To the End of the Earth

Introduction by Review

The theme verse for the book of Acts is chapter 1 verse 8 where Jesus tells the disciples what shall be:

Acts 1:8 LSB

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the end of the earth.”

“...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” (Acts 1-2)

You will recall that this was given in response to a question from the Apostles: “...is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus’ response, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons...” but you will receive power… Jesus is saying, you do not need to know what is happening right now, all you need to know is that I am King and you need to be my witnesses.

And the Holy Spirit does come upon them in chapter 2. The Apostles go back to Jerusalem, they replace Judas, they meet in the house, and then comes Pentecost. All in fulfillment of this first part of Acts 1:8.

“...witnesses....in Jerusalem” (Acts 3-8)

Then the Apostles proclaim begin to proclaim Christ in Jerusalem which is recounted in Acts 3-8.

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost results in 3,000 being added to the new εκκλεσια. The new Israel is being freed from bondage. The Apostles come like Moses doing signs and wonders.

Then we see these progressions of signs and wonders among the people leading to the religious leaders oppressing the people. First there was a rebuke where they were told not to speak in the name of Jesus, then they beat them, and then Stephen is killed. Verbal punishment, corporal punishment, capital punishment.

With the death of Stephen there is a ramping up of persecution against the church in Jerusalem which results in a massive dispersion of Christians to all the surrounding regions. But the Apostles remain in Jerusalem.

“...witnesses...in all Judea and Samaria...” (Acts 8-12)

Then the narrative follows Philipp out into Samaria and even as far as the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. The Gospel is now going to the surrounding regions. But more importantly, the kingdom of Israel is going to be reunited. The Samaritans begin accepting the witness of Jesus.

And you recall that the Holy Spirit came upon the Samaritan during the Samaritan Pentecost only when the Apostles came down from Jerusalem. This was emphasizing the unity of the kingdom (baptized with one Spirit), but the supremacy of the New Jerusalem: this is the church which has 12 pillars who are the 12 Apostles of the lamb. The authority of the Apostles was being emphasized.

But the narrative does not stop with the Samaritans. Still in the region of Judea is the coastal city of Caesarea which is where Peter goes at the invitation of Cornelius, a Gentile. The Gentile Pentecost occurs, and remember that this time the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles while Peter was speaking. This was indicating the inclusion of the Gentiles in the New Covenant as a sign to the Jewish Christians. Peter gives this report saying, “...who was I that i could prevent God’s way?”

But the Gospel does not stop with the Samaritans and in the house of Cornelius, but goes even farther to Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire at that time. And Saul, miraculously converted, is brought to Antioch by Barnabas to aid in the work being done there.

“...witnesses...to the end of the earth.” (Acts 13-21)

Well now we come to our section being introduced today. It is chapters 13-21 and represents the witness of the Apostles to the ends of the earth. Peter goes into the background after chapter 12, and Saul, soon to be Paul, takes a more prominent role in bringing the Gospel to the nations.

This section is jam-packed with exciting stories. There are magicians, magistrates, philosophers, riots, and most exciting of all, lengthy messages (Acts 15:32) and long-winded sermons that cause young boys to fall out of windows. It’s an adventure story. Saul is being sent on a quest to bring in the fullness of the kingdom by proclaiming the reign of the new King.

First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14)

Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, & Lystra.

We meet Elymas the magician where Saul is called Paul, Paul and Barnabas will be mistaken for Zeus and Hermes after healing a lame man, and Paul will be stoned and dragged out of Lystra.

What message did Paul give to the people? The message concerning the greater David:

Acts 13:36–37 ““For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid among his fathers and saw corruption; but He whom God raised did not see corruption.”

Ezekiel 37:24 “And My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd; and they will walk in My judgments and keep My statutes and do them.”

The emphasis of Paul’s message is on Jesus, from the lineage of David, being raised from the dead, fulfilling Psalm 2, Psalm 16:10, and Isaiah 55:3.

