Cornelius encounters the Lord

The Lord reveals Himself to us in diverse ways. For some people, it is a still small voice that prompts the need to  give their lives to the Lord. Others encounter God through life’s experiences and challenges. Some encounter God through preaching messages. Some through angelic encounters. These are not exhaustive lists, there are different ways that many people get the attention of God. What was your own story? Maybe you can share your personal testimony of your salvation experience with someone today. It is a powerful tool to get people to think about God. Not all of us have the same encounters and as such it is important that we do not make one encounter seem better than the other. What is necessary is that the person encounters the Lord. How the Lord does it, is not our way to decide.

Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.  Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. (‭Acts 10:4-5)

In the book of Acts, we are introduced to a pious man by the name Cornelius. This is the story of Cornelius. According to Acts 10:1-2, at Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. ‭Cornelius was not your everyday centurion. He wasn’t the busy type of Roman soldier. He lived among Jewish people but he did not consider himself better than others. Both him and his family were devout and God-fearing. They loved God and were devoted to serving the needs of others. Their giving was facilitated by a heart of generosity and they prayed to God regularly. Cornelius’ life caught the attention of heaven. As He continued his dedication to God, he had an angelic visitation. 
“One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” (‭Acts 10:3-6)

Cornelius immediately sent two of his servants to Joppa. Even before the servant’s arrived in Joppa, Peter had a similar vision that confirmed to him what God had revealed to Cornelius. Peter who would have refused any encounter with a Roman citizen was more than convinced that God shows no favoritism. When Peter arrived in the house of Cornelius, he met a group of people ready to experience the Lord. As Peter shared with the people the message of the gospel the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message (‭Acts 10:44). Peter, amazed by this said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.‭ (Acts 10:47-48).

The household of Cornelius experienced the hand  of God. In just one day, all the years of Cornelius’ dedicated service to the Lord was rewarded. Heaven acknowledged his great contribution to the kingdom of God and an angel was sent to convey this message. After that, God brought in the apostle Peter who led the entire family to understand the gospel and baptized the household of Cornelius. Imagine the transformation that will take place in Caesarea because of the salvation of Cornelius. This encounter also reveals the heart of God, He wants all people everywhere to be saved. None is beyond redemption. One other lesson is that our good deeds alone cannot save us. Thus being a good person is not a license to eternal life. We need to understand that our goodness should stem from the understanding that we have been saved to save others. If we are not motivated by Jesus, then we still need a ‘Peter’ to lead us to encounter salvation. You have a task to reach out to the unreached. Be the Peter that will lead good people to become Jesus loving people. A ‘Cornelius’ in your neighbourhood needs your prayers and support.

The healing of Aeneas

The Acts of the Apostles records most of the miraculous encounters the Apostles had after they had received the Holy Spirit. The addition of Saul to the church added another person who was fearless and bold to preach the gospel at all places. This brought about peace and growth in the church. More people joined the church and the disciples increased in numbers. The initial persecution of the church had scattered the disciples all over Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and elsewhere. These disciples had planted churches as they moved along. These different churches were also ministering to the communities where they operated. Thus, the initial persecution which was meant to crush the church rather expanded the church and moved the church to new territories. One of the territories the church thrived was a town called Lydda. The new believers in Lydda might have heard of all the miraculous signs that had been done by the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles.

Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. ‭(Acts 9:34)

As these churches spread across, the apostle Peter travelled about the country, and he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda (‭Acts 9:32). The church in Lydda had an apostolic visitation and this meeting would have strengthened and encouraged the members. As part of Peter’s visit, he encountered one man whose story changed after the visit. Aeneas could have been a member of the church in Lydda. This man was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years (Acts 9:33). When Peter encountered Aeneas, Peter said to him, “Aeneas Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up (‭Acts 9:34). The impact of Aeneas’ healing was massive. According to ‭Acts 9:35 all those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Thus, one person’s miracle caused citizens of two cities to have an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Imagine the exponential growth the church would have experienced. This miracle would have also deepened the faith of many people. All those who knew Aeneas during his eight years of being bedridden would have given glory to God for His hand at work.

