The Monarch Butterfly—An Illustration of Transformation—Part 9—Transformations in the Book of Acts

 

Introduction and Review

Part 8 of this series studied the fourth temptation of Christ, which was proposed by a created human being rather than a spiritual being, unlike the first three temptations. 

This lesson will examine the number four and its relationship to ideas of transition and transformation in the book of Acts.

The miracle of healing the 40-year-old man in the book of Acts.
The Walters Art Museum

Acts Chapter Four

The book of Acts begins with the "new creations," namely, the church produced by the imparting of the Holy Spirit to those who would come to Christ and receive Him as the sufficient sacrificial payment for their sins and their only way to God the Father. Acts chapter 1 records that Jesus is the Messiah.

... presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them (new creations) during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 

— Acts 1:3

Scofield notes in chapter two the Holy Spirit's role in this transformation process of forming a body of believers with four things He does.

The Spirit forms the church, Matthew 16:18, by 

(1) baptizing all believers into the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12 1 Corinthians 12:13

(2) imparts gifts for service to every member of that body 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 1 Corinthians 12:27 1 Corinthians 12:30 

(3) guides the members in their service; Luke 2:27; 4:1; Acts 16:6 Acts 16:7and 

(4) is Himself the power of that service; Acts 1:8; 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:4.

By chapter four, these early Gospel spreaders encountered significant resistance from religious rulers after healing a lame man. Verses 21 and 22 of Acts 4 note that this was acknowledged as God's miraculous work, considering the man was over 40 (4 x 10) years old.

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

— Acts 4:21-22

Modern science has discovered that, after age 40 (4 x 10), the body begins to decline and DNA starts to degrade. The growth hormone that helps us grow, maintain, and heal, and is produced by the pituitary gland, becomes significantly reduced. Our body's ability to heal begins to diminish. The four in this equation show that it was physically impossible for this man to have been healed; therefore, there was no question that God had done this.

Back to the resistance: Peter, John, and fellow believers pray about this opposition. Psalm 2 references four groups against the Lord and His "Anointed."

1. ‘Why did the nations rage,
2. And the people plot vain things?
3. The kings of the earth took their stand,
4. And the rulers were gathered together

Against the Lord and against His Christ.

— Acts 4:25-26 (Psalm 2)

The prayer continues to show how the ancient Psalm prophetically spoke of all humankind's responsibility for the death of Christ and names four peoples to express the gamut of peoples.

1. Herod and
2. Pontius Pilate,
3. with the Gentiles
4. And the people of Israel

were gathered together.

—Acts:27

The Book of Acts
Bible Illustrations from Sweet Media Publishing

Theudas and His 400 Men—The Egyptians 4000 men—40 Who Conspired

In Acts chapter five, the apostles were on trial after being imprisoned for spreading the Gospel. When the council discusses what to do with them, Gamaliel, a Pharisee among the religious rulers, advises the following. 

“Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing ... now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” 

— Acts 5:35-39

On this occasion, the 400 (4 x 100) men tell us, as Gamaliel already suspected, that Theudas's work was the work of men and not from God. It was an earthly endeavor, unlike Peter's and the Apostles'.

Later in the Book of Acts, there is a similar incident when Paul is arrested and bound with chains. The captain in charge of him doesn't sincerely understand what is happening and thinks that Paul is another man who has caused trouble.

Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?” 

— Acts 21:38

This same theme continues in Acts 23, when a conspiracy to kill Paul arose.

Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 

— Acts 23:13

Its chiastic parallel is found in verse 21 of chapter 23, adding more details.

The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. 

— Acts 23:20-21

Like Theudas and his 400, the Egyptian and his 4000, these 40 Jews' conspiracies were a work of men. 

Stephens speech
Bible Illustrations from Sweet Media Publishing

Stephens Speech to the Religious Rulers

Acts chapter seven records four fours in terms of its multiples as signals of transition. Stephen is recounting to the top religious council of the time the history of the Jews and the Messiah foretold to come from them. He reminds them of the following.

