Israel was near to the earthly Holy Place whereas the Gentiles were afar off. But that tabernacle was a figure of the true (Hebrews 9:24), and through Christ, God has preached peace to those who are near and those afar off (Ephesians 2:17). Both Testaments taught the same Gospel (Hebrews 4:2), but the blood that actually cleanses from sin was

The description of Cornelius is all the more remarkable given that he was a soldier and probably lived among very openly ungodly men. He was evidently a believer since "without faith it is impossible to please him (God)" (Hebrews 11:6). He had believed on the Lord through the Old Testament Scriptures and was a man of prayer, practical godliness, and

We read of this disciple Tabitha (Roe/Gazelle in Aramaic, or Dorcas in Greek) who apparently was an example, and perhaps some she had helped to clothe were among the mourners. The first thing we notice is that believers are not free from the miseries of this life (1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 4:20). After seeking the mind of the Lord, Peter

Saul is now a Christian. We have the reactions of that work of God's grace. There was amazement. Some, though confounded, were not necessarily converted but more enraged (v.29). Even the Lord's people were nervous, but Barnabas (meaning, appropriately, Son of Consolation) spoke up on his behalf (v. 27). Paul had chosen the reproach of Christ and affliction with the people

Verse 4 tells us that the Lord Jesus takes it 'personally' when men afflict His people. This is true even of neglect (Matthew 25:45). How much more does He notice when men actually seek to harm them. How we ought to love other Christians when we consider Christ's love for them! "But when ye so sin against the brethren…ye sin

This man was an important officer in Candace's staff (Candace was a title like Caesar or Pharaoh). He had servants (v. 34) and was also a proselyte of the synagogue. Perhaps like many he was a "God-fearer" who attended the synagogue but hadn't taken the step of being circumcised. Isaiah 53 (which he was reading) had possibly been discussed at

The special outpouring of the Holy Spirit was now given to the Samaritans; a sort of half way-house between Jew and Gentile. It was not through Philip (vs. 14-15), but through the Apostles. The giving of the Holy Spirit in this way is one of the "signs of an apostle" (2Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4). We also learn about Simon. Despite his

Verse 2 speaks of the sorrow Stephen's death caused. No doubt these devout men felt not only great personal sorrow, but also a great sense of loss to the church. Stephen had been so fearless in the cause of truth - and so powerful in reasoning from the Scriptures! But the Lord is dependent on no man. We must see

James Guthrie, the Scottish martyr hanged for the Gospel's sake in 1661, was known as 'Sickerfoot' (Sure of Foot). He was once asked by a friend, "Will ye nae jouk (duck) a wee bit". To this Guthrie replied, "There is nae jouking in the cause of Christ!" He had the Spirit of Christ in him as had Stephen centuries earlier.

The charge against Stephen was that he had insisted that there was to be Divinely authorised change - "that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us" (6:14). Stephen's defence, far from being an incoherent ramble as some liberals claim, is a superb summary and application of Old Testament church history