Chapter 31
OUR SPOKESMAN … THE HOLY SPIRIT
(Matthew 10:16-20)
Before we begin this study let us come before our God and pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the Name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Holy Father please open our ears, our eyes and our hearts so we can truly hear, see and comprehend what You are teaching us. Father, please help us to not only understand Your Word but help us to do it. Help us, all Mighty God, to trust and rely upon You in all situations that we may find ourselves.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
We begin our study by reading an excerpt of what Jesus said to His disciples at the time He sent them to cast out unclean spirits, heal the sick and preach the Gospel. The portion of His command that is of interest for this study is found in,
Matthew 10:16-20
"[16] I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. [17] "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. [18] On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. [19] But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, [20] for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
Within the above Scriptures there are two main topics we will explore in this study: (1) On His account His disciples will be brought before the unbelieving world and (2) The Holy Spirit will do the speaking for them.
With this short introduction in mind let us now explore the fact that,
JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES TO BE WITNESSES FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE
Even though we covered this topic in previous studies let us refresh our memories and reread,
Matthew 10:17-18
[17] Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. [18] On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles."
Specifically, Jesus told His disciples that they would be brought before the Jewish synagogue, governors, kings and the Gentiles for His sake. In other words, in addition to the Jewish ruling powers and authorities of their day, His disciples were also going to bear witness of Jesus Christ and His Gospel to the Gentile world.
To see how Jesus' fulfilled His Words we will read two examples of how God brought them before the authorities and powers of their day.
The first example is when,
THE APOSTLES WERE BROUGHT BEFORE THE SANHIDRIN
To do this let us read from,
Acts 5:12-28
"[12] The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. [13] No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. [14] Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. [15] As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. [16] Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed. [17] Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. [18] They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. [19] But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. [20] "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life." [21] At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin--the full assembly of the elders of Israel--and sent to the jail for the apostles. [22] But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, [23] "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." [24] On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. [25] Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." [26] At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. [27] Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. [28] "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.""
Let us notice the following verses,
13 … As a side note, according to Vine’s “Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words” Solomon’s Colonnade was porch or portico on the eastern side of the Temple. According to Webster’s “New World Dictionary” a portico was a walk way consisting of a roof supported by columns. A portico was usually at the entrance or across the front of a building.
14-16 ... Through the Apostles God performed many miraculous signs and wonders. As a consequence of these signs and their preaching of the Gospel many people became believers in Jesus Christ.
17-18 … Because of jealousy the high priest took the Apostles into custody and placed them in prison.
19-20 … An angel of the Lord released the Apostles and told them to return to the Temple and bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.
21b … The high priest called for a gathering of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the ruling council of the Jewish people. The members of Sanhedrin were basically the elders of Israel. In other words, the high priest brought together all the Jewish political and religious leaders and authorities. In today's terms these people would be those who are the noted scholars of the day. They would be the teachers of theology along with various known religious preachers and teachers.
22-24 … It is interesting to note that when the temple guards came to the prison the jail was securely locked and the guards were still guarding the doors. However, the Apostles were not in their jail cells and nowhere to be found.
25-27 … After finding out that the Apostles were again preaching and teaching in the Temple, the guards were ordered to bring them back to the high priest and the ruling council.
28 … It is interesting to observe that the Sanhedrin did not ask the Apostles as to how they got out of jail. Instead, their main concern was that they were preaching and teaching the people about Jesus Christ.
