#1575 Acts 12 Part 2 Blastus' Pedestal

 

20 Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king’s country. 21 And on an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel and sitting on the judgment seat, began delivering an address to them. 22 And the assembly kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, fulfilling their ministry, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark. Acts 12: 20-25 LSB

Acts 12: 20-25

Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon - Some commentators note that the Greek, thumomacheo, means to fight fiercely, so Herod is enraged against this people, and though he has no authority there, yet he does have influence because they rely on food imports from Palestine. 

MacArthur notes that Tyre and Sidon "were outside Herod’s jurisdiction, but since Old Testament times their country had been fed by the region ruled by Herod (cf. 1 Kings 5:11; Ezra 3:7; Ezek. 27:17).

And with one accord they came to him - As crises generally do to people, even those as heterogeneous as the populace was in Caesarea, the food crisis united the citizens to be of one mind on this necessity lest they starve. - Precept Austin

V. 20b And having won over Blastus the king's chamberlain - It doesn't say how they won him over, but looking at how the world works, and seeing how easily men fall into greed, it is probable that they bribed Herod's close servant. 

NET Note on chamberlain - the one in charge of the bed-chamber, the chamberlain.” This individual was not just a domestic servant or butler, but a highly respected person who had considerable responsibility for the king’s living quarters and personal affairs. The English word “chamberlain” corresponds very closely to this meaning but is not in common use today. The term “personal assistant,” while it might convey more business associations than management of personal affairs, nevertheless communicates the concept well in contemporary English. - PA

V. 21 Having put on his royal apparel and sitting on the judgment seat, began delivering an address to them - Some, like Josephus, say that his clothes were woven with silver, so as to glimmer loudly in the sun. You can see the way to reach such men, once his chamberlain was on their side, it probably took only empty platitudes and flattery to bend him. To be sure you sit in the seat of judgment so as to savor that they have come groveling to you. 

As John Phillips says "When the sun's rays fell upon that robe it glittered and shone with a resplendence that dazzled the crowds packed into the theatre." (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary - Page 225)

Steven Cole says "To seek glory for ourselves is to declare war against God. God will not give His glory to another (Isa. 42:8; 46:11). If we seek to exalt ourselves, the Lord will surely humble us. We must all beware of the temptation of pride, of taking credit for ourselves when it is God alone in His mercy who deserves the praise. To declare war against God is to commit eternal suicide, because God always wins. Herod’s glory was short-lived, and his misery is eternal. Even the Antichrist and the false prophet will only enjoy three and a half years of glory before God casts them into the lake of fire, where Satan himself will end up. All who never submitted to God will be thrown into that cauldron, to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 19:20; 20:10, 15). (Acts 12:1-25 The Unstoppable Gospel)

John Piper adds "In John 5:44 Jesus said to the glory-seeking Pharisees, "How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" In other words, you can't believe in Jesus and be devoted to glory-seeking among men. Faith is God-exalting. Glory-seeking is self-exalting. They can't go together. If you are seeking the praise of men, you are on a collision course with God. That's exactly what Herod was seeking and that's just what happened....The point of this is to make clear to everyone who will listen that God and not Herod is to be honored and glorified. If a man lifts himself up against God, he becomes weaker than a worm. It is insane to commit treason against the Creator of the universe. You can't win. Daniel gave the same message about kings. In 2:21 he said, "God changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." And when Nebuchadnezzar boasted, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" a voice came from God and said, "You will eat grass like an ox . . . until you have learned that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wills" (Da 4:30, 32). (Sermon) - PA

…6So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! 7All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. 8Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”… Daniel 6: 6-8

V. 22 The voice of a god and not of a man - He is not the first no will he be the last to feed on such. Men of greater stature, who have conquered and ruled more area, who have sat atop great kingdoms and thought they answered to no one, have all been deluded by the applause of men. Nebuchadnezzar looked across his vast kingdom, and he is the head atop the great image of Daniel 2, the gold standard. Yet, like lucifer, who saw himself and fell in love, who entertained the thought he should have killed straight away, of thinking that some of the glory intended for God should rest on him, that he, a created being, could ascend to the throne of the uncreated Being, so Neb and the King of Tyre fell into that great evil. Herod wants this, and he becomes so foolish as to embrace their chants as worship. God rejects empty worship yet men bathe in it, thinking it makes them more than what they are. God made the devil, He made man, and so no one can rise to the level of their maker. He is the One Who gives men their place of rule, and He is the one Who comes to collect the honor due to Him alone. That spirit which praises itself, that seeks to be exalted by men, is the spirit of antichrist. 

