Superior Word Daily Devotional On the Book of Matthew

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:5

Sunday, September 15th, 2024




Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, Matthew 4:5


“Then the Traducer, he takes Him to the holy city and stands Him upon the winglet of the temple” (CG).



In the previous verse, Jesus answered the tempter concerning commanding the stones to become bread. Rather, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy concerning living by the word of God. Now, the second temptation begins, saying, “Then the Traducer.”



As in Matthew 4:1, the word is a definite article followed by an adjective – “the devilish.” However, it is referring to the devil. But that is a transliteration to some extent. The meaning is a slanderer or traducer. His continued target is Jesus as he intends to destroy Him before He can be any real threat to him. Therefore, it next says, “he takes Him to the holy city.”



The holy city is Jerusalem, the capital of the holy land as noted in Zechariah 2:12 where it is called admath ha’qodesh, ground the holy. Calling it the holy city is unique in the gospels to Matthew. It is seen here and in Matthew 27:53. The term is used in Revelation when referring to Jerusalem in Revelation 11:2 and the heavenly Jerusalem in Revelation 21:2.



There, in the holy city of the holy land, the Traducer takes Jesus to the holiest place in the holy city. Matthew records this saying, “and stands Him upon the winglet of the temple.”



Most translations say “pinnacle,” but the word is pterugion, a winglet. This word comes from pterux, a wing. That, in turn, comes from the verb petomai, to fly. One can get an etymological hint of our word pterodactyl from these words.



As for this winglet, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon cites Eusebius saying it was the top of the temple. Also “some understand this of the top or apex of the sanctuary…, others of the top of Solomon’s porch, and others of the top of the Royal Portico.”



The idea of a wing probably means a projection like a wing, meaning something like the apex of a roof or gable. Being used with the article, “the winglet,” it was something understood to be noticeable to all. Thus, the word “pinnacle” may be correct. However, because of the dispute, a literal translation is preferred, winglet. Whatever the exact meaning, it would be a high point from which the Traducer will make his second attempt against Jesus.



Life application: The Traducer is there to tempt others into sin. This is his thing, and he will continue to do this right up until the point in time recorded in Revelation 20 –



“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.” Revelation 20:1-3



What this means is that there will be no relief from his machinations during our lifetime. Believers in Christ will either die or be raptured before his temptations cease for a thousand years. If you think that having a victory over his temptations is the end of the deal, think again. He didn’t stop after his first attempt at Jesus, and he will continue to tempt you as well.



When Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God, he doesn’t mean from 9 am until 3 pm. He certainly means all day every day. Temptations are sure to come, but because Jesus has prevailed, we will also prevail through Him. Until that day, we need to be sure to prepare ourselves constantly for whatever this evil entity will throw at us, especially in our times of weakness –



“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13



Take time to read the rest of Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:14-20. It will take you just a moment. As for the devil, after the thousand years, he will be released to give grief to the world one last time. But his end will come –



“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10



Lord God, You have a plan that is being worked out, slowly and methodically in the stream of human existence. Thank You for the assurance we possess, knowing You have all things under control. We know this is so because Your word tells us it is. Thank You for this advanced notice that everything will turn out right in the end. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:6

Monday, September 16th, 2024


and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Matthew 4:6




“and says to Him, ‘If Son – You are – of God, throw yourself down, for it has been written, “That His messengers, He will enjoin concerning You, and upon hands, they will lift You, lest when You may strike a stone to Your foot”’” (CG).



In the previous verse, the Traducer took Jesus up into the holy city and stood Him on the winglet of the temple. With that, we next read, “and says to Him, ‘If Son – You are – of God.’”



It is the same as in verse 4:2 where the word “Son” is in the emphatic position. As such, it is not a question of “if” but more of an affirmative statement, “As You are God’s Son…” With that noted, the Traducer next says, “throw yourself down.”



Wherever Jesus was standing, it was from a high point on the temple. As noted, most translations say “pinnacle,” but it may be some other high point. Some scholars look at what is suggested as a way for the masses to see Jesus and what happens to Him.



If this is correct, then the pinnacle of the temple may or may not be the best location for this to occur. Rather, it may be the winglet where most people gathered at a particular hour. In Jesus throwing Himself down, it would thus be a publicly seen event that would unmistakably identify Him as a miracle worker, or even the Messiah.



Others disagree with this and focus solely on the matter of divine protection. As the psalm that will be cited is messianic in nature, it is probably a mixture of both – a public display accompanied by divine protection. Either way though, the Traducer next says, “for it has been written.”



He cunningly turns to Scripture, having realized that Jesus knew Scripture because He competently quoted it during the first temptation. However, does He know it in context? The first temptation proved that He could quote it to defend His position. However, the Traducer cites a messianic verse, but he does not cite all of it.



Will this be enough to trip up the Son of God? To find out, he then says, “That His messengers, He will enjoin concerning You, and upon hands, they will lift You, lest when You may strike a stone to Your foot.”



The words are taken from the Greek translation of Psalm 91:11, 12, but they leave out the words “to keep You in all Your ways.” This is how the NKJV translated the Hebrew –



“For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12 In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11, 12



The problem here is that Jesus’ ways are to be God’s ways. If the Traducer were to cite that, it would be evident that Jesus should refrain from doing something so outwardly boastful and self-directed. And more, a few verses earlier in the Psalm, specifically in verse 9, it says, “For You, Yehovah, my shelter. Highest – set Your abode” (CG).



In other words, the psalm says that the Messiah would trust in and abide in the Lord. After that, in verse 10, it notes that because of this there would be no evil to come upon Him or any plague to come near Him. However, if Jesus were to trust in the angels to keep Him safe, the Lord would not be His primary trust, only a secondary.



The angels, then, were there not to satisfy the Messiah’s whims but to keep Him from dangers that may come unseen to Him. His primary shelter and abode were to be Yehovah. Therefore, Matthew Poole rightly states that this portion of Scripture has been falsely stated and ill-applied.



Life application: It is not just enough to know and cite Scripture but to keep it in its proper context. One should never tear verses out of Scripture to make a point that is not supported by the surrounding context.



For example, one could say, “The Bible says, Judas “went and hanged himself. … Go and do likewise.” A problem arises with this because the first clause is from Matthew 27:5 while the second is from Luke 10:37.



The thoughts have nothing to do with each other and they have nothing to do with the surrounding context. Because of this, all kinds of problems could arise if the advice was followed. Further, the fact that Judas hanged himself is simply a description of what occurred. There is nothing prescribed for anyone else to do.



When you listen to pastors and preachers, pay attention to what they say, maybe write down the references, and check up on what you hear. The same is true with commentaries, videos, etc. However you are receiving your theology, be sure to check out what you are being told.



Lord God, give us wisdom in Your word, not just to know what it says, but what is the context of what is being said. May we properly apply what we read. And, Lord, keep us from intentionally misusing this marvelous treasure, Your superior word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:7

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024


Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” Matthew 4:7


“Jesus, He said to him, ‘Again! It is written, “Not you shall test the Lord your God”’” (CG).



In the previous verse, the Traducer tempted Jesus while misusing Scripture, leaving out a key portion of the verse he was quoting. Despite his tactics, Matthew next records, “Jesus, He said to him, ‘Again!’”



There are actually two main ways of translating these words –



Jesus said to him again… LSV

Jesus said to him, Again… SLT



Is the word “again” applied to Matthew’s words or to those of Jesus? It could go either way, but it appears to be Jesus reiterating the truth concerning Scripture. Vincent’s Word Studies says –



Again (πάλιν [palin])

Emphatic, meaning on the other hand, with reference to Satan’s it is written (Matthew 4:6); as if he had said, “the promise which you quote must be explained by another passage of scripture.” Archbishop Trench aptly remarks, “In that ‘It is written again of Christ, lies a great lesson, quite independent of that particular scripture which, on this occasion, he quotes, or of the use to which he turns it. There lies in it the secret of our safety and defence against all distorted use of isolated passages in holy scripture. Only as we enter into the unity of scripture, as it balances, completes, and explains itself, are we warned against error and delusion, excess or defect on this side or the other.” Thus the retort, ‘It is written again,’ must be of continual application; for indeed what very often are heresies but one-sided, exaggerated truths, truths rent away indeed from the body and complex of the truth, without the balance of the counter-truth, which should have kept them in their due place, co-ordinated with other truths or subordinated to them; and so, because all such checks are wanting, not truth any more, but error?”



In other words, the argument Vincent’s proposes is that Jesus is emphatically countering the Traducer –



Taking Scripture out of context, the Traducer says, “It is written.”

Jesus counters him, saying with another verse in proper context, “Again!” Thus, there is a back and forth of proposed Scripture from the Bible to settle a matter.

Another possibility is that Jesus is actually going back to His own claim of Scripture’s inspiration in verse 4 –



The Traducer says, “It is written.”

Jesus, having already cited Scripture to counter him, does so again by responding as He responded when the Traducer told to make the stones into bread – “Again!” Thus, the intent would be, “I have already cited Scripture to you, and I again stand on its authority, including using it in the proper context.”

Whichever option is correct, Jesus’ words continue with, “It is written.”



The Traducer has quoted a verse incorrectly, claiming it gives Jesus the authority to do something that would exalt Him either in His own mind or in the eyes of the people. Jesus, knowing the error that has been proposed, returns with a verse that is clear and unambiguous in meaning, saying, “Not you shall test the Lord your God.”



The words are from Deuteronomy 6 –



“You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah. 17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you. 18 And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers, 19 to cast out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has spoken.” Deuteronomy 6:16-19



There is nothing out of context here. The words, as cited by Jesus, can stand alone. The rest of the surrounding verses do not negate the simple truth conveyed in what Jesus cited. As for the word test, ekpeirazó, it is a stronger form of the word peirazó that was used in verses 4:1 and 4:3. It signifies to thoroughly test or tempt.



James uses the word peirazó three times in James 1 when he says –



“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:13-15



As such, translating this word as test rather than tempt is the better choice. We may be tested by God, but He will not tempt us. Likewise, we can test the Lord’s patience, but we cannot tempt Him, which is exactly what the Traducer is trying to do to Jesus in this passage. The use of the word must determine the meaning.



Life application: As can be seen at times there are various ways of interpreting what is going on in Scripture. A single word’s placement in the text can change the entire meaning of what is being presented. But even if the placement is correct, there may still be a debate as to what the intent is.



This is why reading commentaries can be a help. Different people will submit proposals that we may never have considered. And yet, what they say may also be wrong. Therefore, don’t just jump on the validity of a commentary. Instead, store it away for reference while at the same time continuing to consider what is going on.



A good lesson from this verse is to remember that if you are going to cite Scripture, be sure you are properly using it. If you are doing so, then you can stand on what you have cited and feel confident you have not purposefully mishandled what God has given to us for this very purpose.



Glorious Lord God, people’s eternal destiny may be dependent on the words we speak. So, Lord, when we cite Your word, may it be done with care and consideration. May it be our heart’s desire to always be honest and proper in our presentation of who You are and what You have done. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:8

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024


Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Matthew 4:8

“Again, the Traducer, he takes Him to a mountain – exceedingly high – and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them” (CG).



In the previous verse, Jesus shut down the second temptation of the Traducer by citing Scripture in the proper context. Now, still determined to retain his kingdom, uninterrupted by the ministry of the Messiah, it next says, “Again, the Traducer, he takes Him to a mountain.”



The debate about what mountain this is or even where its location is fails to take into consideration that no such mountain as is being described actually exists. Thus, the mountain is being used as a descriptor for something else.



Throughout Scripture, the mountain carries a particular typological meaning, it is synonymous with a large but centralized group of people. This is seen in typology throughout the Old Testament. As Matthew is writing his account to a Jewish audience based on Jesus’ ministry being the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and prophets, that view must be taken into consideration.



As such, this mountain is typological of the gentile nations of the world. Even though as individual nations, they are not centralized, they actually are centralized under one head, as will be seen in the next verse, and even more especially in Luke 4:6. For now, this mountain is said to be “exceedingly high.”



In other words, it is a large but centralized group of people that is immense in population and power. This mountain would not include Israel because Israel has been redeemed by God as His own. What He chooses to do with Israel during times of disobedience does not negate that they are His people, purchased from among the nations.



As for the view from this mountain that He was taken to by the Traducer, it next says, “and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world.”



The word translated as “world” is kosmos. It is a word that is variously translated and understood. Context will determine what is being referred to. For example, in John 3:16, it mentions God’s love for the world. In that case, it refers to the people of the world.



HELPS Word Studies says of this word, “properly, an ‘ordered system’ (like the universe, creation); the world.” It is where our term cosmos is derived from which refers to the universe. It is also the root of cosmetics, a substance that treats the face as a whole in which women, in particular, apply stuff to it for various reasons, many of which men may or may not fully understand.



Strong’s defines the word as, “Decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally).” As for this presentation of the world to Jesus, Luke’s gospel continues by saying it is “in a moment of time.”



In other words, a view of all of the nations was brought before Jesus in an instant. Again, this shows us that what is being seen is something supernatural in nature. This doesn’t mean it is not real, but it is on a level that transcends our normal understanding of how things work.



The book of Acts shows various dreams and visions of people, such as Peter, Paul, Cornelius, and Ananias. These things are not normal, and yet they actually occurred. Thus, there is a realm of understanding that the spiritual word contains and which can be revealed to man at times and for various reasons. As for these kingdoms, it next says, “and the glory of them.”



The temptation would be immense for any human. Israel was a tiny sliver of land, very barren and dry in many parts of it. There was subjugation by Romans, there were limited traditions, a set amount of wealth and diversity, and so forth.



Seeing all the peoples of the world, the immense palaces, harems filled with the choicest women, heaping amounts of various types of wealth, the adornments of cities and streets in an almost unlimited number of ways, etc., would be a tantalizing and unimaginable temptation to someone raised in Israel and who had hardly peeked beyond its border except when looking to the surrounding lands on clear days.



Life application: Jesus was given the chance to appease His natural cravings, something we all face in innumerable ways. He was given the chance to exalt Himself and be exalted by others. He was given the opportunity to receive all of the nations of the world without going through the tedium of an ongoing human life. And more, He could avoid the inevitable terrifying ordeal of the week of the Passion, culminating in the cross.



And yet, He was willing to go through those things rather than to enjoy the pleasures of this life in a way that would fail to honor His Father. We, too, must make many choices in our lives when temptations arise. Will we hold fast to what is good in God’s eyes, meaning what is morally correct, or will we compromise or fall to our weaknesses?



Let us endeavor to glorify God in all ways. When we fail, let us return our minds to the Lord, reconsider our ways, and live for Him through His strength and in His wisdom. This is the right and proper path. May it be so for each of us as we live in the presence of our great and glorious Creator throughout all our days.



Lord God, thank You that Jesus prevailed for us. He has done what we could never do. But now, in our times of weakness, we can trust that His strength will carry us through. Thank You for the promise of eternal life because of Jesus. Yes, O God. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:10

Friday, September 20th, 2024




Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:10


“Then Jesus, He says to him, ‘Withdraw, you, Satan! For it has been written, “The Lord your God you shall worship, and Him alone you shall serve”’” (CG).



The previous verse recorded the words of the Traducer saying that he would give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if He would fall down and worship him. With that said, Matthew continues with, “Then Jesus, He says to him, ‘Withdraw, you, Satan!’”



The words include a new verb, hupagó. It comes from hypó, under and ágō, lead away. Thus, it gives the sense of to retire or withdraw. HELPS Word Studies notes that it is “to lead away under someone’s authority.” It is clear, then, that Jesus has authority over Satan. He retained that authority and did not cede it to him.



Jesus has been tempted three times, the first was to His fleshly needs, making stone into bread. The second was the pride of life, casting Himself from the winglet of the temple, the third was the lust of the eyes, having seen and been offered every earthly desire that could be imagined.