Our second example centers around the time when,
PAUL SPOKE TO THE ROMAN GOVERNOR FELIX
In Acts 21:26-24:9 we read that as a consequence of Paul's preaching and teaching in the Temple at Jerusalem, the Jewish people of the city dragged him out of the Temple to put him to death. Upon hearing that the city was in an uproar and ready to kill Paul, the Roman Commander took several regiments, that is several hundred soldiers, to the Temple area. His intent was to restore order and prevent Paul's death. After being placed in protective custody Paul requested permission to speak to the crowd. While speaking, the crowd could no longer stand listening to his words and again went into an uproar. This time the Roman Commander ordered Paul to be taken to the Roman barracks and be interrogated. This interrogation with scourging, that is whipping, was intended to ascertain the truth of why Paul was infuriating the Jewish population. It was at this time Paul identified himself as a Roman citizen. He also pointed out to the centurion in charge of the scourging that it was not lawful for them to scourge and uncondemned Roman citizen. Perplexed about what was going on and being afraid of the consequences for his rough treatment of Paul, the Roman Commander ordered the chief priest and the Sanhedrin to come and listen to Paul's defense. However, this also led to confusion, heated arguments and bitter dissension among the members of the Jewish ruling council. To save Paul from harm the commander again ordered Paul to be taken back to the Roman barracks. While in the Roman barracks about forty Jewish people launched a plot to kill Paul. This plot was brought to the attention of the centurion in charge of Paul's captivity. Not wanting Paul to be murdered, the centurion told the commander about the plot. To protect Paul from harm the commander sent Paul to Felix, the governor over the region of Judea. It was when Paul was brought before Felix to defend himself concerning the charges levied against him that he again bore witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. An excerpt of what Paul said is recorded in,
Acts 24:10-14
"[10] When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. [11] You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. [13] And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. [14] However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,"
It is noted that the phrase; "a follower of the Way" meant that a person was a follower of Jesus Christ and His teachings.
It is interesting to observe how through this ordeal God used the Apostle Paul to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ to: (1) Jews living in Jerusalem, (2) the Roman Commander, (3) several Roman Centurions, (4) many Roman soldiers, (5) the High Priest, (6) the members of the Jewish ruling council and (7) the Roman governor Felix.
This now brings us to the question of,
WHAT ABOUT US … THE DISCIPLES OF TODAY?
To answer this question let us first read the following summary from Jesus' sermon on the mountain,
Matthew 5:14-16
""[14] You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
In other words, since we are born again believers in Jesus Christ, every day we should live our life under the control of the Holy Spirit. In doing so His actions and fruits coming from within us will not only bear witness to the fact that we are true born again Christians and but will also give glory and honor to God the Father.
With the above instruction in mind let us now read from,
1 Peter 3:15-16
"[15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
So we should not be worried or concerned about what we are to say when asked for the reason of our hope, our Lord Jesus Christ gave us this promise,
THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE OUR SPOKESMAN
To see this let us return to the theme of this study and read from,
Matthew 10:19-20
"[19] But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, [20] for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
To be sure that we correctly understand what Jesus has promised, let us read this same promise as recorded in the Gospel according to Mark,
Mark 13:11
"[11] Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit."
For an example to illustrate this truth let us read about the time when,
THE APOSTLES PETER AND JOHN WERE BROUGHT BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
This incident occurred after Peter and John were placed into custody for healing a lame man and bearing witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. The account of what happened when Peter and John were taken from prison and set before the ruling council of the Jewish people is recorded in,
Acts 4:5-14
"[5] The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. [6] Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. [7] They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [11] He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." [13] When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [14] But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say."
Let us notice the following verses,
5-6 … The rulers, elders, teachers of the Law and the High Priest and his family was gathered to interrogate Peter and John. Please note that these were very learned men of the Scriptures, Jewish Law and the customs and practices in and around the Temple. In other words they were a pretty intimidating group of people.
8 … When the Apostle Peter spoke he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
9-12 … Please notice that throughout Peter's discourse he gave glory, honor and praise to Jesus Christ. In other words, Peter did not glorify himself or make any excuses. His defense was all about the good news of Jesus Christ.
13-14 … The Sanhedrin realized that both Peter and John were uneducated. In fact we know that they were fishermen. However, their message and the fact that a lame man was healed and walking was too compelling for the Sanhedrin to argue against. Isn't this exactly what is recorded in the Gospel according to Luke of what would happen in circumstances such as this? To refresh our memories let us read from,
Luke 21:14-15
"[14] But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. [15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."
This now brings us to,
THE APPLICATION FOR THE DISCIPLES OF TODAY
First of all let us not forget that,
WE ARE TEMPLES OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
To refresh our memories let us read from,
1 Corinthians 3:16
"[16] Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
And again,
1 Corinthians 6:19
"[19] Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
Does this mean, as some might say, that because the Holy Spirit will speak for me, I really do not have to spend time reading the Bible? The answer to this question is NO! To see this let us first consider the following:
FOUR OBSERVATIONS
First of all, let us remember that according to Thomas Robinson’s; “The Bible Timeline” before Jesus’ death and resurrection the apostles spent approximately three years with Jesus. Throughout this time Jesus constantly taught them about the Kingdom of God.
