Surprise!
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God
for him (Acts 12:5).
When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John,
also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying (Acts 12:12).
Agrippa I, who executed James, kept the peace by pleasing the majority, and it
pleased them to have Jewish Christians put to death. Accordingly, he imprisoned
Peter, intending to have a public execution. Then followed a series of
surprises, set in motion by a praying church.
1. A surprising omission.
We commonly assume that the church prayed for Peter's release, and speak of the
irony of their unbelief when their prayers were answered. But nowhere are we
told that they prayed for Peter's escape. They might have been praying that he
would die bravely and swiftly, as had James. We simply don't know. James' death
would give them scant hope and faith for Peter's release.
2. A surprising escape.
Peter's jailbreak surprised "the Jewish people" who "were anticipating" the
apostle's execution (v. 11). It surprised the guards and the king, who imagined
themselves securely in charge of the situation.
The escape even surprised Peter, who was not praying but sleeping. He thought he
was dreaming, until the night air cleared his mind and the reality of the escape
"dawned on him" (vv. 9, 12). James' death and Jesus' words (in John 21:18-19)
would not incline him to expect freedom.
3. A surprising reception.
Peter hurried to the house of Mark's mother, where the maid who answered his
knock was so surprised to see him that she didn't unlock the outer gate but fled
to the house and interrupted the prayer meeting with an incredible news flash.
Those who had been praying were so surprised that they thought she was bonkers.
When they finally admitted the apostle, "they were astonished" (v. 16) --an
understatement.
It is surprising that we don't pray more, and that we don't expect more from
God. It is surprising that prayer is so often delegated to church leaders
instead of "many people." It is surprising that we would read of Peter's escape
and conclude that prayer could always get us out of trouble.
Prayer and Missions
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and
sent them off (Acts 13:3).
"They" seems to refer to "the church at Antioch," for it was to the whole church
there that these apostles, "Barnabas and Saul," reported when their first
missionary journey had been completed (14:27).
This church was distinguished for its accumulation of talent (five "prophets and
teachers") and for its unselfish surrender of leaders for the work of Christ
elsewhere.
The relationship of prayer to their worship and to their missions program is
instructive for us.
1. Prayer and obedience.
During worship the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the
work to which I have called them." He probably spoke these words through one of
the "prophets" who ministered in the Antioch church.
A praying church creates an atmosphere within which revelations of the divine
will can be delivered.
A praying church creates an atmosphere within which disclosures of the divine
will are promptly obeyed.
In giving up Barnabas and Saul, the church was sending its choicest leaders to
proclaim and teach Christ in other places. Communion with God inclines
individuals and churches to give ready obedience to the made-known will of God.
2. Prayer and ordination.
Sending was preceded by prayer and fasting, with the imposition of hands upon
those being sent.
This ordination ceremony did not convey to the chosen missionaries any special
qualities or abilities they had not already possessed. Instead, it marked the
church's awareness of their grace and gifts for the ministry they were embarking
upon. It "set apart" these two for a divinely chosen task.
The praying church became a sending church. They took their hands off the
apostles as surely as they had laid their hands on them. They gave them up
without complaint. The God who had sent men to them with the gospel was free to
send men from them with the gospel.
How did the church fare without these talented and devoted leaders who went
elsewhere to offer Christ to a perishing world? The answer is found in the
record of the missionaries return to the sending church: "Paul and Barnabas
remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of
the Lord." The original five had become "many." The church gains more than it
gives when it is faithful to God's directives!
With Prayer and Fasting
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with
prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust
(Acts 14:23).
Through the gospel preaching of Paul and Barnabas, "a large number of disciples"
had been won in several cities. Revisiting these cities, the apostles
strengthened and encouraged these disciples "to remain true to the faith."
To meet their need for continuing instruction and supervision, "elders" were
appointed. Local leaders having been supplied, the apostles then committed the
churches to the Lord "with prayer and fasting."
1. Prayer and fasting.
Prayer and fasting are frequently linked in the New Testament. Each is mentioned
without the other, implying that neither is essential to the other. We can fast
without praying and pray without fasting. When the two are united, each
discipline strengthens the purpose of the other. The aim of both is effective
and joyful communion with God. Apart from obedience to His will both are empty
forms and spiritually useless.
2. Prayer and fasting and commitment.
Through prayer and fasting these churches and their newly appointed leaders,
were committed to the Lord. The Greek word translated "committed" means
"delivered over to." Paul and Barnabas put these believers into the hands of the
Lord for good reasons:
(1) The Lord was the source and object of their faith. Commitment to Him is the
natural and necessary expression of continuing faith.