Aeneas might have not been noticed by the community prior to his miraculous encounter. He was possibly a lonely man who had to deal with eight years of infirmity. Yet, when he encountered the power of God through the apostle Peter, his story changed. When he rose up from his bed after Peter had requested that, Aeneas would have felt strength in his bones. His body would have received strength and all the ligaments, tissues, tendons and bones that needed to be connected suddenly received strength. In just one encounter, all the predictions of medical history were annulled. Aeneas was restored and he left his place on the bed. He might have shouted, jumped and praised the Lord. There are many people who are going through difficult seasons in their lives. All that they need is an encounter with Jesus Christ. For some, they require spiritual healing to mend their brokenness. Others need the love of God to replace the feeling of emptiness and rejection. Like Peter, we should be willing and ready at all times to share with others the love of God. Somebody’s miracle is to know that he is loved by God. Keep sharing the gospel and see God transform societies and nations.

Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch

The ministry of Philip, one of the seven appointed to serve tables extended beyond food and hospitality. When Saul began to destroy the church, going from house to house, and dragging off both men and women and putting them in prison (Acts 8:3), the church scattered. The scattered church members preached the word wherever they went (‭Acts 8:4). Thus, their flight became an opportunity for more people to hear about Jesus. Philip also went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there (‭Acts 8:5). In a previous post, we established that Philip was a deacon and an evangelist. Through him, the people of Samaria heard the message of the gospel and many people came to faith. The numbers were so outstanding that the church in Jerusalem had to send Peter and John to support the new and growing church. Philip was not hindered by the fact that the church in Jerusalem appointed him as a deacon in charge of food distribution. He knew that wherever God took him was an opportunity to share the word. As the church in Samaria thrived under the ministry of Philip, God had another task for evangelist Philip to undertake. An important task that sent the gospel message to Africa.

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.‭ (Acts 8:30)

Philip was a man who was in tune with God. One day, an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (‭Acts 8:26). Philip didn’t question why It was urgent for him to go to that particular road. Philip’s response was this: “So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship” (Acts 8:27). God wanted a special person to understand scripture and Philip was the man assigned to the task. The Ethiopian eunuch believed in the God of the Jews, and he had travelled all the way from Ethiopia to worship in Jerusalem. On his way home, this man was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet (‭Acts 8:28). The passage was on the Suffering Servant but the eunuch had no idea who this person was. As instructed by the Spirit, Philip went and stayed near to the chariot. When Philip heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet, he asked the eunuch, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (‭Acts 8:29-30).

The Ethiopian’s response was this: “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:31). The passage the man was reading concerned the Suffering Servant. The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” ‭(Acts 8:34). Sensing the opportune time and the man’s quest to know more, Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:35).‬ What was the man’s response? He accepted the word and even went ahead and got baptized. According to Acts 8:36, 38, “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. The eunuch identified with the death and resurrection of Jesus when he was baptized. He publicly made known his dedication to follow Jesus.

After the baptism,  something miraculous happened. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). Philip’s talk with the eunuch was done and God repositioned him in Azotus and he traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (Acts 8:40). On his part, the eunuch went back home and introduced the gospel to his community, his nation and the continent of Africa.

There are many types of “Ethiopian eunuchs” we meet each day. Be willing and ready at all times to hear the Spirit talk to you. When the Spirit leads you to share the word with someone, don’t allow fear to draw you back. He will grant you the grace to evangelize.

