Rosh Hashanah

Head of the Year

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:24-25)

On the evening of 15 September 2023, begins the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes[TS1]  of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

This would be a great time to wish all our Jewish friends a hearty Happy New Year. It would also be a good time to reflect on our own lives. Are we keeping short accounts with God? When He reveals sin in our lives, do we confess it (1 John 1:9) and move on serving God? What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) What does it mean that God is sovereign?

What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?

Yesterday, I referenced the Shofar and asked the question, “What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?” The answer is it signals the Rapture of the Church. Verse 16 references the ”…trump of God…”

Paul explains the Rapture to the Church at Thessalonica.

Comfort in light of the Rapture (13-18) This is the most extended and most important description of the Rapture in all of Scripture.

The Hope of the Rapture (13)

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The Confidence of the Rapture (14)

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Order of the Rapture (15)

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 The Person of the Rapture (16a)

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,

The Resurrection of the Rapture (16b)

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The Catching up of the Rapture (17a)

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up

The Intimacy of the Rapture (17b)

 together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The Encouragement of the Rapture (18)

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ultimately the Rapture is a comfort to a needy people. We are to serve God till He returns. We are to watch expectantly and persistently.

God’s Sovereignty

Rosh Hashanah’s religious services focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty. God does rule in the affairs of men. Today we will look at the sovereignty of God. 

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY means that He is the Supreme Ruler who immanently and personally rules over all the affairs of the universe—and this includes our personal lives both as individuals and as a local body of believers. God’s sovereignty is a place of rest for the child of God.

                A.  GOD REIGNEST OVERALL (1 CHRON 29:11-12) V12

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

          B.  THE WORLD IS GOD’S (PSM 50:10-12)

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

          C.  GOD CREATED (GEN 1:1) V1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

          D.  GOD CHOOSES ISRAEL DOES WHAT HE PLEASES (PSM 135:4-6)

For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.⁵ For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.⁶ Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

          E.  GOD IN CONTROL (1 SAM 2:6-9)

The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.⁷ The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.⁸ He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.⁹ He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

          F.  GOD CONTROLS RULERS (PSM 75:6-7) V7

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.⁷ But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

          G.  GOD DOES HIS PLEASURE (IS 46:9-10)

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

          H.  CAN NOT FLEE FROM GOD (PSM 139:7-10) V10

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

          I.  GOD’S WORD WILL NOT RETURN VOID (IS 55:11)

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

          J.  GOD REIGNS OVER DEATH (JOHN 5:21)

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

          K.  GOD ‘S COUNSEL (EPH 1:11)

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

These verses show why God has the right to rule in our lives. Please look up the verses and see what they say. You might be surprised what you find.

God has given each one of us a free will to make choices. He has given us His precepts in the Bible to guide us through this life. We choose to follow God by faith or rebel against God and serve Satan. Satan is the enemy of God. There are consequences for following or rebelling against God. God rules over both Godly believers and wicked unbelievers.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Yesterday, I referenced the Shofar and asked the question, “What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?” The answer is it signals the Rapture of the Church. Verse 16 references the ”…trump of God…”

Paul explains the Rapture to the Church at Thessalonica.

Comfort in light of the Rapture (13-18) This is the most extended and most important description of the Rapture in all of Scripture.

The Hope of the Rapture (13)

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The Confidence of the Rapture (14)

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Order of the Rapture (15)

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 The Person of the Rapture (16a)

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,

The Resurrection of the Rapture (16b)

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The Catching up of the Rapture (17a)

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up

The Intimacy of the Rapture (17b)

 together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The Encouragement of the Rapture (18)

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ultimately the Rapture is a comfort to a needy people. We are to serve God till He returns. We are to watch expectantly and persistently.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Rosh Hashanah

Head of the Year

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:24-25)

On the evening of 15 September 2023, begins the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

This would be a great time to wish all our Jewish friends a hearty Happy New Year. It would also be a good time to reflect on our own lives. Are we keeping short accounts with God? When He reveals sin in our lives, do we confess it (1 John 1:9) and move on serving God? What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) What does it mean that God is sovereign?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Acts 10 reveals the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where all believers—regardless of their background—are welcomed and equal. The chapter underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, breaking down long standing barriers and opening new frontiers for the spread of the Gospel. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love and salvation are offered to all.

Acts 10

Cornelius’ and Peter

Breaking Barriers: The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles

he Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles (v 44-48) 

⁴⁴ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.⁴⁵ And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening, astonishing the Jewish believers. Peter then orders that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 10 is a groundbreaking chapter that marks the expansion of the Gospel message beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles. It begins with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, experiencing a divine vision. Subsequently, Apostle Peter also receives a vision that challenges the traditional Jewish dietary laws, signifying that the Gospel is for all, without any discrimination. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Acts 10 reveals the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where all believers—regardless of their background—are welcomed and equal. The chapter underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, breaking down long standing barriers and opening new frontiers for the spread of the Gospel. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love and salvation are offered to all.

Acts 10

Cornelius’ and Peter

Breaking Barriers: The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles

Peter Preaches to Gentiles (v 34-43) 

³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.³⁶ The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all)³⁷ That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;³⁸ How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.³⁹ And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:⁴⁰ Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;⁴¹ Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.⁴² And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.⁴³ To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter shares the message of Jesus Christ, His ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. He declares that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Acts 10 reveals the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where all believers—regardless of their background—are welcomed and equal. The chapter underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, breaking down long standing barriers and opening new frontiers for the spread of the Gospel. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love and salvation are offered to all.

