Salvation study featuring Acts chapters 6 through 10 and Romans

 

            Here is  salvation study featuring Acts chapters 6 which pick up the story of the early church from where Steven is anointed, his ministry, his accusation and martyrdom. It also follows the ministry of Philip, the conversion of  Paul, the ministry of Peter including the conversion of Cornelius, a gentile. These chapters powerfully state the power of the Lord in the miracles done and more. To back up these five chapters is a powerful group of verses from the epistle to the Romans with its powerful salvation related message.

To start this bible study, in Acts chapter 6 people are anointed to help the apostles feed and serve the people so the apostles could stay free to pray and teach the word. One of these is Steven who has a miraculous ministry and could out reason anyone. He then is falsely accused of speaking blasphemously against Moses and God and then brought forth to sit accused in front of the Sanhedrin council

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

(Acts 6:1)

 

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

(Acts 6:2)

 

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

(Acts 6:3)

 

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

(Acts 6:4)

 

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

(Acts 6:5)

 

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

(Acts 6:6)

 

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

(Acts 6:7)

 

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

(Acts 6:8)

 

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

(Acts 6:9)

 

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

(Acts 6:10)

 

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

(Acts 6:11)

 

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

(Acts 6:12)

 

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

(Acts 6:13)

 

For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

(Acts 6:14)

 

And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

(Acts 6:15)

 

In Acts chapter 7, asked whether these accusations are true, Steven makes a powerful sermon in defense of the history of Israel to that point and then rebukes the concil for being hard and resisting the Holy Spirit which enrages them. He then has an open vision of Jesus and shares it, which causes them to throw him out and stone Steven to death. Steven prays that the sin be not counted against them

Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

(Acts 7:1)

 

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

(Acts 7:2)

 

And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

(Acts 7:3)

 

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

(Acts 7:4)

 

And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

(Acts 7:5)

 

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.

(Acts 7:6)

 

And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

(Acts 7:7)

 

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

(Acts 7:8)

 

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

(Acts 7:9)

 

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

(Acts 7:10)

 

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

(Acts 7:11)

 

But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

(Acts 7:12)

 

And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

(Acts 7:13)

 

Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

(Acts 7:14)

 

So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

(Acts 7:15)

 

And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

(Acts 7:16)

 

But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

(Acts 7:17)

 

Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

(Acts 7:18)

 

The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

(Acts 7:19)

 

In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

(Acts 7:20)

 

And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

(Acts 7:21)

 

And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

(Acts 7:22)

 

And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

(Acts 7:23)

 

And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

(Acts 7:24)

 

For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

(Acts 7:25)

 

And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

(Acts 7:26)

 

But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

(Acts 7:27)

 

Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

(Acts 7:28)

 

Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

(Acts 7:29)

 

And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

(Acts 7:30)

 

When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,

(Acts 7:31)

 

Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

(Acts 7:32)

 

Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.

(Acts 7:33)

 

I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

(Acts 7:34)

 

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

(Acts 7:35)

 

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

(Acts 7:36)

 

This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

(Acts 7:37)

 

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

(Acts 7:38)

 

To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

(Acts 7:39)

 

Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

(Acts 7:40)

 

And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

(Acts 7:41)

 

Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

(Acts 7:42)

 

Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

(Acts 7:43)

 

Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

(Acts 7:44)

 

Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

(Acts 7:45)

 

Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

(Acts 7:46)

 

But Solomon built him an house.

(Acts 7:47)

 

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

(Acts 7:48)

 

Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

(Acts 7:49)

 

Hath not my hand made all these things?