1. The four-hundred-year bondage in Egypt in verse 6
2. how Moses was forty years old when he went on his human attempt to deliver them in verse 23,
3. as well as the next forty years when God appeared to him in a burning bush in verse 30.
4. The forty-year wilderness wandering, and this event is mentioned twice in verses 36 and 42

Paul by James Tissot
Brooklyn Museum

Paul's Conversion—Transformation

Acts chapter 9 records the conversion and complete transformation of Paul after an encounter with Christ Himself. A quote from a "Rapture Ready" article titled "Isaiah 17 Destruction of Damascus" sums this event up well regarding transformation.

"Paul was on the road to Damascus when Christ first appeared to Him, an event that transformed not only his life, but the course of human history."

He was once a persecutor of Christians. Through this visitation, he became a preacher of the Gospel of salvation and wrote several New Testament books, mainly letters to the newly formed Christian church. This event took place in Damascus.

As he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 

— Acts 9:3

In Hebrew, Damascus has a total gematria of 444 and is used 56 (4 x 14) times in the Bible. The Old Testament is used 40 (4 x 10) times, and in the New Testament, 16 (4 x 4) times.

When Paul stands before King Agrippa later in Acts 26 to give his testimony, he reports four places and people to whom Christ sent him to preach the Gospel.

“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in

1. Damascus and in
2. Jerusalem,
3. and throughout all the region of Judea,
4. and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

— Acts 21:19-20  

We could pair the themes of Damascus and Gentiles as an outer frame, with Jerusalem and Judea in the center. This arrangement points to the pattern of the Gospel itself. The preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles would begin in Damascus. It would also end in Damascus, as the prophet Isaiah foretold as a signal of the end.

“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap.

— Isaiah 17:1

Scofield notes in chapter 9 that Paul visited Jerusalem four times after his conversion. This Gospel that has gone out to the whole world has its center and beginning in Jerusalem/Judea.

Damascus
Louvre Museum

Four Relating to Damascus

In II Kings chapter eight, King Ben-Hadad (Hadad, the name of a Canaanite deity), an enemy of Israel who had conquered a good portion of it, sent 40 (4 x 10) camel loads of goods as a gift to the prophet Elisha for some inside info about his future. He was ill and wanted to know if he was going to live.

Elisha informs Hazael, the messenger and deliverer of the goods, that the king will not live, and he watches as Elisha weeps concerning four horrible things that Hazael will do when the king dies. 

And Hazael said, “Why is my lord weeping?” 

He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: 

1. Their strongholds you will set on fire, 

2. and their young men you will kill with the sword; 

3. and you will dash their children, 

4. and rip open their women with child.” 

— II Kings 8:12 

According to "The Expositor's Bible Commentary," this scene marks a transitional period in Israel's history.

"It closes the wars with Ben-Hadad II and initiates the critical circumstances that will culminate in the crucial events of ... a dynastic change in Damascus and in Samaria." 

Peter's Vision
Bible Illustrations from Sweet Media Publishing

Spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles

Acts chapter ten records the experience of including the Gentiles in the plan of salvation. The preaching of the Gospel to them begins with a Gentile centurion named Cornelius, a sincere God-follower. 

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

— Acts 10:1-2

An angel visits Cornelius in a vision and explains that God has noticed his alms and prayers and that he should send for Peter. As soon as these men were dispatched, Peter went up to pray and had a vision.

... and (Peter) saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of 1. four-footed animals of the earth, 2. wild beasts, 3. creeping things, 4. and birds of the air 

— Acts 10:11-12 

Peter is instructed to eat, but he refuses because they are considered unclean animals and forbidden by the Old Testament law. The heavenly messenger replies.

 “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.” 

— Acts 10:15

Peter isn't exactly sure what this all means until he is visited by the centurion's servants, who explain their mission to invite him to the centurion's house to speak with Cornelius. Peter went with the servants, and when Peter arrived, Cornelius dropped to his knees. Peter helped him up and said the following. God is about to transform the gentile world with the Gospel. 

I myself am also a man ...“You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore, I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” 

So 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, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God ... 

— Acts 10:26-31

Cornelius continues to explain the messenger's instruction to send for Peter. At this point, Peter completely understands the purpose of his vision.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said, “In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation (four corners—earth—sheet) whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all 

— Acts 10:34-36

The four days indicate that something dramatic is about to change, and it does. Peter preaches to the Gentiles, and they become filled with the Holy Spirit.

