The Italian Memorandum

“You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.”

(Acts 2:28 ESV)

In our experience, the typical preaching emphasis of Acts 2 has been to use 2:28 to get to 2:38. Perhaps, it can be argued that the plan of salvation is so beautifully arranged in that one single verse of 2:38 that 2:28 is something of a stepping stone. However, we have found that Acts 2:28 holds real delight for those who have already been added to the church, according to Acts 2:41.

1. Acts 2:28 comes from Psalm 16, a Psalm of David. As such, Christians are reminded that Jesus is David’s ultimate Messianic subject (2:25). We are, therefore, a people of the Messiah: with a royalty behind us, and a majesty before us (2:30,37).

2. In Psalm 16:11, David speaks in the first person. The life of David was bound up in the coming of Messiah. Christians are people whose lives, also, are bonded to their Lord, inseparable with him—one with Christ, we say.

3. Acts 2:28 (because of the above observations) offers specific benefits:

a. Knowledge –         Cognitive (logos)
b. The paths of life – Moral (ethos)
c. Full of gladness –   Emotional (pathos)
d. Your presence –     Spiritual (theos)

– Robert M. Housby

(The following list has been adapted from the respected scholarship of G.R. Beasley-Murray, in his book, Baptism in the New Testament. “Baptism saves, not because water washes dirt from the body, but as the occasion when a man is met by the risen Christ” (pp. 264-265).

1. The forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
2. The cleansing from sins (Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 6:11).
3. Union with Christ (Gal. 3:27).
4. Union in his death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-6; Col. 2:10-12).
5. Release from sins power and guilt (Romans 6:1-11, 17-18).
6. Participation in Christ’s Sonship (Gal. 3:26,27).
7. Consecration to God (1 Cor. 6:11).
8. Membership in the church, the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
9. Possession of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
10. New life in the Spirit and regeneration (Jn. 3:5; Tit. 3:5).
11. Help to live according to the will of God (Rom. 6:6-7; 11-14).
12. The answer of a good conscience toward God (1 Pet. 3:21).

From time to time, we meet people who have been exposed to a denominational type of Christianity, who reject what the Bible says about baptism. They make up their own little creeds about baptism and recite the doctrines of men rather than what the Scriptures affirm about it. They contend that baptism is an outward expression of an inward grace, and so forth. But, as the above scripture references confirm, Calvinistic–saved at the altar type experiences–are but human substitutes for the Word of God—“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21).

Would you obey the command to be baptized and become a New Testament Christian today? The benefits are for those who are Scripturally baptized.

– Robert M. Housby

[A list of references of the causes of salvation. This list refutes and exposes those groups which subjectively select one cause over another. See Acts 20:27; Ps. 119:160. It is a given that God is the ultimate author of salvation –Tit. 2:13; 3:4; Heb. 5:9]

1. Grace (Ephesians 2:8)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith…”

2. Mercy (Titus 3:5)
“…according to his mercy he saved us”

3. The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)
“Now I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved”

4. Jesus’ Name (Acts 4:12)
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”

5. Hope (Romans 8:24)
“For in this hope we were saved”

6. Preaching (1 Corinthians 1:18)
“…but to us who are being saved it [“the word of the cross”] is the power of God”

7. Confession of faith (Romans 10:10)
“…with the mouth one confesses and is saved”

8. Obedience (Hebrews 5:9)
“…he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey”

9. Love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
“…because they refused to love the truth and so be saved”

10. Ourselves (Philippians 2:12)
“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”

11. Baptism (1 Peter 3:21)
“…Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you”

-Robert M. Housby

In an attempt to deflect the New Testament teaching regarding Christian baptism, some will introduce the conversion of Cornelius, with its irregular circumstances. But, when the ubject of Christian baptism is studied (Matt. 28:18-20; Jn.3:5; Acts 2:38;22:16; Rom. 6:3-5,17; Gal. 3:26,27; Tit. 3:4-6; 1 Pet. 3:20,21) apart from human “tenets” and “cardinal doctrines,” it is plain to see how it is essential to the plan of salvation. Then, why do some fail to understand the conversion of Cornelius in Acts 10? Well, to begin with, a bias is already in place when one’s church creed presupposes to tell its members what the Bible says on any subject, including baptism. (Mk. 7:8,9). Those supported by a particular church organization receive their salaries from these institutions. When these ministers cease representing the tenets of these organizations, they will cease being remunerated.

THREE FAULTY ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ACTS 10:

Assumption 1—Acts 10 may be isolated from Acts 11 without any consequences. Assumption 2—Cornelius was saved when he spoke in tongues (10:46).
Assumption 3—Luke’s main point—inclusion of the Gentiles (see 10:15,22,28,34, 35,45; 11:12) may be marginalized; while the Holy Spirit is made to appear as the primary subject of the chapter.