Great persecution and church expansion

The persecution against the church is not a recent phenomenon. As early as the 1st century, the church faced diverse forms of persecution from the religious leaders and the rulers. In a previous post,  we considered the persecution of the apostles and how they were arrested for performing a miracle. The angel of the Lord miraculously released them from the jail. At another time, Stephen was stoned to death because the word of God he spoke pierced the hearts of the religious leaders. The day Stephen was killed, an open door for persecution was opened against the church. After Stephen was killed, Godly men buried him and mourned deeply for him (‭Acts 8:2).‬ Even the death of Stephen could not cause the religious leaders to give the church a breathing space to mourn. Let’s see what happened afterwards.

And Saul approved of their killing him.  On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (‭Acts 8:1)

Some important points to consider are these: Stephen’s death was seen as a means to rid the city of the wrong teachings of the disciples; Stephen’s death was orchestrated by the religious leaders who should have known better; Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee consented to the death of Stephen. After Stephen had been killed, on that same day, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). All the new converts, the disciples, those who became part of the church during the time of Jesus and after the resurrection of Jesus all scattered. Throughout Judea and Samaria, they found a solace to share with others their new faith. Thus, what was meant to crush the church rather led to church expansion. This is because even though the persecuted members were scared for their lives, they also shared the message of the gospel as they moved along.

In other words, what was meant by the religious leaders to crush the church rather moved the church from Jerusalem to other places. Remember, in Acts 1:8, Jesus had promised the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them; and you will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. However, until the persecution, the church was just centered in Jerusalem. Even though church persecution is evil and should not be encouraged in any way, for the disciples, the persecution became an instrument of expansion. Today, churches are still persecuted all over the world. In some places, churches are burnt, vandalized, destroyed  and church members are not spared either. Let’s take time to pray for the persecuted churches around the world. Let’s pray for the church members living in fear to encounter the love of God. Most importantly,  let’s pray that what the enemy plans for evil against the church will be turned around for our good

He is a Prophet

Moses the prophet whom God used to redeem the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt was a man of exceptional qualities. He was born at a time when Hebrew or Jewish new born baby boys were supposed to be drowned in the Nile River. However, he escaped miraculously and grew up as the Prince of Egypt. Similar to Moses, as a young child, Jesus faced a decree that took the lives of many young innocent children but God through His angels delivered Jesus and He was hidden in Egypt until the evil Herod died. The people God uses are not without challenges. Like many of us, they face their own share of life’s daily challenges,  yet, they rise above all these challenges and with the help of God, they become men and women of honour. As Moses fled Egypt, he departed as a fearful prince who had committed murder. However, he returned as a prophet of God empowered to bring deliverance to God’s people.

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. ‭‭(Deuteronomy‬ ‭18:15‬)

The ministry of Moses is highly influential in the history of Israel. Till date, when the books of Moses are read in Jewish communities,  the reaction is that of honour and reverence. This is definitely so because God’s presence with Moses was so great that God spoke with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he saw the form of the Lord (Numbers 12:8). Moses received the commandments of God and handed them over to the Israelites. By the time Moses died, the disorganized people he brought out to Egypt were a nation ready to possess the lands God had given to them. At one point in time, after an encounter with the Lord, Moses’ face was so radiant that he had to put a veil on his face (Exodus 34:35). This was how God’s power was mightily demonstrated through Moses.

One might conclude that Moses was the most powerful prophet ever lived. Yet, Moses himself was aware that after him will come another prophet. Before Moses died, he told the people this: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” ‭‭(Deuteronomy‬ ‭18:15‬). This prophecy found its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. The author of Hebrews mentioned that “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself.” (Hebrews 3:3). He continued that, “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” (Hebrews 3:5-6).

The helpless baby in the Manger was also a prophet of God. He spoke the mind of God and told the people what to expect in the future. Jesus’ words were so powerful that the people listening to Him confirmed that; “He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.‭‭” (Matthew‬ ‭7:29‬). Jesus knew exactly what will happen to Him and His followers in the future. As a prophet,  He prepared His disciples to know the times and the seasons. As we celebrate Christmas, we shouldn’t take this for granted; the baby in the Manger was no ordinary child. As helpless as He was in the Manger, He was Saviour of the world, the Son of God, the one who paid off humanity’s sins. Our prophet knows our past, our present and our future. Let’s open up to Him and allow Him to speak the words of life unto us.