Secondly, let us recall that for the apostles even after they were born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit, the importance of staying in God’s word was a high priority for them. To see this let us read the reason why deacons were appointed. This is recorded in,
Acts 6:1-6
[1] Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. [2] Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. [3] Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; [4] but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” [5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, [6] whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
Let us notice the following verses,
1 … According to “The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible” the Hellenists were Greek speaking Jews. The Jews who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic were called Hebrews.
2 … To resolve these types of issues the apostles were being taken away from prayer and their studies of God’s word. At this time the Word of God was primarily the Old Testament.
3-4 … So that the apostles could focus upon prayer and the ministry of God’s word men were to be anointed to resolve these types of every day issues.
5 … These seven men were the first deacons of the church.
6 … To anoint the seven men the apostles prayed and laid their hands upon them.
Third, let us also bring to mind that the Apostle Paul was formally a Pharisee. This is recorded in,
Philippians 3:4-5
[4] though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: [5] circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Thus, Paul was very knowledgeable and educated in the Old Testament Scriptures. In fact, while he was defending his belief in Jesus Christ in front of King Agrippa and Festus, Festus the new governor acknowledged Paul’s vast learning of the Scriptures. To see this we go to,
Acts 26:22-24
[22] Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—[23] that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” [24] Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
Fourth, the Apostle Paul was directly taught by the resurrected Jesus Christ. This is recorded in,
Galatians 1:11-12
[11] But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. [12] For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
With the above in mind let us now read the following promise,
THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL REMIND US WHAT JESUS SAID
This promise was given when Jesus was preparing His disciples for His return to Heaven. It is recorded for us in,
John 14:26
"[26] But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
For us to be reminded of all what Jesus said and did we must faithfully read and continue to read His Word, that is the Bible. In other words, Jesus taught His disciples by talking with them and by their reading the Scriptures.
In like manner, we must also be taught by the Holy Spirit through the reading of God's Word, the Bible. Then, the Holy Spirit will be able to remind us of all what Jesus said and did.
To expand upon this a bit let us read,
The Parable of the Vine,
[1] “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. [2] Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. [3] You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. [4] Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. [5] “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you£ will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. [8] By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. [9] “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. [10] If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. [11] “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Let us notice the following verses,
5 … As a branch must remain in the vine so that the sap from the vine will bring forth fruits from the branch, so it is for us. Specifically, to bear good fruit we must remain in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to flow from within us.
7 … In like manner, we must also remain in God’s Word. If we do this then as Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit;
“… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26b)
Consequently, when we are presented the opportunity to provide the reason for our faith,
THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL SPEAK THROUGH US
To refresh our memory let us reread the following promise,
Matthew 10:19-20
"[19] But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, [20] for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
In other words, the Holy Spirit living within us will prompt us to speak His Words to testify about the good news of Jesus Christ.
THE MESSAGE
What is the message of this study? Or perhaps put another way, how can we summarize all we have covered?
First of all,
WE MUST BE PREPARED
This is recorded in,
1 Peter 3:13-16
[13] And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” [ 15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; [16] having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
Let us notice the following verses,
15a … When asked we must always be ready to share our faith.
15b … Our sharing is to be done in gentleness and respect.
16 … All our known sins must be confessed and repented of.
Secondly,
OUR FAITH RESTS IN GOD, NOT IN YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE
To see this let us read what the Apostle Paul wrote concerning the authority of his Apostleship. It is recorded in,
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
"[1] when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. [2] For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
Let us notice the following verses,
1 … Paul did not speak eloquently or tried to impress his listeners with earthly secular intellectual wisdom and knowledge.
2 … Paul's preaching and teaching was centered and focused around Jesus Christ and what He did for you and me.
3 … Paul did not speak to his listeners in a proud or abrasive manner. He came before them trembling and in weakness. In other words, he knew the awesome task he was given to preach and teach the words of Almighty God.
4 … When Paul preached or taught he totally relied upon the power of God. This power not only manifested itself in miracles but more importantly, it manifested itself in the ability of his listeners to hear, see, understand and accept God's Holy Word.
5 … Paul's objective in all his preaching and teaching was that the faith of those who listened to him would not be in his eloquence or vast learning but in God Almighty and His power. This must be the objective for all of us.
CLOSING
Let us now close this study by reading,
Psalm 1
[1] Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
[2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
[3] He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
[4] The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
[5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
[6] For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Blessed be the Lord forever,
Amen and Amen