Acts 10

Cornelius’ and Peter

Breaking Barriers: The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles

Cornelius’ Vision (v 1-8)

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,² A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.³ He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.⁴ And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.⁵ And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:⁶ He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.⁷ And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;⁸ And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius, a God-fearing Roman centurion, sees a vision where an angel instructs him to send for Peter. He sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to fetch Peter from Joppa. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Peter’s Vision (v 9-16) 

⁹ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:¹⁰ And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,¹¹ And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:¹² Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.¹³ And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.¹⁴ But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.¹⁵ And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.¹⁶ This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

While the men travel, Peter has a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals, and a voice commands him to eat. Peter refuses, citing Jewish dietary laws. The voice responds that what God has made clean, he must not call impure. This happens three times. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Peter Welcomes Cornelius’ Servants (v17-23) 

¹⁷ Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,¹⁸ And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.¹⁹ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.²⁰ Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.²¹ Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?²² And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.²³ Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

As Peter ponders his vision, the Spirit tells him that Cornelius’ men are looking for him. He welcomes the men and learns about Cornelius’ vision. The next day, Peter goes with them to Caesarea. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Peter Visits Cornelius (v 24-33) 

²⁴ And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.²⁵ And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.²⁶ But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.²⁸ And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.²⁹ Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.³² Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.³³ Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Upon arrival, Cornelius falls at Peter’s feet in reverence, but Peter makes him stand up, saying he is also a man. Cornelius explains his vision and why he sent for Peter. Peter acknowledges that God does not show favoritism. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Peter Preaches to Gentiles (v 34-43) 

³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.³⁶ The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all🙂³⁷ That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;³⁸ How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.³⁹ And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:⁴⁰ Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;⁴¹ Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.⁴² And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.⁴³ To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter shares the message of Jesus Christ, His ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. He declares that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles (v 44-48) 

⁴⁴ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.⁴⁵ And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening, astonishing the Jewish believers. Peter then orders that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 10 is a groundbreaking chapter that marks the expansion of the Gospel message beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles. It begins with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, experiencing a divine vision. Subsequently, Apostle Peter also receives a vision that challenges the traditional Jewish dietary laws, signifying that the Gospel is for all, without any discrimination. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Acts 10 reveals the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where all believers—regardless of their background—are welcomed and equal. The chapter underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, breaking down long standing barriers and opening new frontiers for the spread of the Gospel. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love and salvation are offered to all.

Acts 10

Cornelius’ and Peter

Breaking Barriers: The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles

Peter Welcomes Cornelius’ Servants (v17-23) 

¹⁷ Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,¹⁸ And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.¹⁹ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.²⁰ Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.²¹ Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?²² And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.²³ Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

As Peter ponders his vision, the Spirit tells him that Cornelius’ men are looking for him. He welcomes the men and learns about Cornelius’ vision. The next day, Peter goes with them to Caesarea. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Peter Visits Cornelius (v 24-33) 

²⁴ And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.²⁵ And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.²⁶ But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.²⁸ And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.²⁹ Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.³² Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.³³ Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Upon arrival, Cornelius falls at Peter’s feet in reverence, but Peter makes him stand up, saying he is also a man. Cornelius explains his vision and why he sent for Peter. Peter acknowledges that God does not show favoritism. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Acts 10 reveals the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where all believers—regardless of their background—are welcomed and equal. The chapter underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, breaking down long standing barriers and opening new frontiers for the spread of the Gospel. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love and salvation are offered to all.

Acts 10

Cornelius’ and Peter

Breaking Barriers: The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles

Cornelius’ Vision (v 1-8)

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,² A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.³ He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.⁴ And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.⁵ And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:⁶ He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.⁷ And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;⁸ And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius, a God-fearing Roman centurion, sees a vision where an angel instructs him to send for Peter. He sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to fetch Peter from Joppa. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Peter’s Vision (v 9-16) 

⁹ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:¹⁰ And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,¹¹ And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:¹² Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.¹³ And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.¹⁴ But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.¹⁵ And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.¹⁶ This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

While the men travel, Peter has a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals, and a voice commands him to eat. Peter refuses, citing Jewish dietary laws. The voice responds that what God has made clean, he must not call impure. This happens three times. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 10)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Acts 9 stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the divine intervention of the Lord. The chapter showcases not only the miraculous conversion of Saul, a man once infamous for persecuting Christians, but also the miraculous healings performed by Peter. These stories inspire believers, reminding them that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love, forgiveness, and transformative power. 

Acts 9:1-31

The Transformative Power of Faith: Saul’s Damascus Road Encounter

Saul in Jerusalem (V26-31)

²⁶ And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.²⁸ And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.²⁹ And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.³⁰ Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.³¹ Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Saul goes to Jerusalem and tries to join the disciples, but they fear him, remembering his past. Barnabas, however, accepts Saul and introduces him to the apostles. Saul preaches boldly in the name of the Lord. But when the Hellenistic Jews attempt to kill him, the believers take him to Caesarea and send him off to Tarsus. The church then enjoys a time of peace and growth. 

Acts 9 is a transformative chapter that chronicles the powerful conversion of Saul, a fervent persecutor of the early Christian church, into one of its most prominent apostles, Paul.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 9)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Acts 9 stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the divine intervention of the Lord. The chapter showcases not only the miraculous conversion of Saul, a man once infamous for persecuting Christians, but also the miraculous healings performed by Peter. These stories inspire believers, reminding them that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love, forgiveness, and transformative power. 

Acts 9:1-31

The Transformative Power of Faith: Saul’s Damascus Road Encounter

Saul Preaches in Damascus (V20-25)

²⁰ And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.²¹ But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?²² But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.²³ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:²⁴ But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.²⁵ Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Saul spends time with the disciples in Damascus and immediately starts preaching about Jesus, proving that He is the Son of God. This confounds the Jews in Damascus, who know Saul’s previous actions against the Christians. When they plot to kill him, his followers help him escape the city at night by lowering him in a basket through an opening in the city wall. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Acts 9)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com