More from Daniel

More on Neb

More on Antichrist

1For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. 2They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. 3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.… Psalm 12: 1-3

16These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. 17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”… Jude 1: 16-18

…3One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?” 5The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.… Revelation 13: 3-5

…3Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. 4He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5Do you not remember that I told you these things while I was still with you?… 2 Thessalonians 2: 3-5

V. 23 And immediately an Angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory - Your boasting is not good, not even remotely accurate. God made you and allowed you to rule, but we will all answer for our talents, our sphere of influence, may we be found humble and honest. He came against God's people and only to appease those who rejected Christ. Neb ended up eating grass in a field for 7 years until he praised the Most High. Jezebel was thrown from a window and eaten by dogs. Jonah spent some time in the belly of a whale, and in my opinion both Neb and Jonah, were far better off for God's chastening. I have spent much time beating my fist against the wall, living in opposition to what God has told me through His word, and He has broken me through seizures, through bad bosses, overdose, and though I chased the whale rather than His will, yet He has graciously spit me out and directed me away from my disobedience time and time again. Herod is not so fortunate, like Jezebel and the final future antichrist, they all exalted themselves, died and will die in their pride. 

…16But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” 2 Samuel 24: 16-17

33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”

36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.

37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4: 33-37

V. 24 But the Word of the Lord continued to grow and be multiplied - The spread and recording of the gospel continued. It has been met with obstacles both outside and inside the church. It was not only pagans and Pharisees who attacked Christianity, but wolves from within, those teaching unsound doctrine, tickling people's ears. Yet God has and still does preserve it, just look at the time of the Reformation. The church had gone so far away as to become not the church, and Roman Catholicism demanded that the Bible only be printed in Latin, and only trained priests could read it. Men, like Luther, started to be convicted by the Word of God when they read it, and they realized, that it should have preeminence over and above the thoughts of men. Sola Scriptura rang out, the word was printed in German, and the man who printed it in English was killed for as much. All these men that came out of the Roman cult had to spend the rest of their lives defending the gospel and ridding themselves of their own bad doctrines. None that I can think of from back then were completely successful, but God mercifully corrected them on the greatest matter, the gospel, and justification by grace alone, through faith alone, according to the Holy Scriptures alone. In my day it has been the feels gospel, the play a song and plead with people to walk forward with their feet gospel, while leaving their still born souls in the pew. We have enjoyed much freedom in America, yet persecution seems to have distilled the purest gospel, and most of us have stayed quiet far too long as our Lord's word has been smeared in front of an unbelieving world. So yet another time, I have to ask, what did you believe?

…10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. 12You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.… Isaiah 55: 10-12

6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 7 To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. 8I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.… Revelation 3: 6-8

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#1574 Acts 12 Part 1 Knock Knock

 

Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to harm them. 2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. 3 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.

6 Now on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Rise up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he *said to him, “Wrap your garment around yourself and follow me.” 9 And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but was thinking he was seeing a vision. 10 And when they had passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now truly I know that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 And when she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate. But she ran in and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15 And they said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel.” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door, they saw him and were astounded. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he recounted to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers.” Then he left and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there. Acts 12: 1-19 LSB

Acts 12: 1-19 

V. 1 Herod the king - This is the grandson of Herod the Great and the nephew of Herod Antipas, who was also called Herod the Tetrarch, meaning ruler of a quarter. Herod is the name of a family dynasty. Herod the Great tried to kill Jesus as a baby, his son, Herod Antipas, is the one who killed the prophet John the Baptist. Herod Agrippa, much like his Father and uncle, is now persecuting Christians. The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. 

