Some things old, some things new . . .

 

READ Acts 5–8

What is older than sin? Adam and Eve fudged their response when God asked them about their disobedience. Ananias and Sapphira fudged when Peter asked them about their lie. Fudging when fearful of God or others thinking ill of us and being ignorant of grace — results in separation from life with God and His people.

Signs and wonders involve things not seen before, new things that made people fearful to join the apostles, yet still hold them in high regard (Acts 5:13) but result in multitudes continued to be added to the number of believers. We could use a new outburst of that!

The apostles were arrested by jealous religious leaders, a new thing that has become old since it still happens. An angel released them, leaving the doors of the prison locked. That never happened before. These Christian men continued to share Christ and when told to stop, they said:

“We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:29–32)

Still true, still good news, and still the enemies of this message seek to kill those who believe it. Back then, one of their number defended this new ‘good news’ with examples of those who tried out new things and died for their efforts. Then he said:

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; 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, (Acts 5:38–39)

A new thing: one of a group that opposed truth about Jesus defends Jesus’ followers with truth about God. We could use more of such defenders.

This reading has lines that are not new to me, but today strike my heart with new conviction. One is: “Then (the apostles) left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41) When I am dishonored for believing in Jesus, do I rejoice? For me, that would be a new thing.

What about the wisdom shown in a dispute over who got what in the daily distribution given to widows? Some of them cried “Unfair” so the leaders appointed Spirit-filled workers to take care of it. Would I be in that number? Or be one of those complaining?

The story of Stephen is convicting as well as inspiring. He knew the history of his listeners and reviewed it to them. They could not argue with the past, but they could invent reasons for stoning him to death. Not only did he stick to his message, he asked God to forgive them for piling on the rocks and he died filed with the Spirit. It was an old reaction — their ancestors also resisted and even killed other prophets and messengers. The inspiring part is what Stephen saw and said as this happened:

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. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55–56)

Saul watched it all. That is his old name. His new name came later. This reading continues with Philip obeying God, a magician’s experience and a significant conversion story.

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 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. 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. So there was much joy in that city. (Acts 8:5–8)

The magician heard Philip and believed. He had been using magic tricks to gather crowds but realized the believers had something he lacked, the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives. He wanted it and mistakenly thought it could be bought with money. An old sin? A new twist? An immature notion? He was told his heart was not right and he needed to repent of this wickedness, sin that bound him. The magician asked for prayer in fear of consequences and that is the last mention of him.

Then Philip saw an opportunity and shared the gospel with a man from Ethiopia. He believed and was baptized. His country had OT ties to Israel. History indicates he took the Gospel home. Certainly the church expanded and even today Ethiopia is more 60% Christian, over 20% evangelical.

For me, the bottom line is obedience, whether it is ‘same old’ routine or doing something new. God uses obedience, old or new . . . and the results could endure for centuries.