Superior Word Daily Devotional on the Book of Acts

[PrisonerOfHope]

The Book of Acts; an Introduction

Thursday, September 23rd, 2021






The Book of Acts; an Introduction.



The book of Acts is comprised of 28 chapters of 1007 verses (as in the NKJV). Therefore, a daily evaluation of Acts, one verse per day, will take approximately 2.76 years to complete.



Explanation of the Title:

The name, Acts, is a shortened form of “The Acts of the Apostles.” That is often dismissed in favor of another title, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Though it is true that the Holy Spirit is behind the events occurring throughout the book, this is actually true throughout the entire body of Scripture.



The “Acts of the Apostles” is an acceptable title because it details exactly that. In particular, it details the acts of Peter and Paul as the church goes through a particular transition that will be noted below. It is these two that are the main focus of what occurs in the book. Thus, the title, “The Acts of the Apostles” is both pertinent and acceptable.



Author:

It is almost unanimously agreed upon that the book of Acts was written by Luke the physician and the author of the Gospel of Luke. Both Luke and Acts are addressed to a person named Theophilus –



“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:1-4



“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:1-3



There are other clues that Luke is, in fact, the author of Acts. The writing style, meaning structure and vocabulary, are noticeably similar. There are sections within Acts, known as the “we” sections, where Luke is with Paul and he writes in the first person – “We did this,” or “We went there.” When analyzed, it becomes clear that Luke is the only person who fits the identity of the author. For example, those referred to in the “we” sections in the third person can be excluded. Also, those known to have not traveled at such times can be excluded. In this, only Luke is the obvious author.



Also, there are topics common to both Luke and Acts. Luke details aspects of individuals that others would simply brush over. He has a particular interest in Gentiles. He refers to aspects of the resurrection appearances consistently in both books – specifically mentioning only the appearances related to Judea. Along with this, are details found only in gospel of Luke that are also repeated in Acts.



As Luke is a Gentile (see Colossians 4:11 and 4:14) with no noticeable role in the gospels or Acts, it becomes notable that so many early church commentaries and witnesses so heavily agreed upon him as the author. It is its own mark of agreement that he is, in fact, the true author. For these, and numerous other reasons that stand out, it is certain that Luke is the author of both the gospel that bears his name as well as the book of Acts.



Luke:

As this is the case, it is of value to understand who Luke is. The anti-Marcionite Prologue to the gospel that bears his name, and which is believed to date to around AD170, says –



“Luke was an Antiochian of Syria, a physician by profession. He was a disciple of the apostles and later accompanied Paul until his martyrdom. He served the Lord without distraction, having neither wife nor children, and at the age of eighty-four he fell asleep in Boeotia, full of the Holy Spirit. While there were already Gospels previously in existence, that according to Matthew written in Judaea, and that according to Mark in Italy, Luke, moved by the Holy Spirit, composed the whole of this Gospel in the parts about Achaia, showing in the Prologue this very thing, that others had been written before it, and that it was necessary to expound to the Gentile believers the accurate account of the dispensation, so that they should not be distracted by Jewish fables, nor be deceived by heretical and vain imaginations and thus err from the truth.”



Later, the same source states, “And afterwards the same Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles.”



Dating:

The detail of Luke’s writings makes the dating of Acts rather certain. If there were major events that occurred during the time of his writing, he would have included them. Such an event is found in Acts 18:2 with the expulsion of the Jews from Rome –



“And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.”



As such, the dating of Acts can be reasonably assigned to the period of AD62-64. The book ends with Paul being imprisoned in Rome. That was in AD62, and so it was written (or at least completed) after that. But there is no mention of Nero’s persecutions (AD64), the war between the Jews and Rome (AD66), nor – most poignantly – the destruction of Jerusalem/the temple in AD70. The lack of these evidences point, rather certainly, to around AD62-64.



Internal Structure:

There are innumerable patterns running through Acts that reveal a wisdom that goes beyond a careful human planner of such a book. Rather, these patterns demonstrate a higher wisdom that guided the hand of Luke, inspiring him to reveal a transition in the redemptive narrative prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures long before his time.



One main structure, however, which still fits that theme, is the transition of the church from predominantly Jewish to one which is predominantly Gentile –



The book begins in Jerusalem; it ends in Rome.

The book carefully details the acts of Peter (the Apostle to the Jews) from Chapter 1 until Chapter 12. After this, it carefully details the acts of Paul (the Apostle to the Gentiles) from Chapter 13 until Chapter 28.

The book is preceded by the gospels, detailing Christ’s life in fulfillment of the law given to Israel. The book is immediately followed by Paul’s epistles (beginning with Romans) which detail Christ’s work and how it is pertinent not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles.



The main thought of this transition from Acts 1 is found in these verses that anticipate the restoration of the kingdom to Israel –



“Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:6-8



The main thought of the transition from Acts 28 (the last chapter) is found in these verses that reveal the rejection of the message of Christ by the Jews, but its certain acceptance by the Gentile world –



“So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 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, 26 saying,

‘Go to this people and say:

“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;

And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

27 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.”’

28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” Acts 28:23-28



In the next introductory segment, several patterns found in Acts will be provided. Including them now would be too lengthy for a single commentary without a short division.



Main Themes/Purpose:

There are a multitude of themes running through the book of Acts. It is certain that Acts is given as a transitional book showing the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises that Gentiles would be included in God’s redemptive plans. This becomes evident early on (in Acts 8) where Samaritans were brought into the young church. It is expanded upon in the same chapter when an Ethiopian eunuch is also noted as being accepted. Still during Peter’s ministry, Gentiles of the house of Cornelius are accepted in Chapter 10. This not only continues, but it blossoms in the chapters where Paul becomes the main focus.



As such, a secondary theme, though not as obvious, is the rejection of the gospel by the Jews as a nation. This would lead to their exile and punishment set forth very clearly in the Old Testament.



In this, however, an interesting concept develops. Throughout Acts, the Jews consistently attempt to separate this new aspect of the faith from their authorized religion. In other words, only religions identified as Religio Licita, or “permitted religion,” were acknowledged by Rome and considered acceptable to be practiced in the empire. Judaism was considered Religio Licita.



Time and again, the Jews are seen to dismiss faith in Christ as an acceptable expression found under the umbrella of Judaism. And yet, each time this attempt is made, it is overturned by the Roman authorities, thus allowing the Christian faith to grow unimpeded in the empire. Further, it implicitly demonstrates that Christianity (meaning faith in Christ Jesus) is the logical, correct, and accepted outcome of the Scriptures held to by the Jewish nation.



There is also a historical theme running through the book. In Acts 1:8 (cited above), Jesus says that the faith was to be proclaimed “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This pattern, proclaimed by Jesus, is methodically and exactly followed in Acts. Exactly as stated by the Lord, the gospel goes forth beginning in Jerusalem, expanding to Judea and then Samaria, and then even throughout the Gentile areas of the Roman empire. The gospel continues spreading beyond these locations to this day.



There is an ecclesiastical purpose to the book as well. The edification of the church is certainly a determined purpose of Acts. It is further a book that demonstrates the effectiveness of the church in doing what it was commissioned to do because the Lord is directing it for His purposes and with a specific intent in mind. This is seen, at times, both implicitly and explicitly in the book. It is thus a reassurance to the church that the same Lord who began the church is even now surely working out His purposes within the church.



A Note Concerning Luke’s Writings:

Despite being a Gentile, Luke has been given the honor of penning more content in the New Testament than any other author. His writings (Luke and Acts) comprise approximately thirty percent of the New Testament, exceeding the writings of both John and Paul. Without his gospel, a full picture of the work of Christ in fulfillment of the law would be lacking. Without Acts, there would be a great deficiency in understanding the role of the church early on, and a void in our understanding of the importance of Paul’s writings.



