the gods had come to visit them. So they named Paul, Mercurius & Barnabas, Jupiter. And to this Paul & Barnabas were extremely upset as they wanted to point people to the True & Living God, not mythological beings.

So Mercurius, or Hermes was a god of travel, commerce, communications, eloquence: to which Paul was likened for his speech. And Jupiter, or Zeus was the king god of the sky, thunder, lightning, law & justice.

Other Greek gods: Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hermes, Dionysus, etc. These names I gleaned from the Web. And these gods would also be included in their religious & family practise.

Even better, by resurrection power in the name of Jesus and the Holy Ghost, Paul restored Eutychus to life, being dead (nekros).

The LORD granted unto the apostles signs and wonders to be done by their hands to validate their testimony of grace ( Acts 14:3; Romans 15:19).

In a similar fashion, Peter was used of the LORD to restore Tabitha, known as Dorcas, back to life in Acts 9.

Some of my favorites:

John chapter 16 is Jesus preparing his disciples for difficulty, ending with "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (verse 33).

Acts 14:22 is an exhortation to continue in the faith through tribulation.

Romans chapter 8 is Paul's testimony on hardship and the believer's victory in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 2:8-11 is Jesus encouraging the suffering Church.

Revelation 7:9-17 shows us a great multitude come out of tribulation, redeemed by the blood of the lamb.

Acts 14:22

[22]strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

Someone sent this to me so I can not take credit. Sadly few seem to really understand the mission of the Church.

Persecution shall bring revival to the remnant church and separate the wheat from the tares or weeds.

Jesus promised us we would be hated:

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

We are warned of Tribulation or Trouble in this world

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Paul warned us of persecution in 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

someone sent this to me:

"Everyone is always searching for the"One" sign/event that will trigger Christ's return, yet completely ignore the One thing that is the determining factor of when Christ returns.

It's not about what king or kingdom is doing that is the final event, It's what the Church is like, what the Church is doing.

Jesus is returning for a Bride that has Made Herself READY.....

A Church Triumphant.

His return is not a rescue mission,

It is a completion of the task He appointed the Church to fulfill and until She does, He will NOT return.

He is coming for a Bride that has made herself ready to be received by her husband, Her gown washed white in His blood, without spot or wrinkle.

The Bride is still not ready, the Great exploits of the Church has not yet occurred because She is still too immature, too busy acting childish. When She matures, then we will see the sings and wonders take place that will bring about the greatest revival in human history. The Latter rain is to be greater then the Former Rain."

Believers know this: 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation (TROUBLE) enter into the kingdom of God.
People we are promised persecution and trouble in this world. Jesus warned us and it is coming as a storm. Now is the calm before the storm. Stay close to Jesus as that is all we shall have in this world and what is coming

See verses: Rom 3:23, Rom 6:23, Heb 9:27 Not by any good works of your own: Eph 2:8-9, Rom 4:5, Rom 10:3-4 Jesus Christ did it all! John 14:6, Acts 14:12 His precious blood was shed for you! Col.1:14, Rev 1:5, Acts:20:28,1 Pet.1:18-9.You must believe it,ask Jesus to save you and receive it. Rom10:9-13 He will do it! Then find a KJV only church and speak with the pastor about your next steps.

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

Believers Will have Tribulation,Trouble,Persecution Brought on by Non-Believers/ We Must Through Much Tribulation Enter into The Kingdom of God( Acts 14:22) Believers on The Other Side of The Planet are Thrown out of Their Homes Tortured Killed or Imprisoned.There's Only One Last Trump( 1 Corinthians 15:52) There's Only One First Resurrection( Revelation 20:6) Simplicity: Believers have Tribulation

Book of Acts is the gospel, they walked in the light as Jesus walked. This is the example that the apostles did wherever they went to preach. First to the Jewish people, then to the gentiles. The apostles were doing the command that our Lord gave them to preach and baptize in the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost. Therefore, the Holy Ghost is a gift given unto all who believe. Amen!

True Believers will Suffer: We Must Through Much Tribulation Enter into The Kingdom of God( Acts 14:22) It's Been Going on for 2000 Yrs/ 50 Countries on The Other side of the Planet, Arrest,Torture,Kill Believers Daily. In The US not so much as long as We Just go to Church, go home watch TV "Our Real GOD". Now it's our Phone or Anything that Draws You Away/ Preach The Gospel = Persecution.

Rahab did not pray for herself to be saved only, but for her household also, and they were saved. Thank God for His promise in Acts 14:31.