(Acts 7:50)

 

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

(Acts 7:51)

 

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

(Acts 7:52)

 

Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

(Acts 7:53)

 

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

(Acts 7:54)

 

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

(Acts 7:55)

 

And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

(Acts 7:56)

 

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

(Acts 7:57)

 

And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

(Acts 7:58)

 

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

(Acts 7:59)

 

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

(Acts 7:60)

 

Chapter 8 of Acts then speaks of Philips wonderful and miraculous ministry with many healings, miracles and many getting saved. Simon the sorcerer who was baptized and then thinks He can buy the impartation of the Holy Spirit- a free gift- with money- is soundly rebuked and strongly encouraged to repent of this wrongful idea by Peter the story moves on to relate Philip ministering to a Eunuch who is baptized before Philip is sent away

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

(Acts 8:1)

 

And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

(Acts 8:2)

 

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

(Acts 8:3)

 

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

(Acts 8:4)

 

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

(Acts 8:5)

 

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

(Acts 8:6)

 

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

(Acts 8:7)

 

And there was great joy in that city.

(Acts 8:8)

 

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

(Acts 8:9)

 

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

(Acts 8:10)

 

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

(Acts 8:11)

 

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

(Acts 8:12)

 

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

(Acts 8:13)

 

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

(Acts 8:14)

 

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

(Acts 8:15)

 

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

(Acts 8:16)

 

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

(Acts 8:17)

 

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

(Acts 8:18)

 

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

(Acts 8:19)

 

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

(Acts 8:20)

 

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

(Acts 8:21)

 

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

(Acts 8:22)

 

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

(Acts 8:23)

 

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

(Acts 8:24)

 

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

(Acts 8:25)

 

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

(Acts 8:26)

 

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

(Acts 8:27)

 

Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

(Acts 8:28)

 

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

(Acts 8:29)

 

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

(Acts 8:30)

 

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

(Acts 8:31)

 

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

(Acts 8:32)

 

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

(Acts 8:33)

 

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

(Acts 8:34)

 

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

(Acts 8:35)

 

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

(Acts 8:36)

 

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

(Acts 8:37)

 

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

(Acts 8:38)

 

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

(Acts 8:39)

 

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

(Acts 8:40)

 

Acts chapter 9 then goes on to relate the conversion of Paul on the Damascus road in all of its detail, including Ananias praying for Paul to recover his sight and then Jesus telling Paul of some of his ministry. The chapter then shifts to follow Peter and relates a couple of miracles- a miraculous healing and also one raised from the dead

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

(Acts 9:1)

 

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:2)

 

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

(Acts 9:3)

 

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

(Acts 9:4)

 

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

(Acts 9:5)

 

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

(Acts 9:6)

 

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

(Acts 9:7)

 

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

(Acts 9:8)

 

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

(Acts 9:9)

 

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

(Acts 9:10)

 

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

(Acts 9:11)

 

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

(Acts 9:12)

 

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

(Acts 9:13)

 

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

(Acts 9:14)

 

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

(Acts 9:15)

 

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

(Acts 9:16)

 

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

(Acts 9:17)

 

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

(Acts 9:18)

 

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

(Acts 9:19)

 

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

(Acts 9:20)

 

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

(Acts 9:21)

 

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

(Acts 9:22)

 

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

(Acts 9:23)

 

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

(Acts 9:24)

 

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

(Acts 9:25)

 

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

(Acts 9:26)

 

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

(Acts 9:27)

 

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:28)

 

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

(Acts 9:29)

 

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

(Acts 9:30)

 

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

(Acts 9:31)

 

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

(Acts 9:32)

 

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

(Acts 9:33)

 

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

(Acts 9:34)

 

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

(Acts 9:35)

 

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

(Acts 9:36)

 

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

(Acts 9:37)

 

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

(Acts 9:38)

 

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

(Acts 9:39)

 

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

(Acts 9:40)

 

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

(Acts 9:41)

 

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

(Acts 9:42)

 

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

(Acts 9:43)

 

In Acts chapter 10 goes into detail about the witnessing to and conversion of Cornelius, a gentile into the faith and Peter’s vision of the beasts on the scroll and also the Angel’s role in all of these. They also were baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues.