Life application: With this all too brief summary of the book of Acts, and with more introductory comments to come – and before we begin to analyze the book’s content – a discussion of how to analyze, evaluate, and apply the book of Acts will be provided. Acts is a book that must be considered carefully. It is certain that almost all major theological errors within the church arise by a misapplication, or a misuse, of the book of Acts.



If the book is taken in its proper light, it is an invaluable tool for understanding what God is doing in the redemptive narrative in human history. If it is taken incorrectly, failed doctrine, and even heretical ideas, will arise (and consistently have arisen) within the church.



Let us consider the book of Acts in its proper light. In doing so, these errors in thinking and theology will be avoided.



Heavenly Father, how we thank You for Your precious word. Help us to consider it carefully, handle it with respect, and be filled with joy as we search out its treasures. May we find Your proper purpose and intent for us in it, and may we apply what we learn to our lives. Yes, may it be so to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

The Book of Acts; an Introduction – Part II




Friday, 24 September 2021



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



As noted in the first introductory segment, this segment will reveal some of the patterns of Acts, and how Acts fits into the overall structure of how the Bible is laid out.



Main Purposes:



There are several purposes concerning the need for the book of Acts as well as its placement in the Bible.



1) The Spreading of the Gospel:

Acts is a historical narrative that develops the theme set forth by Jesus before His ascension. In Acts 1:8, He will say –



“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”



Both a purpose for the book and one main structure of the book are found in this statement. Acts begins in Jerusalem. It then extends out to Judea and then to Samaria. Eventually, it extends out into the Gentile world. From that point, the implication is that the narrative then continues throughout the whole world, exactly as Jesus proclaims. Paul and Barnabas use this terminology when speaking to the Jews at a synagogue in Acts 13:47 (a quote from Isaiah 49:6).



The pattern is set forth by sections of chapters –



Chapters 1 through 7 largely deal with the area of Jerusalem and focus on the Jews.

Chapters 8 through 12 largely deal with the areas of Judea and Samaria. As the Samaritans are a mixed-race, this is a key transition that leads into…

Chapters 13 through 28 largely deal with the evangelization of the Gentiles as the message spreads to the uttermost parts of the earth.

2) The Transfer of Authority from Jew to Gentile:

This transition from predominantly a focus on the Jews to that of the Gentiles is clearly seen in the fact that the Apostle Peter (aka Simon), who is the “apostle to the circumcision” (as noted in Galatians 2:7), is mentioned over 60 times in Chapters 1-12. At the same time, Paul (aka Saul) is seen more than 20 times in those chapters, but he is always mentioned by his Jewish name Saul.



However, in chapters 13-28, Peter (Simon) is mentioned only twice. Both times are in Acts 15. In these same chapters, Paul (Saul), who is the “apostle to the Gentiles” (as noted in Romans 11:13, etc.), is mentioned over 130 times. The only time he is called by his Jewish name Saul in these chapters is when referring to accounts already mentioned in the first 12 chapters of the book.



To highlight these underlying patterns, between Peter and Paul which reveals the transfer of church authority from Jew to Gentile, a comparison of events that are detailed between Peter and Paul is provided by Luke –



Act of the Apostle/Chapter Act Occurs ** (see footnote)



1.Peter’s work began by the Holy Spirit (2)

1. Paul’s work began by the Holy Spirit (13)



2 Peter was thought to be drunk and & then explains himself (2)

2. Paul was thought to be mad and then explains himself (26)



3. Peter’s first sermon begins a new section of book (2)

3. Paul’s first sermon begins a new section of book (13)



4. Peter has a time of work, preaching, and then persecution (2-11)

4. Paul has a time of work, preaching, and then persecution (13-19)



5. Peter has trouble after healing a man lame from birth (3)

5. Paul has trouble after healing a man lame from birth (14)



6. Peter says, “Silver and gold have I none” (3)

6. Paul says, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold” (20)



7. Peter’s shadow heals (5)

7. Paul’s handkerchief heals (19)



8. Peter is arrested in the temple and taken to Sanhedrin (4, 5)

8. Paul is arrested in the temple and taken to Sanhedrin (21-23)



9. Peter confronts Simon the sorcerer (8)

9. Paul confronts Elymas the sorcerer (13)



10. Peter performs an exorcism (5)

10. Paul performs an exorcism (16)



11. Peter raises Tabitha from the dead (9)

11. Paul raises Eutychus from the dead (20)



12. Peter lays hands for the reception of Spirit (8)

12. Paul lays hands for the reception of Spirit (19)



13. Peter worshipped (10)

13. Paul worshipped (14)



14. Peter imprisoned with miraculous escape (12)

14. Paul imprisoned with miraculous escape (16)



15. Angel stood by Peter (12)

15. Angel stood by Paul (27)



16. Peter called by vision to preach in Caesarea (10)

16. Paul called by vision to preach in Macedonia (16)



17. Peter’s success brings Jewish jealousy (5)

17. Paul’s success brings Jewish jealousy (13)



18. Peter heals the bedridden Aeneas (9)

18. Paul heals the bedridden father of Publius (28)



19. Peter ordains deacons (6)

19. Paul ordains elders (14)



20. Peter is “filled with the Spirit” (4)

20. Paul is “filled with the Spirit” (13)



21. Peter is bound with two chains (12:6)

21. Paul is bound with two chains (21:33)



22. Peter (twice) the Apostle to the Jews

22. Paul (four times) the Apostle to the Gentiles



3) The Fulfillment of the Blessing of Noah:

In Genesis 9, a key to the entire redemptive scenario, from that time on, is given in Noah’s blessing upon his sons –



And he said:

“Blessed be the Lord,

The God of Shem,

And may Canaan be his servant.

27 May God enlarge Japheth,

And may he dwell in the tents of Shem;

And may Canaan be his servant.” Genesis 9:26-27



The primary blessing was given to Shem. It is he (his descendants) that would carry the spiritual blessing of the Lord from that time forward. However, a secondary blessing was laid upon Japheth saying, “And may he dwell in the tents of Shem.” Though cryptic, it reveals what would occur in the possession of this spiritual banner.



The “tents of Shem” speaks of Shem’s possession of this banner more than once. Japheth dwelling in those tents is a way of saying that he would also possess this banner at some point. It is evident from the structure of Acts that this spiritual banner transfers from Jerusalem to Rome, from Shem to Japheth, from Jew to Gentile (as expressed in the highlight of the apostles who ministered to these groups – Peter and Paul). All of the epistles are written to people groups descended from Japheth.



A key to this is found in the trade in which Paul was employed, a tentmaker (see Acts 18:3). It is a subtle note confirming the entire concept as he works with his hands, building up the “tent of Japheth.”



This tent will, according to the dispensational model, end at the rapture of the church – a doctrine revealed by Paul. From there, the spiritual banner will transfer back to Shem, meaning the Jews of the tribulation and following into the millennial reign of Christ. This pattern is then actually seen in the structure of the Bible itself as is seen next.