The greater King had come to inaugurate the greater kingdom. Not of this world, not a kingdom with earthly kings, a kingdom that is over every king. A kingdom that shall not end, that shall not diminish, and that will ultimately subdue every nation. This is the message of Paul during His first missionary journey.

Men are struck blind (Acts 13:11), governors believe (Acts 13:12), signs and wonders are being accomplished (Acts 14:3), the lame walk (Acts 14:8-10) - The King of all the earth is proclaiming the good news of His reign and proving it through signs and wonders.

And these joy-filled messengers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, are speaking in such a manner that large numbers of people, both Jews and Greeks, are believing (Acts 13:52-14:1).

The section ends with Paul and Barnabas returning to Antioch, the home-base for the mission to the nations.

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35)

What comes next might be surprising: controversy. Can you imagine controversy in the church? It’s unheard of! No, it is all too common among God’s people. This controversy was the continued discussion regarding how to understand the inclusion of the Gentiles in the covenants of promise. And we will look more closely at this controversy when we analyze this chapter.

It is thought that Paul may have written his epistle to the Galatians around the same time as this council, just prior to (AD 48).

What I would like to point out here is the means by which Christ mediates His rule in His kingdom. The leaders of the church gathered to analyze the controversy, they discussed the facts of the case, and then they looked to the Word of God. If you turn to Acts 15, you can see it in the text:

There is controversy in Acts 15:1-2 “...not a little dissension and debate...”

There is discussion of the facts in Acts 15:7-12 “...relating what signs and wonders God had done...”

They look to the Word in Acts 15:15-18 “...just as it is written...”

This is how Christ has determined to accomplish His will through the church: controversy leads to debate which leads to a searching of the Scriptures in order to make a judgment. Has the church always gotten it right? No. But Christ works out all things, even erroneous church councils, to His glory and for the good of his people.

I think it was John Frame who said that there is an interesting progression in church history: there is usually an outspoken error that sparks controversy (Arius), this is refuted by a leader who rises up against the error (Athanasius), and then that teaching is refined by the next generation (Augustine). This happened again during the Reformation. There is error (Middle Ages theology like indulgences and meritorious works for justification), someone rises up against the error (Luther - who searched the Scriptures), and then that teaching is refined (Calvin).

This progression seems to be how God has established to mediate His rule in the church.

And once again, the section ends back in Antioch (Acts 15:35)

Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:23)

Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, & Corinth

1 & 2 Thessalonian written from Corinth - 1 Thessalonians 3:5 seems to match Acts 18:5

Lydia and the Philippian Jailer will be converted, the Bereans will search the Scriptures, Paul will confront the Athenian philosophers, and meet Aquila and Priscilla.

And once again, what do we find Paul proclaiming? In Acts 17:6-7, the mob says that they have been saying there is “another king, Jesus.” During this second journey, this King demonstrates His authority through His messengers that He has sent.

They exercise authority over demons (Acts 16:18)

Prisons cannot even contain them (Acts 16:26)

Vain philosophy is challenged (Acts 17:29-31)

False teachers are converted (Acts 18:8)

Christ is extending His kingdom despite persecution and some confusion. Churches are being established and elders are being appointed in them. These gathered bodies are those who, having been washed, are celebrating their peace with God around the table, in every nation.

Malachi 1:11 ““For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be presented to My name, as well as a grain offering that is clean; for My name will be great among the nations,” says Yahweh of hosts.”

And do we not see this now? Everywhere the sun goes, it shines upon at least one who professes faith in Jesus Christ. And it is only getting stronger. Yes, there are various times and places when the church wanes, the generation falters, there is apostacy, but God, in His grace, has established a way for the world to be saved.

And to quote Paul Washer, “We have a world to win, nations to save, dragons to fight. And it can be done, it will be done, but not by your power, and not by mine. But by His.” This is what we see in these chapters of Acts, Christ establishing the salvation of the nations by His messengers.

