Subject: Was it complete? |
Bible Note: B. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE RESPONSE... 1. People responded in three different ways - Ac 17:32-34 a. Some mocked what they heard b. Some put off making a decision until later c. Some decided to follow with Paul and believed -- Since we have no promise of tomorrow, the only safe course is the last! 2. Of those who responded favorably, it is only said that they "believed" - Ac 17:34 a. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did? b. Did they not also "repent", as commanded in Ac 17:30? c. The term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed 1) It involved a complete reception of the message preached 2) It included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, baptism) d. Just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in Acts 2, or repentance in Acts 16, but is fairly inferred from what we know from other passages, so also with baptism here 1) "There is, indeed, much to be said for the contention, independently advocated by theologians of varied schools, that in the New Testament faith and baptism are viewed as inseparables whenever the subject of Christian initiation is under discussion, so that if one is referred to, the other is presupposed, even if not mentioned." - G. R. Beasley-Murray, Baptism In The New Testament, p. 272 2) "Baptism and faith are but the outside and inside of the same thing" - James Denny (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.) 3) "Where baptism is spoken of faith is presumed, and where faith is spoken of baptism is included in the thought" - N. J. Engelsen (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.) CONCLUSION 1. Whether Jew or Gentile, philosopher or simpleton, the gospel of Christ is for all... a. Where we begin may vary with the spiritual condition of our audience b. Where we end must always be the same: 1) Proclaiming the reality of sin, judgment, and the need for repentance 2) With Jesus as the only way to salvation! 2. When one becomes convicted of their sinful condition and their need for Jesus, the proper response should also be the same no matter who we are... a. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead, whom we are willing to confess before men b. Repentance from sin d. Baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins through His blood One's reaction to the gospel will always be one of three ways: * Rejection ("some mocked") * Reluctance ("others said, we will hear you again on this matter") * Reception ("some men joined him and believed") In Athens, people such as Dionysius and Damaris exemplified the proper response; are you willing to imitate their example? |