Called To Suffer- For My Name
Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
On November 11 we began our series looking into the life of Paul and the ensuing letters (epistles) he penned while in prison the first time in Rome approximately 60-62 A.D. In Acts 7 through 9 we meet our would-be hero Saul as we got into our first of the “Prison Epistle Series” lessons. We studied out the initial call given to Saul (later called Paul and for clarity, in this article from here on) that defined his entire life. Acts 9 occurs in 35 A.D. while Paul was on his way to persecute more disciples. The Lord had seen enough and knocked him down physically and spiritually! Only three days later, Ananias is sent to tell Paul the “good news” of how much he must suffer for Jesus’ name.
This call is drastic and radical, clearly defining Paul’s life for the next 32 years until his death in Rome in 67 A.D. while imprisoned for the second time. If there were a thesis statement for this man’s life, it is wrapped up in Acts 9:16; this man would suffer and yet he allowed it to define, refine and drive him. My question to the congregation was, “Could that be our call as well?” The silence was deafening but I saw a spark of fire in a few brothers as they sat on the edge of their seats! We have to understand that the Holy Spirit used Paul’s incredible drive to persecute this new sect in order to open the doors to world evangelism. Acts 7:57-8:4 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
-And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
Because of Paul’s religious zeal- the church spread rapidly to places they would have not gone for years or maybe ever! This is the amazing way of our God. He uses even our sinful nature to spread the gospel. At this point the message is pushed as far as Antioch, about 300 miles north of Jerusalem, while churches are starting in city after city as the young movement forcefully advances. Remember- it started due to zealous persecution from the Jews like Paul. In our day as well, churches are beginning all over the world as men and women step out on faith and do their best to call others back to their first love. Often, these weary souls are berated, slandered and character assassinated when all they want is to see the church they are in turn around and truly spread the message once again. Sadly, many cannot bear up and leave disheartened and confused as to the direction of the congregation they often spent years of their lives to help build. Yet the fledgling movement forges on as life after life is changed and restored by the Lord God Almighty, who is stooping very low to make us great for Him. In the last few months, we have seen dozens baptized around the world and have heard story after story of those coming back to faith in the Lord. In Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Santiago and Phoenix (along with many other cities) there are stories daily of men and women being baptized and restored! Persecution is often a catalyst the Lord uses to jumpstart his church. We too are called to suffer for the name of Jesus. Are you willing?
Every Disciple Makes an Impact
In Acts 18:18-28 we find the incredible story of Priscilla and Aquila meeting Apollos as they are left in Corinth by Paul. This couple is an amazing example of how to be married and still work tirelessly for the Lord. When they met Paul, they were average disciples just working as tentmakers. By the time they had been with him for a while they were making an incredible impact. These tentmakers met and baptized one of the most influential future leaders of the church- Apollos. This came through discipling and willing hearts to imitate. I so appreciate and love my brother, Anthony Patterson. He came to Phoenix a bit in shell shock and his faith was low at best. A few months ago he met a campus student that then brought her friend to church. The first girl was not interested, yet Stephanie Mendoza became our first ASU student baptized. Now Anthony is involved in studying with several ASU men who will prayerfully be baptized in a few weeks! As of this weekend, our campus ministry will have more than doubled from 3 to 8 young fired-up disciples! Anthony is now making a tremendous impact- just a disciple, living the life. Each and every disciple (by definition) makes an impact.
Radical Need to Preach
In Acts 18:23-19:10 we find Paul now on his 3rd missionary journey where encounters Ephesus for the second time. This is a sinful city and the hub for the worship of Artemis. Ephesus, at this time was considered the most populated and influential city in that part of Asia and the cult of Artemis is spread throughout the region from here. This is a city focused on wealth and success and anything opposing that was fought against bitterly. There is a great riot because the leading men of the city are losing money due to this new movement coming to the region. They violently defended their “religion” in order to make money, just like churches in our day. In our own city- lust, success and money are the gods of choice. Some of the largest churches in the valley teach Jesus is a means to success and yet fail to preach he died on a cross with nothing on- his last garment being gambled away. Our Lord always meets our needs, but a sacrificial life is the standard of anyone who follows Jesus as Lord. People around us die daily- never finding the false satisfaction in success! With so much sin tolerated and embraced by Americanized Christians, we must remember the radical need to preach- just like in Ephesus.
Called to Imitate
In Acts 20:1-38 the journey continues as Paul preaches on and on! On his urgent trip back to Jerusalem, Paul stops in Miletus and calls for the Ephesian elders. He reminds them of his way of life and to watch out for false teachers who will distort the truth. He calls them to imitate his life. Paul literally went from “house to house”, “not hesitating to proclaim”, and “warning each of you night and day with tears” (Acts 20). From our first day in Phoenix, Helen and I have tried to imitate this heart of Paul by preaching that each disciple must fall in love with God and His word and live out the Bible. We are commanded to teach to obey- not just to teach and we are so proud of the hearts of the amazing disciples in the Phoenix church. But- keep your eyes and hearts on Jesus so as to not be led astray. Imitate our lives and our faith, obey the scriptures and let’s continue to build a great church for God’s glory.
Ready to Be Bound- Also to Die
From Acts 21 through Acts 28 where Paul pens the epistles; Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon from 60-62 A.D., we watch our hero in the faith withstand persecution and hardship for one purpose- to preach the word! Paul is truly living out the call from Acts 9 as he has literally given up everything, gone anywhere and done anything for the sake of the gospel! From prison, our brother writes some of the most inspiring and encouraging letters ever written. How was your week? It amazes me how much a man with a dream will endure when he is ready to be bound and also to die! We find the life of this passionately driven man daily calling us higher.
We are all on a missionary journey for the Lord. Remember- know that every disciple makes an impact; see the radical need to preach; understand you are called to imitate; and be ready to be bound- even ready to die for the cause. We are all called to suffer for the name of Jesus. What a joy to follow in the steps of Jesus- even if it means suffering, because God is our very great reward!
He stoops down to make us great,
Matt Sullivan