Steven Ger gives an excellent review of Herod's life - Herod Agrippa I. Jewish history fondly remembers Herod Agrippa I as a real "crowd pleaser." Born in 10 B.C., grandson of Herod the Great and nephew of Herod Antipas, Herod Agrippa achieved a great level of popularity with his Jewish subjects during his seven-year reign. Severely insecure over his Idumean ancestry through his grandfather Herod, Agrippa went to great lengths both to please and appease his Jewish subjects, bending over back-wards to generate their good will. He was especially beloved for moving the capital back to Jerusalem from Caesarea. Agrippa was not yet four years old when his paranoid and bloodthirsty grandfather, Herod the Great, suspecting betrayal, had his own son, Agrippa's father, Aristobulus, executed in 7 B.C.. Thereafter, the young Agrippa was sent away from the royal household in Judea, shipped off to receive an education in Rome. Growing up as a member of the Roman Imperial court, the free-spirited Agrippa became close friends with Gaius, the man who would later become the Roman Emperor, Caligula. Caligula appointed Agrippa king of great portions of greater Israel, excluding Judea and Samaria. He proved such an excellent politician, charmer and smooth operator that Caligula's successor, Claudius, granted Agrippa sovereignty over the territories of Judea and Samaria as well. This consolidated Agrippa's complete dominion over all Israel, restoring to him control of the entirety of the territory over which his grandfather, Herod the Great, had once ruled. Agrippa's reign was one of the few periods when there was no Roman prefect or procurator looking over the shoulder of a Herodian king. Agrippa's untimely death, at fifty-four, occurred in A.D. 44 (Acts 12:23). Three of Agrippa's offspring make cameo appearances in Acts: his daughters, Drusilla (Acts 24:24) and Bernice (Acts 25:13, 23; 26:30) and his son, Agrippa II (Acts 25:13-26:32). (Ibid) - PA

16When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. 17Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”… Matthew 2: 16-18

…17For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. 18For John had been telling Herod, “ It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,… Mark 6: 17-19

V. 2 James the brother of John put to death by the sword - James is one of the early church fathers, part of the inner circle, one of the sons of thunder. What a contrast, this brother goes home early, near the beginning, but the other goes on to be the last to die. Christ told them, if they hated Me they will hate you also. 

The final answer to this is found in the sovereign wisdom of God. The issues of life and death rest in the hands of a sovereign God and we will not get the full answer to this question of James's death until we get to glory. James's death, while executed by Herod, was appointed by God (ED: and allowed by God) and what may seem to us as a life cut short was for God a saint come home. Surely, this tells us that in the mind of God death is not as horrible as we think it is. It is not the bitter experience the human mind imagines it to be. (ED: WATCH OUT FOR THIS NEXT STATEMENT MAY SHOCK YOU!) For a Christian, death should be an anticipated event for it means entrance into heaven. We Christians have the promise, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). From the human perspective, James’s death was a tragedy, but from the perspective of a sovereign, supernatural working God, it was a fantastic blessing. God delivered James as much or more than He delivered Peter. (ED: PONDER THAT THOUGHT) He delivered James through death and Peter from death. God reserves the right to do as He pleases, but in the case of James, he was better off than Peter because he was in heaven. (Acts 12:1-25 Supernaturalism and the Church) - PA

Vs. 3-5 When he saw that it pleased the Jews - Of course it did, God had taken one of their chief persecutors, Saul, and regenerated him unto life. Now Herod, who is quite the politician, sees an easy way to make the locals happy, and so he goes after another apostle. 

V. 6 Bound with two chains - Peter is in jail awaiting his execution, and not only chained but between 2 guards with more guards on the outside of the jail. It is an impossible situation. Notice Peter's level of concern, he's sleeping. 

…7You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. 8I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 7-8

…6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.… Philippians 4: 6-8

Vs. 7-9 But was thinking he was seeing a vision - It would be understandable to question such a reality, chains normally don't fall off, both guards did nothing and they walked past more guards as they left. There is a great spiritual parallel here. We are all bound, dead in our trespasses, slaves to sin when the gospel first approaches us. It even takes a mighty work of God to wake us, to see our chains, and then want to be free.  

…13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. 14So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,… Ephesians 5: 13-15

Vs. 10-11 Now truly I know - The gate opened without human assistance, the angel leaves and now Peter's fog is clearing up. He realizes that he is a freed man, and by no work of his own.

…8We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,… 2 Corinthians 1: 8-10

V. 12 Who was also called Mark - This would be John Mark, who wrote the gospel of Mark, and was the cousin of Barnabas. 

He went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark - John (Jewish name) who was also called Mark (Greek name) is the same John Mark who would later go with Barnabas and Saul on the First Missionary Journey and eventually write the Gospel of Mark (See Acts 12:25+ below - cf Acts 13:5, 13; "Barnabas was desirous of taking John called Mark along with them" on the Second Missionary Journey - Acts 15:37–39+). This is the only mention of this specific "Mary" in the New Testament, so we don't know that much about her.