4) The Pivotal Placement of Acts:

The layout of the Bible forms innumerable patterns. One is seen in the order of how the books are placed, with Acts providing a key turning point anticipated by John’s gospel –



a. Tent of Shem:



Genesis – Malachi (Law)



Synoptic Gospels according to naming of Noah’s sons (OT Law Fulfillment)

* Matthew – Directed predominantly to Shem

* Mark – Directed predominantly to Ham

* Luke – Directed predominantly to Japheth



b. Mixture/Transition



John (mixture of OT Law and NT concepts/theology)



Acts – Transition / Jerusalem to Rome / Peter to Paul / Jew to Gentile / Shem to Japheth



c. Tent of Japheth (dwelling in, meaning between, tents of Shem)



Romans-Philemon – to Gentile-led church



d. Tent of Shem



Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter to Jews (Shem)



e. Mixture



John (mixture)



Jude (mixture, final letter of warning)



f. Summary from John’s time until the end



Revelation – 1:1 – 4:1 (church – Japheth)

4:2 – 19:21 (tribulation upon the whole world)

21 – (millennial reign and final battle – Shem)

22 – (restoration of all things good for all of mankind)



* In the sons of Noah, a secondary pattern is found in Acts as well. The three sons are mentioned together six times in the Old Testament (Genesis 5:32, 6:10, 7:13, 9:18, 10:1; and 1 Chronicles 1:4). In all instances, they are listed as Shem, Ham, and Japheth – regardless of their actual birth order. Significantly, this is the order in which the gospel is received by descendants of these three sons –



Sons of Shem – Acts 2 (the men of Israel)

Son of Ham – Acts 8:27 (the Ethiopian eunuch)

Sons of Japheth – Acts 10 (the house of Cornelius, the Italian)

5) Doctrinal Themes:



Historical – This reveals the development of Acts 1:8 (Jerusalem, Judea & Samaria, ends of the earth)

Spiritual – This reveals the transfer of the spiritual banner from Jew to Gentile

Apostolic – This reveals the united message, but distinct audience, of Peter and Paul

Political – This reveals the truth that Christianity a legitimate religion (Religio Licita) stemming from the Jewish faith

Prophetic – This reveals the fulfillment of Noah’s blessing in the stream of redemptive history



6) A Very Brief Outline:



The Book of Acts – Fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission







Book Superstructure/

Jewish-Gentile contrast



Book Structure/

Church Growth



Book Outline

Structure given by the Lord – v.8 1. The Ascension and awaiting the Promise.

Jewish witness with harvest. Witness in Jerusalem. 2. The Omer is counted, the time has come! The birth of the Church – Pentecost.

3. Apostolic signs of healing.

4. Organized opposition begins.

Jewish resistance. Witness to cities surrounding Jerusalem – v16. 5. The Spirit cleans house within; the Sanhedrin debates without.

6. Resolution of internal conflicts.

Jewish leadership rejection of the message. 7. Stephan’s trial and martyrdom.

Jewish active persecution of the church. Persecution resulting in witness to Judea and Samaria – v1. 8. Reception of the message by Samarians and proselytes.

Conversion of the Apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13) 9. Saul’s conversion.

First witness to the Gentiles. 10. Divine message to Cornelius and Peter – Gentile conversion.

Jewish believers confusion at Gentile acceptance. Witness spreading out rapidly. 11. The message spreads as far as Antioch where the term “Christian” is established.

12. The Apostle James is martyred; Peter is imprisoned and escapes; Herod dies.

Continued Jewish rejection – Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles (v.46) Official missions work established. 13. Saul and Barnabas set aside for missions.

14. Effective missions with great Jewish resistance.

Witness guidelines for Gentiles. 15. The council at Jerusalem.

Witness carried forth with full church sanction. 16. Encounters in Macedonia.

17. Encounters in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens (Paul at the Areopagus).

Book Superstructure Book Structure Book Outline

18. Encounters in Corinth, Ephesus, Antioch, Caesarea, Galatia, and Phrygia.

19. Church growth and uproar in Ephesus!

20. Paul’s encounters on the way to Jerusalem.

21. Paul’s arrival and arrest in Jerusalem.

Total Jewish rejection of Paul’s testimony to the Gentiles 22. Paul’s testimony before the people of Jerusalem.

23. Paul’s hectic path to Caesarea.

24. Paul’s trial before Felix.

25. Paul’s trial before Festus and King Agrippa.

26. Paul’s trial before Festus and King Agrippa (2).

27. Sailing to Rome; lost at sea; shipwrecked on Malta.

Salvation of God has gone to the Gentiles – and they will hear it! (v.28) Witness arrives in the Seat of Power – Rome. 28. Paul arrives in Rome.

**I did not discover most of these Peter/Paul patterns. Many came in a college course conducted by Dr. W. Gary Phillips of Southern Evangelical Seminary. Credit is to him, if discovered by him.



Lord God, thank You for allowing us to see wonderful treasures in Your word. They give us every confidence that it truly is from You, and it is revealing Your heart and mind to us. Yes, Lord God, thank You for Your precious word. Amen!







The Book of Acts; an Introduction

Charlie Garrett Acts, Acts (written), Daily Writing, Writings

Thursday, September 23rd, 2021





Thursday, 23 September 2021



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



The Book of Acts; an Introduction.



The book of Acts is comprised of 28 chapters of 1007 verses (as in the NKJV). Therefore, a daily evaluation of Acts, one verse per day, will take approximately 2.76 years to complete.



Explanation of the Title:

The name, Acts, is a shortened form of “The Acts of the Apostles.” That is often dismissed in favor of another title, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Though it is true that the Holy Spirit is behind the events occurring throughout the book, this is actually true throughout the entire body of Scripture.



The “Acts of the Apostles” is an acceptable title because it details exactly that. In particular, it details the acts of Peter and Paul as the church goes through a particular transition that will be noted below. It is these two that are the main focus of what occurs in the book. Thus, the title, “The Acts of the Apostles” is both pertinent and acceptable.



Author:

It is almost unanimously agreed upon that the book of Acts was written by Luke the physician and the author of the Gospel of Luke. Both Luke and Acts are addressed to a person named Theophilus –



“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:1-4



“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:1-3



There are other clues that Luke is, in fact, the author of Acts. The writing style, meaning structure and vocabulary, are noticeably similar. There are sections within Acts, known as the “we” sections, where Luke is with Paul and he writes in the first person – “We did this,” or “We went there.” When analyzed, it becomes clear that Luke is the only person who fits the identity of the author. For example, those referred to in the “we” sections in the third person can be excluded. Also, those known to have not traveled at such times can be excluded. In this, only Luke is the obvious author.



Also, there are topics common to both Luke and Acts. Luke details aspects of individuals that others would simply brush over. He has a particular interest in Gentiles. He refers to aspects of the resurrection appearances consistently in both books – specifically mentioning only the appearances related to Judea. Along with this, are details found only in gospel of Luke that are also repeated in Acts.



As Luke is a Gentile (see Colossians 4:11 and 4:14) with no noticeable role in the gospels or Acts, it becomes notable that so many early church commentaries and witnesses so heavily agreed upon him as the author. It is its own mark of agreement that he is, in fact, the true author. For these, and numerous other reasons that stand out, it is certain that Luke is the author of both the gospel that bears his name as well as the book of Acts.



Luke:

As this is the case, it is of value to understand who Luke is. The anti-Marcionite Prologue to the gospel that bears his name, and which is believed to date to around AD170, says –



“Luke was an Antiochian of Syria, a physician by profession. He was a disciple of the apostles and later accompanied Paul until his martyrdom. He served the Lord without distraction, having neither wife nor children, and at the age of eighty-four he fell asleep in Boeotia, full of the Holy Spirit. While there were already Gospels previously in existence, that according to Matthew written in Judaea, and that according to Mark in Italy, Luke, moved by the Holy Spirit, composed the whole of this Gospel in the parts about Achaia, showing in the Prologue this very thing, that others had been written before it, and that it was necessary to expound to the Gentile believers the accurate account of the dispensation, so that they should not be distracted by Jewish fables, nor be deceived by heretical and vain imaginations and thus err from the truth.”



Later, the same source states, “And afterwards the same Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles.”



Dating:

The detail of Luke’s writings makes the dating of Acts rather certain. If there were major events that occurred during the time of his writing, he would have included them. Such an event is found in Acts 18:2 with the expulsion of the Jews from Rome –



“And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.”



As such, the dating of Acts can be reasonably assigned to the period of AD62-64. The book ends with Paul being imprisoned in Rome. That was in AD62, and so it was written (or at least completed) after that. But there is no mention of Nero’s persecutions (AD64), the war between the Jews and Rome (AD66), nor – most poignantly – the destruction of Jerusalem/the temple in AD70. The lack of these evidences point, rather certainly, to around AD62-64.



Internal Structure:

There are innumerable patterns running through Acts that reveal a wisdom that goes beyond a careful human planner of such a book. Rather, these patterns demonstrate a higher wisdom that guided the hand of Luke, inspiring him to reveal a transition in the redemptive narrative prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures long before his time.