And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 

— Acts 10:45

The vision was all-inclusive and universal, with the sheet listing four types that represented every sphere of humankind. The number three highlights the story's spiritual component. 

This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. 

— Acts 10:16

This vision culminates in the above statement. Three is the number of the Spirit, His power, and resurrection. We can see the all-inclusive universal plan to save men of all kinds and resurrect their lives from the dead.

He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 

— Matthew 24:31

The sheet bound by four corners from Peter's vision in this gathering together links with the four winds of heaven.

This portion of Scripture centers on the giving of the Holy Spirit to Gentile believers, beginning with verse 44, which Scofield notes as one of Scripture's pivotal points. 

The Liberation of St. Peter from Prison by Pieter de Hooch (1650-1655)

Four Squadrons of Soldiers

Acts chapter 12 records the imprisonment of Peter, who was guarded by four squadrons of soldiers for preaching the Gospel. The church prayed continually for Peter, which resulted in the following.  

... behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 

— Acts 12:7

Peter, of course, is freed by the Angel sent from God. The four squadrons (each consisting of four soldiers; therefore, there are 16 soldiers) were guarding Peter. This numeric piece tells us that everything earthly, natural, and physical (4 x 4) possible was done to keep him from escaping, including four things.

Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers. 

— Acts 12:6

Peter proclaims and affirms the supernatural nature of his deliverance.

Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me. 

— Acts 12:11 

 

Four Men Who Made a Vow
Bible Illustrations from Sweet Media Publishing

Philips Four Daughters and Four Men Who Take a Vow

In Acts 21:4, a transition occurs. Paul is determined to go to Jerusalem for his fourth — and, as it turns out, his final — visit after his missionary journeying in other places, which Luke records just before this.

And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 

— Acts 21:4

Significant changes are about to begin and culminate in these verses—a chiastic parallel is found in verse 27.

Now, when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him. 

— Acts 21:27

In between these two verses, Paul continues to Jerusalem despite the warning.

So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. 

— Acts 21:14-15

They stopped at Philip's house in Caesarea along the way.

Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

— Acts 21:9

Let me first note that the use of the word virgin in the description of Philip's daughters is not to inform us of their sexual status. This detail connects us with its chiastic parallel verse concerning four men, describing some of the trouble Paul got into when he went to Jerusalem concerning the Jews. They thought Paul was doing away with the Law of Moses altogether.

Therefore, do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 

— Acts 21:23

As Paul explained in his first letter to the Corinthians, the four prophetic daughters have set themselves apart in service to the Lord.

There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world— how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. 

— I Corinthians 7:34-35

Philip's four daughters, like the four men, had dedicated themselves to the Lord for something. In these parallels, the crossover occurs between Jew and Gentile. Caesarea, where Paul is in (vs. 9), was where Peter first took the Gospel to the Gentiles. The four men who took a vow were Jews in Jerusalem. We see the new creations and the Sons of Abraham represented by four on each side. 

After Paul's second warning not to go to Jerusalem, he decides to go anyway. In Jerusalem, he will experience what he said he was willing to do for the sake of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 

— Acts 21:13

This does appear to be a noble declaration, but considering it is in the 13th verse, is there an element of rebellion to this, perhaps? Especially considering he was expressly told not to go twice.

Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 

— Genesis 14:4

Are the fours here indicating that Paul relies on natural desires rather than the Spirit?

Paul in prison
Rembrandt

The Spread of the Gospel—Paul's Four Prison Epistles

The spread of the Gospel that transforms lives continued through the ministry of Paul, who wrote the four prison epistles.

1. Ephesians
2. Philippians
3. Colossian
4. and Philemon

According to "Got Questions.org," in an article titled "What are the Prison Epistles," the author writes about Paul's "earthly" position in light of his heavenly mission.

While the prison epistles reflect Paul’s earthly position as a prisoner of Rome, he makes it clear that his captivity was first and foremost to Christ. Paul’s time in prison was for the purpose of spreading the gospel in the Gentile capital of Rome.

Paul lists in 2 Timothy four ways in which the Word of God is profitable for living a productive and useful life on this planet.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

1. for doctrine,
2. for reproof,
3. for correction,
4. for instruction in righteousness.

