Introduction Pauls first preaching journey starts in Antioch

Introduction Paul’s first preaching journey starts in Antioch of Syria: Acts 13: 3 ã Paul, Barnabas and John Mark land on the east end of Cyprus in the city of Salamis: v. 5 ã ã ã Travel west to the city of Paphos: v. 6 Encounter Sergius Paulus the Roman proconsul: v. 7 Incident with Elymas the sorcerer: vv. 9 -12 To be astonished is “to be exceedingly struck in mind. ” (Vine) 2

Astonishing Things Acts 13: 12

Jesus’ teaching The New Testament reveals a number of astonishing things Jesus said and taught: 7: 28 -29; Matt. 22: 23 -33; Mk. 10: 17 -26; 11: 15 -18; Matt. 13: 54 -57 How will you react to Jesus’ teaching? Accept it or take offense? ã MDR: Matt. 19: 10 ã Baptism: Mk. 16: 16; Acts 2: 38; 1 Pet. 3: 21; 2 Tim. 2: 10; for Gal. needy 3: 27 : 1 Jn. 3: 17; Matt. 25: 31 -46 ã Care ã Take up our cross: Lk. 9: 23 -24 Astonishing Things 4

Raising Jairus’ daughter This account is found in all three synoptic gospels: Matt. 9: 23 -26; Mk. 5: 35 -42; Lk. 8: 4956 Contrast the reaction of the people (Lk. 8: 53) versus her parents (Lk. 8: 56). Death is man’s greatest enemy: Heb. 2: 14 -17; 9: 27 One day Jesus will destroy death: Rev. 1: 18; 1 Cor. 15: 25 -26; Jn. 5: 28 -29; Rev. 20: 12 -15 How do you react? Lk. 8: 53; Jn. 10: 10; Heb. 5: 89; Matt. 25: 31 -46 Astonishing Things 5

Deaf hear; dumb speak Do you remember this messianic prophecy: Isa. 35: 5 -6 Fulfilled, e. g. , in Mark’s gospel: Mk. 7: 31 -36; v. 37 Such miracles prove Jesus’ messiahship: Matt. 11: 2 -5 We should still be impressed with Jesus’ ability to heal us: Jn. 5: 1 -15 Jesus tenderly offers healing to us: Matt. 11: 28 -30 His ability is not the issue (Eph. 3: 20); the issue is our faith: “Do you want to be made well? ” Jn. 5: 3 Astonishing Things 6

Great draught of fishes Do you remember Luke’s account of the disciple’s “fish story”? Lk. 5: 1 -11 I imagine the weary Peter was a bit annoyed by Jesus’ words. Peter’s annoyance turned into astonishment: vv. 6 & 7 We too are “fishers of men” : Mk. 16: 15 -16; 1 3: 5 ff ã Cor. Readiness: 1 Pet. 3: 15 ã Sow the seed: 1 Cor. 3: 6 -9; Isa. 55: 11 Astonishing Things 7

Resurrection of Christ Luke records the resurrection of Christ in the 24 th chapter: ã Empty tomb: vv. 1 -12 ã Road to Emmaus: vv. 13 -32 Jesus’ resurrection should not have been a shock; He Himself had told the disciples: vv. 6 & 7 We should never be “astonished” when God keeps His word: Psa. 33: 9; 2 Pet. 1: 19 -21; Psa. 111: 7 -8 Some seem to think God will suspend His word in their specific case: Matt. 7: 21 -23; Mk. 16: 16; Eph. 5: 19 Disobedience equals unbelief: Heb. 3: 12 -19 Astonishing Things 8

Holy Spirit to Gentiles Recall when the Gentiles obeyed the gospel: Acts 10 & 11 While hearing the gospel message the Gentiles were baptized in the Holy Spirit just as were the apostles “at the beginning” : Acts 11: 15 -16 Result: Acts 10: 45 -46 Point: astonishment shows this was not a normal case: Acts 11: 18; 15: 7 -11 The “one baptism” (Eph. 4: 5) is to receive “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2: 21) not to speak in tongues, etc. Astonishing Things 9

Peter knocking The disciples held a “prayer meeting” for Peter: Acts 12: 1 -16 Luke records: “but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” : v 5 When Peter was let in, the disciples were “astonished” : v. 16 Don’t be astonished, God answers prayer! Jas. 5: 16 -18 ã Faithfully: Jas. 1: 5 ã Thanksgiving: Phil. -8 ã Often: 1 Thess. 5: 17 4: 6 ã Diligence: Col. 4: 2 Astonishing Things 10

Saul’s conversion Acts 9 records the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul’s reaction: he is “astonished” : v. 6 The Lord made it possible for the “chief of sinners” to be saved: 1 Tim. 1: 15; Acts 22: 16 We shouldn’t be astonished God will save you and me too! Rev. 22: 17 Astonishing Things 11

Conclusion The Bible is an astonishing book! We have not really mentioned the most astonishing thing in the Bible: Rom. 5: 6 -8 ã It’s astonishing the vast majority reject God’s love; yea, most scoff at it and/or deny it: 2 Cor. 2: 15 -16; Matt. 7: 13 -14 ã Equally astonishing is that so many brethren seemingly take God’s love for granted: Heb. 10: 26 -31 Astonishing Things 12