Divisions

Acts 14:4-5

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

The first faction is that of the Jews. The second is that of the apostles who are not under their own authority but rather that of the Lord. The Jews have gone and turned to witchcraft and idolatry right along with their Grecian counterparts. This is why when God speaks, he must do so by region. All of us are caught up in different things. There are tests and trials from God; then there are those of the devil and of our own making. It is important to see the nature of the calling of God here for what will happen next. The apostles stayed here even a long time speaking and doing signs and wonders in the Lord's power. Some might say these are the signs of the apostles. Rather, they are even the gifting of God for a mission purpose. These are not just some mixed up, messed up people who cannot decide what to do. See some would say, 'yesterday they had a servant and today they are showing off deep magic.' It is important to see that the issue is not with their deep magic. Rather, the issue is that the Jews even tolerated such practices as Grecian witchcraft at all. Now they are nothing more than a bunch of Jewish magicians which cannot tell the difference between the works of God and those of Satan.

1 Corinthians 3 speaks of the carnality within the church, making them easy targets for the enemy. Because they were so young, they were yet babes. Paul characterized them as those not spiritual, drinkers of milk, and still men walking. At this time, they had picked between their favorite teachers Paul and Apollos. Paul preached the Word, Apollos cared for it lovingly, and God gave the increase. This area was likened to a seed farm, husbandry, and building site in short order. Yet are these two apostles of God's labored together. Did not Paul however lay out the site with care like a wise master builder. Even so he prepped the foundation for another to build upon after. For so it is in the household of faith. But when the trial by fire came, it came even for the acts upon which the early church was built. So, the believers are temples of God, both holy and precious. No matter if the wise are very crafty yet will God's purposes stand. For so will he get the glory for the great things done.

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

Is that not just how it is when you are not of God's house, nor do you yet trust him like some rabid, mangy dog. How many of you know that there are no dogs in God's house, only sons. But know this, the devil keeps plenty in places they ought not, being treated thus by those who should not. Not only do you have no business being there, but the devil will also keep you for longer than you wish to stay. So also, are there some wages higher than some of you wish to pay involved. You know, I can almost contrast the situation now. It is a family atmosphere shown in the city. Here are also signs and wonders granted the people as well as unto them a testimony. Now here comes the division towards those who have never done such nor know of such things themselves. Yet the Jews and those whose minds have been seized, presume to do evil unto the apostles. Had the church been rooted in belief, they might not have been carried off with every wind of doctrine. Yet these believed not that the Father's heart towards them was good. For this cause are their hearts darkened and their minds evil affected. My, unbelief and bitterness are some of the strongest poisons I know. So also, they do about as much damage. Some of you ought to let the Lord keep such things. For so he does in perfect peace and safety. More than this, the people wish also to use the apostles despitefully. For so are they being treated after all this time spent in the region loving and teaching the people. See, in this assault made we see the devil's intent for the church's destruction. But we can tell a difference however between the works of the two. The devil's works will always withstand the Lord. Really, they oppose him. But the messengers of God will always prosper and stand no matter who comes against them.