(2) They needed divine protection as they endured human persecution. Entrance
into the kingdom of God was "through many hardships" (v. 22). The Lord would not
lead them around hardships, but He would bring them through their trials.
(3) Paul and Barnabas had been committed to their task by a praying and fasting
church (13:1-3). They wanted the churches they had planted to become faithful
and fruitful reproductions of that sending church.
Jesus, praying from the cross, committed himself into the Father's hands. This
is sufficient reason for all believers to be committed through prayer to God's
keeping. There is no safer, better, happier place to be!
Prayer, fasting, commitment--these are the challenges facing leaders and
followers in the church today.
The Place of Prayer
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we
expected to find a place of prayer (Acts 16:13).
Paul entered Europe with the gospel after he had a vision in which a man from
Macedonia pleaded for help. His mission was launched at Philippi, a "leading
city" of Macedonia. There he found, not the man in his vision, but some women
"who had gathered " at "the place of prayer." Great events followed.
1. The place of prayer.
Jews were dispersed throughout the Mediterranean world. Where ten or more men
could be rallied they formed a synagogue. Otherwise, they formed a "place of
prayer," usually an open-air place beside the sea or a river. There men, but
more often women, would meet to pray, recite the Shema, study the Torah, and be
addressed occasionally by visiting rabbis. Since Philippi had no synagogue, the
Jewish population was obviously small.
2. The place of preaching.
Paul and his companions spoke to the women gathered at the place of prayer. This
is the first record of gospel preaching and teaching in Europe. It was Paul's
custom in every city he visited to begin his preaching mission at the local
synagogue. If expelled from there he would use some suitable place to house a
Gentile congregation. That is, when he could stay in town and out of jail long
enough to do so.
3. The place of power.
One of Paul's listeners was Lydia, a business woman from Thyatira. She was "a
dealer" in purple dyes or purple-dyed fabrics for which Thyatira was famous. She
was also "a worshiper of God" who had not heard of Jesus Christ. She
was a Gentile who had become attracted to the monotheism and morals of Judaism.
Two grand openings occurred. "The Lord opened her heart" to receive the gospel,
and she opened her home to house the missionaries. She provided a base of
operations for the continued work of Christ in that important city.
Prayer, preaching, and power are frequently linked in Holy Scripture. From
communion with God flows a power that makes the transmission and reception of
the gospel message effective in changing human lives. Apart from such prayer,
preaching becomes mere public speaking and audiences remain the slaves of their
sin.
The Power of Prayer; Jesus Kayos Python
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave
girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future (Acts 16:16).
A road to "the place of prayer" becomes the setting for a miracle of
deliverance. The power is not confined to the place but resides in those who
frequented the place in order to commune with God.
1. A possessed girl.
Luke describes her as possessed by a "pythian spirit." Python was a mythical
serpent who guarded the temple of Apollo. The word "python" came to mean a
demon-possessed person through whom Python spoke.
This girl was the slave of greedy men who exploited her fortune-telling to line
their pockets with cash.
She hounded Paul's steps for days, giving him and his colleagues free, true, but
unwanted publicity for their missionary task. For a parallel, see Luke 8:28,
where a demon possessed man is compelled to recognize and shout aloud the truth
about Jesus.
2. A praying man.
That Paul was enroute to "the place of prayer" is significant. He was a man who
lived in communion with God.
Turning to the girl, he commanded the demon to "come out of her." "From that
moment" she was freed. Many scholars are convinced that the miracle implies her
conversion to Jesus Christ.
She had advertised, by compulsion, a mission she did not share. Now she
experiences the truth she had formerly cried out but had not lived out.
3. A persecuting mob.
The slave owners, their meal ticket destroyed, dragged Paul and Silas before
"the magistrates." A crowd joined them in "the attack." The authorities, either
sympathetic with the slave-owners, or intimidated by the riotous mob, or
prejudiced against Jews-or all of the above--had Paul and Silas "severely
flogged" and "thrown into prison."
To be a man or woman of prayer can exact a heavy price at times. Prayer releases
power and incites persecution.
"The name of Jesus" is mightier than all demonic forces that torment human minds
and lives. Those who are faithful to "the place of prayer" in submission to the
will of "the Most High God" channel that power. To be such persons is our
privilege and challenge.
Prayer, Praise, and Power
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (Acts
16:25).