One main structure, however, which still fits that theme, is the transition of the church from predominantly Jewish to one which is predominantly Gentile –



The book begins in Jerusalem; it ends in Rome.

The book carefully details the acts of Peter (the Apostle to the Jews) from Chapter 1 until Chapter 12. After this, it carefully details the acts of Paul (the Apostle to the Gentiles) from Chapter 13 until Chapter 28.

The book is preceded by the gospels, detailing Christ’s life in fulfillment of the law given to Israel. The book is immediately followed by Paul’s epistles (beginning with Romans) which detail Christ’s work and how it is pertinent not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles.



The main thought of this transition from Acts 1 is found in these verses that anticipate the restoration of the kingdom to Israel –



“Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:6-8



The main thought of the transition from Acts 28 (the last chapter) is found in these verses that reveal the rejection of the message of Christ by the Jews, but its certain acceptance by the Gentile world –



“So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 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, 26 saying,

‘Go to this people and say:

“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;

And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

27 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.”’

28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” Acts 28:23-28



In the next introductory segment, several patterns found in Acts will be provided. Including them now would be too lengthy for a single commentary without a short division.



Main Themes/Purpose:

There are a multitude of themes running through the book of Acts. It is certain that Acts is given as a transitional book showing the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises that Gentiles would be included in God’s redemptive plans. This becomes evident early on (in Acts 8) where Samaritans were brought into the young church. It is expanded upon in the same chapter when an Ethiopian eunuch is also noted as being accepted. Still during Peter’s ministry, Gentiles of the house of Cornelius are accepted in Chapter 10. This not only continues, but it blossoms in the chapters where Paul becomes the main focus.



As such, a secondary theme, though not as obvious, is the rejection of the gospel by the Jews as a nation. This would lead to their exile and punishment set forth very clearly in the Old Testament.



In this, however, an interesting concept develops. Throughout Acts, the Jews consistently attempt to separate this new aspect of the faith from their authorized religion. In other words, only religions identified as Religio Licita, or “permitted religion,” were acknowledged by Rome and considered acceptable to be practiced in the empire. Judaism was considered Religio Licita.



Time and again, the Jews are seen to dismiss faith in Christ as an acceptable expression found under the umbrella of Judaism. And yet, each time this attempt is made, it is overturned by the Roman authorities, thus allowing the Christian faith to grow unimpeded in the empire. Further, it implicitly demonstrates that Christianity (meaning faith in Christ Jesus) is the logical, correct, and accepted outcome of the Scriptures held to by the Jewish nation.



There is also a historical theme running through the book. In Acts 1:8 (cited above), Jesus says that the faith was to be proclaimed “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This pattern, proclaimed by Jesus, is methodically and exactly followed in Acts. Exactly as stated by the Lord, the gospel goes forth beginning in Jerusalem, expanding to Judea and then Samaria, and then even throughout the Gentile areas of the Roman empire. The gospel continues spreading beyond these locations to this day.



There is an ecclesiastical purpose to the book as well. The edification of the church is certainly a determined purpose of Acts. It is further a book that demonstrates the effectiveness of the church in doing what it was commissioned to do because the Lord is directing it for His purposes and with a specific intent in mind. This is seen, at times, both implicitly and explicitly in the book. It is thus a reassurance to the church that the same Lord who began the church is even now surely working out His purposes within the church.



A Note Concerning Luke’s Writings:

Despite being a Gentile, Luke has been given the honor of penning more content in the New Testament than any other author. His writings (Luke and Acts) comprise approximately thirty percent of the New Testament, exceeding the writings of both John and Paul. Without his gospel, a full picture of the work of Christ in fulfillment of the law would be lacking. Without Acts, there would be a great deficiency in understanding the role of the church early on, and a void in our understanding of the importance of Paul’s writings.



Life application: With this all too brief summary of the book of Acts, and with more introductory comments to come – and before we begin to analyze the book’s content – a discussion of how to analyze, evaluate, and apply the book of Acts will be provided. Acts is a book that must be considered carefully. It is certain that almost all major theological errors within the church arise by a misapplication, or a misuse, of the book of Acts.



If the book is taken in its proper light, it is an invaluable tool for understanding what God is doing in the redemptive narrative in human history. If it is taken incorrectly, failed doctrine, and even heretical ideas, will arise (and consistently have arisen) within the church.



Let us consider the book of Acts in its proper light. In doing so, these errors in thinking and theology will be avoided.



Heavenly Father, how we thank You for Your precious word. Help us to consider it carefully, handle it with respect, and be filled with joy as we search out its treasures. May we find Your proper purpose and intent for us in it, and may we apply what we learn to our lives. Yes, may it be so to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

The Book of Acts; an Introduction – Part III

Saturday, September 25th, 2021


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



You can also read this commentary, with music, at this link on YouTube. (Click here to listen).



The Book of Acts; a Brief Guide on How to Interpret and Apply its Contents



Before beginning a detailed study of Acts, it should be noted that a vast majority of errors in proper doctrine within the church are found in ignoring the five main rules of sound biblical interpretation. They are –



Prescriptive. The verse or passage prescribes something.

Descriptive. The verse or passage merely describes what happens without establishing a precedent that is to be followed, obeyed, adhered to, and so on.

Context. This defines who is being spoken to, under what circumstances, under what covenant, under what dispensation, and so on.

Context. See above.

Context. See above.



In misapplying a verse as prescriptive or descriptive, a faulty view of what the Christian is to do will result. A prescriptive verse under one covenant is not necessarily prescriptive under another, such as –



“Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners.” Numbers 15:38



Obviously, we are not under the law of Moses, and we do not need to have tassels on our garments. This thinking is true within testaments when the author or speaker is referring to one covenant or another. In other words, Jesus’ words – when speaking to Israel in the synoptic gospels – do not necessarily apply to conduct within the church. This is because the context is:



He is speaking to Israel, not the church.

He is speaking under the Law of Moses (the Old Covenant), prior to the establishment of the New Covenant in His blood – which sets aside, annuls, and makes obsolete the Old Covenant (see Hebrews 7:18, 8:13, and 10:9). For example –



“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23, 24



&



“Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’” Mark 1:41-44



In the first example, under the New Covenant, there is no altar because there is not a temple to go to. Christ is the fulfillment of those things. In the second example, there is no priest (apart from our great High Priest, Jesus) to go to if cleansed, and there are no offerings to be made for such a cleansing. In both examples, Jesus was speaking to members of the Israelite society, under the law, prior to His fulfillment of the law.



These examples are obvious, but everything must be evaluated in this manner. In understanding these five principal rules of biblical interpretation, it must be noted that almost all doctrinal error within the Christian church stems from not properly following these basic rules. Inserting the synoptic gospels into one’s New Covenant theology will (not maybe) result in error –



“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36



“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6



There is no need for a believer in Christ to “pray always” that he “may be counted worthy” as Jesus said. Jesus was speaking to Israel about matters pertaining to Israel. In Christ, believers are accepted in the beloved, and are not appointed “to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9).



Understanding this, it must be noted that of all of the major doctrinal error found within the church, we can estimate that apart from the obvious error of improperly applying the synoptic gospels to one’s doctrine, 99.827635% (obviously this is intended as humor) of all major error can be avoided (or corrected) by properly applying the five basic rules mentioned above to the book of Acts.



The book of Acts is almost entirely a descriptive account of what occurred during the establishment of the church. Other than just a few verses, it prescribes pretty much nothing. And of that which is prescriptive at the time it was given to the church (such as the ruling of the council in Acts 15), even that is later explained, set aside, or expanded upon in the epistles. The things prescribed were often short-term expediencies that were given for guidance to the church until the epistles were written by the New Testament writers through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Luke merely documents these things.



