Philip and the Holidays

A title that would make a good band name.

Good Morning!

We’re going to continue in Acts today, though we won’t go much further, we’ll continue in Acts chapter eight for a bit, and then reflect for a bit on embracing the holiday season together.

Petition

Lord, I ask that your spirit would guide and speak to us as I present and read from and attempt to proclaim the good news of your word. I thank you that whatever my own weaknesses I have and mistakes I make, my trust is not in my ability to scatter the seed, but in your power to make a whole field or forest spring up from those seeds wherever they fall. But we pray for soft, receptive hearts, we pray for you to be made known, for opportunities to respond, and I especially pray that it may be said of us (your church, our selves, individually, and as families, that where we go, we bring joy, and healing, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Recap

When we come to Acts chapter 8, we find the church in crisis. The church is scattering. There’s a core group that remains in Jerusalem, but otherwise, “the church,” in its massive form, was spread out.

The major catalyst for this dispersion was that stoning of Stephen, and the subsequent “ravaging” (hurting/damaging) of the church, by Saul:

Acts 8:1–3 NLT

1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

Great Joy.

Last week, Mike pointed out the contrast in how the Sanhedrin reacted to Stephen, versus Stephen’s response to them. In many ways, their responses to each other were reflections of their responses to the gospel. Hatred, resentment, and rejection, compared to humility, compassion, and forgiveness.

Verse four has a transition word, “therefore” which, when you think about it, is counter-intuitive.

The infant Jewish Christian church was in crisis mode, brought on by “external” forces (though by a fellow Jew), and it scattered them. This is reminiscent of exile-era persecution. Of the generations Israel spent away from home before God allowed them to regroup again in Jerusalem.

The response of the church, decentralized, is not to give up, fizzle out, or be silenced. Take note that they did do what they could to preserve their lives by avoiding danger! They weren’t lining up at Saul’s door asking to be martyred. But they also weren’t backing down from proclaiming Jesus as Messiah, God, Emperor, King, no matter who it upset or what it cost them.

Verse 4

Acts 8:4 LSB

4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about, proclaiming the good news of the word.

Next, we’re going to get a series of really interesting stories centering around one disciple, Philip in particular, before returning to Saul:

You get Philip in Samaria and Simon the magician, who wants to follow Jesus but also thinks he can buy the Jesus magic for himself, so he’s kind of confused, despite appearing genuine.

And then Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, who incredibly comes to a saving knowledge of Christ and is baptized.

There’s even some spirit-snatching-teleportation of some kind happening towards the end.

That all happens in verses 9-40, before transitioning the focus back to Saul and his violence against the church.

Before those exciting, action-packed stories, there are four verses introducing Philip upon which I find pretty rewarding to ponder.

Verse 5

Acts 8:5 LSB

5 Now Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began preaching Christ to them.

Who is Philip, and why is Samaria important?

Philip is the second of the seven men listed along with Stephen back in chapter six. One of the seven Greek-speaking, Greek-cultured Jews who was selected to minister to the material needs of the community.

Philip brings the presence of the gospel to Samaria, which is a significant advancement outwards from Jerusalem, bringing the progression just slightly closer to the “ends of the earth” than before. Samaria, specifically, would have been one of the MOST contentious places for a Jew to preach.

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) Chapter 8

Samaritans, thought to be descended from intermarriage between Israel’s northern tribes and pagan peoples relocated by Assyria, revered the five books of Moses but not the rest of the OT Scriptures, and they combined devotion to idols with formalistic service to the Lord (2 Kin. 17:24–41). Relationships between Jews and Samaritans were strained at best and hostile at worst (John 4:9). Jesus reached out to Samaritans in grace, even as He categorized them as outside the covenant people (4:22; Luke 17:16, 17). By preaching Jesus as the Christ to Samaritans, Philip carries the gospel not only across geographical boundaries but also across a vast religious and racial divide.

In fact, if you look back at Luke chapter nine, verses fifty one to fifty five, you’ll see that it wasn’t very long ago Jesus had to rebuke his disciples for wanting to call down fire on the Samaritans who didn’t make them feel very welcome.

