2. Introduction
Paul’s first preaching journey starts in Antioch of Syria: Acts 13:3
Paul, Barnabas and John Mark land on the east end of Cyprus in the city of Salamis: v. 5
Travel west to the city of Paphos: v. 6
Encounter Sergius Paulus the Roman proconsul: v. 7
Incident with Elymas the sorcerer: vv. 9-12
To be astonished is “to be exceedingly struck in mind.” (Vine)

3. Astonishing Things
Acts 13:12

4. Jesus’ teaching
The New Testament reveals a number of astonishing things Jesus said and taught: Matt.
7:28-29; 22:23-33; Mk. 10:17-26; 11:15-18; Matt. 13:54-57
How will you react to Jesus’ teaching? Accept it or take offense?
MDR: Matt. 19:10
Baptism: Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:10; Gal. 3:27
Care for needy: 1 Jn. 3:17; Matt. 25:31-46
Take up our cross: Lk. 9:23-24
Astonishing Things

5. Raising Jairus’ daughter
This account is found in all three synoptic gospels: Matt. 9:23-26; Mk. 5:35-42; Lk. 8:49-56
Contrast the reaction of the people (Lk. 8:53) versus her parents (Lk. 8:56).
Death is man’s greatest enemy: Heb. 2:14-17; 9:27
One day Jesus will destroy death: Rev. 1:18; 1 Cor. 15:25-26; Jn. 5:28-29; Rev. 20:12-15
How do you react? Lk. 8:53; Jn. 10:10; Heb. 5:8-9; Matt. 25:31-46
Astonishing Things

6. Deaf hear; dumb speak
Do you remember this messianic prophecy: Isa. 35:5-6
Fulfilled, e.g., in Mark’s gospel: Mk. 7:31-36; v. 37
Such miracles prove Jesus’ messiahship: Matt. 11:2-5
We should still be impressed with Jesus’ ability to heal us: Jn. 5:1-15
Jesus tenderly offers healing to us: Matt. 11:28-30
His ability is not the issue (Eph. 3:20); the issue is our faith: “Do you want to be made well?” Jn. 5:3
Astonishing Things

7. Great draught of fishes
Do you remember Luke’s account of the disciple’s “fish story”? Lk. 5:1-11
I imagine the weary Peter was a bit annoyed by Jesus’ words.
Peter’s annoyance turned into astonishment: vv. 6 & 7
We too are “fishers of men” : Mk. 16:15-16; 1 Cor. 3:5ff
Readiness: 1 Pet. 3:15
Sow the seed: 1 Cor. 3:6-9; Isa. 55:11
Astonishing Things

8. Resurrection of Christ
Luke records the resurrection of Christ in the 24th chapter:
Empty tomb: vv. 1-12
Road to Emmaus: vv
Jesus’ resurrection should not have been a shock; He Himself had told the disciples: vv. 6 & 7
We should never be “astonished” when God keeps His word: Psa. 33:9; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; Psa. 111:7-8
Some seem to think God will suspend His word in their specific case: Matt. 7:21-23; Mk. 16:16; Eph. 5:19
Disobedience equals unbelief: Heb. 3:12-19
Astonishing Things

9. Holy Spirit to Gentiles
Recall when the Gentiles obeyed the gospel: Acts 10 & 11
While hearing the gospel message the Gentiles were baptized in the Holy Spirit just as were the apostles “at the beginning” : Acts 11:15-16
Result: Acts 10:45-46
Point: astonishment shows this was not a normal case: Acts 11:18; 15:7-11
The “one baptism” (Eph. 4:5) is to receive “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:21) not to speak in tongues, etc.
Astonishing Things

10. Peter knocking
The disciples held a “prayer meeting” for Peter: Acts 12:1-16
Luke records: “but constant
prayer was offered to God for him by the church” : v. 5
When Peter was let in, the disciples were “astonished” : v. 16
Don’t be astonished, God answers prayer! Jas. 5:16-18
Faithfully: Jas. 1:5-8
Thanksgiving: Phil. 4:6
Often: 1 Thess. 5:17
Diligence: Col. 4:2
Astonishing Things

11. Saul’s conversion Acts 9 records the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.
Saul’s reaction: he is “astonished” : v. 6
The Lord made it possible for the “chief of sinners” to be saved: 1 Tim. 1:15; Acts 22:16
We shouldn’t be astonished God will save you and me too! Rev. 22:17
Astonishing Things

12. Conclusion The Bible is an astonishing book!
We have not really mentioned the most astonishing thing in the Bible: Rom. 5:6-8
It’s astonishing the vast majority reject God’s love; yea, most scoff at it and/or deny it: 2 Cor. 2:15-16; Matt. 7:13-14
Equally astonishing is that so many brethren seemingly take God’s love for granted: Heb. 10:26-31
Astonishing Things