Therefore, outside of a very small number of verses (such as Acts 1:7, 8) there is almost nothing that can be considered prescriptive for the church –



“Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:6-8



A good example of the misapplication of a passage, which has resulted in faulty doctrine or even heresy within the church (such as in the Church of Christ denomination) is found in Acts 2 –



“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’” Acts 2:38, 39



Peter was speaking solely to the men of Israel who had just crucified their Messiah. The baptism was mandated as an outward demonstration of their inward repentance. And the repentance (the word means “to change one’s mind”) was necessary because they had just crucified Jesus. Paul’s epistles (and even later verses in Acts) clearly set aside both of these things. Believers now receive the Spirit immediately upon belief in the work of Christ (see Ephesians 1:13, 14), and belief alone – even without repentance, based upon the circumstances – is all that is necessary for salvation (see the gospel as detailed in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).



The number of failed points of doctrine and even heresy that have resulted from a misunderstanding, or a misapplication, of the book of Acts is immense. If Acts is taken in its proper light, error within the Church of Christ, the charismatic/Pentecostal movement, the heresy of hyperdispensationalism, and so on would be eliminated in part or entirely.



Acts is obviously a key transitional book, coming after the gospels but prior to the doctrine-setting epistles. It is indispensable in what it contains, but it is also to be handled properly, evaluated carefully, and applied correctly. With this approach, the faithful Christian will be properly trained in how to continue along his path of growth and understanding of this precious gift we call the word of God.



If you are willing to commit to the next 1007 days, one day at a time, to reading each coming commentary, I will attempt to provide you with my very best effort to instruct you properly in this marvelous treasure we call the book of Acts. May you be blessed as you seek the Lord’s face, and as you pursue Him through this study – and indeed all of your studies in His sacred word.



Emlen S. “Charlie” Garrett



Life application: Take time to memorize these five principal rules of biblical understanding: Prescriptive, Descriptive, and Context, Context, Context.



Lord God, help us to pursue Your word properly. Help us to maintain the proper context, and to never misapply verses or precepts. It is our hope and great desire that we will be pleasing to You because we have rightly applied Your word to our walk in Your presence. Thank You for Your wonderful word, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:1

Sunday, September 26th, 2021


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



You can also read this commentary, with music, at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen).



The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Acts 1:1



To open the book of Acts, Luke immediately refers to his first work concerning the ministry of the Lord, saying, “The former account, I made.” The word translated as “former” (prótos) is literally “first,” and it should be translated as such. It was the beginning of his writings concerning the work of the Lord Jesus.



This is not being nitpicky. Rather, Luke is being precise because someone could – ostensibly – claim that another book, a forgery, was written by Luke to detail the interim years of Jesus’ life from His youth (see Luke 2:42) until the time He began His ministry (see Luke 3:23). There is another such false writing known as the “Infancy of the Gospel of Thomas.” Such a writing could not be ascribed to Luke because of Luke’s careful wording.



In stating that the gospel of Luke is his first such writing, it then sets the sequence from that point on. In the next verses, he will show that the ending of the gospel leads directly into this writing. As such, this is his second writing concerning what has occurred.



The word translated as “account” (logos) is literally “word.” It signifies the expression of a thought. It is a discourse. Various translations say “account,” “treatise,” “book,” “narrative,” and so on.



Next, the word “made” signifies “to do.” A good paraphrase, because of the content, would be “composed.” Luke wrote his gospel, and now he is composing another work to build upon what he previously put forth. And this is addressed as, “O Theophilus.”



The Greek word ó is used much as our “oh!” today. It is an expression of deep emotion. One can almost feel Luke’s intensity and sense the joy of his beginning this second composition as the blood pulses through him as he considers the enormity of all of the things he had come to know, and that he – at times – had personally participated in.



The name Theophilus is found only here and in Luke 1:3. It is a compound name, coming from theos (God) and philos (friendly). Thus, his name means “Friend of God.” In Luke 1:3, the honorific “most excellent” was affixed to the stating of his name –



“it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus.”



As such, he may have been a person of note or rank. Not including that title now may indicate that the two had become more intimate friends since the penning of the first letter. Or, it may simply be that having used the honorific in the first composition, and because this composition can be considered a continuation of what occurred, Luke didn’t feel the honorific was necessary again. With the recipient established, Luke explains what the first composition detailed, saying, “of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.”



The words “of all” do not necessarily mean “everything.” Rather, the Greek word can be used in a superlative sense, such as in Matthew 2:3. Or, it can simply refer to everything that Luke chose to include in his gospel narrative. This is obvious. Luke doesn’t record what Jesus ate for breakfast on any given day. Thus, this is referring to the works of the Lord that were pertinent to conveying the message intended by Luke to convince his reader that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah given by God.



The word translated as “began” can be either a historical statement which encompasses the words “to do and teach,” or it can be a note of ongoing activity. In other words, in Genesis 9:20, it says, “And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard.” It is a Hebraism where the statement encompasses everything about his actions in farming. Or, the words could be conveying the idea of “My first letter began the story of what Jesus said and did, and this letter continues those things.”



The first option may be correct, but it is also true that Acts is a continuation of the works of Jesus. He is spoken of directly in Chapter 1, and He appears at several key points in the book as well (such as in Acts 9:5). Of this word, Charles Ellicott states the following –



“The verb ‘begin’ is specially characteristic of St. Luke’s Gospel, in which it occurs not less than thirty-one times. Its occurrence at the beginning of the Acts is, accordingly, as far as it goes, an indication of identity of authorship. He sought his materials from those who had been ‘from the beginning’ eye-witnesses and ministers of the word (Luke 1:2).”



The word “do” signifies the acts accomplished by the Lord, such as healings, miracles, signs, and wonders. His actions demonstrated that He was appointed by God to do the works of God.



The word “teach” signifies those things that either corrected the people’s thinking about the law, or which established doctrines that needed to be set forth for the people to properly live before God. The word certainly also includes the giving of His parables to enlighten both the state of man in many ways (morally, for example) and in what would come upon Israel in the future (such as the parable of the ten minas as detailed in Luke 19:11-27).



A note concerning translations: It is the intent of this Acts commentary to teach what is right, correct that which is deficient, and to highlight that which is wrong. One error found in the church, and which has – unfortunately – turned into a cult, is that of King James Onlyism. When someone is in a cult, there is little chance of training them out of it.



However, others can be made aware of the cult, and they can be instructed on what is proper. This commentary will not highlight all of the errors in the KJV in relation to the book of Acts. If it did, the commentary would be many pages longer, and for little reason. But it is worth highlighting that the KJV has a knack of mistranslating the first sentence of many books in the Bible, such as Acts 1:1 –



The word “former” is the “first,” and it should be translated as such. (see Matthew 10:2). Also, the words “have I made” should be “I made.” Of this, Cambridge states, “The time is indefinite, and we have no warrant in the text for that closer union of the two books, in point of date, which is made by the language of the A. V.”



So common is this, that their translation of the first sentence of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, is in error –



The KJV translates ha’shemayim (literally, the heavens) in the singular (the heaven). They then translate the exact same phrase in the plural in Genesis 2:1, 2:4, etc. There is an annoying lack of consistency in this. This is not a great way to start a Bible translation, with such an obvious error, and it does not bode well for the reader who desires to know what is being conveyed in the original texts.



Although these are minor deficiencies, the KJV is – literally – riddled with error. If you would like to read an ongoing list of errors in this translation, please go to the Superior Word website, then go to WRITINGS, and there will be a list of them there. This is updated from time to time. Enough said of that. Just be sure to read many translations to get a better sense of what is being said.



Life application: In the book of Acts, Luke will put forth one of the most detailed writings found in the entire Bible. It is a beautiful follow up to the gospel that bears his name, and it is important that the book be studied carefully, contemplated intensely, and not rushed through. It is a foundational book to understanding what God has done in order to continue the redemptive narrative of man, as it transitions from the time of the law to the age of the church.



Let us slowly and methodically pursue each detail. It has been given by God to us, and therefore we should be willing to spend the time necessary to say we have done our best to understand what He is conveying to us. To His glory!



