Living Abundantly: Meditations on the Acts of the Apostles, the Letters of the Apostle Paul, Other Letters, and the Revelation to John

By Larry Woodruff

In the beginning of the fifth book of the New Testament, The Acts of the Apostles, the followers of Jesus experience living abundantly (John 10:10). The risen Christ brings a momentous opportunity to His followers. He gives them a promise (the power of the Holy Spirit) and a challenge (to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth). The rest of The Acts of the Apostles describes how Peter, John, Paul and others became witnesses to Christ to the ends of the earth. They accepted the promise and obeyed the challenge to discover the meaning of living abundantly with the Lord Jesus. The Letters of Paul and the other letters of the New Testament continue to explore how the promise and challenge of the risen Christ bring abundant life to us today. The Revelation to John completes the promise of our Savior.

Living Abundantly is a collection of short meditations that cover the entire text of the second half of the New Testament.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512775570

Larry Woodruff

Larry Woodruff earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Cincinnati, a Bachelor of Theology Degree at Princeton Theological Seminary, and Master of Theology Degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He was ordained in 1955 and has served churches in Ohio and Michigan for forty two years. After retiring from the pastorate, he served as a part-time Parish Associate for two churches and as a guest preacher in number of churches of the Presbytery.

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Scripture quotations are]from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-7558-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7559-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7557-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017902229

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/21/2017

Also by Larry Woodruff:

The Proclamation of Jesus: Meditations on Jesus and His Message

According to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 2 Paul’s Letters

The Letter of Paul to the Romans

The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

The Letter of Paul to the Galatians

The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians

The Letter of Paul to the Philippians

The Letter of Paul to the Colossians

The First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians

The Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians

The First Letter of Paul to Timothy

The Second Letter of Paul to Timothy

The Letter of Paul to Philemon

Chapter 3 The Other Letters in the New Testament

The Letter to the Hebrews

The Letter of James

The First Letter of Peter

The Second Letter of Peter

The First Letter of John

The Second Letter of John

The Third Letter of John

The Letter of Jude

Chapter 4 The Revelation to John

Preface

Fifty years ago my pastoral duty of relating our faith in Christ to current events was becoming increasingly difficult. Church members were asking hard questions about how our faith is related to current events. My knowledge of the Bible was not adequate.

To become better acquainted with the New Testament I divided it into 365 segments and planned to read one segment each day of the year. This practice was so rewarding that I have continued to read through the New Testament every year. This book of meditations is my attempt to share some of the blessings that I have received.

Introduction

The first four books of the New Testament focus on the incarnation of Jesus, His teachings, and His healing ministry as well as His death and resurrection to redeem the human family.

A sudden change occurs in the fifth book of the New Testament, The Acts of the Apostles. The risen Lord Jesus commissions His followers, saying. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Then the Holy Spirit of the living God, like a cloud, removes Jesus from their sight. The meditations of Living Abundantly begins with this chapter

In the second chapter of The Acts of the Apostles, a Galilean fisherman named Peter stands before a curious crowd and becomes the first to be a witness for Jesus. The remaining chapters of The Acts of the Apostles reveals the witnesses to the wisdom and power of the Spirit of the living God. The remaining books of the New Testament (Romans 1:1 through Revelation 22:21) describe how men and women became witnesses for our Savior, the Lord Jesus (Acts 1:8).

Jesus promised, I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). As a good shepherd takes care of his sheep, so the risen Christ gives us abundant life and calls us to be witnesses to that abundance (Acts 1:8).

Each meditation in Living Abundantly has four components:

• The theme to be considered

• The verses to be read

• A meditation on how Christ gives us abundant life

• A short prayer to encourage readers to respond to the text

How were these meditations written? Each year as I read through the New Testament, I made notes on my discoveries and observations. These daily notes evolved into the meditations for Living Abundantly.