However, He resisted the temptations, prevailing where Adam failed. Now, in His victory over these things, He instructs Satan to withdraw. This is also the first use of the word Satan in the New Testament. It is derived from the Hebrew word satan, an adversary or opponent. In the Hebrew Old Testament, when the word is preceded by a definite article, it would indicate the archenemy of God, Satan.



Along with His dismissal of Satan, He again cites Scripture, saying, “For it has been written.”



Jesus again relies on the words of Scripture to defend against the temptations levied against Him. This time, He will cite from the Greek translation of Deuteronomy 6:13, saying, “The Lord your God you shall worship, and Him alone you shall serve.”



The Hebrew reads, “You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name.” Rather than “fear,” the Greek says “worship,” using the same word as Satan said to Jesus in verse 9. However, one Greek text also translates the word as fear.



The word of God clearly stated that obedience in spiritual matters belonged to the Lord God alone. Any worship of or serving another in such ways was to be rejected. In His actions, Jesus prevailed, not falling to the human temptations set before Him.



Life application: The things that Jesus was tempted with are not wrong in and of themselves. There is nothing wrong with bread. Rather, it was the way in which Jesus was tempted to make the bread that was inappropriate.



There is nothing wrong with bungee jumping off a high bridge (although that has led to disaster at times). In Jesus’ case, casting Himself from the highpoint of the temple would have tested God’s promise concerning the Messiah already recorded in Scripture.



And there is nothing wrong with having worldly goods or being a ruler in some capacity in the world. However, Jesus was tempted by those things in a way that would have violated His allegiance to His Father.



Unfortunately, there are people who take things to extremes unintended in Scripture, sequestering themselves away or refraining from particular things because they have misunderstood the context of what is being said in Scripture.



We live in this world, and we are to interact with it and with others in a manner that any human would as long as our devotion to God is maintained. As long as our faith is in Him and our lives are lived in accord with that faith, God will be pleased with how we conduct our affairs.



This is a beautiful world that has been created and structured for man to enjoy. God is glorified through our proper enjoyment of it, meaning when we thank Him for the blessings that come through our conduct as we interact with it.



Glorious God, it is a joy and a delight to live in this world and experience the innumerable things You have set here for us to experience. May we do so with the mind that You are God and that what we participate in is from Your open hand of grace. May we never let anything in creation take our eyes off of You. Instead, may we consider You as we enjoy what You have given us. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:11

Saturday, September 21st, 2024


Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4:11


“Then the Traducer, he leaves Him. And behold! Messengers, they came, and they ministered to Him” (CG).



In the previous verse, Jesus told Satan to withdraw from Him, noting that only the Lord God was to be worshiped. Having said that, it next says, “Then the Traducer, he leaves Him.”



Luke’s narrative leaves out the fact that Jesus commanded Satan’s departure and adds in another thought –



“And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘It has been said, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’

13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”



There is no contradiction in this. Jesus commanded Satan to depart, and he did, but he also would look for an opportunity to frustrate Jesus’ ministry. At one point, he will try to do it through Peter –



“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’

23 But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” Matthew 16:21-23



The Traducer was on the lookout for a suitable opportunity to vex the work of the Messiah. For now, however, Jesus proved His ability to overcome the temptations placed before Him. He also proved His authority over Satan by telling him to withdraw. Once gone, it next says, “And behold! Messengers, they came, and they ministered to Him.”



This is the first use of the verb diakoneó in the Bible. It signifies to be an attendant and thus serving. The word is connected to the cognate noun, diakonos, an attendant. That comes from dia (through or thoroughly) and konis, dust. Hence, it is one who scurries through the dust, kicking it up as he attends to others. It is where our modern word deacon is derived from.



As such, these messengers came and served the Lord, meeting His needs, certainly including the food He hungered for in verse 2. Who these messengers are is not stated. A strong possibility, however, is that they are those referred to in Zechariah 4 –



“Then I answered and said to him, ‘What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?’ 12 And I further answered and said to him, ‘What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?’

13 Then he answered me and said, ‘Do you not know what these are?’

And I said, ‘No, my lord.’

14 So he said, ‘These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.’” Zechariah 4:11-14



In that passage, those who stand beside the Lord (Heb: ha’omdim – the standing) are those who serve the Lord. The same term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to indicate this. These two, then, have been designated to serve the Lord in a particular fashion. As the same terminology (olive trees and lampstands) is used in Revelation 11:4, it is likely they will be the two witnesses noted in Revelation 11.



As such, these are probably not angels who are attending to Jesus in Matthew 4 but rather these two (even though no number of messengers is stated). These two have been selected to serve the Lord (stand beside Him). There being only two people who reasonably fit this description, Enoch and Elijah, it is a good possibility it is them.



Both were taken in Old Testament times and so they qualify for being those in Zechariah 4. They will die in Revelation 11, thus qualifying as humans, not angels (see Luke 20:36). As such, it would explain why these two men were singled out thousands of years ago to serve the Lord, not dying before being carried to be with the Lord.



Of course, this is all speculation, but it fits well with such passages that are seen in many places in Scripture.



Life application: In Albert Barnes’ Commentary on this passage, as he often does, he gives several logical points concerning temptation and how it applies to our lives. The first point contains an error that must be addressed. He says, “That no one is so holy as to be free from temptation, for even the Son of God was sorely tempted.”



This is incorrect. Jesus is so holy that He did not succumb to temptation, but he is not “so holy as to be free from temptation.” In this we must be careful to accurately define what has happened. In His humanity, Jesus could be tempted, but He did not fall prey to its effects. It may seem like semantics, but it is an important point.



We too, through the knowledge of Christ, may be tempted, but we can avoid falling prey to its effects. It takes active consideration and a total reliance on our understanding of who Jesus is to avoid its effects, but it can be done.



As we learn the word, given through God’s Spirit, we can apply it to our lives. Jesus, being the focus of the word, is the One we are to emulate. However, in our fallen human selves, we are also bound to fail from time to time. When we do, we just need to redirect and gather ourselves together for the continued march to glory.



Jesus is with us because He has gone before us. We have the word that testifies to His victory, and so let us press on in His strength. Onward in Christ! Eyes on Jesus!



Lord God, it is often a difficult life filled with many trials and temptations, but we know that even in our human weakness and failings, we can and will ultimately prevail through our faith in Jesus. Thank You for doing what we could not do. Thank You for the glory You have revealed in the giving of Your Son. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:12

Sunday, September 22nd, 2024




Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. Matthew 4:12

“And Jesus, having heard that John – he was surrendered, He withdrew into the Galilee” (CG).



In the previous verse, Matthew noted that the Traducer left Jesus and then messengers came and ministered to Him. With these temptations behind Him, it next says, “And Jesus.”



Some manuscripts, and thus some translations, do not include the name Jesus here. For example, the Berean Literal Bible says, “And having heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee.” As always, there are those who claim one text or another is correct, but the context is completely understandable either way. Jesus is the Subject of the words. Of Him, it next says, “having heard that John – he was surrendered.”



The word is paradidómi. It gives the sense of giving or turning over. Thus, it can be putting someone in prison, entrusting someone with goods, betraying someone, etc. The word simply means to surrender. John was arrested or surrendered to the prison. Of this event, the timeline is not necessarily chronological. Matthew presents things in more of a categorical manner. Charles Ellicott notes the following:



“Between the 11th and 12th verses there is a great break, and it is well to remember what passed in the interval: (1) the return to the Baptist, and the call of the six disciples (John 1:29-51); (2) the marriage at Cana, and the visit to Capernaum (John 2:1-12); (3) the cleansing of the Temple; the interview with Nicodemus, and the last testimony of the Baptist (John 2:13 to John 3:36). At this stage comes in the imprisonment of John (mentioned here, but not narrated till 14:3-5) and the consequent journey through Samaria to Galilee (John 4:1-42). The verse now before us may be noted as implying a ministry in Judæa, which for some reason the writer does not narrate.”



Jesus continued His ministry. Eventually, He heard of John’s imprisonment, and so it next says, “He withdrew.”



The word is anachóreó. It has been seen four times already in Matthew 2. Strong’s notes concerning it, “underlying idea perhaps of taking refuge from danger or of going into retirement.” In other words, Jesus is withdrawing to the Galilee. This would keep His ministry from overexposure in Judea until the right time for His ministry to come to its completion. As for where He withdrew to, it next says, “into the Galilee.”



Most translations do not include the article. Rather, they simply say Galilee. But even in the Hebrew, the location is normally preceded by the definite article. It is a region, the Galilee, first noted in Joshua 20:7. It signifies a circle or circuit. In 1 Kings 9:11, it included twenty cities that were given to Hiram, king of Tyre, by Solomon.



Because it designates an area, “the Circle,” inclusion of the article more appropriately defines the area when it is included in the Greek text.



Life application: Of this verse, the Expositor’s Greek Testament says, “In a few rapid strokes the evangelist describes the opening of the Messianic work of Jesus in Galilee. He has in view the great Sermon on the Mount, and the group of wonderful deeds he means thereafter to report, and he gives first a summary description of Christ’s varied activities by way of introduction.”



This statement is somewhat misleading. As noted above in Ellicott’s commentary, Jesus carried out His ministry for some amount of time in the area of Judea. However, at this point, Matthew’s focus is more categorical than chronological. It is good to remember this when evaluating the gospels in order to avoid theological misunderstandings.



At times, the actual chronology of when Jesus said things can be difficult to determine because of how the gospels present their narratives. Therefore, it is better to have a side-by-side comparison of the content of the gospels before jumping to erroneous conclusions. With such a side-by-side comparison, the events of Jesus’ life make a much fuller and more understandable picture from a chronological perspective.



Such comparisons can be found right online, so when you are trying to sort things out, do a search and you can explore things in that manner.



Lord God, Your word is big, detailed, and complex. Help us to study it carefully and with a view to understanding it more fully. May we not jump to erroneous conclusions about things until we have taken the time to search them out in a complete way. And, Lord, thank You for those people who have already done so much to help us understand this precious word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:13

Monday, September 23rd, 2024


And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, Matthew 4:13


“And having disregarded Nazareth, having come, He dwelt in Capernaum, the seaside, in borders Zebulun and Naphtali” (CG).



The previous verse noted that when Jesus heard that John was arrested, He withdrew to the Galilee. The narrative next continues with, “And having disregarded Nazareth.”



The Greek spelling of Nazareth here is Nazara. It is only spelled this way here and in Luke 4:16 when the people of the town heard Him speak, were offended by His words, and even tried to cast Him off a cliff. Matthew speaks of a visit to Nazareth in Matthew 13 which seems to parallel Luke’s account. This identical spelling between the two is a clue that the two accounts are, in fact, referring to the same event.



Some people think there were two visits. Others think the visit recorded in Luke 4, Mark 6, and Matthew 13 each refer to the same visit. As noted in the previous commentary, Matthew is not necessarily presenting a chronological narrative, and so the thought that all three visits are the same appears likely. However, pretty much every translation here says “left,” “leaving,” “having left,” etc., as if He was there and then departed from there.



The word, however, is kataleipó. Literally, it means “to leave down.” Thus, it signifies to abandon, forsake, neglect, leave, etc. Thus, here in Matthew 4, it probably means “passed by.” In other words, Jesus was in Nazareth, as recorded in Matthew 2:23. It is where He grew up. In verse 3:13, it noted that Jesus came from the Galilee to John. One would assume that means He left Nazareth, which is in the Galilee, and went to John to begin His ministry.



Now that He is returning to the Galilee (4:12), one would expect Him to return to Nazareth. However, instead of that, He passes by, or disregards, Nazareth, forsaking it as His base and dwells in Capernaum instead. The word is used this way in Acts 21:3 –



“And having sighted Cyprus, and having disregarded it on the left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre. For there the ship was to be unloading the cargo” (CG).



Properly translating the word in this manner resolves the difficulty presented by all translations. Understanding this, it next says, “having come, He dwelt in Capernaum.”



The name is derived from the Hebrew word kaphar, a village, and Nakhum, the Hebrew name of the prophet Nahum. His name comes from nakham, to sigh, meaning to breathe strongly. As such, it is a word signifying to console, comfort, reconsider, etc. Each case is determined by the context.



Thus, his name means something like Compassion, Comfort, or Consolation. Hence, the name of the location is Village of Compassion or something similar. As the base for Jesus’ ministry, it is a beautiful parallel to Him and His work. Of the location, it next says, “the seaside.”



The word is found only here in Scripture, parathalassios. It is derived from para, beside or by the side of, and thalassa, sea. Thus, “seaside” is a literal translation. A search on Wikipedia concerning Capernaum will provide you with a great deal of information in it. In short, it is according to Wikipedia –



…a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It had a population of about 1,500 in the 1st century AD. Archaeological excavations have revealed two ancient synagogues built one over the other. A house turned into a church by the Byzantines is held by Christian tradition to have been the home of Saint Peter.



The village was inhabited continuously from the 2nd century BC to the 11th century AD, when it was abandoned sometime before the First Crusade. This includes the re-establishment of the village northeast of the earlier location in c. 700, during the Early Islamic period.



It was rediscovered in 1838 but not identified as the same location until later. Of this location, it next says, “in borders Zebulun and Naphtali.”



Zebulun means Glorious Dwelling Place. Naphtali means My Twistings or My Wrestlings. As will be seen, this move to Capernaum in this particular inheritance of the tribes of Israel is made by Jesus to fulfill prophecy.



Life application: Because of the way translations are made, it becomes almost a herd mentality to continue to translate things the same as everyone else. Otherwise, a variation by one translation may seem completely out of place and might even be a source of derision. But if Jesus only made one trip to Nazareth, there must be an explanation as to why He didn’t actually go to Nazareth and then depart from there in Matthew 4.



The word used to explain this, when properly translated, will provide that explanation. So, it is best to not get stuck in the herd mentality but to go where the narrative actually leads. In Matthew 19:5, the same word as used here in Matthew 4:13 is used when citing Genesis 2:24. A man will depart, kataleipó, from his father and mother and be united to his wife.



This does not mean that he has to physically depart from them. In fact, throughout history, such has not been the case. Rather, a man is to depart from them in the sense of his top priority. His primary allegiance to them is disregarded for the sake of the wife. His duties to her are to become the main priority.



Never stop considering what the word is telling you. Don’t reject anything off hand when it may be correct, but also don’t be duped by those who claim to have a new or secret knowledge that nobody else has. Rather, take everything with a grain of salt until you have personally checked things out. This is wise. It is the prudent way of avoiding many pitfalls in your theology and in your walk with the Lord.



Lord God, we could spend the rest of our lives reading, considering, and learning Your word. And so, why don’t we? What is it that we should be doing to fill our time? If we really care about our relationship with You, the answer should be obvious. May we carefully research. Your word each and every day. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:14

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024




that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: Matthew 4:14


“That it might be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken’ through Isaiah the prophet, saying,” (CG).



The previous verse noted that Jesus had disregarded Nazareth and had come to Capernaum at the seaside which is in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali. With that having been explained, Matthew next records, “That it might be fulfilled.”



In other words, the movement of Jesus to Capernaum in the regions of these two tribes of Israel was actually seen to be a fulfillment of prophecy in Scripture. Concerning where the prophecy is, Matthew next begins to tell us with the words, “the ‘having been spoken’ through Isaiah the prophet, saying.”



Matthew says that something had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah that foretold this. As noted in the Matthew 2:23 commentary, Nazareth is a town located within Naphtali. However, some place it in the tribe of Zebulun. The ancient borders are not completely known.



It is rather certain that Capernaum was located in the territorial allotment of Naphtali. Between the two places He lived, the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words, as will next be described, is certainly realized in Jesus’ life and ministry.



Life application: There are many literary styles in Scripture. One of them that is really proof that God’s hand is behind the word is prophecy. Things are stated by Him and then they come to pass. Many prophecies have been fulfilled. Others are in the ongoing process of being fulfilled (such as God’s promises to keep Israel as a people). And yet others are still future to us now.