Lord God, help us to be methodical, patient, and studious in our pursuit of Your word. Give us the time and desire to do so, and may we not cut corners in our search of it. Your word is a reflection of who You are, and so let us tend to it with that in mind. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:2

Monday, September 27th, 2021


until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, Acts 1:2


The Greek of these words allows for various translations. Note the connection to the Holy Spirit in these –



until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen (NKJV)



Until the day in which he was taken up, after he had commanded the Apostles whom he had chosen by The Spirit of Holiness, Aramaic Bible (also CEV)



Another option is that he was “taken up” through (or by) the Holy Spirit.



The most natural and obvious translation is connecting the Holy Spirit to the giving of the commandments by Jesus. Also, the word translated as “He was taken up” is actually at the end of the verse. A literal reading would be, “until the day, having given orders to the apostles by Spirit Holy, whom He had chosen, He was taken up.”



With these things stated, the words can be more thoroughly evaluated. The previous verse noted that Jesus both began to do and to teach “until the day in which He was taken up.” The words anticipate what is coming in verse 1:8. In other words, there is a period between His resurrection and ascension that formed the basis of the words of verse 1. This period will be seen in the next verse to be forty days. For now, the words next state, “after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments.”



The word “after” is inferred by the translators and is tied to the words “had given commandments.” That can be seen in the literal translation (above). The single word translated as “having given orders” is an aorist participle. The giving of the commandment through the Holy Spirit occurred and then He was taken up.



The purpose of what is being said is that everything about Christ’s ministry was directed by the spirit of God. He was filled with the Spirit (see Luke 4:1). The Spirit was involved in raising Christ (Romans 8:11), and after His being raised, then He gave commandments through the Holy Spirit. Thus, everything about the process is at the sanction of God. Of the work of the Holy Spirit, Albert Barnes more fully states the situation –



“It was to be his office to carry forward the work of redemption in applying it to the hearts of people. Whatever was done, therefore, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, was to be regarded as under the unique influence and direction of the Holy Spirit. Even the instructions of Jesus and his commission to the apostles, were to be regarded as coming within the department of the sacred Spirit, or within the province of his unique work. The instructions were given by divine authority, by infallible guidance, and as a part of the work which the Holy Spirit was sent down to accomplish. Under the direction and guidance of that Spirit the apostles were to go forth; by his aid they were to preach the gospel, to organize the church, to establish its order and its doctrines; and hence, the entire work was declared to be by his direction.”



With this understood, the verse finishes the thought of Christ giving the commandments (through the Holy Spirit) “to the apostles whom He had chosen.” The process of establishing the church and its guidelines for functioning was to be initiated by these men who were to receive the Promise of the Father (Luke 24:48), meaning the coming of the Holy Spirit upon them.



This immediately sets the stage for understanding everything that will occur from this point on. It is the Holy Spirit that will be the One who directs the process. He is also the One who inspired Luke to record these things (see 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:21). As such, this should clue the reader into several key doctrines that will be expanded upon later in Acts.



1) There is one church that goes through a developmental and transitional process that is guided by the Holy Spirit.

2) There is one gospel that will be conveyed to this church body as conveyed by these apostles.

There is a united purpose in the apostles, even if their audience is specifically designated (meaning to the Jew and to the Gentile – see Galatians 2:8).

3) The New Covenant forms the basis of everything that occurs from this point on.



a) There is one, and only one, New Covenant in Christ’s blood that is applied to both Jew and Gentile (see Luke 22:20 as conveyed to these same apostles by Jesus, and 1 Corinthians 11:25 as conveyed by Paul to the Gentile church in Corinth).

b) This New Covenant is specifically given to “the house of Israel” and “the house of Judah” (see Jeremiah 31:31). Clearly demonstrating that the church has not replaced Israel.

c) The church is a single, unified body of Jew and Gentile with the exact same gospel to both. Gentiles are simply grafted into this body (see Romans 11:16-25), sharing in the one commonwealth of Israel (see Ephesians 2:11-13).



Understanding these points, we can be aware – in advance – of several insidious teachings within the church. This includes false teachings such as Hebrew Roots, Hyperdispensationalism, and so forth. They are heretical and must be vehemently argued against.



There is one, and only one gospel that is given to one, and only one, body. The question of national Israel, their eventual restoration, and the rule of Christ during the millennial reign, along with all of the associated promises made to them, is not unrelated, but it is separate and distinct from what is occurring in the church at this time.



Life application: Understanding the intent and purpose of the book of Acts, in relation to everything else that is going on in redemptive history, is necessary to form a full picture of what God is doing in the world.



To separate the church into two separate entities, as hyperdispensationalism does; to reinsert the law (in part or in whole) into the New Covenant, as the Hebrew Roots movement does; or to say that the church has replaced Israel as replacement theology claims, blemishes the intent of what God is doing in the world.



Depending on the teaching, it can doctrinally destroy the effective working of Jesus Christ on behalf of all people. It can incorrectly apply other covenant promises made by God to the people of Israel. It attempts to diminish the efficacy of the shed blood of Christ, marring or destroying the marvel of what God has done through His perfect life, sacrificial death in fulfillment of the law, and His resurrection.



Let us carefully pay attention to what Acts reveals. In doing so, we will avoid these false teachings, and we will be able to hold fast to the wonder of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.



Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful and precious word that leads us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. May we carefully and faithfully present the gospel of Christ to those who so desperately need to hear it. And may we conduct our lives in holiness all of our days. To Your glory, O God! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:3

Tuesday, September 28th, 2021




to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3



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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



The words now, speaking of Christ Jesus, begin by referring back to “the apostles whom He had chosen” of the previous verse. These words say, “to whom He also presented Himself.” The word translated as “presented” is a compound verb coming from a word signifying “close beside” and another meaning “to stand.” It was used in Luke 1:9, for example, when speaking of Gabriel “who stands” in the presence of God.



In other words, this wasn’t a vision. It wasn’t just that they saw Jesus afar off. It wasn’t that someone said, “I saw Jesus hovering above me.” Rather, He was physically there before the apostles. This destroys the Jehovah’s Witnesses argument that Jesus was resurrected as a “spirit being.” It is a false and heretical teaching.



And more, He “presented Himself alive.” Christ Jesus died on the cross. This was clearly witnessed by those who stood and watched the event. His body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. The tomb was closed. The tomb was sealed. The tomb was guarded. But Christ rose –



“He is risen!” Mark 16:6



It was in this resurrected state of Christ that He presented Himself to the apostles. This is the foundational truth upon which all of Christianity stands or falls. The physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is what allows the faith to continue from generation to generation in a state of hope that cannot be extinguished. If the story is not true, or if it is not believed, there would be no hope of glory for the people of God. Hence, there would be no “people of God.”



However, Christ rose and was seen alive “after His suffering.” There was no mix-up in the timing of events. There was no misremembering of the chronology of what occurred. Christ ministered to the people of Israel. On a particular night, He shared a meal with His apostles. He spoke of His suffering to come and of the initiation of a New Covenant in His blood. He went with them to the Mount of Olives and withdrew from them to pray.



At this time, He truly began His suffering as Luke carefully records –



“And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:44



It was there He was arrested and taken through a long night/morning of abuse. Eventually, He was tried and sentenced to be crucified. In His crucifixion, He died. Upon His death, He was placed in the tomb. The chronology of events was carefully detailed. After all of these events concerning His suffering, He presented Himself alive “by many infallible proofs.”



The word translated as “infallible proofs” is found only here in Scripture, tekmérion. It signifies a marker, as in a signpost. Thus, it is something that marks itself off as unmistakable or irrefutable.



Ruckman goes into great lengths to argue that there is some type of plot to undermine the truth of the resurrection by changing the translation from “irrefutable proofs” to things like “proofs,” “convincing proofs,” and so on. He does this by citing the Douay-Rheims Version of 1582 that uses the words “many arguments.” Thus, supposedly demonstrating that this was an intentional manipulation to deny the truth of the “infallible proofs.”