Mary the mother of John - Mary, was the mother of John Mark and one of many Jewish women named for Miriam, the sister of Moses. Mary must have been a woman of some means as she was the owner of a house in Jerusalem which was large enough for followers of Jesus to meet. Her son, John Mark, was the cousin of Barnabas, so Mary must have been Barnabas' aunt (Col 4:10). (How many Marys are in the Bible?)

…9With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.… Colossians 4: 9-11

Vs. 13-14 She did not open the gate - She recognized him, but was so happy that she left him out in the open. This is definitely a home of hospitality and probably the way much of the church met, in homes, in secret, in the catacombs of Rome. It's hard to grasp some of this from modern America, where there are many buildings to choose from, but it is still, most often, the small places where the word is kept most soundly. People here worry about programs and entertainment, people then worried about persecution. I have heard missionaries tell stories of people who walk miles through the jungle to meet with Christians in other villages, sitting on stumps or dirt floors, singing, reading God's word, and being blessed by each other's fellowship. They don't have a large projector screen, and they are few in number in comparison to their unbelieving and hostile neighbors, but they have Jesus, Who is enough, and then he adds upon this the wealth of brothers and sisters. 

A servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer - Rhoda's name means "Rose." Women can have such beautiful names like Dorcas (Gazelle), Euodia (Sweet Aroma), Syntyche (Good Luck). Vincent writes that "The Jews frequently gave their female children the names of plants and flowers: as Susannah (lily); Esther (myrtle); Tamar (palm-tree). “God, who leaves in oblivion names of mighty conquerors, treasures up that of a poor girl, for his church in all ages” (Quesnel)." - PA

Vs. 15-17 Then he left and went to another place - Probably for their safety. A shepherd would not put Christ's sheep in any danger unnecessarily. It is interesting that James of the twelve has been martyred, yet now we have James, the brother of Jesus.

He was called “James the Just” and later nicknamed “camel knees” because he constantly prayed on his knees (from Hegesippus, quoted by Eusebius). (Ed: O, if all God's people had callused knees! Amen!)

James did not become a believer until after the resurrection (cf. Mark 3:21; John 7:5). Jesus appeared to him personally after the resurrection (cf. 1 Cor. 15:7).

He was present in the upper room with the disciples (cf. Acts 1:14) and was possibly also there when the Spirit came on Pentecost.

He was married (cf. 1 Cor. 9:5).

Paul refers to him as a pillar (possibly an apostle, cf. Gal. 1:19) but was not one of the Twelve (cf. Gal. 2:9; Acts 12:17; 15:13ff).

In Antiquities of the Jews, 20:9:1, Josephus says that he was stoned in A.D. 62 by orders from the Sadducees of the Sanhedrin, while another tradition (the second century writers, Clement of Alexandria or Hegesippus) says he was pushed off the wall of the Temple.

For many generations after Jesus’ death a relative of Jesus was appointed leader of the church in Jerusalem.

He wrote the NT book of James. - PA Quoting Utley

Vs. 18-19 He examined the guards - It would be more than a little unlikely that so many layers of security had failed. But, since no one who was responsible could give a good account, Herod sentences them to death. There's really no good answer here, it is beyond the forensics of the time, beyond observation. They were there, but they can't testify to what they didn't see happen, which would lead one to believe they were sleeping, which would be incompetence. But then there is the problem of the chains, the doors, and the other soldiers, which would lead one to believe there was intent, maybe a pay off. 

Barclay - When Peter escaped, the soldiers were led away to execution because it was the law that, if a criminal escaped, the guard should suffer the penalty the prisoner would have suffered. - PA

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#1573 Acts 11 Part 2 First Baptist of Antioch

 

19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 Now the news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch, 23 who, when he arrived and saw the grace of God, rejoiced and began to encourage them all with a purposeful heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a considerable crowd was brought to the Lord. 25 And he left for Tarsus to search for Saul; 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a considerable crowd. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

27 Now in those days, some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. 29 And as any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the service of the brothers living in Judea. 30 And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders. Acts 11: 19-30 LSB