— 2 Timothy 3:16

Anchor

Four Anchors

Acts chapter 27 illustrates the futility of hoping for salvation in this world. Paul is on his way to Rome by ship after appealing to Caesar. He stood before Agrippa and Festus concerning the alleged legal accusations brought against him by the religious Jews who were against him at the time.

The journey was by ship, loaded with other prisoners bound for the same destination. They changed boats along the way, possibly because of the contrary winds they encountered at Myra in Lycia. They, therefore, switched to a seemingly more seaworthy Alexandrian ship. Alexandrian ships hauled grain for trade and business from Egypt to Rome. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia online, it was named after the chief city of Alexandria, Egypt, which Alexander the Great founded, whose empire was divided into four parts upon his death.

They (Alexandrian ships) are described as containing large receptacles for drinking water for long voyages ... Alexandrian Ships engaged in the grain trade.

We know then that this was a hearty ship by design. It was 140 feet (4 x 35) long and 36 feet (4 x 9) wide. It had one mast with a square sail (four corners, four sides).

After being tossed around by a storm for fourteen days, it was evident that the stately vessel they had placed their confidence in was not doing well. The fourteen days are reminiscent of the Passover that was celebrated on the fourteenth day of the month. It mirrored our Savior Jesus, the Lamb of God, who died for us and offered salvation, of which there was no hope in this storm-tossed, no-help-for-salvation world. (see more on 14 and Passover in part three of this series)

They attempted to undergird the ship and hold it together. Those on board the vessel also tossed the tackle overboard to no avail. This scene illustrates that we must come to the end of ourselves and exhaust all our other earthly resources —ideas, programs, and procedures — before we genuinely trust in Christ's salvation alone. Canadian theologian and preacher A.B. Simpson writes on this thought. 

"It is only when you are at the end of all earthly help and hope that you find God and learn real faith."

Luke records the following words concerning the spirit of those on the ship.

"... all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned." 

— Acts 27:20

Paul informs them that the ship will be destroyed, but he is confident that God's plan and purpose for him will prevail. Paul next instructs them to follow his directions if they want to live. So it is with all of creation. It will one day pass away. Therefore, our confidence should not be secured in this natural physical realm. As we watch the world rage in storming furies that will inevitably end in destruction, we must closely follow God's purposes, promises, and instructions to see us through to our spiritual destination.

The fourth attempt to save themselves was to let down four anchors to prevent the ship from running aground on the rocks, which eventually gave way as well. What once seemed like a reliable, trustworthy vehicle was about to be dashed in pieces. There were 276 people saved, which is divisible by four.

Paul himself had four anchors that he clung to as he fulfilled his earthly mission. All the other ship occupants were on a mission of self-preservation. First and foremost, he knew who he was and whom he served. 

... there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve. 

— Acts 27:23

Secondly, he had faith in God's mission for him.

... you must be brought before Caesar. 

— Acts 27:24

Thirdly, he was anchored in the promise that accompanied that.

I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 

— Acts 27:25

Fourthly, a successful outcome depended on carefully following God's instructions. 

“Unless these men stay on the ship, you cannot be saved.” 

— Acts 27:31

Paul offers us a final observation from this event.

Paul implored them all to take food. 

— Acts 27:33 

Paul had everyone eat, which was an act of faith because eating would provide them with the strength they needed to reach shore. Paul's instruction is reminiscent of a verse spoken by Jesus, instructing those who desired to follow Him.

And as they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 

— Mark 26:26

Receiving and remembering what Christ has done and feasting on this reality will bring us safely to the shore.

In Acts chapter 5, the imprisoned apostles were brought before the council to see what action should be taken against them for preaching, healing, and delivering in the name of Jesus. Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, is concerned that they could be fighting God himself should they prevent them. He uses the example of a man named Theudas, who had 400 followers and whose false, worldly teaching came to nothing. The number four, in this case, suggests that there was nothing spiritual about it and that it would fail. Similarly, in Acts Chapter 21, Paul is mistaken for an Egyptian who led four hundred assassins. Paul was not of the worldly political ways of resolving the conflict.