Damaris: The Athenian believer

In a previous post on the prominent women in Berea, we identified that the Greeks were highly philosophical and they had a huge crave for wisdom unlike the Jews who were seeking for signs. Paul attested to this in 1 Corinthians 1:22. When Paul left Berea, he went to Athens to wait for the rest of his team. Athens is a Greek city also known for philosophical discussions and highly learned people. As Paul was waiting for his team mates in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. Paul couldn’t just keep silent about this so he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there (ses Acts 17:16‭-‬17). As Paul made his arguments, “a group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.” (Acts 17:18).

Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. (Acts 17:34)

As many people got interested in Paul’s submission, he was taken to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (Acts 17:19-20). According to Acts 17:21, “All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.” Thus, Athens was a wisdom hub. There were literally ‘no empty heads’ in the city. Men and women alike engaged in philosophical discussions and intellectual discourses. Thus, any arguments that win should appeal to the intellect of the hearers. It was in this city that Paul encountered Damaris, a woman who believed the message of the gospel. It is probable to assume that Damaris was not the only woman who believed but the fact that Luke mentioned her name and that of another man known as Dionysius indicates that these two were quite prominent in Athens. Remember, Paul’s argument in the Areopagus was not based on spiritual discussions but an intellectual argument provoking the people for being “ignorant of the very thing you worship.” Paul said:
“For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23).

Damaris and all the other people listening to Paul might have been surprised that in all their quest for wisdom, they were still ignorant of what they worship. Paul shared with them that the God who made the heavens and the earth does not live in temples made by human hands. He went ahead and argued that God “is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:25). This message might have shaken the core foundation of what the Athenians believed. Paul did not end there but continued to even quote a popular statement from Athenian poets, “For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” (Acts 17:28). Paul reasoned with the Athenians based on their intellectual levels. Finally Paul ended his discourse by saying: “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31). Paul preached the message of the gospel from the lenses of Athenian intellectual background. Although not everyone was happy when they heard about the resurrection of the dead, others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” (Acts 17:32).

The seed of the gospel was sowed in Athens and Damaris was one of those who believed:
“Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.” (Acts 17:34)
It is fitting to assert that Damaris was a prominent Greek woman on a higher level as Dionysius. The other believers (“and a number of others”) were not named one by one. Thus, the recipient of Luke’s letter is expected to somehow identify this woman named Damaris. The message of the gospel was accepted by the highly intellectual people in Athens. The presence of the two prominent church members, Dionysius and Damaris might have attracted more people of the intellectual class to join the church. In Athens, Paul used apologetics to defend his gospel and to present his message. In other places, he sat down and taught the people from scripture. Yet at other places a miracle preceded the message of the gospel. Paul understood the needs of his audience in each city. From Pisidian Antioch to Thessalonica to Berea and then Athens, Paul presented the same gospel of Jesus Christ but his approach wasn’t the same in all cities.

We need to understand the dynamics of each congregation. The seed is the same but the soils are different. Damaris probably wouldn’t need the Pisidian Antioch formula of evangelism. She wasn’t a Berean to search the scriptures (she probably didn’t have access to the scripture). She was an Athenian woman in search of wisdom and knowledge. She lived in a highly philosophical society and her level of intellect demanded an apologetic approach to the gospel. We have been sent to the world to possess the nations through the message of the gospel. However, understanding the dynamics of each society will help us navigate the issues of cross-cultural evangelism. The seed is the same, but the soils are different! What works for Africa might not work for America!