Acts 11: 19-30

Before the foundation can ever be laid for that church the ground had to be prepared, the right kind of leveling and grading and fixing it all up so that the foundation could be put down. The groundwork was preparation. And what preparation was needed? Well you can’t evangelize the Gentiles if you don’t have some evangelists and you can’t get some evangelists who are willing to do it unless they break their prejudice, right? And so there had to be time for all these prejudices to come crumbling down so they would move out with the gospel. And this was it. The fantastic admission. You ought to just make an asterisk or put a circle around verse 18. It’s a catalyst verse in the history of the church. They finally admitted that Gentiles could be saved. Years God has been waiting for this, century after century, and it came finally. Well you know it had been – and some historians tell us, at least seven years from Pentecost to the founding of the church at Antioch. So almost seven years has gone by until this statement is finally made. And then from here the groundwork is done and – wham – they move out. They begin the work of evangelizing Gentiles. You say, well why does it have to take so long? Why couldn’t God just save them and shoot them out. Well there was a sense in which they did move around talking about Christ, but let me just give you some points.

I believe that it took a long time, number one – and get this because I think it’s very important, and I want to translate it into Grace Church in a minute. Number one, apostolic authority had to be established. Now when God spoke to the early church through whom did He speak? The apostles, right? They were the teachers. They were the ones who were the spokesmen for God. And they were the ones who laid out the doctrine. It’s says that in 2:42 that they spent their time in the study of the apostle’s doctrine. God spoke to them and they spoke. They had no Bibles. They had no New Testaments. They hadn’t been written yet. So when the early church came together what was their standard? I mean, how did they know whether this is right and this is wrong? How did they know how to do this, how to do that? What are God’s standards? What are these things? They had to listen to the apostles through whom God spoke. And so there needed to be time for the apostles to lay down a solid doctrinal base. Can you imagine if they all got saved and then just shot out all over the world without any foundation? They’d run into problems they wouldn’t be able to answer because they wouldn’t know what their own theology was. They wouldn’t have a Bible. Now a Christian can get saved and run around now and share Christ and he can run into problems and he can go back to the Word and say let me find that, there’s an answer here. But the guy in those days who ran out and ran into a problem was stuck. There was no New Testament.

So they had to be a foundation planted and rooted firmly. A strong doctrinal basis, and the apostles were the key. What happened was, for seven years, the apostles laid that doctrinal foundation. They spoke, they taught, and these things were compiled and collected in the minds and hearts of men and the framework of doctrine was based as a foundation. And once that foundation was firm then somebody could start the building of the Gentile church on it. But they had to be able to run into a problem and turn around and say, “Hey, there’s an answer because the apostles have thus said.” You see? In other words doctrinal purity, friends, is at the very basis of a church. If it goes, the whole building crumbles. Right? And so we teach doctrine. That’s everything at the base and so there had to be doctrine and there wasn’t any Bible for everybody to read so they had to hang in there and learn from the apostles. And then once it was in them in total, they could move out and teach it to somebody else until such a time as the scripture was completed. There were absolutes that had to be learned and they had to come to the apostles from God and the process was slow and it took time.

The second reason I believe there was a delay of many years before they moved out was because the right instruments had to be prepared. Nothing worse than sending out an unprepared person to do a job. It took time to mature these people. Do you realize that when the church was formed everybody was a baby? It’s tough enough in a church dealing with a group of spiritual babes. Can you imagine having a congregation all saved the same day? I mean, it’s something like our nursery. They were telling me on Easter Sunday they had 150 babies under one. Well you can imagine having 3,000 like that, one day old trying to get around to all of them and teach them the basics. Well here they had to have time to mature, to grow, to see their exhibited so that they would know who could do what. How do they know who to send where if they don’t have any idea from seeing them operate, from seeing them mature, from seeing them grow, from seeing them learn doctrine, and seeing them minister faithfully. It’s important to have a good foundation, but if you have a terrific foundation and you have guys building the walls that don’t know what they’re doing the thing will fall down too. So they needed time for preparation.

So the third thing you might add to that is that they needed time for prejudice to come down. And so for these reasons the Spirit of God delayed and at least seven years went by before they ever began to move toward Antioch, but believe me when the groundwork was done, it was done right. And when that church moved out to build, they really built. They really built. - J Mac

V. 19 Those who were scattered because of the persecution - They say the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, and after Stephen was killed, well guess what, those that believed were scattered all over, and they took the gospel with them. Persecution from the Jews pushed the gospel outward. It's marvelous, because in the minds of men, Rome built these roads to provide infrastructure for their kingdom. We think they were for trade, but God had a much grander use in mind, a far more precious cargo was intended for these highways. 