The ridiculous nature of this argument is seen in that earlier English Bibles, like the Wycliffe and Tyndale versions, used the word “tokens.” The first Bible to use “irrefutable proofs” is the Geneva Bible that comes after (not before) the 1582 Douay-Rheims. Ruckman then says, “Plato, Aristotle, and Lysias used it for a convincing, sure, certain, demonstrative proof.”



In this, Ruckman uses one of the very words he just argued against, convincing, in his attempt to diminish the work of other translators. This type of niggling over minutiae is a distraction from the overall intent of the words which is clearly that Jesus was “seen by them.” Everything about the surrounding context clearly demonstrates that Jesus was resurrected in a bodily form. This is a huge problem within the church, arguing for single translations that one is familiar with or “agrees with more,” when the point of what is said is clearly expressed in the larger context of the passage.



Concerning Jesus in this passage, in His presentation of Himself, there could be no doubt that it was Him. He was able to remind them of His own words telling them what would occur. He was able to demonstrate from their own prophetic writings that the things they saw would happen and that He would then enter into His glory. He was able to talk to them about intimate details of their time together that no deceiver could know.



The evidence was certain, convincing, infallible, and it was irrefutable. Luke’s research of the events left him with no doubt as to the veracity of their claims. They saw Christ Jesus die in the most brutal manner possible, and then they saw Him alive again. But more, Luke records that He was “being seen by them during forty days.”



The Greek reads “through forty days.” This is the only time this interval of time is recorded, but it is an important point to make. It wasn’t just that these men saw Christ, or rather “thought they saw Christ” in a mass hallucination, once or twice during a gathering to mourn Him.



Rather, they saw Him over forty days in various locations and in various ways. The “infallible proofs” continued to heap up as He interacted with them. There are more than a dozen times that the Lord is recorded to have appeared. Each interaction brought more surety to the truth that He was victorious over death. During those appearances through this forty-day period, Luke notes that He was “speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”



The idea here is that a plan that had already been developed was now revealed to them. However, His words left them with still unanswered questions about how things would be in various aspects. This is certain, based on the coming words of verse 1:6. Christ spoke of the kingdom of God, which was to be built on who He is, what He did, and what it meant for the people of the world. The apostles, although obviously understanding this to some extent, still misunderstood aspects of what would occur as well.



Of this kingdom of God, the apostles, including Paul, who would only later be included in its development, is referred to throughout Acts and the epistles. The same “kingdom of God” is spoken of by Peter, such as in 2 Peter 1, and by Paul, such as in Ephesians 5:5. In Acts, Philip preached of it in Acts 8:12, and Peter and John confirmed it later in the chapter. Paul, likewise, refers to it again and again in Acts.



Understanding this, there is one – and only one – kingdom of God that is variously referred to by these men. This kingdom is based solely on the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the focus of what occurs, and it is something that even the Old Testament Scriptures testified to. It is expressed to both Jew and Gentile, and it is based on the single gospel message that was preached by both Peter and Paul (as well as all of the apostles – see 1 Corinthians 15:11) –



“So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.” Acts 28:23, 24



&



“‘Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!’ 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” Acts 28:28-31



Life application: The commentaries set forth in this study of the book of Acts will warn you from time to time of the heresy of hyperdispensationalism. It is an insidious teaching that divides the kingdom of God into two separate entities that are based on two separate gospels – one to the Jew and one to the Gentile. It destroys the typology of the Old Testament for the Gentile believers by saying those things only apply to Jewish thinking. It removes the church from the blessings, admonitions, and warnings of the book of Revelation – spoken by Jesus Christ to the people of the world.



Be wise and understanding concerning the state of Israel. The Jews must come to saving faith in Jesus Christ individually in order to be saved. However, God still has a plan for national Israel that is based on His covenant promises to them as a people. Salvation of national Israel is something that will occur after the church age, and it is something that will occur when the same prophetic words of the Old Testament that refer to Christ, and that were spoken of by Paul to the Gentiles in Acts 28 (above), will be accepted by the nation of Israel collectively.



In keeping the categories straight, heresies such as this will be understood for what they are, and they will be avoided.



Lord God, how good it is to know that our hope in Christ Jesus is grounded in the certainty of those who beheld Him after His resurrection. We don’t need to fret if this was just a single mass hallucination of a group of demented people. Rather, it is a well-documented set of events that happened at various times and in various places, and which included a great number of first-hand witnesses. Thank You for the surety we possess as we continue in the faith we profess. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:4

Wednesday, September 29th, 2021




And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; Acts 1:4



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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



Luke just noted that Christ presented Himself alive to the apostles through a forty-day period, “speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” The idea of a kingdom is that of a particular place and/or group ruled by a king. There is nothing stated in Scripture to negate the same term applying to more than one thing at the same time.



For example, Paul speaks of the kingdom of God (as noted in the previous verse) in Acts. And yet, this was during a time when Rome ruled, where kings and kingdoms were in place and where Christians were subject to those earthly rulers, such as Herod in the land of Israel. The fact that there are various meanings to the word “kingdom” will become important in just a few verses. For now, Christ Jesus has spoken of the kingdom of God. That is now immediately followed by the words of verse 1:4, beginning with, “And being assembled together with them.”



Some translations say, “And eating together.” This is based on a variant spelling of the word. In one spelling, it signifies to “crowd,” or “throng.” In the other, it signifies “salt” (hence, eating salt, or dining together). Either translation is possible, because Luke’s words follow after those of his gospel. In Luke 24:43, it says that Jesus “ate in their presence.” In that same encounter, it then says –



“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49



Only after that does He lead them out to Bethany. As the accounts state the same events, but without specificity, either word (assembled or ate) is possible. With that analyzed, it next says, “He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem.” This is perfectly in accord with the words of Luke 24:49. They were in Jerusalem, He appeared to them and spoke to them, and so on.



However, it is true that Matthew and John record Jesus as meeting with the disciples in Galilee. Therefore, various events occurred somewhere in between the events Luke records. Luke’s gospel, and these beginning verses of Acts, are directed to particular events leading from the resurrection to the ascension. This is their focus, and no contradiction between his words and those of the other gospels can be inferred.



The words to not depart from Jerusalem, then, are referring to the time after His ascension, not after the resurrection (as might be inferred from the end of the gospel narrative). As such, what is being stated now by Jesus is at the end of the forty-day period. In this, Luke continues by saying, “but to wait for the Promise of the Father.”



The word translated as “wait” is found only here in the Bible. It signifies to “remain all around.” It is a way of saying that they are to stay despite any obstacles that may be involved. In other words, there may be business back at home that needs to be attended to. Whatever would normally keep them from remaining was to be secondary to staying and waiting for what was promised to come.



Also, the word translated as “Promise” is defined by Vincent’s Word Studies as “Signifying a free promise, given without solicitation. This is the invariable sense of the word throughout the New Testament, and this and its kindred and compound words are the only words for promise in the New Testament.” Further, Walter Kaiser says of this word, “Almost every NT use of the word promise (epaggelia) points back to the OT.” It is a legal term that speaks of a promise which is officially sanctioned. This is the Promise, “‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me.’”



This is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit as is repeatedly spoken of in John 14, 15, and 16. However, this may also be the words of the Promise recorded in Luke 24:49 (cited above) which occurred just after the resurrection. He may be restating that now, just prior to the ascension. Hence, the timeline should not be called into question when placed along with the events recorded in the other gospels.



Life application: Though there are difficulties in forming an exact timeline of the events recorded in the gospels and now in Acts, none of the accounts contradicts any other. Rather, inferences have to be made. But this is the same with any such record when various eyewitnesses are brought together.



Each gives his own perspective, and a chronology is then developed based on that. In the case of Luke’s words, it is possible, and even likely, that Jesus said the Promise was coming soon after His resurrection, and then He said it again, just prior to His ascension – reminding the disciples that they were to remain in Jerusalem.