Then, as expected, this section ends with Paul back in Antioch (Acts 18:22-23).

Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:24-21:14)

Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece, & Troas

The main body of this text takes place in Ephesus, which is considered one of the top 5 largest cities in the Roman empire at that time. It was the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

“...all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:10)

It is speculated that 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans were written during this journey.

1 Corinthians written from Ephesus - References to Apollos (1 Cor. 3:6) and the many adversaries in Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8-9).

2 Corinthians written from Macedonia (Acts 20:1-2) - Precedes Paul’s final visit to Corinth (Acts 20:2-3) but follows Titus’ reconciliation mission (2 Cor. 2:12-13; 7:5-7)

Romans written from Corinth (Acts 20:2-3) - Intent to visit Rome (Rom. 1:10-15; 15:22-29); the collection for Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-27) aligns with Acts 24:17.

And I want to draw attention to Acts 19:20 “So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.”

Notice that it is the word of the Lord that is growing. As I said before, it is by means of His word that Christ has established His rule and reign on earth. And it was not only growing mightily, but prevailing.

The word of the Lord was raising up mighty men like Apollos (Acts 18:24-28), was driving magicians to burn their magic books (Acts 19:19), and was causing idol businesses to close (Acts 19:27). And, much to the dismay of the prince of the power of the air, the messenger of the King will ultimately be sent to the greatest city of the first-century world: Rome (Acts 19:21). And there, this New King will be proclaimed unhindered (Acts 28:31).

Acts 28:31 LSB

preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered.

Summary Statement

King Jesus ascended into heaven to receive the kingdom, He empowered His messengers to proclaim it in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and now, He will send them to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Peter proclaimed that Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God (Acts 2:33) and that the heavens must contain Him until the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21), Stephen saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56), Paul saw Jesus in blinding light from heaven (Acts 9:3), Peter proclaimed to the Gentiles that Jesus is lord of all (Acts 10:36), and now riots will break out because Paul will proclaiming that Jesus is king to all the nations (Acts 17).

1 Corinthians 15:25 “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.”

Acts 13-21 demonstrates Christ’s power in extending His kingdom. Not by wealth, by political might, but by sword, but by the prevailing Word of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. These weapons that Christ has granted His people are not powerless but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.

Christ is King

So be filled with Joy and His Spirit (Acts 13:52)

Acts 13:52 LSB

And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

In the context of this verse, Paul and Barnabas had just been driven from that province. Yet, despite their circumstances, they were fille with Joy and the Holy Spirit. They didn’t get depressed because it looked like the culture war was being lost to the Judaizers. They didn’t harp on how they are being victimized. They just had joy. And this is the fruit of the Spirit of God:

Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Christ’s people, citizens of Aslan’s country, can look past the troubles of our immediate circumstances. We can say with Job that naked we came into this world and naked we shall go out of it. We can say with Paul that we have learned to be content in whatsoever condition we find ourselves.

Christ’s people can suffer, knowing that our King is in control. Knowing that this is how He extends the kingdom. Paul tells the disciples in Lystre and Derbe: “Through many afflictions we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). But we can have joy, knowing that our Lord has not left us powerless, but has given us the Comforter, the Paraclete (meaning helper). He has been granted to us as a down payment of our inheritance. What could possibly happen to us that would steal away our joy?

So, Christian, are you troubled by world events or are you assured of Christ’s authority? Are you downcast because of your confused neighbors, or are you excited about the challenge of engaging them? Are you someone that is fighting the good fight like a jolly, spirit filled warrior?

What is it that steals your joy? What can separate us from the love of God? Nothing! Think about the things that would take your Joy and remember:

Christ is king so be filled with Joy and His Spirit.

So be fed by His Word (Acts 15:15)

Acts 15:15 LSB

“And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,

In order to give judgments on controversies we must know the Word of God. Can we say “they word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you?” Are you studying to show yourselves approved unto God as workman that do not need to be ashamed who are rightly interpreting the Scriptures?

