June 15-June 21

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
Michael Forgus
Cincinnati, Ohio

Acts chapter 4-7 is a pivotal time in the formation of the early church. We just read in Acts chapter 2:37-41, Peter proclaiming the Gospel of repentance, baptism, and salvation. The literal acts, deeds, and healings, the Apostolic signs and wonders given to the disciples were bringing thousands, mostly Jews, to the understanding of the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist had ushered in the Good News, “The Kingdom is at hand.” “The Messiah is here.”

Signs and wonders were a gift from God given to the Jews. In Acts chapter 4, we find Peter addressing the Sanhedrin. Peter proclaims that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the “stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner.” (Acts 4:11) The Jewish Leaders are troubled and threatened by the growth of the early church. The Leaders again called Peter and John before them and forbid them to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John respond beautifully “For we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

In Acts chapter 5 we find the continued growth of the church a serious problem and a major concern of the Jewish Leadership. The Jewish Leadership turns to persecution, beatings and even death to the Believers in Jesus Christ. The zealousness of the leadership culminates with the appointment of Gamaliel, a Pharisee, a doctor of the law. Gamaliel’s command is to limit the space where the apostles can reach and teach the men of Israel. This persecution leads to the beatings and death of many Believers.

The persecution of the Believers reaches a pinnacle with the arrest of Stephen, one of the first seven deacons of the church at Jerusalem. In Stephen we find a Believer “full of faith and power, who did great wonders and miracles among the people.” (Acts 6:8) Stephen’s address to his accusers, Acts 7:2-53, is the greatest soliloquy ever spoken or penned. William Shakespeare would have to give a standing ovation, Hallelujah!!!

As the council of the Sanhedrin and Pharisees looked, “steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15) God was ministering through Stephen. The close of Acts chapter 7 is one of the most important events in the whole New Testament. The following verses, Acts 7:54-58, bring to a close the Dispensation of the Kingdom at Hand presented to the Jews. In verse 55 we find Jesus Christ standing on the Right Hand of God. The Jews reject the inspired Word of God spoken by Stephen, which is the last time in the New Testament that Jesus is standing at the Right Hand of God. Jesus remains seated at the right Hand of God until the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). In verse 7:58 we get the first glance at Saul, who later becomes Paul, after his conversion to the belief in Jesus Christ. Here Paul is the Pharisee, who tends to the coats of the Jews stoning Stephen.

Acts 7: 54-58
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their cloths at a young mans feet, whose name was Saul.

God is not done with His chosen people, the Nation of Israel. We need to be of Good Witness to all, Jews and Gentiles. We need to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Hallelujah!!!!

Amen

[Michael Forgus is a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Michael lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Karen, and three daughters.]