Tribulation started 2000 Yrs ago.---and that We Must go Through Much Tribulation Enter into The Kingdom of God( Acts 14:22) / The First Four Seals are Open:--- And Power was Given unto Them over The Fourth Part of The Earth, to Kill with Sword and with Hunger and with Death--- ( Revelation 6:8) The Lord's People are, Jailed, Torture, Beheaded on The Other side of the Planet. ( Matthew 5:10 )

Alexas: that is definitely the rapture that will take place but where does that say pre-trib? Matthew 24:29 immediately after The Tribulation of those days---v31: He shall send His Angels to do what? Revelation20:6 blessed and Holy is he that has part in the First Resurrection:/ --- we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

Ivan: Tribulation started couple thousand years ago./ All True Believers must go through much Tribulation, before Entering The Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22. / They been Tortured,Burned, Hung on crosses, fed to the animals, Beheaded. On the other side of The Planet it's going on Daily it will get worse right before The Last trumpet sounds. / Revelation 20:15

--that we must through much Tribulation enter into The Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22. In The World ye shall have Tribulation: John 16:33. Tribulation started a few Thousand years ago. All True Believers will have Tribulation. Wrath is for nonbelievers. 4 Seals have been opened. They have been handed 25% of the planet. Many Believers are jailed, tortured beheaded on the other side of The Planet.

Steve: We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 / Immediately after The Tribulation, The Lord will send His Angels to do what? Matthew 24: 29-31 / We Glory in Tribulation---Knowing Tribulation worketh patience. Romans 5:3

Paul and Barnabus in; Acts 14:22 "exhorting them"," through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." To use your words; "tantrums when faced with people that want to kill you." If you buckle and wine because of what "little ol' me has to say, how will you endure til the end?
A word of "exhortation" should be received with gratitude to the Lord at least.

Kurt: Yes:No one is Saved until one is Called(a Tugging on Your Heart): John 6:44 / Ask Forgiveness:1John1:9 /They are Washed in His Blood:Revelation1:5 / They Will be Baptized with His Spirit and giving a New Heart, You will be Changed! Mark l:8, 2Corinthians 5:17, You will Know! Impossible not to Know. Tribulation and Persecution comes to All who are Saved. Acts 14:22 / No roots: Matthew 13:21

Acts 17:26 "hath made of one blood all nations" Psalm 33:15 "He fashions their hearts alike; he considers all their works." Matthew 23:8 "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." Rev. 5:4 "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon." Acts 14:15 "We also are men of like passions with you,"

April: We are in The Tribulation.It started a few Thousand yrs back. In The World ye shall have Tribulation: But be of good cheer; I have overcome The World. John 16:33/--- That we must through much Tribulation Enter into The Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22. I never carry a Bible. I just talk to whoever listens. They never ask to see a Bible. Always some in my car. Some are so glad I talked to Them.

We who are true Believers will face Persecution and Tribulation./---We must through much Tribulation enter The Kingdom of God: Acts 14:22 Satan is out to destroy The Church. The Battle begins the moment The Lord enters Your Heart.You need to be dressed for Battle:Ephesians6:11 Some will even lose Their Heads, False imprisonment, torture,killed in a variety of ways! Endure to The End. Seek The Lost.

Vs. 19

Matt:---We must Through much Tribulation enter The Kingdom of God: Acts 14:22 / Persecution,Tribulation,Falling away started thousands of yrs ago.From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. John 6:66 /The Holocaust:Millions of people tortured, raped, killed! End times will be worse! It will rapidly increase until the End. Wars,rumors of wars,just like now! NO PEACE!

Irene:---that we must through much "Tribulation" enter into The Kingdom of God: Acts 14:22 / Yet Hath he not root himself,but dureth for a while: for when "Tribulation"or "Persecution" arises because of The Word he is offended. Matthew 13:21 / Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? "Tribulation",distress,Persecution---Romans8:35./Tribulation,Persecution comes to All those Washed in The Blood

V.20 - " ... as the disciples stood round about him ..."; ever wonder what they were doing, just 'standing round about him'? maybe they were thinking, 'well, it's gonna be a few years before Med-vac comes around, so what do we do? They weren't just standing there, they were FERVENTLY praying; that's how Paul presently arose, and went about his business. Oh, I'm sure he had some pains, but .....

I agree with Sylvia of 7 mos. ago to J. Thomas. But, to take it further - Acts 14:18 - " ... scarce restrained the people from doing sacrifice to them". I know that's not verbatim, but the sense is there. So-called 'saints' in some churches have candles lit to them and prayers to them - in that saints name , which is un-biblical. A true saint does not WANT to be worshipped. They are - humble .