This series is dedicated to those who want to learn how to live in times of darkness. It is my belief that we are living in the time before the prophesied Great Tribulation. In order to survive these times, we must learn from the example of the first century church who were taught directly by the Lord Jesus Christ.  

In this installment, we continue in chapter 8 of the book of the Acts of the Apostles.  

The Angel of the Lord 

Acts 8:26 is the verse that transitions the reader from the events of Samaria to an event in Gaza. We are told that the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip to give him instructions on where to go. Unfortunately, this verse is read as a mere transitional statement in a story, but there is more to this verse than most realize.  

First, note that Philip received instructions from the angel of the Lord. This is an important detail that should not be overlooked. Angels by definition are messengers (check the definition using a concordance). They bring information and instruction to those they are sent to. If you search the phrase “angel of the Lord,” then you will find it was used 64 times in the Bible in the KJV.  

In the New Testament, the angel of the Lord gave information to Joseph, Mary Magdalene, Zacharias (John the Baptist’s father), a group of shepherds, and Philip. (See Matt. 1:18-23; Matt. 28:1-7; Luke 2:8-12). 

The angel of the Lord was also sent to free the disciples twice and to smite Herod. (See Acts 5:19-20; Acts 12:6-10; Acts 12:20-23). Consider that the cited verses are the interactions with the angel of the Lord that were recorded for us. There could be an innumerable number of encounters we do not know about! 

This is not an insignificant issue. The angel of the Lord has saved the lives of those who followed his instructions. This includes people like Hagar, Balaam, and Gideon. This great messenger has even foretold the birth of great men from Isaac to Jesus Christ. 

We must not look at Acts 8:26 as a mere statement in a narrative. God sent a special messenger to speak to Philip and instruct him. Question: In the days to come, will God send angels to instruct us?  

Read Heb. 1:13-14. These verses show that the angels are ministers (servants) to the heirs of salvation. God has used angels to minister to many and can use them to minister to us in these end times. In order to survive many of the things outlined in Matt 24 and the book of Revelation, we are going to need this special help sent from God like many of the patriarchs, prophets, and early disciples.  

Rev 13:7 says that the beast will make war with the saints, but Dan 12:1 shows how Michael will stand up for those who are written in the book. Clearly, angels play an important role in God’s plan to bring mankind into His family as sons. Angels are even used to gather up the elect at the end of this age (Matt. 24:31). 

Do You Have the Faith?  

In our modern times, it is considered superstitious to believe such things. This is faithlessness and is the reason why many are not supported by angels. The scriptures are very clear that God does not support or answer the faithless with miraculous acts.  

Please read Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:1-8. Jesus’ words implies that there will not be much faith in this earth at His return. This is a sad thing to contemplate, but we must think about it. The reason why the apostles were immediately freed by angels or warned by them of troubles to come is because they were full of faith! Will you be full of faith in these end times? 

Look at the faith of Jesus Christ displayed in Matt. 26:52-53. Many of God’s saints have been supported by angels because of their faith and faithfulness. God does bless nonbelievers, but miracles (supernatural intervention) are reserved for those of the faith.  

Note that Acts 6:5 tells us that Philip was full of faith. If a man of faith is told by an angel to do something, he will do it! Do you have the faith to do such a thing? Reread Acts 8:26-27. The angel told Philip where to go, and Philip arose and went! Compare Philip’s actions to Abraham (Gen 12:1-4).  

This level of faith is going to be essential for surviving the end times. More importantly, this level of faith is going to be needed to enter into eternal life! (Eph 2:8) If you read through the gospel accounts carefully, you will see that Jesus healed many based on their faith. See Matt. 9:1-2, 28-29; Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 5:25-34 for a few examples.  

Miracles are connected to faith! We are going to need tremendous miracles to survive the darkness of the Great Tribulation. We should not expect to receive the miraculous support of God if we have doubts. (Matt. 21:21-22). We cannot expect to be counted worthy to escape what is coming if we do not have faith (Luke 21:36). 