Because of the innumerable prophecies that have already been fulfilled, we can be sure of several things:



The word is reliable. God has spoken and what He says faithfully comes to pass. Thus, it proves that He is fully in charge of the future as it unfolds.



Jesus is the Messiah. God promised a Messiah. He has given prophecies in His word that tell of when He would come, what would be the situation with Israel at His coming (and afterward), what family He would descend from, what His birth would be like, the things the Messiah would do, etc. Only Jesus qualifies concerning these prophecies. Also, no person can ever fulfill them in the future based on the way God has arranged things.



Past performance assures us of future results. Because the word is so trustworthy in the fulfillment of prophecy, we can be certain that those things which have not yet been fulfilled will be as well. And this isn’t just true with exacting prophecies, but also of general and specific promises.



In the word, we are told that there will be a rapture and we can rest in that promise, being assured that it will come to pass. We are told that those in Christ who have died before us will be raised to eternal life. We should not worry one iota that it will not be realized. God has promised us eternal life in a state we cannot yet understand, one without pain, fear, or death. We should not fret that it might not happen.



God’s past performance is a reliable testimonial that His promises about the future for His people will be realized.



Do not fret, fear, or be uneasy about where life is taking you. Rest in the truth that God’s word will stand. Jesus has prevailed, and we will, too. Hold fast to this as the world around us continues to spin out of control. It really isn’t out of control at all. God is allowing man to take the course he chooses until the time when He will set things straight.



Lord God, we can stand firmly on Your word and have no fear or trepidation about what lies ahead. For sure, we shall trust You each step of the way because You have proven Yourself through Your word in the coming of our Savior, Jesus. We know that all You have said will come to pass. Thank You for our ability to trust and for the blessed assurance we possess. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:24

Monday, June 24th, 2024


And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. Acts 28:24



A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And these, indeed, were persuaded these by speakings, and those disbelieved” (CG).


In the previous verse, the Jews came to where Paul was staying, and he spent the entire day persuading those listening concerning Jesus. He did this right from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Now Luke records the results. He says, “And these, indeed, were persuaded by these speakings.”

Luke uses the same word just used in the previous verse and translated as “persuading.” Paul actively attempted to persuade his audience. The verb here is passive and is rightly translated as “were persuaded” rather than simply “believed.”


They went through a process of hearing the word of God and then being persuaded by what they heard. From there, Luke then records the state of the others with the words, “and those disbelieved.”


The verb is now active, and so, “…some were persuaded, and some disbelieved.” The context tells us that this was a voluntary act of free will to search out what is being conveyed concerning the message of Christ. And being persuaded still does not mean believing. If it did, the verb would have been active.


Paul reasoned with them, and they were persuaded that his conclusions were correct, but that does not mean that they accepted them. They could have said, “Yes, these Scriptures clearly indicate that what Paul says is correct, we just don’t believe the Scriptures.” Once information is conveyed, it has to be processed and then it is decided whether it will be trusted or not.


Thus, what Paul says in Romans 10:17 is borne out, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” After this verse, nothing is said about any of these Jews actually believing. In fact, Paul’s words seem to imply that none did.


There were some who were persuaded and some who simply disbelieved. Those who disbelieved may have said, “If you accept this nonsense, you are out of the synagogue.” From there, they may have walked away from Paul’s reasonings. If that were the case, it would mirror what John wrote in his gospel narrative, citing some of the same Scriptures that Paul will next cite –


But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:



“Lord, who has believed our report?



And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”



39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:



40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,



Lest they should see with their eyes,



Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,



So that I should heal them.”



41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.



42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:37-43


Life application: The Calvinistic model of salvation is that God first regenerates a person to believe. After that, the person then believes. And then, from that point, he is saved. This excludes any act of reasoning on the part of the individual, and it also excludes free will.







But this is not what the Bible teaches. If Paul believed that nonsense, he would not have spent the entire day reasoning with these people. He would not have even called them to his place of accommodation. What would be the point? In fact, what would be the point of telling anyone about Jesus at all?







But rather, the Bible is a book of reasoning out what it says has happened concerning the fall of man and what God has done to correct that event. Man chose to turn from God, and for the rest of the Bible, God’s redemptive plan is slowly and meticulously unfolded, showing us what He has done, is doing, and will continue to do to restore man to Himself.







If God was just going to regenerate a certain group, saving them after doing so, the Bible would be a galactically huge waste of effort. He could do that apart from the words of Scripture. Hold fast the truth that we need to share the message of Jesus with others. If we fail to do so, and nobody else steps up and does so, those people will not be saved.







Be a hero of the faith today! While Calvinists sit smugly in a church teaching nonsense and figuring that God will regenerate those whom He has elected, you can go out and do what is right, telling others the good news about Jesus.







Heavenly Father, help us to be responsible in our theology, understanding that You have given us Your word to read it, consider it, and carefully contemplate its truths so that we will properly conduct our lives before You all our days! Amen.









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Jun 25, 2024 at 10:56pmQuotePost Options

Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 25, 2024 at 10:56pm

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:25

Tuesday, 25 June 2024







So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, Acts 28:25





A more literal translation is, “And being non-symphonic with one another, they were departing, Paul having said one word, ‘That rightly the Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,’” (CG).







In the previous verse, and without indicating whether any actually believed Paul’s words in their hearts, it said, “And these, indeed, were persuaded these by speakings, and those disbelieved.”







There were some who were persuaded Paul’s analysis was correct, whether they believed or not. On the other hand, there were those who simply disbelieved. The state of these people is next described by Luke, saying, “And being non-symphonic with one another.”







It is an adjective found only here in Scripture, asumphónos. It is derived from the negative particle a and the adjective sumphónos, to be harmonious or agreeable. One can see the etymological root of the word symphony in it. With the negative particle beginning it, the word thus indicates “non-symphonic.”







Not agreeing among themselves seems to point to more than just happily agreeing to disagree. Instead, it shows a complete schism between the two that necessitates the next words of Paul which come as “they were departing.”







The verb is imperfect showing that the day is winding down and the people are getting ready to leave, all the while disagreeing with one another. Therefore, Luke continues, saying, “Paul having said one word, ‘That rightly the Holy Spirit spoke through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers.’”







Some texts say, “your fathers.” Paul, not including himself in this thought seems hard to imagine, but either way, he – acting just as Moses and the prophets after him – proclaims the word of the Lord to the stubborn and rebellious people of Israel.







In this case, he cites Isaiah, but he also shows that Isaiah was not merely speaking on his own behalf but on that of the Lord. This is evidenced in the words, “the Holy Spirit spoke…” But more poignantly, Paul says that He spoke “rightly.”







In other words, the message from God through Isaiah was as relevant at Paul’s time as it was when Isaiah proclaimed it to their ancestors. But there is more underlying his words. Not only is he saying that Isaiah proclaimed certain words to Israel, but that the words he spoke support his position, not theirs!







It is Paul who claims to be in line with the intent of Scripture and thus that of God. It is they who are rebelling against God by rebelling against the message of Christ. What Paul will quote lies ahead, but if he is quoting Scripture against Israel, it means he is quoting God’s word against them. The word of the Lord is set, and it has context and purpose that Paul is saying applies directly to those who have rejected his message of Jesus the Messiah.







Life application: To this day, Israel is not listening to the words of their own Scriptures. The very words that have established them as a people are ignored or manipulated according to the situation at hand.







In other words, it is not uncommon to hear Jewish speakers in government quote Scripture when it fits with their opinion of how things are at the time, regardless of the context of what is actually said in that passage. But if one is to rightly apply context concerning what is being said about Israel of today, and cite that to (or about) the Jewish people, you are bound to get knocked on the head, cursed, or otherwise accused of being an antisemite.







Paul is disliked by the Jewish people because he clearly, precisely, and unambiguously excoriates his people for their rejection of God’s provision in Christ. They malign Jesus, curse His name, and want nothing to do with Him.







And yet, He is the One who was promised to restore them and give them life. But the problem rests with Jesus’ greater purposes, which are clearly laid out in the words of Isaiah –







“And now the Lord says,



Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant,



To bring Jacob back to Him,



So that Israel is gathered to Him



(For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord,



And My God shall be My strength),



6 Indeed He says,



‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant



To raise up the tribes of Jacob,



And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;



I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,



That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:5, 6







The Jewish people as a whole perceive themselves as God’s gift to the world, and they feel that only they are worthy of participating in His prophetic plan and sharing in His salvation. When Jesus brought the need for salvation from sin into the equation, the people rejected Him, feeling that they were secure from sin because of the provision found in the Mosaic code.







Then, once Gentiles were brought into the equation as being just as acceptable as the Jews to be brought into God’s redemptive plans, the Jews went ballistic in their thinking, completely rejecting any hint of what their own Scriptures state. Paul will show them this in the verses ahead.







This state of “feelings of superiority” is not one isolated to the Jews alone. There are many people groups and cultures on the planet who think they are God’s favored people and superior over all others. The difference is that the nation of Israel received God’s word, maintained it, and then incorrectly identified what it is conveying to them and the people of the world.







Because of this, they have had – and will continue to face – many evils. In the days ahead, they will enter into a time of disaster so great that it will make what has come upon them for the past two thousand years pale in comparison. And this fate will be shared by all the peoples of the world.







Let us be found right with Jesus before that day comes. And be sure, it is coming. The book is written. Find your safety in the goodness of God in Christ. Do it today!







Lord God Almighty, we know dire times are coming upon the whole world. But You have offered Your people – those who have come to Jesus – a better hope. We thank You. It is not that we are any better than any others, but that Christ, in whom we are, is our place of safety. Thank You for Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has made us acceptable to You. Amen.









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Jun 27, 2024 at 2:43amQuotePost Options

Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 27, 2024 at 2:43am

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:26



Wednesday, June 26th, 2024





Saying,



‘Go to this people and say:



“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;



And seeing you will see, and not perceive; Acts 28:26









The Greek more closely reads, “saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “News you will hear and not understand. And seeing you will see and not perceive.”’” (CG).







Because the Jews couldn’t agree among themselves, even after Paul had shown them the truth of Jesus being the Messiah right from their own Scriptures, Paul had told them that the Holy Spirit had rightly spoken to the fathers through Isaiah. Luke next records the words of Isaiah that Paul uttered.







The quote is pretty much verbatim from the Greek translation of Isaiah 6:9, 10. It is cited in Matthew (13:13), Mark (4:12), and Luke (8:10) as a quote from Jesus. It is also cited by John (12:40) to explain why Jesus’ ministry was rejected by Israel. It was not He who had failed them, but they who had rejected Him. As for the quote here in Acts, Luke records Paul’s words, beginning with, “saying, ‘Go to this people and say.”







Notice the words don’t say, “Go to MY people and say.” At the time of Isaiah, the Lord was speaking to the prophet about their continued rebellion against Him. This was still true in Paul’s time.







The words of Hosea had come true in the past, and they had once again been fulfilled in their rejection of Christ (see Hosea chapter 1). Israel was rejected because they first rejected Him. The prophets of old had spoken to Israel, calling them to repentance, but they refused to heed. Thus, they were exiled.







When in His covenant mercy they were returned, they had the words of the prophets who all spoke of the coming Christ. They then had His incarnation, His ministry, His cross, and His resurrection. And yet, as a collective whole, they had once again rejected their God. They were now lo-ammi, NOT MY PEOPLE, because they were no longer His people; and they were lo-ruhamah, NO MERCY, because they would no longer receive His compassion.







As for the words of the Lord through Isaiah, they begin with, “News you will hear and not understand.”







Many translations make the first word a verb. It is not. It is a noun as in “a hearing.” Thus, it speaks of a report, news, a rumor, etc. The Lord gives the news to His people, and they fail to understand what has been reported. Isaiah next said, “And seeing you will see and not perceive.”







This time, it is a present participle verb, “seeing.” They would hear the news and not understand what was being conveyed. Then, when the news came about, they would see it as it happened and not perceive what was happening because they did not understand the news when it was told to them.







This was true in their times of judgment, and it was true in the coming of the Messiah. Israel had all the news they needed to discern the times, but they lacked the understanding to know that what they had heard and saw was of immediate importance to them. Jesus alluded to this as He approached Jerusalem on Palm Sunday –







“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’” Luke 19:41-44







Life application: The Bible is a book of news. Like a newspaper, it has published information for us to read, consider, and then act upon. However, if we pick up a paper and read it and don’t consider what it says, we may get stuck in traffic, even though the paper warned there would be construction work at a certain place during the coming week.







This is one of innumerable examples of failing to pay heed to what is reported in the daily paper. Because of this, we may have many griefs, much loss, and tough times. Considering that the Bible is God’s manual for humanity to know Him, what He expects, and how to be right with Him, if we fail to pay heed to it, we will be the ones to suffer.







Israel failed to properly tune their minds and their thinking to the words the Lord spoke to them through His holy men. Because of this, they have suffered greatly. Let us learn from their example and pay heed to what God has given us in His word. In doing so, things will go well for us. In failing to do so, we can expect things will not go so well. Be wise! Heed the word!







Lord God, help us to read and consider Your word all our days. May we be attentive to it in our daily lives, our interactions with others, and in our thoughts about You – meaning in prayers, praises, supplications, and confessions. Help us to live before You appropriately all our days. Amen.









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Jun 28, 2024 at 1:22amQuotePost Options

Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 28, 2024 at 1:22am

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:27



Thursday, June 27th, 2024





For the hearts of this people have grown dull.



Their ears are hard of hearing,



And their eyes they have closed,



Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,



Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,



So that I should heal them.” Acts 28:27





A literal rendering of the Greek is:







“For has fattened, the heart of this people,



And the ears, sluggishly they hear,



And their eyes, they have closed –



Lest when the eyes: they should see,



And the ears: they should hear,



And the heart: they should understand,



And they should turn.



And I will heal them” (CG).







Paul began citing Isaiah in the previous verse. He continues citing the prophet now. He begins with, “For has fattened, the heart of this people.”







The word heart is singular. The nation had a national fattening of its collective heart. The word he uses is seen for the second and last time, pachunó. It signifies to fatten, thicken, and thus become stupid, dull, and/or unfeeling.







In Scripture, the heart is the seat of reason and understanding. HELPS Word Studies says, “the affective center of our being” and the capacity of moral preference (volitional desire, choice; see P. Hughs, 2 Cor, 354); ‘desire-producer that makes us tick’ (G. Archer), i.e our ‘desire-decisions’ that establish who we really are.”







Israel’s collective heart, which controlled their very center of being, had grown fat like a man about to keel over from a heart attack in a moral sense. This was true at the time of Isaiah, but Paul says that it continued to be true in them those many hundreds of years later.







Next, it says, “And the ears, sluggishly they hear.” It is a word used for the second and last time in the New Testament, bareós. It signifies heavily or with difficulty or something done in a sluggish manner.







The words are still speaking of the people of Israel collectively, as if they had two ears. Their hearing became heavy, like a person who was sleepy and no longer listened to the sound around him.







The Lord was speaking, but they were not listening. With their moral compass fattened over, they could no longer hear the difference between right and wrong when it was spoken. It next says, “And their eyes, they have closed.”







In their slumbering state, because of the moral degradation that they were tolerating, they could no longer see the difference between right and wrong. They simply closed their eyes and failed to acknowledge wickedness or holiness.







Therefore, as is always the case when in such a state, they took the carnally appealing path of wickedness and rejected the right and moral path found in Christ’s coming. Now because of being in such a depraved state, Paul continues with Isaiah’s words, providing four subjunctives to explain the state they were in. The first is, “Lest when the eyes: they should see.”







Instead of speaking of the people directly, he speaks of their faculties. The first is the eyes. Essentially, Isaiah is saying: What would be the case if the eyes start seeing? They don’t see now because they are closed. But what would happen if they were opened? But it will not happen. It next says, “And the ears: they should hear.”







It is the second subjunctive: What would be the case if the ear suddenly opened up and started hearing – no longer being heavy and sluggish? What would happen if the ears started listening? The Lord knows it will not come about. From there, he turns to the third subjunctive, “And the heart: they should understand.”







