History Teachers

 Do you love/like history? Is the History Channel your favorite place to chill?
Our past is what explains who we are and where we come from. It doesn't have to define us. It is a good and clear explanation of what happened and what brought us to the place we find ourselves in the current moment. How well do you know your own history? If someone wanted to know about your own story could you share with them clearly what went on in your world? We have already made mention of the Apostle Peter's words in a previous chapter. "Always be ready to give an account of the hopes that lies within you." Part of that sharing and where we find hope is in recalling what the Lord has brought us from and where he is taking us. It's all part of the history lesson that makes up our lives. 

Later in our chapter with the help of Saul, now called Paul, we will get a deep historical account of where the Jewish people have come from and what they have been through as he adequately and clearly ties it in with the coming off Jesus Christ into their frame and picture in the context of the first century. Do you have a good explanation of what Jesus has done for you in your current worldview? Can you share what Jesus has done in a way that people in 2025 will understand and make sense of it? Maybe a more important question is - Do you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to share what Jesus has done with the world around you?

The immediate answer will most likely be - No! Most of us don't want to be out in front of people speaking and sharing. Many of us don't want to be in a one to one conversation around details and moments that could lead to controversial subjects. Especially when it comes to subjects we see dividing people and causing conflict. I don't know many who cherish being at the center of conflict. And, yet, there some who thrive in it. As we will see in this morning's scripture, Paul is one of those characters who seems to always be at the center of controversy. He is always ready to preach, to share, to converse about his Lord and Savior. Let see where we find him as we jump into today's chapter.

In our course of sharing the gospel with others, we will undoubtedly come into contact with those who not only disagree with we are promoting, but will actually and personally try to derail our efforts to put forth a clear message of what Jesus has done. It is also very interesting the people who will find in our path as we seek to share Jesus with others. What exactly is a proconsul? This man who wants to hear the word of God, Sergius Paulus, is a civilian governor over an island province in the Roman empire. He holds a similar role to what Pontius Pilate would have had back in the Gospel account. Although Israel was a foreign province to the Empire, this piece of island called Cyprus is in direct ownership of Rome. It is here that Barnabas and Paul begin a missionary journey. Their entry into this relationship with the proconsul is not without stress and strain. The governor has two such persons of interest that want nothing more than to discredit the message of Jesus. The opposition comes from both sides of the aisle. Bar-Jesus is known as a Jewish sorcerer and a false prophet. He is an attendant of the proconsul, his servant. He is always right by his side. Always ready to jump in and play devil's advocate. Always ready to give an opposing viewpoint to what ever someone might want to say or use to sway the governor. 

My mind wandered into the story of the Lord of the Rings here as I thought of how Grima Wormtongue came close to the King of Theoden of Rohan. Grima had his own agenda, seeking to court the king's niece and gain power for himself. It took the entrance of our heroes, especially Gandolf the wizard, to set the king free from the power over his mind and body for Theoden to see the hold the enemy had on him. Unlike Theoden, our proconsul here in Acts 13 is referred to as "an intelligent man". He seems to be in a good frame of mind and simply wants to hear for himself what this Word of God is all about. Why all the opposition? Well, a simple examination of the sorcerer's name shows us what Barnabas and Saul are up against. His name of "Bar-Jesus" is said to translate to "son of Jesus". None of the followers of Jesus were ever thought of as "son of" their Savior or Master. One of the key characteristics of our opposing views is that they will come from those who seek to act as if they are superior to what we are sharing. They need to seem as if they have more information or a higher standing to us. Why wouldn't someone want to listen to the "son of Jesus"? That person sounds like they must be someone important. However, it seems he has a Greek name as well. Elymas is also a word for "sorcerer". It should speak to us when a person's name is exactly what they are referred to as being. For some reason, Sergius doesn't seem to understand the imminent danger in having this servant so close to home. It won't be until after Paul's confrontation that his eyes will be opened. He will believe the message and give his life to Jesus. Would any of us be willing to be used of God to go through that kind of conversation and deal with this kind of antagonism? God wants to use us. We need to be willing and ready and able to share what Jesus means in the face of growing discontent with the Christian message. 

And there is more to consider. The journey is just beginning...

I used to attend an Apostolic church way back in my 20's.
There was a loose and free way of worship there and quite often people would stand and share whatever they wanted. More than once the offer went out, especially when we all thought the service was going to wrap up, if anyone else had anything they wanted to share. The eyeball were, of course, on the "new person" sitting in the back to see if they might have a testimony or a word to share that was on their heart. I never took them up on it. Didn't have a word set in my heart that just had to be shared. But, some did. And the service would carry on. I would more than likely slip out if it seemed like the length of the service was going to be too long. It is just this moment that Paula nd Barnabas seem to find themselves. Word slipped to them that the synagogue wants to know - Do you have anything to share? Oh, and of course, Paul does. 

Why does his message seem to have such success? He is speaking to a Gentile audience about a faith from somewhere that seem far off. This Jewish/Hebrew Jesus is a savior for all mankind. Everyone is involved. While some of the Jewish people seem to oppose them at time, the Gentiles audience accepts it with open arms. People want this forgiveness. People finds the acceptance and mercy they need. MUch of what we share will find its proper home in people's hearts if we take the time to find a proper way to present it. Not shove it down their throats. Not demand that they do it because we think they should. This is not "our faith" in some sort of possession that we own. It is about Jesus. Paul does an excellent job in his message of leaving the emphasis where it needs to be. On Jesus, himself. 

Can you do the same?
Can you share your history and interject Jesus where he needs to be?
As the Lord and Savior of your life.

Blessings folks.