How does this ancient book speak to us in our modern world? These meditations are based on what the followers of Christ said and did. We will learn what each event reveals about Christ and His love for us. We will carefully consider the larger context of each witness to Jesus. We will see how Paul used different styles in presenting the good news about Jesus to a variety of cities. We will observe how key words like faith, hope and love are used in various contexts. We will review Old Testament references that appear in the New Testament. Each witness contributes to our knowledge and understanding of our Lord’s gift of abundant life.

Living Abundantly consists of mediations on all the books of the New Testament from The Acts of the Apostle through The Book of Revelation. These meditations are divide into four chapters: 1) The Acts of The Apostles, 2) The Letters of the Apostle Paul, 3) Other Letters, and 4) The Revelation to John. Each chapter begins with a verse that summarizes the whole chapter.

As we meditate on the many witnesses to Christ Jesus in the New Testament, we do not limit ourselves to our personal concerns or present issues. Our goal is to learn the living God’s message for us.

Who will benefit from reading the meditations of Living Abundantly? New Christians will discover how the Bible speaks to them about their commitment to Christ in today’s world. Parents will be encouraged to share their faith with their baptized children. All who are restless and spiritually hungry will discover the life and the peace of walking with the living Christ (Romans 8:6).

How does reading the whole New Testament benefit us? My annual reading of the New Testament has revealed two basic truths.

The first is the unity of the New Testament. The first four books of the New Testament describe our Lord’s teaching and healing ministries as well as His death and resurrection. From Acts 1:1 through Revelation 22:21, we see many witnesses to the love and the power of the risen Lord Jesus. They are freely shared with all who trust Him.

The second basic truth is the glory of Jesus. Every one of the New Testament’s books exalts Christ. He is the only source of divine mercies, steadfast love, and abundant life. May praise, honor, and glory be given to our Lord Jesus. Read the following verses for some idea of the New Testament’s reverence for the glory of the risen Lord: Matthew 17:1–13, Luke 19:29–40, Philippians 2:5–11, Hebrews 13:8, and Revelation 5:11–12 and 19:1–10.

Chapter 1

The Acts of the Apostles

The risen Lord Jesus said,

"You will receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you will be my witnesses

in Jerusalem,

in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth."

—Acts 1:8

Called to Be Witnesses

The first two chapters of the Acts of the Apostles describe an enormous change. In the first chapter we see the risen Jesus speaking to His apostles and to other followers. What do they ask Him? How does He answer? What does He challenge them to do?

Read Acts 1:1–26.

When the apostles and the followers of the risen Christ gather around Him, they ask if He will now restore the kingdom of Israel. They hope that Jesus will establish a political kingdom greater than King David’s ancient kingdom. But the Lord Jesus does not intend to restore the kingdom of David. He has come to establish a far greater kingdom—a spiritual kingdom.

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (1:8). The Lord Jesus is promising to empower them to tell the truth about His victory over evil and death. He is calling them to become a new community that will be the instrument of His presence on earth. The rest of Acts describes the words and the deeds of those who accepted Christ’s call to be His witnesses.

An angel announced Jesus’s birth (Luke 2:8–14). Now an angel proclaims His departure from our sight. As the cloud representing the glory of the living God came to Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15–18) and to Jesus on the mount of transfiguration (Luke 9:34–35), so now this cloud of glory removes Christ from the sight of His apostles and faithful friends. The risen Christ is transformed from our time/space world to the realm of the eternal. He is Lord of the whole earth. He is eternally present and abides with everyone who comes to Him in faith.

The followers of Christ do not grieve, as they did on the day of the crucifixion. They recognize that Jesus continues to be with them but in a new way. The victory of the Lord’s resurrection is completed.

Peter suggests that the witnesses to Christ’s ascension should elect a successor to Judas so that the victorious Jesus will continue to have twelve apostles. The new apostle must have followed Jesus from the time of His baptism and must have seen the risen Christ. Two qualified candidates are nominated. The followers of the ascended Christ pray for divine guidance, and Matthias is chosen. Now twelve apostles and their fellow believers are waiting for the promised power that will make them Christ’s witnesses.

Prayer

God of grace, we thank You for the promises of Your Holy Spirit. May the light of Your Spirit guide us. May the power of Your Spirit strengthen us to be Your faithful witnesses.