It is the single heart of the nation. What would be the situation of the heart of the people if their eyes started seeing and their ears started hearing? It would begin to understand. Israel had done this to themselves, and the Lord speaks of that as being the case. He knows that their heart will not understand.







Therefore, the Lord through Isaiah speaks of their state, knowing that within them it is an impossible thought. From there, the Lord states, based on such an otherwise impossible change in them, “And they should turn.”







It is the fourth subjunctive, and the meaning is, “What if Israel should come to himself?” But they can’t because they have placed themselves in such an impossible state that, on their own, it simply cannot happen. However, despite this state, the Lord’s response through Isaiah is, “And I will heal them.”







Many translations continue translating these words as a subjunctive, “and I should heal them.” This is incorrect. The words are future indicative, “And I will heal them.”







To understand what is going on, the verse needs to be looked at from a higher perspective. It has a most important chiastic structure to it which reveals a marvelous truth in the last clause.







First it notes hearts/ears/eyes; it then turns around and notes eyes/ears/hearts. As seen, the dullness referred to comes from the idea of becoming thick through fatness. Thus, the fat around their heart caused them to fail to understand.







Collective Israel was numbed to the things of God. The people had shut their ears to His word, and they had closed their eyes completely, shutting out anything but what they wished to see.







These actions are laid solely at the feet of the people. It is not the Lord who closed their eyes, which might somehow be inferred if only evaluating verse 26. Rather, this was a voluntary act of the national free will. This is perfectly evident from the beginning word “For” (Greek: gar), and the interim word “lest” (Greek: me).







It is Israel that turned from the Lord, and it is they who would suffer the consequences. However, the last clause, “And I will heal them,” is explained by Bengel –







“… in Isaiah the Hebrew accent makes the fullest stop of the hemistich after ἐπιστρέψωσι [epistrephosi], should be converted [and so ἰάσομαι [iasomai] becomes distinguished from the contingent relation of the previous verbs, and is made a positive assertion].”







Note: epistrephosi (should turn) is the last word in the Greek of the previous clause.







What Bengel is saying is that translators tend to make the last clause contingent upon the rest of the verse: “If they did this, then I will do that.” However, the clauses are actually not connected at all in this way. Rather, it should be read as –







“For has fattened, the heart of this people,



And the ears, sluggishly they hear,



And their eyes, they have closed –



Lest when the eyes: they should see,



And the ears: they should hear,



And the heart: they should understand,



And they should turn.



And I will heal them.”







In other words, this is a prophecy based on the hardness of the hearts of the Jewish people. Their hearts have grown dull, their ears are hard of hearing, their eyes have closed. Now the Lord will take action to heal them.







In the previous clauses is found the truth that if they did see, hear, and understand, they would be healed. But on their own, this won’t happen. The “WILL” of the final clause, being in the future indicative, makes it a positive assertion, kai iasomai autous – “AND I WILL HEAL THEM.”







This then means that the Lord’s plans for Israel are judgment leading to repentance. Explained differently, a second exile leading to restoration. It has never been the purpose of God to reject the nation of Israel who rejected Him. Instead, it was, is, and continues to be the purpose of God to bring about their healing and restoration.







The chiastic structure of the verse is a vital clue that shows that the last clause is independent of the others.







The Expositor’s Greek Testament notes, “It is significant that Luke the physician should thus cite as almost the last words of his record a prophecy ending with ἰάσομαι [iasomai] = I WILL.”







The great Physician will heal in His own perfect timing. The Lord, through Isaiah and as cited by Paul, notes that it will come about.







Life application: It is not hard to see our own nations as resembling that of Israel. This is especially so watching the liberal left conduct their affairs. Their hearts are totally fattened to the plight of the unborn, those harmed by crime, and the injustice of over-taxation.







Their ears cannot hear cries for justice or right conduct. Their eyes are closed to anything moral and upright, instead they alight upon wickedness and perversion, drawing it into their mind and becoming more depraved with each day that passes.







There is a point where this state will no longer change. The people become so depraved that nothing will change them. When this state arrives, only judgment is left for them. This was the state at the time of the flood. It is the state that Jesus says the world will be like before He returns. And this state includes Israel ever since they rejected Jesus.







The prophecy, as it is recorded in Acts, shows that they will not voluntarily turn to the right path, meaning calling on Jesus, until the Lord acts. This is exactly what the Bible says is coming. The prophets proclaim it and the book of Revelation places His actions on prominent display.







The purpose of the tribulation period is to bring Israel to the point where they will finally turn and call out to the Lord. This will not be an action initiated by them. Rather, the tribulation and resulting judgment is His action that then results in their turning.







We do not save ourselves. Jesus did the work, we then turn to Him, and in our turning, we are saved. The process is of the Lord. We acknowledge that and He heals. This is how it is at all times.







The Lord is the One to receive the credit for salvation. There are no works involved. Rather, there is an appeal for mercy based upon His goodness. When the turning comes and the appeal is made, God heals.







Lord God, help us to understand that we cannot work our way back to You. We are corrupt and incapable of doing what is needed to please You. But Jesus has done it all. When we realize that our judgment was laid upon Him, how can we not turn to You? Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.









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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 29, 2024 at 12:52am

Daily Bible Verse. Acts 28:28



Friday, June 28th, 2024









“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” Acts 28:28





More literally, it reads, “Therefore, be it known to you that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear” (CG).







Paul just completed citing the words of Isaiah, noting the hardened state of the Jewish nation. A time will come when they will hear the gospel, but at this time, they are in a state where they are unwilling – as a nation – to accept it. Therefore, Paul next says, “Therefore, be it known to you.”







He is speaking to his people, the Jews, who had come to hear his words as was recorded in the previous verses. They had asked to hear Paul on the subject, he appointed a day for them to come and meet, and he had spent the entire day going over the evidence that Jesus is the Messiah. However, they could not mutually agree on his words.







It was because of this that he cited his words of Isaiah to them. With that done, he continues his words to them now, saying, “that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles.”







Unlike many translations, the tense of the verb is aorist, not present. Paul has been proclaiming the message of Jesus to the Gentiles for years. He would continue to do so as well. With that stated, he next changes to the future tense, saying, “and they will hear.”







The message was sent. Paul knows personally that they had received it openly. However, he also knows that even in the future, the Gentiles will hear and respond. This then is set in parallel to his citation of Isaiah in the previous verse –







And I will heal them [the Jewish nation].



And they will hear [the Gentiles].



God’s plan will come about for both Jew and Gentile. His foreknowledge of these matters is on prominent display.







Understanding that the Jews were going to be healed of their stubborn refusal, a “healing” which would first require being cut off from God’s family and mercy for an unknown duration, God would do a new thing during that period.







It actually began at the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch as recorded in Acts 8. It was then especially highlighted at the house of Cornelius in Acts 10. From there, it had been growing in movement since that time under the auspices of Paul’s amazing apostleship.







The salvation of God in Christ would go fully to the Gentiles of the world. The new thing then is a prominent focus of the plan of redemption being worked not through and for the Jews, but through and for the Gentiles. This is painstakingly explained by Paul in Romans 9-11.







The result of the salvation of God being sent to the Gentiles is that they will hear it. But this means more than having audible sounds resonate in their ears. The word is used figuratively “to hear God’s voice which prompts Him to birth faith within” (HELPS Word Studies). They will hear the message, and they will respond in faith, believing and being saved.







Paul’s words in the future tense, then, were more than an assertion of expectancy. They form a prophetic utterance. He had seen the hope and joy of the Gentiles as they heard the message of Christ proclaimed. He was aware of the prophecies of Scripture which told of their coming trust in the Lord and the resulting blessing upon them (Isaiah 49:6, e.g.), and he was filled with the Spirit of God as he uttered the words which would secure for God a church led by the Gentiles and which has endured for almost two thousand years.







As we approach the sure end of this dispensation, the words of the previous verse are now ready to come true. God said He would heal them. At this time, Jews are now turning to Christ in an immense way. Someday the nation as a whole, as identified in the singular during Isaiah’s quote, will come to pass. The plan of the ages is coming to its fulfillment now in our very lifetime.







Life application: The first chapters of Joshua, especially Chapters 3 and 4, typologically anticipate the time when Israel will, as a nation, finally come to Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, both in typology and in clear prophetic utterances, the national salvation of Israel is clearly seen.







It is hard to imagine how people in the church today cannot accept this. There was a time when the Jews were so scattered as a people that it seemed impossible that they could ever be regathered as a nation.







And more, the land of Israel was so barren and useless that nobody thought it would ever have any value again. Though inhabited by some, it was a land of utter desolation, heat, and almost no productivity at all.







However, God began to stir the heart of the Jewish people. They began to return there and work the land so that it began to be productive. During this time, those in the church who accepted the words of Scripture concerning the return of the Jews to the land as being literal began to support the process.







The modern Zionist movement is not an aberration. Rather, it is the fulfillment of God’s utterances, found right in His word. Let us accept that God is doing something great in the world. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness to Him, the Lord is demonstrating His faithfulness to them. In doing so, He is showing us that His word is true and that He can be trusted in the greater promises He has given to us.







The hope of eternal life is not a pipe dream for people to relieve their sadness concerning the futility of existence. Rather, it is a principle tenet promised to the people of God as is recorded in His sacred word. He is faithful and He will do it. Thank God for Jesus who has made this possible.







Lord God Almighty, You have spoken and Your word is true. What it proclaims will come to pass. We can be absolutely certain of this. You have shown us time and again, right from Your word, that You can be trusted. Why should we not consider that the future promises are equally reliable? We do! Praise to You, O God. We trust Your word because we trust You! Amen.









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Jun 29, 2024 at 9:01pmQuotePost Options

Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 29, 2024 at 9:01pm





Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:29





And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. Acts 28:29





More literally, it reads, “And he, having said these, the Jews departed, having much disputation among themselves” (CG).







In the previous verse, Paul proclaimed to the Jews who had heard his presentation of Christ Jesus, “Therefore, be it known to you that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear” (CG).







Now, Luke records, “And he, having said these, the Jews departed.”







This verse is omitted in some manuscripts, and it is missing from some modern translations because of that (such as the ESV). Doctrinally, it doesn’t change anything either way.







However, if it belongs in the Bible, and it seems unlikely that such a verse would be arbitrarily added, it shows that some Jews were convinced of the truth of the matter concerning Christ, or they at least wanted to search out the matter further. That is indicated in the next words, “having much disputation among themselves.”







In this clause is a word found only here in Scripture, suzétésis. It is a noun referring to a disputation or a mutual questioning. These Jews found themselves questioning what Paul had shown them from Scripture, and there was not an agreement fully decided among them.







Such a dispute would lead, as it always did, to a dividing of the people. There would be some coming to salvation while others continued on the path to condemnation. As Romans 11:5 says that there is a remnant of Jews saved by grace, and as Romans was written for the maintenance of the entire Gentile-led church age, then it remains true that the Jews have not been rejected entirely.







The dispute among them remains to this day, but the movement of the Spirit among the Jews is expanding almost exponentially. The truth of salvation through the shed blood of Christ is finally taking deep roots among His long-wayward people. Healing for the nation is coming and Christ is coming to reign among them.







Until then, this dispute continues on. Many who come to Christ are shunned by family and friends, but Jesus told them that such a cost was to be expected.







Life application: In a society where Christ is openly accepted, one can expect less trouble coming to salvation through faith in the gospel. In fact, quite often exactly the opposite is the case. When a person makes a commitment to Christ, the family rejoices, but when Jesus is rejected, there is true sadness at the anticipated loss.







However, even in openly Christian societies, there are those who come to Jesus out of Islam or Judaism and the family is often angry. Depending on the family, it may even mean excommunication or death.







Muslims, in particular, have a written code that calls for those who leave the faith to be killed. It is not always carried out, but that is because they are not fulfilling the writings of their own religion. For example, this is what it says in Wikipedia concerning this matter –







“Death penalty is the traditional form of punishment for both male and female apostates for leaving Islam. Jaʿfari or Imāmī school – Male apostates must be executed, while female apostates must be held in solitary confinement until they repent and return to Islam. Apostasy from Islam is considered a hudud crime.”







This leaves people with an obvious dilemma. Will they be true to the false religion they were born into, eventually being cast into the Lake of Fire for rejecting Christ, or will they take the chance of being killed for the sake of Jesus but find eternal life through His shed blood?







Judaism doesn’t have any such written code to kill those who depart from their faith, and quite often, Jews don’t profess any faith in God at all. And more, Jews can become Buddhists, Muslims, etc. without losing their status as Jews. However, many Jews say that when a Jew converts and accepts Jesus, he or she is no longer a Jew.







This is a problem that must be considered. Messianic Jews, however, say that they become “completed Jews” when they come to Christ. They now possess the fulfillment of what their ancient culture always hoped for. In coming to Jesus, they are reconciled to God and are on the heavenly path to glory.







So, choices must be made at times. But the right choice is always to come to Jesus. Only He is the path that God has given for fallen man to be saved. This is the Christian message because it is the message of the Bible.







But that brings us to another sad development within the broader label of “Christian.” Liberal churches have now largely rejected what Scripture says. They now say that God accepts people from many paths and that Christ is not the exclusive way to be saved.







Unfortunately for them, they are not true Christians who proclaim this. They will find themselves taking an eternal swim in the Lake of Fire along with all who reject Jesus. Be sure to get the boxes right. There is the “Jesus is the way to be saved” box, and there are all others that lead to condemnation. Be sure to find yourself in the right one.







Lord God, You have sent Your Son into the world to bring us back to Yourself. He paid a high price to redeem us. How can we tread upon the precious blood of Christ through rejecting the offer, or diminishing the act, by saying that there is another path? We cannot! We proclaim that Jesus is Lord and that every knee will bow to Him. Some in salvation and others in condemnation. But we proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.









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Jun 30, 2024 at 11:40pmQuotePost Options

Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 30, 2024 at 11:40pm

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:30



Sunday, June 30th, 2024





Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, Acts 28:30





The Greek more literally reads, “And Paul remained a whole biennium in a personal rental, and welcomed all coming unto him” (CG).







In the previous verse, it was seen that as the Jews departed Paul’s house, they had a disputation among themselves. That leads into the next verse which leaves out Paul’s name in some manuscripts. For example, the ESV reads –







“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him.” ESV







Other than that, the various manuscripts generally agree. And so, after the Jews departed, this verse commences, beginning with, “And Paul remained a whole biennium.”







The word dietia is used for the second and last time here. It was seen first in Acts 24:27. It signifies a period of two years. A single English word to describe it is biennium. However, the Greek word is defined by Strong’s Concordance, saying, “according to ancient practice this means any period between one and two years.”







Therefore, Luke includes the word holos, whole, to ensure that a full biennium is what is being conveyed. As holos is the etymological root of our modern word “whole,” the translation “whole biennium” is as literal as one can get.







Of this time frame, it next lets us know that Paul remained “in a personal rental.” Again, we have words that are exactingly translated from the Greek idiō misthōmati. The word idios is an adjective signifying “one’s own.” Thus, a single adjective to translate would be “personal.” The next word, misthóma, is only found here in Scripture. It signifies a rented house or a hired dwelling. Thus, the single word “rental” fits perfectly.







Luke’s use of words tells us that while awaiting his trial, Paul rented his own place. He wanted to have the liberty of engaging with others in a decent accommodation. This is reflected in the next words, “and welcomed all coming unto him.”







The verb is imperfect, indicating that people came and kept coming. He freely welcomed those who wanted to know about the things of God in Christ, and he did so repeatedly.







As for the word “welcomed, it is the Greek word apodechomai. This is its seventh and last use. It literally means “received from.” It is a way of signifying a glad reception. Paul was excited about people’s interest in his apostleship and message, and he never failed to heartily receive them.







Life application: At first, and from the brevity of these words, it might appear that these two years were wasted as far as true evangelism goes. But this is the furthest thing from the truth.