Acts 16 records three conversions that laid the foundation of the church in
Philippi. The first convert was a businesswoman, the second a fortune teller,
and the third a jailer. In his conversion prayer is seen in customary
associations.
1. Prayer and praise.
Despite shock and pain, the imprisoned missionaries were "praying and singing
hymns to God." They ignored a perfect opportunity to whine, complain and
backslide. Instead they communed with God, combining petition and praise. You
cannot pray without being inspired to praise, or praise without being incited to
pray. God is the source of all blessings and that truth makes prayer and praise
twin activities.
2. Prayer and power.
"Suddenly an earthquake..." The power of God shook the earth beneath the prison,
loosening chains and opening doors. Prisoners made no effort to escape, fearing
God more than they feared Roman justice. The quake was obviously a divine
response to human prayer and praise, and that paralyzed with awe those who
otherwise would have fled in glee.
The power of God shook also the heart of the alarmed and bewildered jailer. Paul
acted quickly to prevent him from suicide and to introduce him to new life. A
brief catechism led to a dramatic conversion. The power that changes people is
greater than the power that convulses nature.
3. Prayer and proclamation.
Paul and Silas "spoke the word of the Lord" to the jailer and "all his family."
They believed the gospel and were baptized, probably using some of the water
fetched to wash the wounds of the missionaries. They fed him upon the bread of
life, and he in turn "set a meal before them."
Next morning Paul and Silas were released. Before leaving Philippi they visited
Lydia's house "where they met with the brothers and encouraged them"--no doubt
by further preaching and teaching and prayer.
Three stories told, three conversions recorded, which formed the foundation of a
church that delighted Paul's heart and served his needs when he was once again a
prisoner for Christ's sake (Phil. 4:10-19). And prayer was a factor in all three
miracles. No wonder Jesus said that we "should always pray and not give up"
(Luke 18:1).
Farewell Prayers
When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed (Acts
20:36).
All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city,
and there on the beach we knelt to pray (Acts 21:5).
These references to prayer are too similar to warrant separate study. Both are
farewell prayers, the first with elders from the church at Ephesus, the second
with disciples from the church at Tyre. The first was marked by tears and kisses
as good-byes were said, for the elders would see Paul no more. Since the Tyrian
disciples had urged him to avoid Jerusalem, where "prison and hardships"
awaited, the same emotional accompaniments were likely in the second case. When
you love, good-byes are hard, and prayers can help.
1. Their posture.
In both cases those involved "knelt to pray." Kneeling was not always practiced
but here it was most appropriate. It symbolized their submission to God as the
Sovereign of their lives. Kneeling was a silent confession of His right to
command and of their duty to obey. In the light of predicted ordeals, kneeling
would be a natural impulse.
The Christians at Caesarea also begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Luke writes,
"When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done'"
(21:14). This too was prayer. As theologian Gustav Aulen has written, "The
prayer of all prayers is always 'Thy will be done'."
Kneeling is an effective reminder of our submission to the divine will.
2. Their petitions.
The content of their prayers is unrecorded but may be deduced from the context
in each case. They doubtless commended one another to the keeping of God, since
trials awaited all of them (20:28-31).
They doubtless prayed for the health and growth of their churches, a subject
certainly discussed with the Ephesians, and probably with the Tyrians (20:32).
They doubtless prayed especially and earnestly for Paul's protection and
deliverance, for they loved him as a brother in Christ.
In connection with the first farewell prayer we read, "they would never see his
face again." In connection with the second, "we went aboard the ship, and they
returned home." Prayer eased the pain of separation, for the God to whom they
prayed would be with each of them though they could not be with one another. In
Him was their union, peace, and strength.
Prayer, Guidance, Testimony
When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a
trance and saw the Lord speaking. "Quick," he said to me, "Leave Jerusalem
immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me (Acts 22:17,
18).
Paul had been arrested to save him from a lynching. He requested and received
permission to address the mob. What mattered most to him was not his personal
welfare but his mission as a witness to Christ. His words about praying on this
occasion are taken from the speech he was making to that angry mob. He was
referring to what had happened during his first visit to Jerusalem after his
conversion to Christ.
1. Prayer in the service of guidance.
Paul receives a message from the risen Christ, directing him to leave Jerusalem
at once and go "far away to the Gentiles" (v. 21). The reason given was simple:
"They will not accept your testimony about me."
Paul must have thought otherwise; he argued briefly with the Lord (vv. 19-20).
But when the Lord replied, "Go," he went. This is one of several references to
guidance that was given to praying men. Communion with God is vital to the
reception of His guidance.