THREE SCRIPTURAL CORRECTIONS ABOUT ACTS 10:

1. Assumption 1 is refutable because Acts 11 contains relevant information not mentioned in Acts 10. 11:14, for example, clearly places salvation in the message of the Holy Spirit, not in the manifestation (Compare10:22, 33 with 11:15).
2. Assumption 2 is refutable because it dismisses the command of 10:48. It is based upon the presupposition that Acts 2:4 (“the beginning,” Acts 11:15) was the moment of salvation; but, in fact, the command of Acts 2:38 and 10:48 remains to be obeyed as a divine condition for the moment of salvation from sin.
3. Assumption 3 is certainly refutable because the Holy Spirit “fell on them,” in a special manifestation (Acts 11:15); whereas, salvation (in the New Testament) is always based upon faith, repentance, confession, and baptism in the name of Jesus (see Acts 11:18; 43, 48).

The Acts 10 error is only believable by ignoring Acts 11; the command to be baptized for the forgiveness of sin; and, changing the primary subject of Acts 10.

Robert M. Housby

“Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently”

(Acts 26:3)

Most people today have little understanding of the Bible. They may be fluent and conversant in The Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter, or, pop psychology, but they definitely lack an accurate knowledge of the gospel. One such area where the gospel is surely misunderstood regards the fact that it makes an appeal: it asks something from those who hear it.

In Acts 26, Paul makes his defense before King Agrippa. It is in 26:3 where we find an appeal; an appeal to listen with patience to the message of the gospel. If 26:2,3 was all the information we had of Paul’s appeal, we might think that he was only interested in vindicating his own name. However, a perusal of the rest of his speech shows the substance of his appeal (see 26:6,8,9,18,23).

1. 26:3 – “I beg you [Agrippa]”
2. 26:20 – “that they [Damascus/Jerusalem/Judea/Gentiles]”
3. 26:29 – “all that hear me this day might become as I am”

The older English has the word “beseech” to convey this appeal. Surely, the gospel has been found amusing by those who reject its appeal. But, the gospel makes an appeal; and this appeal has never been repealed.

-Robert M. Housby

“…This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way as you have seen him go into heaven.”

(Acts 1:11)

The Second Coming of Jesus is meant in Acts 1:9-11. The late J. W. Roberts, a recognized Greek scholar within the churches of Christ, said of Acts 1:10,11— “This declaration that the Lord will return is a basic tenet of the Gospel proclamation (Acts 3:21; 17:31; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 1:10) (Acts of Apostles, Part 1: Austin, TX: Sweet Publishing, 1967), 15. The respected 19th century scholar, J.W. McGarvey, wrote concerning this passage: “It is a positive announcement of a literal and visible second coming” (Original Commentary On Acts of Apostles. 7th ed. Nashville, Tenn, Gospel Advocate Co 1978), 19.

Unlike many other religions, Christianity is based upon a linear approach to history. That is, we believe that the world had a beginning and shall have an ending (Genesis 1:1; Acts 1:11). We do not believe in superstition, nor circular world-views, such as are found in the Eastern religions (re-incarnation, etc). Furthermore, the second coming of Christ teaches world judgment (Acts 17:31). But, both, the Second Coming of Christ and the judgment of mankind are currently being challenged: Namely, “Thou shalt not be certain about the truth of any one religion; and, Thou shalt not be morally conservative. Sin is often viewed as nothing more than a neurosis caused by socio-economic and psychological factors. And so, some say, the hope of salvation is available only through counseling, psychiatry, and education. Christians know better (Prov. 1:7). May the Second Coming serve to heighten our awareness of his expectations for us.

We await his return (2 Pet. 3:4; Heb. 9:28).

-Robert M. Housby

“And Agrippa said to Paul, In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am…”

(Acts 26:28,29)

Old King Agrippa must have realized that he had his hands full with the apostle Paul. Here was Paul, a chained prisoner (Acts 26:29), face-to-face with King Agrippa and his advisor Festus. The text says that Paul spoke boldly to both Agrippa and Festus; so much so, that they were even disappointed because he could have been set free, had he not made an appeal to Caesar (Acts 26:26, 31,32). Note the following major Christian concepts from this passage:

1. Salvation is for all men (Acts 26:17,18,22). Its benefits include receiving forgiveness and sanctification by faith (Acts 26:18).
2. The Christian message is communicated in rational words (Acts 26:25); verified in the prophets (Acts 26:22), and centered in the gospel (Acts 26:22,23).
3. Repentance is a turning to God through deeds (Acts 26:20, see v. 18).
4. It is possible to be a “Christian” (Acts 26:28,29; 11:26).

In the middle of Paul’s speech, we may notice a very special observation: “To his day I have had the help that comes from God” (Acts 26:22). Are you a Christian, or almost persuaded? Keep in mind, that Agrippa believed, but was not yet a Christian (Acts 26:27). Christians turn as well as learn.