The often-seen theme of the Book of Acts was Paul winding his way throughout the nations and being quickly expelled from many localities by hostiles, particularly Jews opposed to his message. By being in his own rented house, he was able to receive any and all who wished to talk to him about the message he proclaimed.







The word “all” is to be taken all inclusively. He could freely talk to Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or slave owner, etc. He would be free to speak clearly, without interruption, and to substantiate his words by turning to Scripture.







Whatever this house was, be it a small room or a larger full house, it would certainly have been filled day and night by any who were curious to learn from this immense storehouse of wisdom concerning God’s word. As the Geneva Bible comments on this verse, “The word of God cannot be bound.”







How willing are you to welcome people into your life when a matter concerning the gospel or proper doctrine arises? Will you open your time up for them, or will you simply tell them to check with your pastor or Bible teacher and be done with it?







The more willing you are to share what you know, the more you will learn yourself. The old adage that you never learn as much as when you become a teacher is true. Once you start telling others about Jesus and about proper biblical doctrine, you will find yourself searching out answers and learning more than you ever thought you would.







So be welcoming! Take people into your life and be willing to instruct them on what you know.







Lord God, help us to be giving of ourselves and our time, especially when it comes to sharing the good news about Jesus. May our homes be open, and may our embrace be welcoming as we encounter those curious about our faith. We pray this to Your glory. Amen.









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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 1, 2024 at 11:40pm

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:31



Monday, July 1st, 2024









preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. Acts 28:31





A more literal rendering is, “Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching these about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness – unrestrictedly” (CG).







In the previous verse, it was noted that Paul dwelt two full years in his own rental while receiving all who came to him. With that remembered, we now come to the final verse in this marvelous book called Acts. It finds Paul busily doing what he was called to do so many years earlier by his Lord. Luke notes he was “Proclaiming the kingdom of God.”







It is a certainty that if there is a kingdom, then there must be a king over that kingdom. This final verse of Acts dispels the false teaching that Jesus is not a reigning King over the church and that the kingdom only refers to an earthly kingdom that Jesus will reign over during the millennium.







Paul teaches the present reality of the Christian kingdom numerous times, and he also speaks of it as a future reality. This is not unlike salvation itself. We are saved for a future state of eternal existence that we do not now fully possess. And so, salvation is both a present reality as well as a future hope. This is true with sanctification, etc.







As for the kingdom being a present reality, Paul says elsewhere –







“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13, 14







Such doctrine as this concerning the kingdom constitutes what Paul would have said to those in his rental in Rome. With that, Luke next records, “and teaching these about the Lord Jesus Christ.”







Again, if there is a kingdom, there is a king. In the case of the Kingdom of God, its King is the Lord Jesus Christ. This precept is not to be ignored. Jesus fills innumerable roles for His people. He is their Savior, Redeemer, Hope, Lord, Passover, Shepherd, etc.







Each of these roles helps us to better understand and appreciate what God in Christ has done. Paul would have spent innumerable hours explaining these things to anyone who came by to hear the good news or to receive doctrine concerning these.







But considering that Paul was proclaiming this kingdom right in Rome, it is telling us that despite having real human governments and authorities placed over us and to whom we are to be subject (Romans 13:1-7), we have a higher allegiance and an eternal hope that is grounded in Jesus Christ.







Paul’s words could have caused a lot of trouble if they were taken out of the greater context of his teachings. But with a Roman guard standing right there, the context would have been maintained and any accusations against him could easily have been cast aside.







The guard could testify that Paul’s proclamations concerning King Jesus were a future hope, as well as a present state that called for him to yield to the authorities over him at the same time. Thus, Paul was safe in his proclamation. And it was a proclamation that he made “with all boldness.”







Paul never shied away from saying exactly what was proper and appropriate. In Galatians 2, it was seen that Peter was stepping back from the gospel and being led astray by the false teachings of the Judaizers. When that happened, Paul gave him an earful –







“Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.



14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.’” Galatians 2:11-16







This is the type of boldness that defined the apostle Paul. He was unashamed to stand against those who would compromise the gospel, even if it included an apostle who had lived with and experienced the first-hand workings of the Lord Jesus. When Peter shied away from what he was called to proclaim, Paul boldly corrected him.







To this day, Paul’s epistles continue to do this for us. If we, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, are willing to hold to the word faithfully, we will proclaim what God has inspired through Paul, never waffling on what he has set forth for us.







Luke next finishes the book of Acts with true flair. His writings have introduced an enormous number of rare words, some are only found within the pages of Scripture. Of Paul’s bold proclamations, Luke finishes the book with the word akólutós, unrestrictedly.







It is an adverb found only here, coming from the negative particle a, and kóluó, to hinder, prevent, debar, etc. Thus, it signifies unhindered, unrestricted, etc. A single adverb to appropriately carry the sense would be “unrestrictedly.”







Paul was not forbidden to speak, and he faithfully used his privileges to boldly proclaim the goodness of God by sending Jesus to do all things prophesied, even from the earliest pages of Scripture.







Life application: In his own hired quarters, Paul could preach of the kingdom of God and teach from copies of the Scriptures that he surely possessed. His words would speak of all of the things which pointed to and spoke of Jesus.







The fullness of this message, however, has not yet been fully searched out. Paul merely opened up the eyes of the Gentiles to the Word of God and to the power of His salvation. He proclaimed it with confidence because he was a Jew who was regarded as a Jew, teaching a valid interpretation of the Jewish religious system which was considered legitimate under Roman law.







Because of his place and position, John Gill states –







“…not the Roman emperor, nor the Roman senate, nor any other magistrate; nor could the Jews hinder him, nor was his mouth to be stopped by any; nor could the open door of the Gospel be shut, or its course be impeded; for though the apostle was bound, the word of God was not.”







Paul was left unhindered in his speech and teachings. In reality, it was the sweetest spot for the man to be in. He was doing what he loved most, and he was doing it in the very center of the Gentile nations that he had been called to minister to.







With this, the book of Acts has come to its completion. For those who have followed along in the original publication of this commentary, it has taken you through 1007 verses, one per day, equaling a time of study and contemplation of 2.76 years. Your time with me has been most appreciated.







For those who came in later or who will read this in the future, thank you for sharing in the book of Acts. May God bless you as you read and study it and the rest of the body of Scripture all the days of your life.







This work would not have been possible without the following people who voluntarily assisted in ensuring it would make it to those who have followed along, doing this every single day over the past 1007 days:







Joey D’Andrea



Bob Hart



Daniel Higgins



Mike the Webguy



Wade Nolan







May the grace of God be with you always.







Lord God, thank You for the book of Acts, one of the sixty-six best books in Your precious word. And above all, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord who is the center and focus of Acts, and indeed all of Scripture. Thank You for our precious Lord Jesus. Hallelujah and Amen.















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Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:15



Wednesday, September 25th, 2024









“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,



By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,





“Land Zebulun and land Naphtali,



Way of the sea, beyond the Jordan –



Galilee of the Gentiles” (CG).







The previous verse gave an introduction to Isaiah’s words, saying “That it might be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken’ through Isaiah the prophet.” Now, the specific words of prophecy are cited by Matthew, beginning with, “Land Zebulun and land Naphtali.”







The words come from Isaiah 9, the first seven verses of which are filled with descriptions of the coming Messiah. Matthew’s citation is not directly from the Hebrew or the Greek. Rather, it appears that he was writing from memory and giving the substance of what he knew.







Isaiah’s words are directed to the area of two tribes that sat north in the land of Israel. Naphtali extended to the northern border of Canaan. Its eastern border rested along the Jordan and the Sea of Galilee. Zebulun’s border ran next to Naphtali in approximately its southwest area. Isaiah’s words are addressed to this particular area, next noting, “Way of the sea.”







The sea is speaking of the Sea of Galilee. There is a route that leads to these areas by going around the sea, but so close to the sea that it is considered a sea highway. The next words of Isaiah, “beyond the Jordan,” are usually ignored or completely misunderstood.







The word is peran. It means over, on the other side, beyond, etc. It answers to the Hebrew noun ever, the region across or beyond. Both give the sense of a location that is opposite to the point of reference. However, Naphtali and Zebulun are within the borders of Canaan. Therefore, it seems like the thought is erroneous.







Why would a prophecy about these two tribal inheritances be given as if from across the Jordan when Isaiah was clearly in Jerusalem on the west side of the Jordan? Because of this, the words are ignored at times. Some say that they are speaking of the two areas as a base for Jesus’ evangelism on the other side of the Jordan (something not indicated by the words of Isaiah). Others will note it means something like what Albert Barnes says –







“This does not mean to the east of Jordan, as the phrase sometimes denotes, but rather in the vicinity of the Jordan, or perhaps in the vicinity of the sources of the Jordan.”







Such a notion is incorrect. The word means the other side, beyond, etc., and it is used here as if from the area east of the Jordan. It does not mean “in the vicinity of.” The answer comes from looking at the fuller words of Isaiah in the surrounding context. Isaiah 8:1-10 refers to the invasion of Assyria. For example –







“Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, ‘Call his name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz; 4 for before the child shall have knowledge to cry “My father” and “My mother,” the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.’” Isaiah 8:3, 4







The rest of Isaiah 8 will then describe the state of the people within the land, ending with the words, “Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.” It is from this springboard that the majestic words of hope come forth in Isaiah 9.







Therefore, the words “beyond the Jordan” refer to the area of the land of Israel’s northern kingdom, which included Zebulun and Naphtali, but they are spoken from the perspective of Assyria which is east of the Jordan. It is in this area that hundreds of years later, the Messiah would bring hope to a land that had been through so much anguish and darkness at the time of Isaiah.







It is a land that still languished spiritually at the time of the coming of Christ Jesus. Understanding the reference to Isaiah’s words clears up the otherwise seemingly incomprehensible words. From this springboard, Matthew continues with, “Galilee of the Gentiles.”







This area contained land given to the Gentile king of Tyre, Hiram as recorded in 1 Kings 9. It was later invaded by Assyria, and the people of the northern kingdom were taken into exile. From there, the Assyrians took Gentile people and moved them into the area as noted in 2 Kings 17:24, 25.







Because of problems within the land, one of the priests of Israel was sent back to instruct these new inhabitants how to live there properly (1 Kings 17:27, 28). From there, the account says –







“However every nation continued to make gods of its own, and put them in the shrines on the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in the cities where they dwelt. 30 The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, 31 and the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 32 So they feared the Lord, and from every class they appointed for themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places. 33 They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.” 1 Kings 17:29-33







The pagan practices never really departed from the area and it always remained a place without the light of the Lord. This is why the Jews of Jesus’ time who lived in the north, and who would travel to Jerusalem, would avoid Samaria. It was a place that developed its own worship of the Lord with its own modified version of the writings of Moses known as the Samaritan Pentateuch.







It is to this land of spiritual gloom that Isaiah’s prophecy is directed.







Life application: Studying the Bible, contemplating its difficult passages, and keeping things in context can be fun. Be sure to study your Bible, carefully contemplate passages that are difficult, and consider the context of what is being said. If you do these things, you will have fun while rightly learning what the Bible is telling you.







How marvelous it is to learn the wonderful word You have given us, O God. Help us always to consider the context of what we are reading so that we don’t form erroneous conclusions about what is being said. Your word is far too important to mishandle it simply for the sake of convenience. Give us wisdom in its mysteries, O God. Amen.







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J.J.Gibbs AvatarJ.J.Gibbs: Actually, even on the topics he's researched, Billy Crone is a far, far better source of info.Jul 7, 2024 at 9:08pm

PrisonerOfHope AvatarPrisonerOfHope: I looked in on JD Farag. Sadly, he's doing the same. Jack Hibbs has the best, most balanced position on politics.Jul 8, 2024 at 1:57am

shalom Avatarshalom: I don't know what's up with TV7, but instead of 2-3 programs a day they've been doing only 1 every few days for the last couple of weeks.Jul 15, 2024 at 11:37pm

ExquisiteGerbil AvatarExquisiteGerbil: Wretched Watching is having a Trump hate fest tonight. I didn't bother watching, and I won't post his video. He needs to stay away from politics! Jul 23, 2024 at 11:45pmx

schwartzie Avatarschwartzie: Warning - Board has been glitching!Jul 29, 2024 at 5:42pm

ExquisiteGerbil AvatarExquisiteGerbil: If you want to watch the full Trump/Musk interview it's in the News Videos forum under Nothing But the News. They did a nice job dividing it into topics. Aug 13, 2024 at 2:18amx

PrisonerOfHope AvatarPrisonerOfHope: Hey everyone, I'll catch of on Here's Your Sign tomorrow. My sweet coon hound, Angelica, went home to heaven today, and I'm in no mood to deal with crazy people. At least now my baby is no longer deaf and almost blind, her Cushing's disease is healed, andAug 21, 2024 at 12:57am

PrisonerOfHope AvatarPrisonerOfHope: and she doesn't have lumps in her throat that make her choke when she eats anymore - she's with Jesus, totally healed and as spry as a puppy again, but I miss her so much already. That's yet another reason to long for the rapture.Aug 21, 2024 at 1:00am

Midnight AvatarMidnight: Awww...So sorry to hear that, POH. We sure do love our furbabies! Hang in there - you'll be with her again before you know it!Aug 21, 2024 at 5:29am

schwartzie Avatarschwartzie: Sorry to hear that, POH - I know you love her, and Midnight is right - you'll see her again before you know it.Aug 21, 2024 at 4:47pm

shalom Avatarshalom: Sorry, POH. The guys are right - you'll see her soon. Hang in there and keep your eyes on Yeshua.Aug 21, 2024 at 6:35pm

Berean AvatarBerean: Praying, POH. Look at my avatar - that's your baby right now.Aug 21, 2024 at 10:43pm

PrisonerOfHope AvatarPrisonerOfHope: Thanks guys.Aug 22, 2024 at 2:16am

Shoshanna AvatarShoshanna: So sorry to hear that, POH. Our furbabies are family too!Aug 25, 2024 at 10:38pm

PrisonerOfHope AvatarPrisonerOfHope: Thanks, Shoshanna.Aug 26, 2024 at 2:50am

PrisonerOfHope AvatarPrisonerOfHope: Hey everyone, it's really late, and I'm working on something else, so I'll have to catch up on the weekly bunch of nuts tomorrow.Aug 26, 2024 at 2:51am

shalom Avatarshalom: Shalom everyone. I hope you had a good Labor Day. :)Sep 3, 2024 at 12:02am

ExquisiteGerbil AvatarExquisiteGerbil: Wretched Watchman Zack was off on a political rant again tonight, so I won't bother with his video. He's mentioned he attends Athey Creek church online, and Brett Meador was talking the other day about the importance of voting. I wonder how Zack reconciles Sep 8, 2024 at 1:49amx

ExquisiteGerbil AvatarExquisiteGerbil: his beliefs with Pastor Meador's as they're diametrically opposed. Sep 8, 2024 at 1:50amx

PrisonerOfHope AvatarPrisonerOfHope: There's no Bible study from The Superior Word today. Burk, one of the church members, died, and Charlie did a memorial for him instead of a teaching.Sep 19, 2024 at 11:40pm

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[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:16

Thursday, September 26th, 2024


The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,

And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death

Light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16


“The people sitting in darkness, it saw Light – great, and sitting in a country and death-shadow, Light – it arose upon them” (CG).



In the previous verse, Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the coming great Light began. That now continues with the words, “The people sitting in darkness.”



The words explain the situation described in the previous verse. The Assyrians had come in and conquered the land, removing the northern ten tribes for their faithless conduct before the Lord. In place of them, pagans from around the Assyrian empire were brought in. They worshiped all the gods of their homelands, bringing great spiritual darkness when they did.



Many of these false religions partly continued, being intermingled with the customs and religion of the Jews, as it said in 2 Kings 17:33, “They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods—according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away.”



This lack of properly worshiping the Lord continued throughout the years. And notice the use of the present participle, sitting. Those translations which render it as “sat” do a disservice to the intent. They were sitting and continued to sit in it.