Husbands: the primary burden of this responsibility rests with you. Paul tells the women in Corinth that if they have a question that they should ask their husbands. Are you prepared to answer your wife’s questions? Can you lead her into a fuller knowledge of her Lord?

Wives: Do you know the Word of God? Do you have questions to discuss with your husband? Do you desire to grow in obedience to Christ? Hiding God’s word in your heart results in singing to one another...Are you doing that? Are you singing the Word of God in order to edify your household? Are you teaching your children to do this?

If husbands and wives have this focus toward God’s Word, then when controversies arise, which they inevitably will, you will be able, like James the elder, to make a judgment.

Families: Are you catechizing your children? Are they learning sound doctrine in your house? Are they learning verses and catechisms? Do they know the 10 commandments? Will your children be able to say “just as it is written...”?

Christ is king so be fed by His Word.

So be fortified by His presence (Acts 18:10, Matthew 28:20)

Acts 18:10 LSB

for I am with you, and no man will lay a hand on you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

I have always loved a particular painting of Daniel in the lion’s den. He is standing with his hands behind his back looking up at a light, with lions prowling behind him. It reminds me that not one of those lions could have touched Daniel without God allowing it. And if the lions had touched Daniel, then we could rest assured that God allowed it. This is comforting.

Psalm 139:7 “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

Joshua 1:9 ““Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be in dread or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.””

Matthew 28:19–20 ““Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

If the Spirit of Yahweh is with us, then why are we afraid? Why are we fearful? Are you afraid to say what the Bible says? Do you know that Christ is King? We are here to tell people that there is a King in Heaven who determines what is right. And it is good for humanity that this is so. We can boldly proclaim the truth to our nation. And we do not have to be afraid, though the earth be removed or the mountains shake. Because God is our refuge and strength...A VERY PRESENT HELP in trouble. Yahweh of hosts is with us.

And if God is for us, then who can possibly stand against us. Strongholds will not stand and neither will the gates of hell. Babylon is as good as fallen.

Christ is king so be fortified by His presence.

So be faithful as His witness (Acts 19:8, 20:27)

Acts 20:27 LSB

“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.

Paul did not shrink back from his quest to extend the kingdom of Jesus Christ. He went into the fray and fought wild beasts. Oh that we would have the spirit of Paul. Oh that we would remember that we have the Spirit of the Living God! Paul says to the Ephesians, “Be strong in the Lord and in the might of His strength.” (Ephesians 6:10)

Are we faithful to proclaim the whole purpose of God? Do we shrink back from the challenges of our age? What battles are we fighting? Are we faithful witnesses of our King? We sing the prayer:

Rise again, ye lion-hearted, Saints of early Christendom! Whither is your strength departed, Whither gone your martyrdom? Lo, love’s light is on them, Glory’s flame upon them, And their will to die doth quell Even the lord and prince of hell.

These the men by fear unshaken, Facing danger dauntlessly; These no witching lust hath taken, Lust that lures to vanity. Mid the roar and rattle Of tumultuous battle, In desire they soar above All that earth would have them love.

Great of heart, they know not turning, Honor, gold, they laugh to scorn; Quench desires within them burning, By no earthly passion torn. Mid the lions’ roaring, Songs of praise outpouring, Joyously they take their stand On the arena’s bloody sand.

Would to God that I might even, As the martyred saints of old, With the helping hand of Heaven, Steadfast stand in battle bold! O my God, I pray Thee, In the combat stay me; Grant that I may ever be Loyal, staunch, and true to Thee.

Christ is king so be faithful as His witness.

5. If Christ is king and we are filled with joy and His Spirit, fed by His Word, fortified by His presence, and faithful as His witnesses, then we will be free in His providence (Acts 20:32).

Acts 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 have been sanctified.”