…23But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.… John 12: 23-25

Vs. 20-21 Began speaking to the Greeks also - Greeks is another way of saying gentile. Rome is the present kingdom, but Rome adopted much of Greek culture. It says, the hand of the Lord was with them. If the Holy Spirit is not in it, then they that labor do so in vane. It is interesting that it says a large number who believed turned to the Lord, as though some believed and did not repent, had no fruit of being born again. Judas believed Jesus enough to follow Him for 3 years, but then was called a devil. There is intellectual ascent, and I have heard many spout off great doctrines, yet not show the fruit of repentance. It is always something to think about, to examine ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith. It is the thing to look for in a friend, that they love me enough to risk our earthly camaraderie by questioning where I stand, asking, "Is that a fruit of the Spirit"? It must be strange for these Jewish Christians to see pagans turn about in such numbers. The gospel demands that there is only One way to be saved, and many of these are used to polytheism. Those raised to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have been the most difficult to reach. They read the promises of Jesus in the OT, but they couldn't see Him standing in front of them, yet these heathens are believing and showing fruit unto repentance. 

…6I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.… 1 Corinthians 3: 6-8

14After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. 15 “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” 16As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.… Mark 1: 14-16

1Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. 2But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.… Isaiah 59: 1-2

…4Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction— just as you know we lived among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.…  …7As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more. 9For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…

10and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead— Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1: 4-10

Vs. 22-24 They sent Barnabas off to Antioch - This was to assess the situation, to validate the claim, what did you believe? They also need to be taught by those who had been taught by Jesus and the Apostles. It says he saw the grace of God, and Barnabas has a wonderful spirit, so he rejoices upon finding these new brothers and sisters in Christ. 

William Barclay wrote that "One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement…. It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word." - PA

Vs. 25-26 They met with the church and taught a considerable crowd - Barnabas goes for backup, and I think he recognizes that Paul, who is here still called Saul, is a great candidate for teacher. They spend a whole year teaching all these new believers, protecting their minds from both the culture of Antioch, which is a hot mess, and from those who would sweep in with bad doctrine. They are establishing this first of the gentile churches. It says that they were first called Christians there, and really that was a derogatory name that the church embraced. It's like when the Muslim terrorist called our soldiers, "infidels" and many soldiers went out and got that tattooed on themselves. 

…13But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.… 1 Peter 4: 13-15

Kistemaker (Baker NTC - Acts) - Why are you called a Christian? The name Christian means that you identify completely with Christ because you are his disciple. But for many Christians this identification seems to apply only in a Sunday worship service. During the week, many Christians appear to have put aside the Christian nametag that they display on Sundays when they sing praises to God, read Scripture, pray, and listen to a sermon. How do some Christians live? Some live for the sake of money; others are in the process of destroying their bodies through chemical dependence; and still others use vile and profane language as part of their daily speech. The question, “Why are you called a Christian?” is personal and to the point. It makes many Christians blush. In the sixteenth century, German theologian Zacharius Ursinus asked this same question and formulated the following answer:

Because by faith I am a member of Christ

and so I share in his anointing.

I am anointed

to confess his name,

to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks,

to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this

life,

and afterward to reign with Christ

over all creation

for all eternity.

(Heidelberg Catechism, question and answer 32.) - PA

Vs. 27-30 For the service of the brothers living in Judea - These gentile converts were sending money to support the Jewish converts who at first questioned their inclusion. 

Now Antioch is a very interesting city, 15 miles or so from the mouth of the Orontes River, founded in about 300 B.C. Later it was made a free city, and when it was made a free city under the Roman government in 64 A.D., it has its own self-government. It became the capital of the Province of Syria. It became very famous, grew like crazy. It was the third largest city in the world. First was Rome, then was Alexandria, then was Antioch, had 600,000 people at least. It was famous for culture, it was famous for business. It was just a very, very, very large city. The network of Roman roads crisscrossed Antioch so it was a place where all the caravans of the East unloaded their wares in all the wharves and warehouses of Antioch. Cicero said it was a land of most learned men and liberal studies. But with all this good thing, it was basically known as an evil city. In fact, Juvenal, a Roman writer said that the Orontes River spilled its garbage into the Tiber, and what he meant was that Antioch corrupted Rome.