The light of the worship of the Lord under the law did not permeate the darkness in which they sat. Something greater was needed to pull them out of the state of darkness in which they were stuck. But when Christ came, of this area of darkness, “it saw Light – great.”



It is referring to Jesus and His ministry. This is the area of His main focus for an extended period. And it wasn’t just to the Jews, even though that was the primary calling. An example of His bringing light to others is found in John 4 where Jesus was presented as the Messiah to the Samaritans in Sychar.



Throughout the region, there was only darkness. And this included the religion of the Jews in the synagogues. They had been taken over by the religious leaders who misdirected the people with their false, self-centered, teachings. These received the greatest rebukes from Jesus.



As He said to them, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” Matthew 23:15



Thus, the words of Isaiah continue, referring to the masses of this region, “and sitting in a country.”



The people were sitting in darkness and the darkness is now equated to the country. The area is within the original borders of the land of Israel, and yet there was only darkness. Something greater than the law was needed to move them into a right relationship with the Lord, as the words of the prophecy next note, “and death-shadow.”



The Greek is two separate nouns: skia, a shadow, and thanatos, death. Taken together, they translate the single word found in the Hebrew of Isaiah, tsalmaveth – “death-shadow.” The death referred to carries a double connotation. It is the spiritual death that results in the physical death of humanity.



In other words, without the spiritual life of Christ, man is destined to die. This is what Jesus came to change. He came to give light and life to His people, bringing them out of the spiritual death in which they lived and from the physical death that all suffer because of it. In His coming, the words of the prophecy thus say, “Light – it arose upon them.”



The words are beautifully explained by John as he opened his gospel narrative –



“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” John 1:4-9



In Jesus’ appearing, the words of Isaiah are fulfilled. He is the Great Light that came into the world and who appeared in the spiritual dark lands noted by Isaiah.



Life application: In John 7, we read these words –



“Then the Pharisees answered them, ‘Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.’

50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 ‘Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?’

52 They answered and said to him, ‘Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.’” John 7:47-52



These religious leaders had the words of Isaiah right before them, and yet they refused to accept what he had written because it would not fit their presuppositions about Jesus, and they failed to check things out.



This is still the case today. Why are there some who follow the doctrines of Calvinism and some who completely reject Calvin’s main points? Why are there people who accept that you can lose your salvation while others teach salvation is eternal? Many believe in a rapture while others reject the notion as silly. And even among those who accept the premise of a rapture, there are disagreements on the timing of the event.



This is a teeny portion of various disagreements within Christianity over doctrine. In fact, it is an infinitesimally small portion of them. Why is this so?



There are several reasons. One is that people are arguing from different viewpoints about the source of what they believe. Some hold to Scripture alone, but they may hold to a single source text of the Hebrew or Greek or to a single English translation.



Some think that the church has been given ongoing authority to set doctrine while others accept that the Bible is the sole source of doctrine for believers. But the latter again goes back to “which source text or translation.”



Even if a standard is agreed on, if one fails to take the Bible in its proper context, there can be no agreement on how doctrine is presented. If Jesus speaking to Israel under the law is used to make a doctrinal point in the church, and if that conflicts with what Paul says in his epistles, then there will be a disagreement on a particular doctrine.



And, of course, there are those who simply pull doctrines out of nowhere and teach them as if they are biblically correct. These may be based on emotions, sensational events, or desires for power or money. In using those as the basis for instructing others who are uneducated in proper theology, people are captivated and brought into often disastrous situations.



We each must decide what standard we will accept as authoritative. As God has said His word is authoritative, that is the safest place to hang one’s hat. From there, each step of the way, we should consider our next step carefully while fixing our eyes on Jesus, whom the Bible says is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).



If we do this, we should at least have our priorities right as we continue our walk before our God. Let us do this above all else as we seek His face in the Great Light of the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.



Heavenly Father, Hallelujah to You for having sent Jesus to lead the way out of the darkness of this world and into the magnificent light of Your glory. Thank You for what You have done for us. Hallelujah and Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Writing on Hold


Friday, September 27th, 2024

Due to issues related to Hurricane Helene, we will not be posting the Daily Writing for a few days. We hope to be posting them again soon. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

Due to Hurricane Milton’s impact in our area, the Daily Writing remains suspended. At this time, we cannot provide an estimate for when we will resume posting. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

If you saw the video with all the damage to Charlie's home, you'll understand why he's too busy to keep up right now!

[PrisonerOfHope]

From Charlie:

Daily Writing to Resume Next Week

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

We intend to start posting the Daily Writing again next Tuesday, October 29th.

I'll start posting the daily devotional as soon as he resumes. Meanwhile, please keep him in prayer - he's been going through a lot.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:18

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024


And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Matthew 4:18


“And Jesus, walking beside the Sea of the Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea – for they were fishers” (CG).



In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus began to preach, telling the people to reconsider because the kingdom of the heavens was at hand. With that noted, it next says, “And Jesus.”



The name of Jesus is not included in all of the ancient texts. Some believe it was inadvertently dropped out while others argue it was inadvertently added in or that it was inserted for clarity. As the subject has not changed, it is understood either way. Next, it says He was “walking beside the Sea of the Galilee.”



As noted before, the Galilee is a somewhat circular region. This sea is within that region. Thus, the use of the article before “Galilee” is appropriate. If there were a large body of water like this in the area of the Grand Canyon, we would call it “the sea of the Grand Canyon.”



Jesus was in the area conducting His ministry when “He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother.”



The name Simon equates to the Hebrew name Shimon. That comes from shama, to hear. Thus, it means something like Hearing or He Who Hears. Peter comes from petros, a small stone. Thus, the name means Stone or Rock. The name Andrew comes from the Greek word aner, a man, and thus it means something like Manly, Courageous, or Brave.



Although they are introduced into the narrative now, and it appears that the calling that lies ahead is almost sudden and out of the blue, this is hardly the case. By comparing the narrative found in John’s gospel, these two are already well known to Jesus.



They were with John the Baptist in the area of Bethabara (John 1:28), John had proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), one of John’s disciples was Andrew (John 1:40), and they had come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. When Andrew introduced Simon to Jesus, Jesus then named Simon Cephas which is Peter, the Rock (John 1:42).



From there, they went together to Cana in Galilee (John 2:1). This fills in some of the background information that the synoptic gospels skip over. Therefore, the abruptness of this account is actually smoothed out when the fuller picture is seen. As for Matthew’s words, it says that these two were “casting a net into the sea.”



Here is a word found only this once in Scripture in some manuscripts, or it is found one more time (Mark 1:16) in other manuscripts, amphiblestron. It is derived from amphoteroi, both, and ballo, to cast. Vincent’s Word Studies provides an explanation –



“…the casting-net, which, being cast over the shoulder, spreads into a circle (ἀμφὶ [amphi – both sides and thus “all around”]). The word is sometimes used by classical Greek writers to denote a garment which encompasses the wearer. In Matthew 4:20, the word net again occurs, but representing a different Greek word (δίκτυον [diktuon]) which is the general name for all kinds of nets, whether for taking fish or fowl. Still another word occurs at Matthew 13:47, σαγήνη [sagene], the draw-net.”



These two were out tending to work when Jesus decided to formally call them into a new profession, one which would change the course of their lives and, indeed, the entire world as well as the entirety of human history. As for the reason they were casting this net, Matthew next says, “for they were fishers.”



Many translations say “fishermen.” This is technically correct because the word is in the masculine, speaking of the men. But for precision in translation, saying “fishers” avoids a problem that then appears in the next verse.



The word is halieus, coming from hals, salt. Thus, it would be used like the modern descriptor of a sailor, such as, “He is an old salt.” The meaning is that he has been a sailor for a long time. Even though the Sea of the Galilee is not a salt sea, the thought carries over to any in such a profession.



Life application: It is good to be well-versed in all four gospels before coming to conclusions about various events that take place. As noted in a previous commentary, having all of what is said in the four gospels lined up chronologically really helps to see what is going on.



From there, the life and ministry of Jesus and those with Him seem less abrupt. There is nothing like a rushed or forced narrative actually going on. However, each writer is providing information relevant to his purpose for writing. By giving information in a completely different style than the synoptic gospels, John’s gospel changes the entire focus of what is being said and who it is being directed to.



Jesus, in the Synoptics, is being focused on as the Messiah of Israel who would come and fulfill the law. His words are directed to Israel under the law, even if some of what He says is in anticipation of the future, either for the church or for Israel in the millennium.



John, on the other hand, is addressing matters that speak of Jesus in a completely different way. Jesus is presented as the Christ of all people who is completing His mission in order to bring in a new spiritual realm for all people to join in. The words carry truths that are not limited to the Messiah’s interactions with Israel nearly as much as the Synoptics.



Pay attention to these things and your theology on Christ and His life will be more properly directed to what is actually being conveyed.



O God, Your word is a treasure and a delight. We are so thankful that You can take men who fish and turn them into men who will use that ability in a spiritual way to accomplish great things. As this is so, we know that You can use us just as we are to do similar great things. Use us according to Your wisdom, and may we be willing to follow wherever You lead. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:19

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024


Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19


“And He says to them, ‘You come – after Me! And I will make you fishers of men’” (CG).



In the previous verse, it noted Jesus walking by the Sea of the Galilee when He came upon Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother. They were casting their net. It then noted that they were fishers. Now, it says, “And He says to them, ‘You come – after Me!’”



The word deute is an exclamatory word meaning come. Although we can’t know the inflection of Jesus’ voice, it was probably something excited and yet directive. Thus “You come – after Me!” is probably close. Of this expression, the Pulpit Commentary says, “There is no thought of continuous following from place to place…, but of immediate detachment from the present sphere of their interest and of attachment to Jesus as their leader.”



He called out to them first with the directive to come and then an explanatory word that they were to be His followers. His choice had been made, and they were now given the opportunity to respond to the call. With that called out, Jesus then continued with a fuller explanation of His intent for them. “And I will make you fishers of men.”



There they were, casting their net into the sea hoping to catch fish. But Jesus now has a greater role to offer them. The idea of fishers of men is not first found here in Scripture. Rather, it goes back to the book of Jeremiah where the Lord judges Israel for its iniquity and then promises restoration. Included in that restoration are the Gentile nations –



“‘Behold, I will send for many fishermen,’ says the Lord, ‘and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. 17 For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes. 18 And first I will repay double for their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable idols.’

19 O Lord, my strength and my fortress,

My refuge in the day of affliction,

The Gentiles shall come to You

From the ends of the earth and say,

‘Surely our fathers have inherited lies,

Worthlessness and unprofitable things.’

20 Will a man make gods for himself,

Which are not gods?

21 ‘Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know,

I will cause them to know

My hand and My might;

And they shall know that My name is the Lord.’” Jeremiah 16:16-21



Even in the Old Testament, the idea of Gentiles coming to the Lord is expressly stated from time to time. God has a plan, and His purposes for the people of the world have been worked out slowly and methodically. With the advent of the Messiah, that salvific process suddenly went into overdrive.



As noted in the previous commentary, in that verse, many translations say “fishermen.” The problem with that is now found in this verse. The same word just used is used again. Therefore, to be consistent in translation, it would then say in this verse, “And I will make you fishermen of men.”



The redundancy is obvious. And so, a change is made in those versions from “fishermen” to simply “fishers.” To be consistent in translation, simply saying “fishers” in both verses is preferable.



Life application: Jesus used the fishers of men terminology as a metaphor for what these men would be doing. Here we have several things coming together to form a picture of something new – men in an occupation, a net, the sea, fish in the sea, hopes for a harvest of fish, etc. Of course, the main Subject is Jesus, the one directing the scene through His words.



Here we have the words “Come – after Me!” Jesus makes the directive call for a change in what they are doing, even if what they will be doing is mirrored in what they have been doing. He calls men of an occupation to continue in that profession but in an entirely new way. They will remain fishers but with a new type of catch.



The net is the means of catching the fish. The new means is the gospel. The men are going from being members of the Galilean sphere of fishers to members of a body (today we call it the church). In other words, the men comprise the church, not a building or an organizational structure built on making money and doing things with that money.



The sea is emblematic of the chaotic world of humanity. That is seen many times in Scripture. The fish in the sea are those who are caught out of the world by the means of the gospel (the net) through the church (the men) whose intent and purpose it is to find the lost and bring them to salvation (the hopes of the harvest of fish).



This short verse in the early chapter of Matthew, although dealing with Israel under the law at this time, is a picture of a greater process that the Lord will be accomplishing through those He has selected. The harvest will be from Israel under the law at first, but it will eventually extend around the entire world. Jeremiah’s prophecy gives hints of this, even from a point in time when it was wholly unknown to the world.



As you read the Bible, look at what is going on in the story or narrative that you are reading and think about what is being said. Then look for parallels of these things elsewhere. Eventually, pictures of the magnificent work of God in Christ become fully developed. Nothing in Scripture is superfluous. Everything has intent, meaning, and purpose.



So, take your time and consider what you are reading. Treasure awaits!



Lord God, what an exciting thing to read Your word and to see how Your plan for the redemption of mankind is detailed there in so many ways. It is glorious to consider what You have been doing and what continues to be done, even until this day. May we respond to the call of the gospel and then to the call to continue furthering this good news as a part of Your redemptive outreach to the world. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:20

Thursday, October 31st, 2024


They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:20


“And immediately, having left the nets, they followed Him” (CG).



In the previous verse, Jesus told Simon, called Peter, and Andrew to follow Him, and He would make them fishers of men. With that called out, it next says, “And immediately.”



There is no sense of hesitation. When Jesus was baptized, it said that He immediately went up from the water. One act followed directly after the next. That is how it is here. From the parallel account, it is understood that they already knew Jesus was the Messiah, having come with Him to the region of the Galilee.



While there, they went back to work in order to continue their profession. In responding to this call, however, a break from that has taken place. This should not be pressed too far as they will continue to fish even after the resurrection, as noted in John 21. However, upon receiving this call, it next says, “having left the nets.”



Again, though sermons and scholarly writings indicate that they simply walked away from the nets, leaving behind their livelihood, that must be inserted into the narrative. Were they with others who they left the nests with? Did they roll them up and put them in the boat for later use? Or did they just drop the nets and walk away? Our minds will make up what we want the narrative to say regardless of whatever really happened.



The word translated as nets is diktuon. This is the first use of it in Scripture and it is completely different than the word used in verse 4:18. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says it is the generic term for any type of net, including fishing. Whatever they did with them, they left them, and “they followed Him.”



Smart move on their part. Nothing in the narrative is forced. Nothing says that they were regenerated in order to follow. Jesus called them and they responded in faith that He was their Messiah. This is recorded in John 1 –



“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, ‘What do you seek?’

They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’

39 He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, A Stone).” John 1:35-42



Life application: You may have sat in a church and heard a sermon on this passage. Think of what you heard. The pastor probably said how amazing it was that these two got a call from someone, they were stunned at His offer, and they simply walked away from their nets and started a new life, abandoning everything in the process.



You may have inserted your own thoughts into the narrative as well, such as the color of the water, the size of the Sea of Galilee (if you had never seen it), the color of the sky, and so forth. You may have even made a mental image of Jesus and the two apostles. Of this verse, John Gill says –



“That is, as soon as he had called them, they left their worldly employment, and followed him; they gave up themselves to his service, and became his disciples; they not only left their “nets”, but their fishing boats, and fishing trade, and all that belonged to it, even all their substance; and also their relations, friends, and acquaintance, see Matthew 19:27 which shows what a mighty power went along with the words and call of Christ; and what a ready, cheerful, and voluntary subjection this produces, wherever it takes place.”



Obviously, based on the commentary above, his words are not actually supportable from what the rest of the gospels continue to show. But this is how Gill perceived things.



People often get in a tizzy over movies about the Bible, especially movies about Jesus. They will spend all of their time cutting apart the movie as if it is supposed to be some type of exacting presentation of Scripture, and any deviation from it is heretical.