Prominent women in Thessalonica

It is a big fallacy to even imagine that the Christian faith suppresses women. Not only is that a liar, but it also undermines one of the principles of our faith: God created mankind male-female. The woman was made from the rib taken from the side of Adam signaling their collaborative efforts to make the world a better place. The Old and New Testaments present different women who advanced the kingdom of God through partnership, availability, commitment, dedication, sacrificial giving, readiness, willingness among many others. The apostles of Jesus also worked with different women who propelled the ministry to greater heights. These days, there are many amazing women who are doing great things in the kingdom of God. The exemplary lifestyle of these women are pointing generations to Christ. In the early days of the church, there were prominent women who used their wealth, influence and presence to advance the church. Apostle Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica witnessed some prominent women who also came to faith.

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. (Acts 17:4)

While on their second Missionary journey, Paul and his team stopped at Thessalonica. Paul reasoned with Jews concerning the Messiahship of Jesus Christ. For three Sabbaths Paul explained and proved that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Then he told them, “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah” (Acts 17:3). The detailed exposition of scripture had a positive impact, “some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women” (Acts 17:4). In Acts 13, During Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey, some prominent women in Pisidian Antioch were incited against Paul and Barnabas by the Jewish religious leaders. In Thessalonica too, we identify that the society had prominent women. These women just like the women in Pisidian Antioch would have been women of influence. They could have been business owners like Lydia, community leaders like Deborah, religious leaders like Hulda, wives of prominent men like Abigail.

These women would have been highly regarded in the society and their acceptance of the message of Paul could have been a propeller for the ministry. The presence of these influential and prominent women as well as the large number of converts to the church did not sit well with some of Thessalonian Jews. Out of jealousy, these Jews rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. The mob went to the house of Jason (the man who hosted Paul and his team) in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd (see Acts 17:5). Paul and Silas had to escape to another city (Berea) during the night. However, the seed sown in Thessalonica didn’t die. The believers watered the seed and cared for it until it grew to become a bigger tree. The prominent women would have been instrumental in the growth of the church. Their commitment, diligence, sacrificial giving, readiness to serve and many other virtues served as a stepping stone for greatness.

Years later Paul wrote two important letters to the church in Thessalonica (1 & 2 Thessalonians) giving them pastoral advice and encouragement. The church in Thessalonica flourished for a very long time. The ministry and influence of the prominent women who listened to the teaching of Paul went a long way to sustain, nourish and grow the church.
Dear woman, you have all that it takes to propel your church in a higher dimension of growth. Be intentional to take up initiatives that will advance the kingdom of God.
Dear man, never consider the woman God had created in His image and likeness as a static participant in the church. Churches grow when women are equipped, trained and prepared for kingdom advancement.

God-fearing women of high standing

How do we sharpen our spiritual antennas to hear from God? The answer to this question is relevant for every believer. Without divine guidance, our Christian journey would be full of avoidable errors. Let’s consider some of the many ways we can hear from God. In Acts 13:2-3, the believers of the church in Antioch waited upon the Lord. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” The church was worshiping the Lord and fasting. Worship (or prayers) and fasting are ways we can develop our spiritual antenna to hear from God. Barnabas and Saul ( also known as Paul) were commissioned and set forth as missionaries. This post will consider some women whose influence impacted the work of Barnabas and Saul.

But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. (Acts 13:50)

The apostles traveled throughout Cyprus proclaiming the message of the gospel to Jews and gentiles alike. Signs and wonders followed them and their ministry in Cyprus was fruitful. They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down (Acts 13:6‭, ‬13‭-‬14). The leaders of the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch invited the apostles to give a word of exhortation. Paul delivered a sermon on the gospel of Jesus to the congregation. Their message was so significant that the apostles were invited to speak again the following weekend. Acts 13:44-45 states that “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.” When the apostles told the people that they would now turn their attention to the gentiles, the Jewish leaders were not impressed. The “Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.” (Acts 13:50).