The opposite is the case this time, as we see in verse six:

Verse 6

Acts 8:6 LSB

6 And the crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was being said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was doing.

As with Peter and John, and Stephen, Philip’s message was accompanied by signs, attesting to the truth and authority of their message.

Verse 7

In the next two verses, the specific signs are described. First, in verse seven, Jesus’s power over both the physical and spiritual:

Acts 8:7 LSB

7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.

These signs drew attention, and kept attention, while inviting people to understand more about the story and power behind it all.

Verse 8

Then, in verse eight, an effect, or symptom, of the signs and miracles, is joy.

Acts 8:8 LSB

8 So there was great joy in that city.

The story of Philip represents what can happen when the church stays focused, IN THE MIDST of the pain and grief of their afflictions, in the midst of even being physically displaced, on helping make sure the gospel continues to be spoken and received, resulting in healing and joy.

Mike brought up the unstoppable, prevailing nature of God’s sovereignty, which is evident in the effects of the gospel, and it provides proof of the prediction Gamaliel made back in chapter five, when the other Pharisees wanted to kill Peter and John.

Remember Gamaliel?

Acts 5:33–39 LSB

33 But when they heard this, they became furious and intended to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. 36 “For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who were following him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 “After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all those who were following him were scattered. 38 “So in the present case, I also say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or you may even be found fighting against God.”

Gamaliel compared the Jesus movement to a previous uprising of people, who after being dispersed, lost all momentum. By contrast, this new “Jesus way” only continues to grow and grow and grow. Tangibly, visibly, bringing physical and spiritual healing, and joy.

Great Joy

Look again at verse eight of chapter eight.

“So there was great joy in that city.”

What a cool statement! Think about the significance of that!

In fact, this is like seeing a direct fulfilment of what the angels declare back in Luke chapter 2!

Remember, the book of Acts is like a continuation of the book of Luke. Way back towards the beginning of this epic saga, Luke introduced some shepherds near Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, who witnessed a dazzling proclamation of Jesus’s birth.

What did the Angel say to the shepherds?

Luke 2:10–11 LSB

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. 11 For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10 is a declaration of great joy to come, which will be for all the people.

Acts 8:8 is a declaration of great joy that has come to pass, a witness to the truth of this gospel.

My prayer is that this can be said in our cities, in our towns and villages and yes, even our army bases, that there is great joy there because of God’s people, ministering to each other with his word, by his spirit, for his son, accomplishing his mission. Regardless of what else is happening in our neighborhoods or around the world, let the church be described in such a way.

May there be joy wherever we go, whenever we go, whoever we are.

Christian joy is abundant, connected to an unending source that extends in every direction, whether we look at what God has already done, or what he has promised to finish doing, there are always ways Christ is bringing joy to our lives, even in unexpected ways, if we have eyes and ears to receive it.

Transition

This time of year most of us associate with “holiday” traditions and celebrations. This can mean a lot of extra “fun” and excitement…of joy and happiness and warm memories made with loved ones. It can also bring up a lot of extra painful memories, or pangs of longing for loved ones we miss, or accentuate feelings of loneliness, insecurity, or failure.

Today, this Sunday after Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on that concept of gratitude, kind of looking back with gratitude and contentment for what God has done, and is doing, while also looking forward to the next season, right around the corner, of Advent, starting next week! (This Friday, technically!)

Thanksgiving

Leading up to Thanksgiving, I gathered together a few different passages relating to gratitude and thanksgiving, and was meditating on them. There are a LOT, enough that I could stand here reading them all day, but we can read at least a few of them together.

Because of Christ, we, too, in the North Country of New York may partake in the faithful love of God. If you have placed your faith in Christ, you have tapped into a well of peace that passes all understanding.

Philippians 4:6–7 LSB

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

New Testament

Quickly, here are a few more exhortations of thanksgiving from Paul:

2 Corinthians 9:15 LSB

15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Colossians 4:2 LSB

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving;

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 LSB

16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 4:4–5 LSB

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

And James, the pragmatist:

James 1:2–4 LSB

2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith brings about perseverance. 4 And let perseverance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:17 LSB

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Psalm 118

Now, let’s read Psalm 118 together. This is a song, or poem, from a man looking back and simply giving thanks to God for his lovingkindness. His faithful, steadfast love that never fails, even in the midst of seemingly impossible scenarios.