2. Guidance in the service of mission.
Jesus did not send Paul away merely to save his life. The Lord is not dedicated
to the longevity of His people. He sent Paul away to those who would receive his
testimony, so that the kingdom of God might be extended in the world. The spread
of the gospel for the salvation of sinners is more important than the comfort
and prosperity of saints.
Jesus sent him "far away" for that was where he was most needed and could be the
most fruitful.
The crowd reacted to Paul's reminiscence by calling for his death (v. 22). To
them he was a renegade Jew, a traitor to his people. Prayer may insure
acceptance with God, but not with people.
Some lessons are obvious here:
The Lord speaks to those who speak to Him. His word comes to persons who pray.
The Lord treasures His witnesses, but He spends His treasure, He does not hoard
it. We are His to employ, not to coddle. He sends us, not to spare us, but to
reach others.
Whether far away or at home we have a dual obligation--to live in communion with
the Lord and in service to those who need Him.
Prayer and Priorities
Paul replied, "Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all
who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains"
(Acts 26:29).
Paul was defending himself before King Agrippa. In his fervor for the gospel, he
directly challenged the king to believe. Scornfully, Agrippa replied, "Do you
think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" The text
is Paul's intense, courteous response, and it lays bare his heart as a man of
prayer.
1. Prayer as an expression of desire.
Sometimes we criticize prayer as a wish list, much like the "suggestions" a
person makes to others before Christmas shopping is done. But in a sense, all
petitionary prayer is a wish list. It expresses to God what we want for
ourselves and for others. The rare Greek word used here for "pray" can be
translated accurately as "wish."
2. Desire as an expression of priorities.
What we most desire we most earnestly petition from God. Listen to people pray
and you will soon learn what they value most in life. To Paul, nothing mattered
more than the conversion of others to Christ. He was indifferent to his
circumstances and triumphant over his sufferings because his gospel mission was
his top priority (20:22-24).
3. Priorities as an expression of love.
Paul placed his gospel mission above personal comfort or even life because he
loved Christ and those for whom Christ died (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Here his love for
the king and "all who are listening" compels his speaking and praying. He
desires that all of them may experience his Christ but not his chains. Love and
prayer are interactive. The more we love the more we will pray. The more we pray
the more we will love.
Hallmark sells cards under the slogan, "When you care enough to send the very
best." When we care enough for the Lord and for the lost, we will do our best
praying and our best speaking. We will place greater value on evangelism and
discipling than we do on physical or material comfort. We will be faithful to
the mission of the church even at the cost of "chains." When we are opposed our
"defense" of ourselves will really be an "offense," an earnest witness to Jesus
Christ as mankind's only Savior.
Prayer and Healing
Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and
healed him (Acts 28:8).
This is the last mention of prayer in the book of Acts. It occurs in a dramatic
context of shipwreck, kindness, and healing.
1. After shipwreck, kindness.
276 men escaped the sea when their ship was wrecked. The Malta islanders treated
them with "unusual kindness," adding to their welcome a roaring fire to warm and
dry the shipwreck survivors. The islanders were a superstitious people. When a
snake bit Paul, they assumed that justice was over-taking a murderer. When Paul
remained unharmed they thought he was a god. Pagans though they were, the
islanders were hospitable and generous, a perfect illustration of what John
Calvin called "common grace."
2. After prayer, healing.
The governor's father was ill with what sounds like Malta fever, which could
last from two days to three years. Paul prayed, laid hands on him, and "healed
him." In Scripture, praying and imposing hands do not always accompany healings.
God can work in a variety of ways to accomplish like results.
Prayer identified the Lord as the source of healing power. Imposition of hands
identified the apostle as the channel of healing power. Paul would be seen as
neither murderer nor god, but as the empowered messenger of the one, true,
living God.
3. After healing, opportunity.
Paul's ministry was enlarged as other sick were brought to him for healing.
Elsewhere his healings were wrought in a context of gospel preaching, and
doubtless he proclaimed the gospel to these islanders.
For other illustrations of how healing led to enhanced opportunity for sharing
Christ, reflect back on Acts 3:1-4:4 and 9:36-42. Each of these healings were
also accompanied by prayer.
The man who prayed and healed was a prisoner enroute to trial. Unpleasant
circumstances are not a hindrance to prayer and faith. Pleasant situations are
not essential to fruitful ministry. What happens to us is never as important as
what God is allowed to do for others through our love, faith, prayer, and
witness.