The Witness of Peter

In the second chapter of Acts, just fifty days after the crucifixion of Jesus, we discover that Peter and the other apostles have been transformed. No longer is Peter frightened. He boldly proclaims to a large crowd that Jesus has risen. What has caused this change? What is the theme of his sermon? Why does he proclaim this message?

Read Acts 2:1–36.

Previously the Spirit of the living God came only to a few prophets. Now, with the sound of a violent wind, the Holy Spirit fills all of the followers of the risen Christ with the power of God. They become like the flames of oil lamps as the Spirit enlightens each of them with the wisdom of God.

The Holy Spirit empowers these followers of Jesus to become witnesses of the gospel of Christ to people from all over the Mediterranean world. Peter is inspired to proclaim the most powerful sermon ever preached. The words flow from his mouth with enthusiasm. His joy illumines every sentence.

Quoting Joel 2:28–32, Peter proclaims the prophet’s promise of the coming of the Spirit of God upon all people, young and old, men and women. The gift of the Spirit is described in terms of visions, dreams, and prophecy. Wonders in the sky and signs on earth accompany the coming of God’s Spirit to His people. These promises are now fulfilled in the followers of Jesus.

Although he is empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter focuses on Jesus. With a new clarity he gives witness to the deeds that the living God did through Jesus.

Next Peter describes the cruel death of Jesus. He reminds his listeners that they condemned Jesus, turned Him over to Governor Pilate, and demanded His death.

Then Peter proclaims the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power (2:24). Quoting Psalm 16:8–11, the apostle points to the promise of the resurrection of Jesus. Quoting Psalm 110:1, he proclaims the sovereignty of Christ.

The light and the power of the Spirit of the living God have given Peter wisdom and courage to proclaim the astounding truth about Jesus.

Peter concludes his sermon with these strong words: Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made Him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified (2:36).

Prayer

Come, Spirit of the living God. Help us to share with certainty the good news of our Lord Jesus. Empower us to become bold witnesses for the ever-present Christ.

Preaching and Healing

The report about Peter’s first sermon continues. What is the immediate response to his sermon? What is the character of those who respond to his message? What does Peter continue to do?

Read Acts 2:37–3:26.

The people listening to Peter’s Pentecostal sermon are cut to the heart (2:37). They want to know what they should do now.

Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven and you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ (2:38). He is echoing the words of Jesus in Mark 1:15. The good news of what the living God has done for us in Christ requires that we repent of our disobedience and commit our lives to the risen Christ. Then we receive the gift of abundant life and inward peace from our Creator.

The response to Peter’s sermon is amazing. About three thousand people are baptized. In the following days, more people are baptized into this community of faith in Christ. They listen to the apostles’ teaching. They enjoy the fellowship of the faithful. They pray together and share the breaking of bread. They are devoted to worshiping, learning, and sharing their faith in Christ and their love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. From its beginning the church of Christ has been based on faith in the living God —Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

In this sermon Peter proclaims:

1) Our sins caused Jesus’s death, but God raised Him from the tomb.

2) We must repent and put our faith in God.

3) The risen Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament prophets. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ continues to teach and to heal all who come to Him in faith. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus remains with us.

When Peter and John meet a lame beggar, Peter admits that he has no money, but he offers to give the man what he does have. He challenges the beggar to have faith in the power of Jesus Christ for the healing of his crippled legs. As the beggar listens to Peter’s encouraging words, the power of Christ heals him. With the apostle’s help, he stands for the first time in his life. He takes a step. He walks. With tears of joy he leaps and praises the living God.

The people in the temple are amazed as they watch the formerly crippled beggar walking, leaping, and praising God. The apostle assures the crowd that he did not heal the lame man but that the risen Christ empowers the beggar to leap for joy.

Prayer

Gracious God, help us to listen more carefully to the good news about Jesus. Enlighten us so that we may know how to be faithful witnesses for the living Lord.

A Bold Witness

The story of the healing of the man crippled from birth continues. What is Peter’s message to the ruling council? How can Peter be so bold? What is the prayer of the first followers of the risen Jesus?