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

(Acts 10:1)

 

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

(Acts 10:2)

 

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

(Acts 10:3)

 

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

(Acts 10:4)

 

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

(Acts 10:5)

 

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

(Acts 10:6)

 

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

(Acts 10:7)

 

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

(Acts 10:8)

 

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

(Acts 10:9)

 

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

(Acts 10:10)

 

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

(Acts 10:11)

 

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

(Acts 10:12)

 

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

(Acts 10:13)

 

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

(Acts 10:14)

 

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

(Acts 10:15)

 

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

(Acts 10:16)

 

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

(Acts 10:17)

 

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

(Acts 10:18)

 

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

(Acts 10:19)

 

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

(Acts 10:20)

 

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

(Acts 10:21)

 

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

(Acts 10:22)

 

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

(Acts 10:23)

 

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

(Acts 10:24)

 

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

(Acts 10:25)

 

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

(Acts 10:26)

 

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

(Acts 10:27)

 

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

(Acts 10:28)

 

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

(Acts 10:29)

 

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

(Acts 10:30)

 

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

(Acts 10:31)

 

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

(Acts 10:32)

 

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

(Acts 10:33)

 

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

(Act 10:34)

 

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

(Acts 10:35)

 

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

(Acts 10:36)

 

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

(Acts 10:37)

 

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

(Acts 10:38)

 

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

(Acts 10:39)

 

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

(Acts 10:40)

 

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

(Acts 10:41)

 

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

(Acts 10:42)

 

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

(Acts 10:43)

 

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

(Acts 10:44)

 

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(Acts 10:45)

 

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

(Acts 10:46)

 

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

(Acts 10:47)

 

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

(Acts 10:48)

 

I am now concluding this teaching with a large group of verses from Paul’s epistle to the Romans which present the salvation message very powerfully. The teaching is finished by a prayer of salvation to invite Jesus in your heart to begin a relationship with God to which nothing can compare.

 (Romans 11:11)  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

 

(Romans 11:12)  Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

 

(Romans 11:13)  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

 

(Romans 11:14)  If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

 

(Romans 11:15)  For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

 

(Romans 11:16)  For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

 

(Romans 11:17)  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

 

(Romans 11:18)  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

 

(Romans 11:19)  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

 

(Romans 11:20)  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

 

(Romans 11:21)  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

 

(Romans 11:22)  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

 

(Romans 11:23)  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

 

(Romans 11:24)  For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

 

(Romans 11:25)  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

 

(Romans 11:26)  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

 

I am also adding this passage in Romans chapter 1 stating well my own feelings that I am not ashamed of the gospel and want to see the message of salvation shared so people can accept the same by faith so that people can know and be without excuse

(Romans 1:13)  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

 

(Romans 1:14)  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

 

(Romans 1:15)  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

 

(Romans 1:16)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

(Romans 1:17)  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 

(Romans 1:18)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 

(Romans 1:19)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 

(Romans 1:20)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

I am continuing this  teaching with the passage in Romans 3 which states how nobody does righteously not even one person at all.

 

(Romans 3:9)  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

 

(Romans 3:10)  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

 

(Romans 3:11)  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

 

(Romans 3:12)  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 

This next passage, also from Romans chapter 3 later on says while all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory they are then justified through grace and what Jesus did for them at the cross and this is through faith and it excludes boasting

(Romans 3:21)  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

 

(Romans 3:22)  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

 

(Romans 3:23)  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 

(Romans 3:24)  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 

(Romans 3:25)  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

 

(Romans 3:26)  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

 

(Romans 3:27)  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

 

(Romans 3:28)  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

 

(Romans 3:29)  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

 

(Romans 3:30)  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

 

(Romans 3:31)  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

 

The last 4 verses of Romans 4 also state how that righteousness is imputed to us for believing  in Jesus death for us and God who raised Him

(Romans 4:22)  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

 

(Romans 4:23)  Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

 

(Romans 4:24)  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

 

(Romans 4:25)  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

 

This next passage of scripture which contains the last seven verses from Romans chapter 6 speaks of us being freed from sin to live righteous and as servants of God for the wages of sin are death (hell) but God’s gift is eternal life by Jesus