But you have just been thinking of the color of the sky and what Jesus looks like to you while reading my comments. With that type of logic, either my words were leading you into heresy, or your thoughts have led you into it (terrifying, for sure!). That is unreasonable.



People who have watched and loved The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston may refuse to watch The Passion of the Christ or a series like The Chosen. Why? Probably because one is a Hollywood blockbuster that was never intended to be anything but a drama about the life of Moses, while the others are held to some inordinately high standard for… for what reason?



Innumerable people love The Greatest Story Ever Told, and yet Max Von Sydow (Jesus) was an atheist or agnostic (he wasn’t sure). Curiously, he also played the devil in Needful Things. But what do those things have to do with the content of The Greatest Story Ever Told? Lots of people watched that, and probably many of them malign other more biblically accurate movies or series.



As for actors, it is common for people to ridicule The Passion of the Christ because some of the actors are sinners (hmm….), but they don’t mind watching The Ten Commandments with Yul Brynner as one of the actors. But it is generally accepted that he was bisexual. In Ben Hur, another great movie, the lady who played Esther, the female star, Haya Harareet, was a twice-divorced Ashkenazi Jew. Throw up your arms! She didn’t even believe in Jesus.



The movie won 11 Academy Awards and is loved by Christians everywhere, and yet it has almost nothing to do with Scripture, and nobody cares about the actors’ personal lives. The attack by Christians over well-made Christian movies is totally hypocritical.



And more to the point, the same people who tear apart Christian movies are almost 100% guaranteed to watch any given Hollywood movie or TV show. Which is going to be more edifying?



Don’t let people rob your joy over presentations of Scripture that may not be minutely precise. If that is what you are looking for, you probably should not think while reading the Bible, lest your mind insert something that actually didn’t happen in whatever story you are reading.



A town in Germany, Oberammergau, has held a Passion play every decade since 1634. It is performed on the world’s largest open-air stage. One can be assured that the play is directed by sinners, played by sinners, and does not exactingly follow Scripture, and yet it has been a cherished part of their history for almost four hundred years.



Instead of tearing apart those who are trying to make a difference in films and videos in regard to their efforts to exalt the Lord, be someone who is willing to simply enjoy these treasures for what they are. Fill your life with Jesus in whatever way is edifying and which exalts Him.



Lord God, thank You for plays, films, and reenactments of our Lord Jesus. They help us to keep our mind on what is good, even if they are not word for word in accord with Your word. They are there to make a difference, and for many of us, they truly do. But, Lord, help us always to put Your word above all else when it comes to our understanding of You and what You expect for us. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:21

Friday, November 1st, 2024


Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, Matthew 4:21


“And having advanced thence, He saw others, two brothers – James, the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother – in the boat with Zebedee their father, repairing their nets. And He called them” (CG).



In the previous verse, Simon and Andrew were said to have left their nets and followed Jesus. Now, it next says, “And having advanced thence.”



The meaning is from where Simon and Andrew were but still along the shore of the sea. The word ekeithen is used. It is an adverb meaning “from there.” A single English word, also an adverb, that gives the sense is the word thence. Continuing along, it says, “He saw others, two brothers.”



Jesus started with the brothers Peter and Andrew and now He directs His attention to another set of brothers. They are “James, the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother.”



Quite often in the Bible, the state of belonging to or possession is implied. In this case, most translations add in the words “son of,” such as “James the son of Zebedee.” Some translations avoid that by saying, “James of Zebedee.” That is acceptable, but the Greek reads, “James the Zebedee.” The state of belonging is found in the article itself. Thus, saying, “James the ‘of Zebedee’” conveys the full intent.



The name James (Greek: Iakóbos) comes from the Greek of the Hebrew name Jacob (Greek: Iakób, Hebrew: Yaaqov). That is derived from the word aqev, the heel. The reason for the name is based on the birth of Jacob in Genesis 25 where he grabbed the heel of his brother during birth. This name has a few different meanings which are based on the idiom “takes hold by the heel.”



The idea is that in , someone by the heel, you will trip him up. But there is also the idea of a deceiver, one who supplants, or one who follows closely behind. All of these fit the life and circumstances of Jacob. But grabbing the heel, or “following after,” gives the right sense. His name was, and remains to this day, a popular name for Jews and Christians.



The name Zebedee comes from the Hebrew name Zebadiah (Hebrew: Zebadyah). That is derived from zabad, to bestow, and Yah, a shortened form of the name of the Lord, Yehovah. Thus, it means Gift of Yah or Given of Yah.



The name John (Greek: Ióannés) is from the Hebrew name Yochanan. That is derived from Yah and khanan, to show favor or grace. Thus, the name means Yah is Gracious, Yah Has Been Gracious, or something similar. With the names explained, it next says they were “in the boat with Zebedee their father.”



It appears that Peter and Andrew were casting from the shore, but it is possible they were on a pier or even a boat as well. The narrative didn’t specify other than to say they were casting a net into the sea. These two are on a boat with their father. But instead of casting, it says they were “preparing their nets.”



The Greek word katartizó is used. It means to prepare. This could include repairing, mending, or simply getting them ready to be used. The idea is bringing something into its proper condition. Before fishing, nets have to be properly arranged. After fishing, they need to be reorganized so that they are not all tangled up.



At times, nets need to be mended or more fully repaired. It isn’t stated what the case is here. They could have been on their way out to go fishing, just finishing up their fishing, or repairing the nets after having fished. No matter which, the next words indicate that dad will probably have to finish up without them because Matthew records, “And He called them.”



Like Peter and Andrew, Jesus came upon the men while they were engaged in their activities. The calling at this time is purposeful – “You are in the middle of something important to you. Rather than waiting till you are done, I am calling to you now. What is your priority?”



Life application: Every person who has believed in Jesus has a calling. This doesn’t have to be something big like dropping everything and heading to Thailand, but it is a calling, nonetheless. When you first believed in Jesus, you probably didn’t know much beyond a few sentences conveyed to you about what He had done for you.



You accepted that premise and the Bible says that in your act of faith, He saved you. Your calling, then, is to get to know your Savior. If someone calls a woman to be his wife through an arranged marriage, the wife now has the responsibility to know her husband, what he expects, what he likes and doesn’t like, and so forth.



The same is true with new employment, joining the military, etc. When you enter boot camp, it is to know and learn what you have committed to. The Christian’s boot camp includes the technical manual for his work in his new assignment. This is the Bible. The Christian’s new Husband has expectations of His bride. He has things that please Him and things that don’t please Him.



How can you be an effective bride if you don’t attempt to learn how to please the Lord? How can you be an effective soldier if you don’t know the training manual for soldiering? Both of these metaphors are used concerning Christian life. And yet, how great a percent of Christians hardly bother with these things at all.



Rather than a secondary focus in our lives, it should be the main focus. Everything else we do should be relegated to a lesser state of importance as we learn obedience to the Lord. Are you doing this? If not, then why not? Get on it! Start today! Be the Christian that you have been called to be!



Lord God, help us to be faithful followers of the Lord Jesus who saved us from our sins. May we diligently study the word that tells us of our responsibilities as believers. May this be the primary focus of our lives all our days. Yes, Lord, may it be so to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:22

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024


and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Matthew 4:22


“And they, immediately, having left the boat and their father, they followed Him” (CG).



The previous verse noted James and John, sons of Zebedee being in a boat with their father preparing nets. While so engaged, Jesus called them. Next, it says, “And they, immediately.”



It isn’t said how Jesus called them, but whatever He said, it was enough for them to act. As speculation, He could have said something like, “It is time for My ministry to begin, follow Me.” Whether the words were many or few, the reaction was immediate, and so, Matthew next records, “having left the boat and their father.”



Mark 1:20 adds that they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants. At least he would have some help with the rest of the day’s tasks. As for James and John, once they left the boat, it says, “they followed Him.”



Jesus’ disciples have doubled in number in just two verses. From this point on, things will begin to grow in relation to His ministry within the land of Israel. Eventually, from this small start, the entire world will be transformed in a movement that continues to this day.



A question arises as to whether this is the same calling as that noted in Luke 5. The answer is “probably not.” The accounts are different in content, and Jesus was already preaching at this time. Thus, like the account of Peter and Andrew, the thought of these two men leaving everything permanently should not be pressed too hard.



They made a commitment to follow Jesus, but they would still return to work while in the area. This seems evident from Luke 5, but also as late as after the resurrection in John 21.



Life application: It is true that in Christian history, some missionaries have been called and, having departed, they never returned to their families again. But this is not a necessary condition for missionary service.



At any given time, there are missionaries flying overhead, returning to visit their families, going back to schools for additional training, and so forth. The disciples, some of whom were appointed as apostles, didn’t just sever family relationships, nor did they suddenly stop doing the things they once did –



“After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’

They said to him, ‘We are going with you also.’ They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’

They answered Him, ‘No.’

6 And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” John 21:1-6



God calls us to Himself, but we remain the same people. Our upbringing defines us, we think the same thoughts, we continue to like the same foods, etc. The difference in our lives is to be our priority. Whatever once motivated us is to be put aside or eliminated, depending on what it was.



At the same time, Jesus is to become our number one priority. Nothing should interfere with our devotion to Him, but nothing inappropriate should result from our committing to Him. In other words, some people over the years have used their calling to leave their wives. This cannot be accepted, nor is there anything that would even hint at this in the Bible. For example, Luke 14:26 cannot be used to justify abandoning one’s wife.



The verse speaks of priorities. A man’s wife is one of his priorities. She is just not to be the primary one any longer. Jesus must come first in our lives. In placing Him first, we will actually refine our love and devotion for our wives, not abandon it.



Use sense when evaluating Scripture. A single verse pulled out of its intended context and then being misapplied can completely upheave sound and rational theology.



Lord God, may we rightly consider all things in our lives in relation to You. If we once were gluttons, when we rightly pursue You, we can still enjoy food. If we once were obsessed with money, we can still carry money in our pockets. Such things are not contrary to being devoted to You. Rather, they have found their proper place in our lives. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:23

Sunday, November 3rd, 2024


And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23



Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)



You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).



“And Jesus, He traverses all the Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every malady in the people’” (CG).



The previous verse included the note that James and John left the boat and their father and began following Jesus. Now, with the four disciples having been called, it next says, “And Jesus, He traverses all the Galilee.”



The word translated as “traverses” is periagó. It is derived from peri which gives the sense of all-around (meaning on every side) or encompassing, and agó, to lead, but with a variety of applications. Thus, “went about” captures the sense. But for a single word that meets the intent, “traverse” fits.



Jesus went here and there throughout the Galilee, the circular area which is found around the Sea of the Galilee. As He went, it next says He was “teaching.”



It is another new word, didaskó, meaning to teach, direct, admonish, etc. A literal explanation would be “to cause to learn.” The word will be used almost one hundred times, and it will be found in most books of the New Testament, thus indicating the great importance of the process of teaching within the faith. As for where Jesus was teaching, it was “in their synagogues.”



The synagogue (Greek: sunagógé) comes from the verb sunagó, signifying to gather together or assemble. Albert Barnes gives a description of the synagogue, saying –



“Synagogues were built in any place where ten men were found who were willing to associate for the purpose, and were the regular customary places of worship. … The synagogues were built in imitation of the temple, with a center building, supported by pillars, and a court surrounding it. … In the center building, or chapel, was a place prepared for the reading of the law. The law was kept in a chest, or ark, near to the pulpit. The uppermost seats were those nearest to the pulpit. The people sat around, facing the pulpit. When the law was read, the officiating person rose; when it was expounded, he was seated. Our Saviour imitated their example, and was commonly seated in addressing the people.”



To this day, synagogues are found throughout the world. They were an integral part of keeping the Jewish people united and distinct in their culture and heritage. Not only was Jesus teaching, but Matthew adds in, “and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.”



And yet another new word is seen, euaggelion, gospel. It is derived from the verb euaggelizó, meaning to announce the good news. That in turn comes from eu, good or well, and aggelos, a messenger. Thus, it literally means “good news.” However, there is a single English word that carries this exact meaning, gospel. That is from the Old English gōd, good and spel. news or story, thus gōdspel. That has evolved into our modern word gospel.



The word is found a total of seventy-six times: four in Matthew, eight in Luke, twice in Acts, many times by Paul, once in 1 Peter, and once in Revelation.



This good news, being of the kingdom, means the fulfillment of the many messianic promises made in the Jewish Scriptures. The people were waiting for freedom from oppression and a leader who would come to bring that about. By saying that Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, the implication is that He is the One who would usher in this freedom.



Remembering the meaning of “Galilee,” one can see the intent behind preaching the gospel in this area. Galilee is ultimately derived from galal, to roll or roll away. As such, it signifies liberty, as if a burden is rolled away from someone.



Thus, the Galilee means “The Liberty.” Jesus is proclaiming His good news of liberty in the area which describes the very thing He is doing. As a demonstration of His authority and ability to perform and lead in the proclamation He was making, it next says, “and curing every disease and every malady in the people.”



The word translated as “curing,” or some translations “healing,” is therapeuó. One can see the etymological root of our modern word “therapy.” It gives the idea of restoring a person having a disease. We think of diseases as needing a cure while afflictions (such as a broken bone) need healing. Hence, the context will decide the best choice of wording.



The nosos, disease or sickness, describes a chronic disease, often one considered an incurable ailment. The malakia is a disease or condition that weakens the victim, coming from malakos, meaning soft, delicate, etc. Thus, a person is softened in his being and stamina through such a malady.



Jesus demonstrated His authority over such ailments through His curing hand, thus confirming His ability to provide liberty from affliction – good news indeed.



Life application: In this one verse, seven new words are introduced into Scripture. The words combine to form a beautiful picture of the work of the Messiah in and among the people of Israel. Beyond that, the greater context of the passage fits marvelously with what He is doing here.



The area He is in, the disciples that have followed Him (including the meaning of their names), the places He chose to conduct His teaching, etc., all have come together to paint a picture for us of the work of the Messiah.



The more we look into the details, the more we will get out of the word the treasures that God has placed in it. But don’t hesitate to look at the macro structures as well. There are many types of literary devices used in Scripture that will reveal even more.



Make yourself aware of the vast number of such devices and then pay attention to what is going on, both from a wider view and from a detailed view. In this approach, you will continue to discover wonder in the word. God has filled it with an immense amount of information. Keep studying it all the days of your lives!



Lord God Almighty, there seems to be no end to the amount of wonder to be found in Your word. How blessed we are to be able to study in the finest detail because of the hour in which we live. Everything is there on the internet, things that have been compiled for thousands of years, allowing us to access aspects of Your word in a way never previously imagined. Thank You for this wondrous time in which we live. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 4:24

Monday, November 4th, 2024


Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 4:24



Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)



You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).



“And the hearing of Him, it went into all Syria. And they brought Him all the sickly, having various diseases and constraining torments, and demon-possessings, and moon-strikings, and paralytics, and He cured them” (CG).



The previous verse noted the ministry of Jesus going throughout the Galilee and that He cured every disease and malady in the people. Because of this, the fame of His ministry became known beyond the Galilee. That is recorded in the next words, which say, “And the hearing of Him, it went into all Syria.”



The meaning of the words is debated because the scope of the region of Syria at that time was not fully known. Albert Barnes says –



“It was, perhaps, the general name for the country lying between the Euphrates on the east, and the Mediterranean on the west; and between Mount Taurus on the north, and Arabia on the south. Through all this region his celebrity was spread by his power of working miracles; and, as might be expected, the sick from every quarter were brought to him, in the hope that he would give relief.”



The point is that what He was doing extended beyond the region of the Galilee. So convinced were the people of His power for healing that it next says, “And they brought Him all the sickly.”



The word translated as “sickly” is an adverb, kakós. It is derived from the adjective kakos meaning bad or evil which is applied in a very wide sense. HELPS Word Studies describes this adverb as “sore-misery related to experiencing grievous harm (affliction).” Thus, it can be a physical or moral condition. Matthew next describes the types of afflictions beginning with “having various diseases.”