Now if Rome was rotten, you can get an idea about how rotten that which corrupted Rome must have been. Antioch was gross to put it mildly. The people lived for their pleasures. One writer said that life there was a perpetual festival of vice revolving around the baths, brothels, the amphitheater and the circus. And so it was an evil place. There was a goddess by the name Daphne, who was supposed to be the lover of Apollo and they built a garden that was so big it was 10 miles in circumference and it was populated by prostitutes and you went in and indulged yourself in the garden and the prostitute activity and all kinds of sick immoralities. That was worship in the city of Antioch. When they wanted to extend their religious opportunities, they hired magicians, sorcerers, charlatans, and Babylonian astrologers made a fortune off the people of Antioch. So it was a vile place. But you know God so many times finds that the most lovely rose grows amidst the most ugly weeds, and so he designed to plant the first church in Antioch. He wanted to reach a city with a lot of people and indeed He did. - J Mac

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#1572 Acts 11 Part 1 Double Down

 

Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised took issue with him, 3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began speaking and proceeded to explain to them in orderly sequence, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners from heaven, and it came right down to me, 6 and when looking closely at it, I was observing it and saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the sky. 7 And I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise up, Peter; slaughter and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord, for nothing defiled or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider defiled.’ 10 And this happened three times, and everything was drawn back up into heaven. 11 And behold, immediately three men appeared at the house in which we were, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them without taking issue at all. These six brothers also went with me and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter; 14 and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could prevent God’s way?” 18 And when they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.” Acts 11: 1-18 LSB

Acts 11: 1-18

Vs. 1-11 Those who were circumcised took issue with him - This mirrors the last chapter, and rather than saying that they took issue, but then Peter told them what went down, it repeats what happened line by line. I think this is to express the significance of what was being taught, that the Gentiles were also to be considered a mission field. Now we can go back into the same writings from the law and the prophets that they had, and we can see that God intended to bless all the nations of the earth through Isaac, and this is before Israel had even been born, but practicing Jews didn't see it that way. They had extrabiblical writings from their scribes that made it fashionable and even lawful to hate gentiles. When they heard that Samaritans had received the word they sent two of the church fathers, Peter and John to evaluate the situation. Samaritans were considered half breeds, and many Jews went out of the way to avoid going there. So a lot is being turned upside down for them, walls are being torn down, and we already saw Peter's reluctance in the chapter before. This is also a time when the New Testament had not yet been established, so you have the office of prophets, and you have these twelve pillars of the church, men who studied under Jesus, who are writing, verifying and putting all this stuff together. So naturally, if something big like this is happening, then those who had been given the authority, handed the keys of the kingdom, would be called upon to check it out. Theirs was the gospel, to proclaim and defend against all attacks, and the attacks were coming. Satan will not lie silent when he sees gentiles leave their gods and practices, all of which he loves, even if they don't pray or sacrifice to him directly, anything that goes against the true God is much more favorable to him. 

…14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. 16For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.… Acts 8: 14-16

…18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.… Matthew 16: 18-20

V. 12 These six brothers also went with me - Peter obeyed the command of the Holy Spirit and went with these men. He also took 6 other Christian brothers with him. People often ask today, "does the Spirit still guide us?" Yes, not in the hokey sense of those who want to tell you they have a message from God for you all the time, but what has the Spirit inspired? The word of God, which you have access to, are you reading it? He changes the heart's priorities and loyalties as well. Men and women are still moved today with an unquenchable desire to share the gospel abroad, and so they enter the mission field. If it is of the Spirit, then with the call that men say they have to the pulpit, also there is with it and before it, a call to holiness. It is the Holy Spirit Who convicts us of sin and calls us to repentance. It is also the Holy Spirit Who teaches us in God's word. Remember, things aren't true because the person saying it has the title of pastor, he has to find the Author's intent, and you still are responsible, like noble Bereans, to examine what he says against the light of Scripture. Think about it, how do you have the mind of Christ? You have His word. 