-Robert M. Housby

(Reminiscences of the Gospel in the English Alphabet)

A – Abba: the intensive form of Father (Gal. 4:6).
B – Balm: of Gilead; Christian healing (Jer. 8:22; 1 Pet. 2:24).
C – Calvary: Latin for kranion; place of the skull, Golgatha (Matt. 27:33; Jn. 19:17).
D – David: the royal model of the Messiah (Acts 2:29-31).
E – Evangelism: the world class message and spread of the gospel (Lk. 24:47).
F – Faith: drawing near to God; access (Heb. 11:6).
G –Galilee: the great Galilean ministry set among the beauty of Palestine (Mk. 1:37-39).
H – Heaven: heaven came down; incarnation (Col. 1:5).
I – Immanuel: with us is God (Matt. 1:23).
J – Jerusalem: a city with fascination like none other (Lk. 2:43; Matt. 23:37).
K – Kingdom: Jesus preached it and died with it above his dying head (Lk. 23:38).
L – Lamb: An innocent and winsome lamb; a sacrifice to God for man (Acts 8:32-35).
M –Miracles: the gospel is a confirmed message (Heb. 2:3,4).
N – Nazareth: the boyhood home and early years of Jesus (Lk. 2:51,52).
O – Omega: the ultimate reality that Jesus is Lord of the universe (Rev. 1:8).
P – Palms: laid before the young prince on his journey; Hosanna (Matt. 21:8,9).
Q – Quotations: about 250 O.T. quotes in N.T. ; Jesus came to fulfill (Lk. 24:44-46).
R – Resurrection: there is power and newness for today and tomorrow (Rom. 1:4; 6:4).
S – Salt: reminding us that all Christians are responsible on earth (Matt. 5:13).
T – Transformation: the renewal of the Christian mind; life changing joy (Rom. 12:2).
U –Upper room: a reminder that there is a time to wait on the Lord (Acts 1:13).
V – Verse: Jesus was versed in the scriptures (Matt. 4:4,6,7,10; 19:4).
W -Wages: a man cannot live on the wages of sin (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).
X – Unknown: to many the Savior is yet unknown (Acts 17:23).
Y – Yesterday: Christ is timeless and yet timely (Heb. 13:8).
Z – Zechariah: the Lord remembers (Phil. 4:3).
When we think of the gospel, our minds are carried far away to a distant land; and yet, “…he is not far from each one of us…” (Acts 17:27). Make the gospel our immediate spiritual oasis today.

-Robert M. Housby

“…I know that none of you will see my face again”

(Acts 20:26)

“Parting is such sweet sorrow…”

–Romeo and Juliet, Act II Scene ii

We are challenged by Newness! Paul told the Roman Christians: “…so we also might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). But, in order for there to be such newness, there must be a saying goodbye to what has become so familiar to us. When Paul said goodbye in Acts 20, we are told how his friends reacted: “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship” (Acts 20:36-38). The ship of the New Year awaits even us. Of course Paul had to be on that ship. He could have stayed, we suppose, but that would have interfered with the master plan.

1. This Newness challenges us to dynamic, not static, living. The resurrection is the basis of such newness (Rom. 6:3-5)! It is “Westward leading / Still proceeding.” It is emergence from the deadness of the human condition. It is gospel defining and Christian aligning.
2. This Newness trades off instability for permanence and power (Rom. 6:9).
3. With this Newness, comes a life of grace (Rom. 6:13,14).

There’s a ship lies rigged and ready in the harbor. Your name is on the manifest.

-Robert M. Housby

(Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-9)

“Does the Great Commission, as found at the end of the gospels, have legitimate application to members of the Lord’s church today? We were asked this question most recently. What follows is an attempt to demonstrate why we think the Great Commission does have legitimate application to the church today, beyond “the eleven” of Matthew 28:16.

1. The Great Commission is different from the Limited Commission. The Limited Commission is not to “all nations” (Matthew 28:19), but only to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5). So, to begin with, any legitimate application of the Great Commission must concede this essential point of difference.

2. Second, biblical context and biblical content should harmonize. Does Matthew 28:16, with its reference to “the eleven,” negate any other applications beyond the eleven? While careful exegesis cannot allow all specifics to apply indiscriminately (for example, the miraculous element of the Great Commission, Mark 16:17-20, does not have continuity with the church in all ages), nevertheless, when the content of the message exceeds the immediate recipients of the message, there is then a warrant for a broader application [antecedent and application should agree]. Even the Limited Commission had extended applications beyond “the twelve” of Matthew 10:5 (See Luke 10:1 regarding the “seventy”). On harmonizing context and content, take the example of Genesis 12:1-3. Here, Abraham is the only proper grammatical recipient of the message. Nevertheless, it would be improper to suggest that Genesis 12 had no legitimate application to Israel. Why? Simply because the context and content of Genesis 12 extends beyond Abraham.
3. Third, Matthew 28:20 is a mandate to perpetuate apostolic doctrine; and, the most immediate application of 28:20 is 28:19. To say that 28:20 refers to most everything except 28:19 appears problematic. Matthias, for example, was not one of “the eleven” of Matthew 28:16; still, the Great Commission, as stated in Matthew
28:18-20 would compose the very substance of Matthias’ apostolic ministry. And, if we admit a twelfth, what of those whom Matthias taught (see 2 Tim. 2:2; 2 Thess. 2:15)?

We conclude that the Great Commission applies to the church today.

– Robert M. Housby