Read Acts 4:1–37.

Why do the priests and Sadducees arrest Peter and John? These two apostles are arrested in the temple courtyard because they are teaching about Jesus and His resurrection. This message annoys the temple authorities.

When the high priest, his family, and the rulers, elders, and scribes question Peter and John, what do they ask? They want to know who gives the two apostles the authority to teach and to heal the sick.

How does Peter respond? Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaims that the crucified and risen Jesus has healed the crippled beggar. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved (4:12). Peter is proclaiming the supreme power of Christ Jesus.

How does the ruling council react to Peter’s testimony? These authorities marvel that an uneducated fisherman could be so eloquent. Nor can they deny that a healing has taken place. A lame man, who is now walking, leaping, and praising God, stands before them.

What do the temple authorities decide to do? They command the two apostles never to talk about Jesus again. Then they release Peter and John.

Do Peter and John obey the ruling council? No. Before leaving, Peter affirms his ultimate loyalty. Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard (4:19–20). Truth cannot be denied or suppressed.

How does the community of believers respond to this incident? Neither opposition nor threats discourage the followers of Christ. They praise the sovereign Lord and ask for boldness to proclaim the Word of God. Their prayer (4:24–30) brings a renewed consciousness of the Spirit of the living God.

What does this incident reveal about the first days of the community of Christ’s people? Spiritual power and compassion characterize this new community of believers. They share generously with each other. An example of this gracious generosity is Joseph Barnabas (son of encouragement). We will hear more about this compassionate man and his commitment to Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Sovereign Lord, give us Your grace and power so that we too may proclaim Your Word with all boldness (4:29). Grant us compassion so that we may be more generous in sharing.

The Truth

While the community of believers in the risen Jesus is growing, trouble suddenly appears. What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira reveal to us? Why are the apostles arrested again? What is the result of this arrest?

Read Acts 5:1–42.

Ananias and his wife Sapphira show that the early followers of Christ are tempted, just as we are. They make two mistakes. First, although they want the blessings and joys of this new fellowship, they have not fully renounced their trust in physical things. They secretly keep some of the money from the sale of their property to provide financial security. They have not put their whole trust in the Lord Christ. They are trying to serve both God and wealth. (Read Matthew 6:24.)

Their second mistake is to lie to Peter and the apostles. They know that secretly keeping some of their wealth is dishonest, but they do not tell the truth about the amount of the proceeds from the sale of their property. Now they discover that nothing can be hidden from the living God. The shock of this discovery is too great. They both die.

The vitality of the community of the followers of Christ Jesus is amazing. Joy and peace prevail among the believers. The sick are healed. Many men and women join this lively fellowship.

The popularity of the community of faith disturbs the religious authorities in Jerusalem. The apostles are again arrested and imprisoned. A higher authority releases them. The next morning the apostles continue teaching in the temple courtyard. The truth about Christ Jesus cannot be suppressed.

The perplexed authorities again arrest the apostles and bring them before the ruling council. They condemn their prisoners for disobeying the order to refrain from speaking about Jesus and for placing the guilt for Jesus’s death upon the council. Why do the authorities persist in persecuting the apostles?

Peter answers both charges. The apostles persist in proclaiming the truth about Christ, because they are obeying the sovereign God. They are telling the truth when they accuse the religious authorities of crucifying Jesus. Peter uses the occasion to witness again to the good news of the Lord Jesus. The apostles cannot keep silent.

Gamaliel, a Pharisee, a teacher of the law (5:34), cautions the council not to overreact to the apostles. He says time will tell if they are speaking the truth. The apostles are released after a beating and a warning to keep quiet. Nevertheless they do not cease to proclaim that Jesus is Christ the Lord.

Prayer

Living Lord, rescue us from the evil one (Matthew 6:15). May your Spirit empower us so that we have the strength to face difficulties and dangers with wisdom and courage.

Stephen’s Witness

As the number of Christ’s followers continues to grow, internal conflict arises. How does the Christian community resolve this divisive controversy? How does Deacon Stephen deal with persecution?