Let’s focus on the God-fearing women of high standing who became agents of hindrance in the flow of the gospel. These women were probably rich and influential women in the Jewish society. They feared God and were also looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. These women were possibly rich business women respected in the society. It is also possible to assume that some of them were in leadership positions of various types. Maybe, others were also married to influential leaders in the society. Whatever their pedigrees were, these women commanded respect and the Jewish religious leaders knew that the voices of these women can impact any movement for either good or bad. These women heard Paul’s message and although it sounded different from what they had been hearing from their synagogue leaders, they still returned the next Sabbath to hear more. However, when the leaders realized that the message of the apostles was against them, they decided to use the influential women and the leading men to get rid of the apostles.

Were these women aware that they were being used to hinder the work of God? Obviously not! They loved God and they immediately agreed with their religious leaders that the apostles were a threat to their religious beliefs. Remember, the apostles had prayed and fasted. Their missionary journey was a direct instruction from the Holy Spirit. Yet, the same people they had gone to save were used against them. The apostles and their companions “shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium” (Acts 13:51). Even in the midst of this rejection, there were still people who accepted the message and became disciples, “and the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).

The God-fearing women of high standing in Pisidian Antioch became agents of stagnation. The work of God couldn’t advance to many people because these women helped (maybe unknowingly) to block the work of God from advancing. Men and women alike have been called by God to become agents of transformation. However, without divine guidance, the enemy could rely on charismatism, influence, authority and power to hinder the work of God. Unfortunately, even though the activities of these people hinder the work of God, they are made to believe that they are rather protecting God’s interests. If we fail to search scriptures and develop personal relationships with God, our influence might negatively impact the growth of the kingdom of God.

How are you using your current influence to advance the work of God?

Kandake: Queen of the Ethiopians

In every generation, leaders have massively influenced their nations and societies. In Biblical history, we also identify that even the worship of God was influenced by leadership. Thus, if a godly leader is in charge, the worship of God thrives. On the other hand, the presence of wicked and godless leadership pushes the worshippers of God into hiding. We see this clearly exemplified in the New Testament. The godless religious leaders plotted and had Jesus killed. King Herod killed James and was about to kill Peter as well but Peter escaped miraculously (Acts 12). Even in the 21st century, some nations do not have the freedom of worship. For certain nations, anything religious is banned and for others, if you fail to follow their prescribed worship and follow the God of the Bible, you will be charged and jailed. These instances make it important for believers to constantly pray for the leadership of their nations. Further, we should pray that God’s voice will be heard in the affairs of the state. This post will consider a leader, a queen who was mentioned briefly in the book of Acts but relevant for our discussions of women in the Bible.

So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:27)

The context of this event is situated right in the midst of a persecuted church. In Acts 7, the Jewish religious leaders had stoned Stephen, a deacon of the church to death for blasphemy. They failed to acknowledge that the same Jesus they had condemned to death is the Messiah God sent to rescue the people. The death of Stephen brought further persecutions in the church that led to the scattering of the disciples throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip, a deacon of the church, went to Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. The people in Samaria heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said (see Acts 8:4‭-‬6). From Samaria, the angel of God directed Philip to go to Gaza, and there Philip met an important personality. Acts 8:27 states this: “So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship.” Our focus is the Kandake not the eunuch but to better understand this, we will have to consider the eunuch and his transformation.

The Kandake was the title of the queen of the Ethiopians. In Biblical history, Ethiopia was considered as the region beyond the Nile and probably bigger than the modern day Ethiopia. Is it also possible that the Kandake had a proper name other than her title but since that was not mentioned in the Bible, we will not dwell on that. This woman was possibly a powerful queen over a huge geographical area. She was very rich and commanded authority. In fact, the eunuch Philip met was the official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake. Possibly the eunuch was the minister of finances or wealth. The fact that such an important official was able to take a religious pilgrimage all the way from Ethiopia to the land of Israel indicates the religious freedom under the Kandake. Remember, this journey would have taken days, weeks or even months to complete because transportation wasn’t advanced as we have now. The Kandake would have had to approve of a leave of absence for the eunuch for him to be able to undertake his religious journey.