(Romans 6:17)  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

 

(Romans 6:18)  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

 

(Romans 6:19)  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

 

(Romans 6:20)  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

 

(Romans 6:21)  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

 

(Romans 6:22)  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

 

(Romans 6:23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

While we were yet weak and in sin God in love sent Jesus to die for us as stated in this passage in Romans chapter 5 as while one mad us all sinners through disobedience one’s obedience also brought all back to righteousness and also reminds us through the offense one many are sinners but through the obedience of one many more were made righteous

 

(Romans 5:6)  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

 

(Romans 5:7)  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

 

(Romans 5:8)  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

(Romans 5:9)  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

 

(Romans 5:10)  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

 

(Romans 5:11)  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

 

(Romans 5:12)  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned

 

(Romans 5:13)  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

 

(Romans 5:14)  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

 

 (Romans 5:15)  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

 

(Romans 5:16)  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

 

(Romans 5:17)  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

 

(Romans 5:18)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

 

(Romans 5:19)  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

 

The next passage here from Romans chapter 10 explains that the word is near us, how to be saved by confessing Jesus as Lord by mouth and believing that God raised Him from the dead and of the virtues of those who preach the gospel for faith comes by hearing the word of God.

(Romans 10:8)  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

 

(Romans 10:9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 

(Romans 10:10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

(Romans 10:11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

(Romans 10:12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

 

(Romans 10:13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

(Romans 10:14)  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

 

(Romans 10:15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

 

(Romans 10:16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

 

(Romans 10:17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

Here in these first five verses of Romans 5 we now have peace with God being reconciled by Jesus justified by our faith

(Romans 5:1)  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

(Romans 5:2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

(Romans 5:3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

 

(Romans 5:4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

 

(Romans 5:5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

Paul reminds us in the first two verses of Romans 8 that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus

(Romans 8:1)  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

(Romans 8:2)  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

(Romans 8:31)  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

 

(Romans 8:32)  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

 

(Romans 8:33)  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

 

(Romans 8:34)  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

 

(Romans 8:35)  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

 

(Romans 8:36)  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

 

(Romans 8:37)  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

 

(Romans 8:38)  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 

(Romans 8:39)  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Finally in Romans 12 we are now to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and are not to be conformed by the word but transformed by the renewing of our mind. We also are now all part of one body and are encouraged to be diligent in giftings from God and loving to one another and not seeking revenge or retaliate but love our enemies and do good. The whole chapter is included for its powerful encourgements and advice for new believers.

(Romans 12:1)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

(Romans 12:2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

(Romans 12:3)  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

 

(Romans 12:4)  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

 

(Romans 12:5)  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

 

(Romans 12:6)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

 

(Romans 12:7)  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

 

(Romans 12:8)  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

(Romans 12:9)  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

 

(Romans 12:10)  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

 

(Romans 12:11)  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

 

(Romans 12:12)  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

 

(Romans 12:13)  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

 

(Romans 12:14)  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

 

(Romans 12:15)  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 

(Romans 12:16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

 

(Romans 12:17)  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

 

(Romans 12:18)  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 

(Romans 12:19)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

 

(Romans 12:20)  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

 

(Romans 12:21)  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

The passages in this teaching above are there to show our need of a savior. As it is written God did love the world enough to send His only begotten Son- Jesus to die for our sins on the cross though He was nearly stoned in the gospel of John on two occasions. Jesus makes powerful points in these chapters about how He is indeed the one to take away the sins and also bring everlasting (eternal ) Life to all to all those who believe in Him. This was all done so the sins of man, which had separated man from God could be atoned for, which Jesus did by dying o0n the cross, and the love relationship with God then is thus restored. There is nothing like a love relationship with God at all, nothing can even come remotely close to it. I am now including a prayer which you can pray and then invite Jesus in your heart to begin this wonderful relationship to which nothing can compare. Please pray this prayer with me now.

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

 

God bless you and yours