Luke 8 shares the story of a troublesome event that Jesus disciples were exposed to. Read verses 22-25. Why do you think this event was recorded? This wasn’t preserved just to fascinate us. In this event, we get a glimpse at how powerful faith truly is. Jesus asked, “Where is your faith?” In the companion versions, we can see that the disciples’ faith was diminished by fear. (See Matt 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41) Jesus was full of faith and rebuked the storm that His disciples were afraid of.  

We, like the disciples, must overcome fear with faith. It is easy to become anxious when a storm arises, but we must be firm in the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Please reread Luke 8:23 which indicates that their boat was filling with water, which was why they were afraid.  

Pure belief in the promises of God is the only way to overcome fear! The disciples were afraid they were going to die even though they were on the boat with Jesus. Their fear suppressed their memory of Jesus’ miracles. In troubled times, we must remember what God has already done for us and believe that He will bring us through any current problem; this includes the Great Tribulation. More importantly, we must remember that physical life is insignificant when compared to eternal life promised through Jesus Christ! 

Notice Luke 21:25-27. During the Great Tribulation, people’s hearts will be failing from fear. Fear is powerful. Fear can suppress faith. Without faith, we are powerless! Indeed, the events proceeding the return of Jesus Christ will be frightening, but the faithful will know that their redemption is near (Luke 21:28). 

 

God Protects, But Not How You Expect! 

Those who understand and accept the real gospel of Jesus Christ know that there is no promise of a rapture or easy time during the Great Tribulation. Those who understand and accept the real gospel of Jesus Christ will not lose faith because they have to experience the troubles of the Great Tribulation. The faithful know that Jesus commanded them to flee (Luke 21:21, Mark 13:14-17; Matt. 24:15-19). 

Please keep in mind that Daniel, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were protected during the tribulation of their days. Rev. 3:10 say that God will “keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth,” but it does not tell us how He will do it. Jeremiah was preserved in a dungeon. Daniel was preserved in the house of eunuchs. Ezekiel was preserved among the captives. This all happened while Jerusalem was being trampled under the feet of the gentiles. These three were in separate locations, but all were protected by God.  

Will you lose faith if God chooses to preserve you in a way you do not expect?  

Compare Rev. 12:6 and Rev. 12:14. As some have noted in the past, these are two separate flights of the church. Many acknowledge that the first flight resulted in the church being scattered, but they neglect to consider that the same might be true about the future flight. The history of God’s true church is filled with times when the church was scattered due to persecution. (Merely reread Acts 8:3-4 which was the first time the church was scattered because of persecution.) Why should we assume that the persecution of the Great Tribulation will produce a different result?  

Unfortunately, people tend to develop their doctrine based on desire or fears rather than accepting what the word of God has to say about a topic. We must learn to be careful not build doctrines on assumptions.  

Reread Rev. 3:10. Jesus says He will “keep thee from the hour of temptation.” The word keep was translated from a Greek word that means a watch; to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon according to the Strong’s Concordance. Studious Christians know it is important to look at other verses where the same Greek or Hebrew words are used. Take a look at the following: 

Verse	Translation
Matt. 19:17	keep
Matt. 23:3	observe
Matt. 27:54	watching
Matt. 28:20	observe
John 14:15	keep
John 14:21-24	Keepeth, keep
Acts 25:21	Reserved, kept

These are just a few examples and should not be substituted for your own research. The purpose of showing these examples is to prove that this word does not exclusively refer to physical protection. This is not to say that God cannot or will not physically protect us during the Great Tribulation, but to believe this is an assumption.  

Note Luke 17:33, Rev. 6:9-11, and Rev. 12:11.  

What do you place your faith in? Is it physical protection? Are you afraid to lose your physical life? Read Luke 12:4-5. Fear can be a powerful thing. It can cause us to develop doctrines that make us feel safe, but we must be careful not to put our hope into things that aren’t true. God can protect you physically, but He may also ask you to give up your life for Him. Remember, God is not a respecter of persons. If the early Church had to go through persecution, do not assume that we will not have to. 

Set your affection on entering into God’s kingdom with a new body rather than become overwhelmed with how to save your physical life. Let God do the saving as He chooses. Our job is to stay faithful and obedient!!!