Philip helped the eunuch to understand scripture and as they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). The eunuch returned to Ethiopia with the message of Jesus Christ. The Kandake did not just grant the eunuch holidays for religious pilgrimage but the eunuch returned with a massive transformation. It is believed that the Kandake herself believed in Jesus Christ after hearing the testimony of the eunuch. The impact of the church in Ethiopia had lived for many years. Even in the midst of the presence of other religions in East Africa, Christianity has never lost its position in Ethiopia. It is also possible to assume that the Kandake was very influential and instrumental in the growth of the church in Ethiopia. Her powerful influence and presence helped more people to come to faith.

The Kandake didn’t go on the pilgrimage but the testimony of the eunuch was enough to transform her and her nation. One of the greatest tools of evangelism in the church is personal testimony. Our personal experiences are powerful ways to share the messages of the gospel with others. The next time you get the opportunity to share Christ with others, you can begin with your personal testimony of your life before Christ, how you met Christ and the transformation you have experienced since you met Christ.

Several years after the encounter the Ethiopian eunuch had with Philip, the message of Jesus Christ is still transforming lives in Ethiopia. When unbelievers meet you, what message will they take from your interaction?

Halloween or He has won: Trick or share?

In Fall 2013, I got to know of Halloween. Growing up in Ghana, any idea or thought of ever celebrating or dressing up like a dead person, ghost, witches and all sorts of scary figures could have led my parents to seek both emotional and spiritual counseling for me. Who wants to walk about looking like a blood sucking demon in my community? The next day, you would probably find yourself at the mental hospital. Over the years, moving from Norway, to the UK and to Canada, I have identified that Halloween is much bigger than I thought. My exposure in Norway was just a tip of the iceberg. Last year, after the Halloween celebration, it took my husband and I months to assure my daughter that there are no vampires, witches and ghosts in her room. We did not celebrate Halloween at home, she got these ideas from school. Today is another celebration of Halloween and her school is hosting a Halloween parade. It just occurred to me that as a family, we have not had any conversation with her on Halloween and what it stands for. I believe many Christian families are in the same shoes. We have not taken time to talk to our children about Halloween and what the Bible says about evil spirits. 

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15)

Halloween originally began as a prequel to All Saints’ Day, or Hallows’ Day. This was a religious feast intended to celebrate the honour of saints. The November 1st celebration was not intended to celebrate witches, ghosts, demons, vampires and all kinds of bad guys. Over the years, the feast has lost its significance in most homes and we have rather preferred Halloween which is business-wise lucrative, and treats (candy) and costume companies have made it more popular than it was. What does the Bible say about our victory of principalities and powers? Colossians 2:13-15 states that “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.“
Jesus has triumphed over sin, death,  evil spirits and all forces of darkness. Satan is permanently defeated. Satan is the thief whose agenda is to steal and kill and destroy. Through Jesus, we have life and we have it to the full (see John 10:10). 

In the same way, the chains of sins have been broken for those who come to Jesus and make Him the Lord and Saviour. Jesus’ redeeming death has rescued us from the evil forces. The evil was nailed to the cross. We do not need to dress like demons to scare the demons away. Jesus has already paid the price for that. However, the redeeming death of Jesus will only be able to rescue one from the forces of darkness when an intentional decision is made to accept Jesus (Romans 10:9-10). We are in the world and as such, whatever is done in the world would directly or indirectly affect us. Instead of running away from Halloween, let us start a conversation about the redeeming work of Jesus. Don’t just give candy…trick or treat. Share Jesus. Have flyers to give to your neighbours. Don’t run away from Halloween, begin a Jesus-has-already-won conversation. Our children deserve to know the truth from us before the world puts fear in them. 

This song reminds me of our victory in Christ.

My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out. [Refrain]

My heart is leaning on the Word,
The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name,
Salvation through His blood. [Refrain]

My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave. [Refrain]
(Lidie H. Edmunds)