The word translated as “various” actually means motley, as in multi-colored. Hence, it speaks of a variety of nosos, or diseases, which is the same word that was just used in the previous verse. Next, Matthew notes, “and constraining torments.”



The word translated as constraining, sunechó, means to hold together and thus to constrain. That is used to describe the “torments” which are from the Greek basanos. HELPS Word Studies says the word was “originally (from oriental origin) a touchstone; a ‘Lydian stone’ used for testing gold because pure gold rubbed on it left a peculiar mark. Then it was used for examination by torture. Sickness was often regarded as ‘torture.’”



The sense of the two words is then an affliction that is so grievous that it binds a person, making him unable to continue a normal life. Next, it says, “and demon-possessings.”



It is a single Greek word, daimonizomai, meaning exactly as translated. These people were possessed by demons and were unable to free themselves from their afflicters. Jesus, however, was able to cure them of this particular malady. Along with them it next says, “and moon-strikings.”



It is a word found only here and in Matthew 17:15, seléniazomai, coming from selḗnē, the moon. It speaks of a person “controlled by the moon” rather than by his normal faculties, hence, a lunatic. Many translations say this signifies epileptics, but that seems unlikely. Because it is associated with the moon, it is more properly defining a crazy person.



Next, Matthew finishes the list with, “and paralytics.” One can see where our English word is derived from when noting the Greek, paralutikos. It is derived from paraluó which signifies enfeebled or weakened, literally “to loose on the side.” It is an apt description for those who are paralyzed or who suffer from palsy. Of all of these afflictions brought to Jesus, the verse ends with, “and He cured them.”



People who were broken in body or mind were restored through His healing hand. Likewise, those whose afflictions were from an external source were cured as well. The power of Jesus to accomplish these things validated His power over the source of such things, meaning the power of sin which was first introduced into humanity by the serpent in the Garden of Eden.



What would have seemed as absolutely hopeless in many of these cases was easily handled by the Lord Jesus because He is the Lord over the creation, having come to restore man to God. The physical afflictions point us to a greater spiritual reality.



Life application: There is no reason to assume that those who were said to be demon-possessed were not actually possessed by demons but were rather just schizophrenic or something. Demons are spoken of as a reality in the Bible. However, there is no instruction given for the casting out of demons provided in Scripture.



As this is so, it can be inferred that it is not a point of doctrine that is to be pursued as a separate category as the Roman Catholic Church and some aberrant denominations proclaim. In other words, it is not a point of doctrine that bears a particular remedy that needs to be addressed. For example, a person who is possessed by a demon doesn’t need a rite of exorcism.



Instead, demon possession is to be handled in the same manner as any other spiritual condition. Those who are so possessed are to be told the gospel. If the person accepts the salvation offered through the gospel, the demon must depart. A person will be under the authority of the master that is appointed over him. In coming to Jesus, his Master, Jesus will now be the Lord over him.



Having said this, Christians can still be afflicted by demons. This is why Paul gives the instructions found in Ephesians 6. The devil and his demons are there. We must use the implements God has given us to stand against them.



As such, remember, believers cannot be possessed by demons, but they can be afflicted by them. Non-believers can certainly be possessed by demons. It seems quite likely that half the politicians in the world must be at this point. People need Jesus to free them from the spiritual afflictions they face. From there, they need to get into the word and know how to stand against these foes in their daily walk.



Heavenly Father, how great it is to know that, through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can be freed from every spiritual affliction. Someday, we will likewise be freed from our body of death and translated into a new existence, free from pains, afflictions, and sorrows. May that day be soon. Amen.






 

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 5:1

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024


And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Matthew 5:1


“And having seen the crowds, He ascended to the mountain, and He, having sat down, His disciples – they came to Him” (CG).



Chapter 4 finished with the note that great multitudes followed Jesus from many locations. With this great throng about him, Chapter 5 begins with, “And having seen the crowds, He ascended to the mountain.”



Matthew identifies the mountain with the definite article, but gives no more explanation. Because of this, the article seems more of a designation of the time in which the event occurs rather than a particular mountain in relation to the people.



In other words, it is as if God had appointed a mountain for this sermon to take place, and the timing for which that event to take place had now come to pass. We may say something like this about a great event that we participated in, “This was the moment, and this was the spot where it all came to pass.”



Because Matthew is writing in relation to a singular historical event that has defined the ministry of Jesus for millennia, this appears to be a proper explanation of why it says, “the mountain.” Once He had so ascended, it next says, “and He, having sat down.”



This was the standard form of teaching at the time. Today, someone will go to a podium or pulpit, or he may stand on a stage. If it is a more formal setting with an aged and respected person, there may be chairs and a moderator asking questions of the teacher. However, in the Jewish culture, one sat on the ground while others gathered around.



Maimonides actually gave a description of this type of learning –



“The master sits at the head, or in the chief place, and the disciples before him in a circuit, like a crown; so that they all see the master, and hear his words; and the master may not sit upon a seat, and the scholars upon the ground; but either all upon the earth, or upon seats: indeed from the beginning, or formerly, “the master used to sit”, and the disciples stand; but before the destruction of the second temple, all used to teach their disciples as they were sitting.”



Once Jesus had sat, it next says, “His disciples – they came to Him.”



This is the first use of mathétés, disciple, in the New Testament. It is derived from math which is using the mental effort necessary to think through something. Thus, it speaks of a learner, or a student who increases his knowledge.



This is the point where the teaching began. Some of the words here are mirrored in other discourses recorded in the gospels. This doesn’t mean they have to be the same discourse and that the surrounding details contradict.



Rather, just as any preacher will repeat and restate points of doctrine, Jesus would have done so too. He would have weaved these thoughts into the greater idea being presented at the time. As such, it is a way of unifying various concepts to show that the theology is consistent while repeating thoughts for the sake of remembrance through repetition.



Life application: At times, a preacher may speak for an hour on a single verse of Scripture. Later, he may begin a sermon on a completely different point of theology, but he will use thoughts from his previous sermon to make a point.



There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it is often necessary to show how divergent thoughts in the Bible are not at odds with one another but are rather both tenets that reveal a harmony that is actually united by a single theology.



As this is true with sermons today, it would be dishonest to try to find a contradiction in Scripture because Jesus said something in one location, and then someone else records that He said the same thing in another location. Rather, He is using words to explain key points at various times, which will inevitably overlap with other key points at other times.



Don’t rush to believe people who supposedly find contradictions in the Bible. Rather, be diligent in determining why different stories or details are actually a harmonious outcropping of what God is telling us in the pages of Scripture.



Glorious God, it sure is great to read Your word and discover its wonderful secrets. Information from Your mind is being transmitted to us when we read the Bible. May we always consider it this way and treat the word with respect, just as if You are speaking directly to us because we know that You are. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 5:2

Thursday, November 7th, 2024


Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: Matthew 5:2


“And having opened His mouth, He taught them, saying,” (CG).



In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus, seeing the great throng of people, ascended a mountain where He then sat and His disciples came to Him. The narrative continues with, “And having opened His mouth.”



It is an idiom indicating that a purposeful oration is about to follow. An excellent example is found in Psalm 78 –



“Give ear, O my people, to my law;

Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings of old,

3 Which we have heard and known,

And our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children,

Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,

And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” Psalm 78:1-4



The words of this Psalm are ascribed to Christ in Matthew 13:35, thus showing that the Psalm is messianic in nature, anticipating Him and His ministry. Other examples of this idiom are found in Scripture. Next, it says, “He taught them, saying.”



The words of Jesus here are called a teaching. Though this is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount, it is not simply a life application sermon, but an oration concerning learning which is to be considered and acted upon by His disciples. It is important to remember the context of Jesus’ words, however.



He is speaking to the people of Israel while they are still under the law of Moses. There are words taken from this teaching that are often misunderstood or misapplied because the context is not properly considered.



Life application: There are a seemingly innumerable number of idioms to be found in the Bible alone. If rightly considered, they can help us get a fuller understanding of what the intent behind the words is.



Someone, or a group of people, may be called stiff-necked, or it may be said that a person stiffened his neck. The psalmist says he turned his feet to the Lord’s testimonies. At times, someone will raise his eyes or open his mouth.



Sometimes, idioms are obscured through the translation. In Acts 17:18, Paul is called a seed-picker, although most translations don’t use that term. When something is said to have been done ten times, it means a multitude of times. On and on, the idioms are found for the person who carefully considers what is being presented.



Getting a literal translation of the Bible will help, but even they will ignore the most literal translation at times. But they will generally help to discover real treats found in the word of God.



Take time to enjoy your time through the Bible. Don’t rush as you read. Instead, consider the words and think of why they are stated as they are. Your time in Scripture will be quite rewarding if you take the time and allow it to fill your thoughts and contemplations.



Glorious God, what a treat Your word is. We thank You for it and pray that You will open our eyes to see wonderful things in it as we read and study it. Thank You, O God, for Your precious and wonderful word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 5:3

Friday, November 8th, 2024


“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3


“Blessed the poor of the spirit.

For the kingdom of the heavens, it is theirs” (CG).



In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus opened His mouth and taught the disciples. Now, the words of Jesus are recorded by Matthew, beginning with, “Blessed the poor of the spirit.”



This is the first use of the word makarios, blessed, in the New Testament. It is a prolonged form of the poetical makar, meaning happy. As such, it extends the meaning to mean blessed, fortunate, etc. It is the state “when God extends His benefits” (HELPS Word Studies).



The word is different than another word translated as bless or blessed, eulogeó. The first speaks of the state of being blessed, while the other speaks of the act of blessing or the reception of a blessing by another. The latter will first be seen in Matthew 5:44. Of the word now being used, Vincent’s Word Studies says –



“Its root is supposed to be a word meaning great, and its earlier meaning appears to be limited to outward prosperity; so that it is used at times as synonymous with rich.”



As such, and if this meaning was understood in its usage by the audience, they would be hearing what would seem to be a contradiction, “Rich are the poor…” Luke 6:20 translates it without the extra words “of the spirit” and says only “Blessed are you poor.”



The reason for such a state of blessing is that in being rich, there are the usual problems that arise with that state. People who are rich tend to have trust in their things. They are often built up with pride and arrogance. People who are poor in spirit have no such ideas about themselves. There are no worries about robbers coming to steal, there are no worries about if their wealth will be lost in a fire, etc.



In such a state, they are blessed because as a general rule, they acknowledge their dependence on providence, on God, on the help of others, etc. Because Jesus is speaking to the people of Israel, it would be understood that the poverty of those He was speaking to would draw them closer to a relationship with the Lord.



On the other hand, those with great wealth would be concerned about the affairs and things of this life. A state of God’s blessedness would normally not exist in such people.



The idea of being poor in spirit could extend even beyond riches to indicate what occurs with being poor, which is the state of humility. Therefore, even a rich person – if he was a humble soul – could be considered blessed. Although this would be a more difficult state to exist in. Therefore, the words of Luke 6:24 are given to show the normal way things are, which contrast to those who are poor of the spirit. There He says, “But woe to you who are rich.”



Of those in this verse, however, He next says, “For the kingdom of the heavens, it is theirs.” Those who placed their trust in the Lord, not in wealth or riches, were those who were more likely to receive what God offers. This is a precept found throughout Scripture –



“Those who trust in the Lord

Are like Mount Zion,

Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalm 125:1



The words that contrast this in Luke 6:24 must be taken in a general sense. In Matthew 19 it will say –



“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’

25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthews 19:23-26



Jesus makes access to the kingdom of God possible, even for the rich. But this applies to those who are not trusting in themselves or their riches but in the work of the Lord.



Life application: Throughout the ages, there have been those who have taught or lived in a manner not intended by the words of Jesus in this verse. They have walked away from wealth, fearing they would not enter the kingdom of God. They have lived in monasteries, taken vows of poverty, and so forth.



The problem with such things is that this is not what the Bible teaches about salvation. Someone who does this may not be trusting in the Lord at all. He may be trusting in himself, through his vow of poverty, to merit God’s promises. If he is trusting in his own deeds, he is not trusting in Jesus.



Everything in context! To obtain our doctrine concerning salvation, we need to read the epistles that come after Christ’s completed work. It is these letters that reveal the knowledge needed to understand how to be saved. These letters never tell us to renounce worldly wealth. For example, Paul says –



“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19



Paul doesn’t command the rich to become poor. Rather, he tells them not to trust in such things. Be sure to keep things in their proper context, and be sure to not take every statement as an all-encompassing proclamation. There are those who are poor and who are at complete odds with God. There are some who are rich who walk closely with Him all their days.



Lord God, whatever we possess in this world is temporary and can be lost or stolen. May we not set our hearts upon such things. Rather, may we lean on You at all times and understand that our only hope of salvation is through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. In Him alone is our true peace with You to be found. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Matthew 5:4

Saturday, November 9th, 2024


Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4


“Blessed – those mourning.

For they will be comforted” (CG).



The previous verse spoke of the poor in spirit. Now, the blessings continue with, “Blessed – those mourning.”



The word translated as mourning, pentheó, speaks of mourning over death, particularly a close relationship. It is the type of grief that takes hold of a person and which cannot be hidden. It also refers to any great mourning on such a level, such as mourning over sin.



The type of mourning is not stated, but it seems unlikely that Jesus would make a general statement that could have applied to anyone at any time who lost a loved one. Rather, He is speaking to Israel, under the law. The first thing it says of Him speaking out in His ministry was in Matthew 4:17, telling the people to repent because the kingdom of heaven was at hand.



As such, it is likely that He is tying His statement about mourning with those who see the error of their ways and grieve over their wrongdoings. This seems more certain because it is His disciples to whom He is specifically speaking. They were to convey the message that the Messiah had come, and that would not be a message lacking a note about turning from their wayward ways.



It is true that the hope of the Messiah was the hope of restoration of life, but that type of mourning would be ended only for those who had turned from their sins and followed the Lord according to the precepts of the law, which included turning to the Messiah as referred to in the law and prophets. As for the blessing upon such, it next says, “For they will be comforted.”



If one sees a problem and corrects it, it can then be expected that God will restore his joy according to his faith. If a person realizes that he is offending God, turning from his offensive ways would mean that he is no longer offending God. In believing that he is doing wrong, by changing his ways, he will then believe that he is doing right.



This alone is enough to comfort a person because he now has the hope that what God says concerning such things is true. What would be the point of turning from wrongdoing if you didn’t believe that you were doing wrong? And what would be the point of turning from wrongdoing if you didn’t believe God cared?



One can see that such mourning directly leads to the comfort of believing what God says when a change is made. This appears to be what Jesus is referring to as He speaks to Israel under the law, and to those who had not been faithful to fulfilling the requirements of the law.



Life application: The Bible says many times, both explicitly and implicitly, that the law is fulfilled and set aside in Christ. Now, in this new arrangement granted by God, men are asked to reconsider who God is and their relationship with Him.



Jesus has fulfilled the law that God set forth for Israel. We no longer need to mourn over not meeting its standards. Instead, Jesus has done that for us. What we need to mourn over is not honoring God by honoring the Son. When we realize how we have offended God by not living for Jesus, we should mourn over this and come to Jesus.



To not do so leaves us out of the promises of God, because only in Jesus are the requirements of God fulfilled. When we see those in the church not living according to the standards of God set forth in the New Testament epistles, we should mourn over that, knowing that such conduct can affect others. Eventually, the body will suffer from the immorality displayed by those who are disobedient.



In correcting such deficiencies, we will be comforted in our hope and in our knowing that we are conducting our affairs in a right manner before God. Such things always come back to belief in who God is, in what He has directed, and how we should respond to Him and to what He expects.



Lord God Almighty, thank You for the hope we possess. We were once alienated from You, but now we are Your children because of faith in what Jesus has done. We realized we were heading in the wrong direction, and by faith, we reached out to You through Him. Now, we have the comfort of faith in what this means for our eternal souls. Thank You for the hope of Jesus! Amen.