Psalm 118 NLT

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 2 Let all Israel repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.” 3 Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.” 4 Let all who fear the Lord repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.” 5 In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. 6 The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? 7 Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. 11 Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. 12 They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. 13 My enemies did their best to kill me, but the Lord rescued me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. 15 Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! 16 The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! 17 I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done. 18 The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not let me die. 19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord. 20 These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. 21 I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! 22 The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. 24 This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. 26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. 27 The Lord is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Thank you, God, for your goodness, and your faithful, infinite love. Thank you that we can look back at what you’ve done with gratitude, and look forward to what we haven’t yet seen, knowing that your love and faithfulness never fails.

Advent

In verse 22 of that last passage, the “stone” which the builders rejected is representative of Jesus. And even though he’s rejected, he still becomes the cornerstone of the foundation of God’s forever family, established through the line of David: the shoot of new growth from the chopped down stump of David’s family tree.

Tracing the genealogy of Christ, and thinking about his family tree tracing back down to that stump of Jesse, has been one way for us to start thinking about the anticipation of advent. The excitement, hope, and joy of the arrival of Christ has more impact the more you understand the grief and gravity of having a family tree that has been chopped down, but to have the hope of new growth.

Looking forward with hope and excitement for Christmas is what celebrating advent is all about for my family, and we’d love to encourage you all to join us in choosing to place the focus of Christmas on Christ. As we enjoy all the wonderful traditions that bring our families together, whether it’s gifts or food or music or decorations, we can choose to trace, truly, the “reason for the season” to its roots in scripture.

Next week, Lord willing, we’ll get to light the first of our “advent candles” as a church family, which is just a visual reminder of the weeks leading up to Christmas, and some of the core ideas that Christmas represents.

Growing up, we tracked every day leading up to Christmas on a felt scene that hung on the wall, and it depicted Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. As kids, it was so fun to move them along one spot each day leading up to Christmas, truly building that anticipation and excitement in a visible, tangible way.

Ellie and I are in a pretty fun season of getting to talk through all the different traditions we may or may not want to establish as our kids grow up, but it’s healthy for anyone in any season to think through and assess our priorities going into the month of December.

For example, are we more excited about the gifts we plan to give or the ones we hope to receive? Are we more familiar with Christmas themed fantasy worlds or the actual Christmas story that happened in the real world? Are we wallowing in worry and anxiety about social situations and familial tensions, or focusing on ways we can simply show kindness and compassion to our fellow human, and finding our greatest joy in those opportunities above all else?

All easier said than done, I know, but well worth the effort.

One way or another, in my house we’ll be celebrating advent in a way that points to Christ, and brings us together as a family to read scripture, on a daily basis. There are all kinds of advent calendars and scripture readings whether you want to do a calendar on a wall, or a devotional book, or an app on your phone I encourage you to join us, not just on Sunday mornings, but each day of the week, beginning on Friday, to spend some time preparing your hearts for the advent of Christ.

Conclusion

In the meantime, I want to encourage you with this. Whatever it is we’re going through right now, and whatever is in store for us later on, we’re not going through it alone. Our creator is with us, and we have, by the grace of God and in the power of his spirit in and through each other the assurance in the love and peace and joy promised in Christ.

As Hebrews says:

Hebrews 4:14–16 NLT

14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Because of Christ, we are never alone, we are always seen, always heard, always understood, by the one person who loves us the most, and who can relate to every kind of struggle that we experience.

And according to the model of Christ, we are here to carry out the ministry of Christ, by serving each other. Like Paul says to the Ephesians:

Ephesians 4:1–3 NLT

1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

I’ll close with Colossians 3, a passage that just always seems applicable to anyone who has placed their faith in Christ, and offers a glimpse into what such a life entails for anyone who has not yet made that decision:

Colossians 3:1–17 NLT

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Benediction/Prayer