Read Acts 6:1–7:16.

A good result comes from the first controversy among the friends of Jesus. Greek-speaking believers are complaining that their widows are not receiving adequate food from the Jewish believers of Jerusalem. The apostles listen to the complaints. Then they suggest a division of labor within the community of believers so that both the tasks of the apostles and the needs of the widows may be fulfilled. The apostles will continue to preach and to teach. The followers of Christ will choose deacons who will be responsible for the daily distribution of food. This proposal is enthusiastically accepted. The controversy is peacefully resolved. Here is the first attempt to maintain unity among the followers of Christ.

Stephen, the first deacon to be chosen, is full of faith and the Holy Spirit (6:5, 8). These spiritual gifts enable him to do great wonders and signs among the people (6:8). What are these great wonders and signs?

Certain Jews of Jerusalem, who formerly had been slaves of Rome, persecute Stephen. When they cannot silence his enthusiastic witness, they bring him before the Jewish ruling council in Jerusalem and accuse him of blaspheming against God and of threatening the destruction of the temple. They claim that he is trying to change the customs that Moses handed on to us (6:14). They demand his execution.

Stephen begins his defense by discussing Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s twelve sons, the patriarchs. Why does he defend himself by reviewing these familiar historical facts?

A careful reading of Stephen’s defense reveals his emphasis on the promises of God to Abraham and his family. Stephen also describes the obedience of Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph to the living God and contrasts that with the disobedience of Joseph’s brothers.

Stephen’s testimony continues in our next meditation.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for the witness of Stephen. Empower us with Your Spirit. Help us to be bold and brave in our witness to You. Fill us with Your grace so that we may be faithful to You.

The First Martyr

Stephen concludes his defense. What does he emphasize in this account of the history of Israel? What is the result of his testimony? How does he respond to the decision of the crowd?

Read Acts 7:17–8:1.

In his testimony to his accusers Stephen continues to describe the faithfulness of Israel’s great leaders. Moses, like Abraham and Joseph, was obedient to the Lord God.

In contrast with their leaders, the people of Israel have repeatedly rebelled against the living God. Moses tried to protect his people from their oppressive masters in Egypt, but they rejected his leadership, so he had to flee into the desert. Later, in obedience to the command of the Lord, he led the Hebrew people out of Egypt. At Mount Sinai they disobeyed Moses and worshiped the golden calf. Solomon’s temple was built for the worship of the God of heaven and earth, but the people worshiped the temple. Throughout their history the Hebrew people have failed to follow the Word of the Lord and have persecuted the prophets.

The ultimate act of disobedience is the murder of Jesus, the Righteous One (7:52). The cross is the climax of a long history of rebellion against the eternal God of glory and His plan to redeem humanity.

As Stephen speaks, the ruling council and the scribes become angry. Dragging him out of the city, they throw stones at him, and Stephen follows Jesus to a violent death. Why are these people so angry and violent?

Consider the parallels between the deaths of Stephen and of Jesus. Without a struggle, both submit to condemnation by the authorities. Both pray for the forgiveness of their persecutors. Both commit their spirits into the hands of the eternal Father.

Stephen sees a vision of the victorious Christ and follows his Lord in revealing nonviolent courage in the face of violence. The promise of Jesus is now fulfilled for Stephen. In the world you face persecution. But take courage. I have conquered the world (John 16:33).

Although Stephen is appointed as a deacon only a few months after Pentecost, he reveals a mature understanding of faith in the Lord Jesus. The Spirit of Christ enlightens and empowers him as he relates the gospel of the crucified Savior to the history of the Old Testament. Standing among those participating in this scene of violence is Paul, the future missionary to the Gentiles. How may he have been influenced by this event?

Prayer

Living God, in time of trouble, help us to keep our eyes on the risen Christ. Give us wisdom and strength to trust and to glorify You.

Philip’s Witness

Stephen’s witness and martyrdom mark the beginning of persecution of Christians What is the result of this first effort to destroy the Christian faith? Two men discover Christ through the ministry of Deacon Philip.