…12I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it. 13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. 14He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you.… John 16: 12-14

…14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. 16“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.… 1 Corinthians 2: 14-16

…26I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His TRUE and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. 28And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.… 1 John 2: 26-28

…15From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.… 2 Timothy 3: 15-17

…20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. 21For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1: 20-21

John MacArthur has an interesting note on six brethren - He took six people with him. Why? Because he didn’t want to be mistaken in what was going on. He wanted the testimony of six others to confirm his own. The Jews knew well Egyptian law and Egyptian law said that where there are seven witnesses the case is closed. And Roman law said that on any will or any testament there had to be seven seals, so seven became a number of sealing the authoritativeness of something. (ED: PETER + SIX = SEVEN. INTERESTING) - Precept Austin

Vs. 13-14 And he will speak words to you by which you will be saved - And here we are, the gospel, all else is secondary. God has chosen to send His message by way of fragile creatures. Why didn't the angel give Cornelius the gospel? The church is built upon Christ as the cornerstone, Christ Who became man. He started His church with the Apostles, and then through the proclamation of His word He builds upon this foundation with all those that the Father has given Him, throughout time. We don't know who is marked by God for salvation, and so we tell our family first, then friends, coworkers, and as we read God's word and recount the gospel daily we grow in our ability to speak and trust Him with the results. This has been God's design all along. He set Israel apart, gave them a nation, gave them prophets, then priest and the temple, gave them His law. Men have all failed according to the law, but what the Scriptures have taught us, since the fall in the garden, is that God had a plan in Christ. The gospel is us making the world aware of sin, of God's holiness and eternal wrath towards sin and those who remain in it, but also aware of salvation, that Seed of the woman has come, that Christ has taken the penalty of sin and is offering salvation to all who believe in Him. 

And he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household - This detail is not mentioned in Acts 10:32 which only says "send to Joppa and invite Simon, who is also called Peter, to come to you." Here we discover that the angel had explained to Cornelius why he was to send for Peter -- Peter would bring the message of salvation. We also learn that the angel describes (? prophesies or promises) that not only would Cornelius be saved but so would all his household. This latter detail would most likely explain why Cornelius "had called together his relatives and close friends" (see note Acts 10:24). Even though he himself was yet unsaved, he wanted to share this incredible gift with not just his household but his close friends. This is an amazing and convicting thought -- here is a man not yet saved who is showing a zealous "evangelistic" mindset! How sad that so many who have received the incredible gift of salvation fail to demonstrate anything even close to this pagan's "evangelistic mindset!" We who have experienced every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ should surely be motivated to share this with all our yet unsaved household and close friends and not so close friends. Of course it is always much easier sharing with total strangers than close associates, because if they refuse the invitation of the Gospel of their salvation, we still have to interact with them and that interaction might become a bit "cold" (or even worse). Let's face it, we fear men and we fear their rejection! If we feared God more and feared more for their "rejection" by Him which will result in their eternal destruction in hell, we might be more motivated to share the Gospel despite the "cost!"

As an aside be a Berean when you read commentaries (including this one) because there are some commentaries that actually say Cornelius was actually saved before Peter's visit to this house and his proclamation of the Gospel. For example..

ESV Study Bible note says "Some think this implies that Cornelius was saved for the first time here. Others think he previously had saving faith (as a Gentile “God-fearer” looking forward to the Messiah), but that this meant he would experience the fullness of new covenant salvation in Christ when he heard the gospel message (see notes on 10:2; 10:35)."

COMMENT: THERE IS NO AMBIGUITY IN ACTS 10-11. THE TRUTH IS CLEAR - CORNELIUS WAS NOT SAVED! THAT IS WHY THE ANGEL TOLD HIM TO SEND FOR PETER! HE NEEDED TO HEAR THE GOSPEL, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN IS SAVED! THAT IS THE GOSPEL TRUTH. - Precept Austin

…14How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”… 

17Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”… Romans 10: 14-18

V. 15 The Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did us at the beginning - So here's Peter's bar, and again we are back to Acts 2. It would be good for us to pay attention to this on other notes as well, like when dealing with our charismatic friends. In Acts 2, when the Spirit fell on them, they spoke in other tongues, languages that they had not previously learned, but were known by those with whom they were sharing the gospel. 

6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. 1 Corinthians 14: 6-12

Vs. 16-18 Who was I to say - With much scrutiny, and even reluctance, Peter evaluates the work and can only credit the Holy Spirit. He must confess that the church does not belong to him, that he is a servant of Christ, and that it is God's will to bring in the Gentiles. 

…5And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him—for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength— 6He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” 7Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”… Isaiah 49: 5-7

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