If we live our lives this way, then we can rest in God who will give us what He has promised, an inheritance among all those who have been sanctified. We can say with Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

It will not matter what our perception of the kingdom expansion is. We will be joyful and Spirit-filled in our lives as we serve our King. Even if there are mobs of people yelling “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” or any other pagan slogan. Even if we are stoned and dragged out of the city. Whatever it is, we will be able to rest in the providence of God to accomplish what He has promised.

Habakkuk 2:14 LSB

“For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh, As the waters cover the sea.

Psalm 2:8 LSB

‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.

Christ is king. So be filled with Joy and His Spirit, fed by His Word, fortified by His presence, and faithful as His witnesses, and we will then be free in His providence.

Amen! Let’s pray.

Praise God for His greatness and sovereignty.

Confess that we often fail to live in light of His kingship.

Pray that we would live lives filled with Joy and His Spirit, sustained by His Word, comforted by His presence, and Faithful as His witnesses.

Pray that we would rest ultimately in His providence as we play our part in the furtherance of the Kingdom.

The Lord’s Supper

Psalm 104:1; 14-15 Bless Yahweh, O my soul! O Yahweh my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty...He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for man’s cultivation, To bring forth food from the earth, And wine which makes man’s heart glad, To make his face glisten more than oil, And food which sustains man’s heart.

Just as the Creator God has given us bread and wine to sustain us and give us joy, so He has now given us His Son. Just as bread sustains our heart, so Christ, as the bread of life, the manna from heaven, feeds us. Just as wine lifts our countenance and gives us joy, so does Christ’s blood, which gives us peace with God. The balm of the sin-tortured soul.

Christ is King and He invites you to sup at His feasting table of victory. You are invited to come into the kingdom. What will you do with the invitation?

“You, out in the cold of your malice, out in the dark of your lusts, have been shown a great house. The Master of the house has invited, no, more than that, commanded that you to come and fellowship with Him at his table. But there, out in the night of your sin, you have hated Him. For years, you hated His wealth, you hated His charity, and you hated His sons and daughters. But now, by the Spirit, beyond your understanding and mind, that hatred is gone. You approach the door, trembling and afraid. It is a huge door, but no, it is not locked. It swings open. Bright, warm, yellow light streams out. The heads at the table turn and welcome you, and you wonder why you ever hated them. No servant has to scurry to set a place for you; the place is already set. The Master beckons for you to take your seat. You try to protest; your clothes are filthy, and you have not been washed. But then you look down and see that you are dressed in clothes you have not seen before, and they are white. Your hands are clean.

You turn around and look back out the door. You remember now, with a burning shame, all your excuses. You remember all the times the Master of the house invited you to come, but you would not. You remember the mystery of your own sinfulness and wonder why you did not come before. You turn back to the table and take your place, your eyes full of grateful tears.

You look at the food and wonder at the simple fare. There, in the middle, is the bread of life. The one who eats will never be hungry. There, in the goblet, is a deep red wine. The one who drinks will never thirst again. You shake your head in wonder at your own blindness and at the mercy of God in removing it from you. Truth is bread, and it feeds the hungry. Truth is wine, and it takes away the dry, parched thirst in the mouths of sinners. You, dear friend, bow your head to say grace, and you will say it forever and ever, world without end. Amen.”

(Wilson, Clean Water, Red Wine, Broken Bread, 2000, p. 53-54)

Brothers and sisters! This feast has been given to Christ’s church here on earth. And therefore, if you have been visibly washed in baptism, added to the church, then you are welcome to partake of this feast.

If you have not yet professed faith in Jesus Christ, repented of your sins, and been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we ask you to refrain from the table for now. Instead, receive the invitation—repent, believe, and be baptized, and then come joyfully to Christ’s feast. Then, enjoy the presence of the living God when the church gathers to celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ each week. This victory was accomplished by means of His broken body and poured out blood as pictured by this bread and this wine. We hope that you will come and enjoy them with us.

Let us give thanks to God for these gifts.