The matter ahead was of such importance that they were not to be pulled away for any lesser reason. And Jesus has promised to return again for His church. We are not to be pulled away from our hope for any reason. Let us remain vigilant and not get our attention sidetracked by the things of this world. But let us hold fast to this great hope that we possess.



This thought is repeated again and again by Paul, by the author of Hebrews (probably Paul), and by Jesus. HOLD FAST! Good things are in store for those who do so.



Lord God, Your word asks us to hold fast to the name of Christ, to the things that we have been given in Christ, to our hope in Him, to the doctrine that has been laid before us in Your word, to our confession of faith, and so on. Help us to be responsible with the wonderful treasure we have been blessed with – the hope of glory. May we hold fast to it always. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:5

Thursday, September 30th, 2021


for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 1:5


The words now complete the thought of the previous verse where Jesus spoke to the apostles concerning “the Promise of the Father.” He had already told them of the Promise to come on several occasions. Two such times are found in John 14 –



“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16, 17



“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26



References to the coming, indwelling, and work of the Spirit are also found in John 16 and 17. In these descriptions, the Spirit’s role is more fully understood, but Jesus next explains that the Spirit’s coming is an antitype that was anticipated in typology previously set forth, saying, “for John truly baptized with water.”



To understand what Jesus is referring to, a few verses from the gospels should be considered –



“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11



“I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire’” Luke 3:16



“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.” 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’

32 And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’” John 1:29-34



John’s baptism was one in water and of repentance. But more, his ministry was one directing the people to Another who was to come (see Acts 19:4). His typological baptism anticipated the baptism of the Holy Spirit. John baptized the people, immersing them in water, based on repentance. In contrast, Jesus (see above, “He will baptize you”) baptizes the people into the “Holy Spirit and fire” based upon belief in His accomplished work.



The “water” of John’s baptism was an outward washing of the body. It was a ritual purification intended to demonstrate an inward change in the person. The “fire” of Jesus’ baptism is an internal purification of the soul. Fire in this case is not literal fire, but what fire symbolizes, meaning purification. Peter refers to this internal purification in 1 Peter 3 –



“There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.” 1 Peter 3:21, 22



The promised baptism that John spoke of is now repeated by Jesus. This is “the Promise of the Father” referred to in verse 1:4. He next explicitly states this, saying, “but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”



Just as John immersed the people in the waters of Israel, turning them again to the Law of Moses (his words “unto repentance” signify a change in mind), so Christ would immerse the people in the Holy Spirit of God, based on their acceptance of His completed work under (and in fulfillment of) that same Law of Moses. The Spirit is to be given to those who accept that He has accomplished all things, died in fulfillment of them (thereby establishing the New Covenant in His blood), and was raised again – thus confirming the validity and doctrine of the New Covenant.



This coming of the Holy Spirit was to be God’s stamp of approval concerning the work of Christ, His evidence of it, to the people of Israel. With that understood, Jesus next says that it will be “not many days from now.”



No set time is given. The apostles only knew that they were to wait in Jerusalem. Having already seen Christ’s fulfillment of the Feast of Passover (Leviticus 23:5), and the Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9-14), if they were attentive, they could have logically guessed that this Promise would be coming in just a few more days. Whether they deduced this or not is unstated, but certainly when the time came, they would understand the event as the fulfillment of the typology set forth in the law. That will be seen in Acts 2.



Life application: There is a very poor doctrine set forth concerning baptism based on the heresy of hyperdispensationalism. This says that believers today do not need to perform water baptism, but that was only intended for Israel. Though it is true that John’s baptism was in water and a baptism of repentance, this does not negate the requirement for water baptism for believers under the New Covenant. In fact, it is after the establishment of the New Covenant that Christ mandates water baptism for believers –



“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20



Jesus says nothing of repentance there. He gives this not as a part of the salvation process, but as an ordinance to those who have believed already. They have been baptized into the Holy Spirit. As such, the ordinance is an outward display of the inward change that has taken place. It is a public acknowledgment of the act of God upon the believer. Though none of the accounts in Acts are prescriptive, time and again, those who believe the gospel in the book of Acts – Jew and Gentile – are baptized in accord with the word of the Lord stated in Matthew. The precedent is given to highlight the precept. And the precept is a command of the risen Christ.



The same people who deny that baptism is expected of believers will faithfully proclaim that believers are to take the Lord’s Supper. That was an ordinance also commanded by the Lord, even before He was crucified and rose. It, like baptism, is a public acknowledgement concerning what the Lord has already accomplished as well as an anticipation of His return someday.



It is the epitome of confused theology to say that the Lord’s Supper is an expected ordinance of the Lord, but that water baptism is not. The antisemitic undertones of saying that one ordinance applies to the church and the other only applies to Jews are evident. But more, it destroys the purpose and intent of the Lord’s words that are directed to “all the nations.”



Followers of the Lord Jesus do not baptize others into the Holy Spirit. Only Christ immerses His believers in the Holy Spirit. Followers of Christ (well, faithful followers of Christ) baptize converts into the typology of what Christ has accomplished. Such baptism is not only for the believer, but it is also for those who see the rite and understand the commitment to Christ. The twisting of Scripture by this heretical ideology is to be rejected and spoken against.



Glorious God, how good it is to share in the wonder and marvel of what Christ Jesus has done for us. Not only are we freed from the stain of sin upon our souls, but we are also given the absolute guarantee that it is so through the sealing of Your Holy Spirit when we have faith in what He has done. We have moved from death to life, even life eternal! Hallelujah and Amen!

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:6

Friday, October 1st, 2021


Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6



The verse now folds into what was said in the previous two verses. In verse 1:4, it said, “And being assembled together.” After that, they were given instruction by the Lord. Now, it reiterates that they had been assembled. However, this doesn’t negate that they were assembled in one place, and then they came together in another.



In other words, verse 1:4 may be the same event recorded in Luke 24:49, and this verse now is their assembling on the Mount of Olives many days later, or verse 1:4 could be a repeat of the thought of Luke 24:49 many days later, and the words now are recorded at that same time. Either way, no damage is done to the chronology.



The Promise was made, events occurred over the next many days, and now forty days later (after the resurrection – Luke 1:3), the Lord gives his final words to His disciples. In this context, the words begin with, “Therefore, when they had come together.”



This is the final gathering on the Mount of Olives (see 1:9). The disciples don’t yet know this, but this location is chosen in anticipation of the fulfillment of a prophecy from Scripture that will be explained when verse 1:11 is evaluated. For now, it next says, “they asked Him.”



The verb is in the imperfect tense. It thus indicates a repetition of the question, urging Him for an answer. As such, it is like an interrogation – “they were asking Him” (repeatedly). This was a topic of much importance to them as they were “saying, Lord, ‘will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’”



One can see John asking, “Lord are we going to kick the Romans out of the land?” The next asks, “Where is Your palace going to be?” A third might have asked, “Lord, can I choose the area I will supervise. I really love the area around Galilee.” In other words, the questions are all stemming from a particular perspective – that of the promised messianic kingdom age.



This would have been the hope of every Jew who held to the veracity of their Scriptures. They literally drip with such promises, such as –



“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days

That the mountain of the Lord’s house

Shall be established on the top of the mountains,

And shall be exalted above the hills;

And all nations shall flow to it.

3 Many people shall come and say,

“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

To the house of the God of Jacob;

He will teach us His ways,

And we shall walk in His paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

4 He shall judge between the nations,

And rebuke many people;

They shall beat their swords into plowshares,

And their spears into pruning hooks;

Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

Neither shall they learn war anymore.” Isaiah 2:1-4



So certain is this particular prophecy that it is carefully repeated in Malachi 4:1-4. Understanding that this is a literal, earthly rule, and understanding that Jesus appears to confirm it here and elsewhere (such as Matthew 19:28 and in several of His parables), this was what was most pressing on the minds of the disciples.



It is this idea, that of a literal rule on earth known as the “kingdom age,” that causes a great deal of confusion among scholars. Many deny the literal nature of the prophecies, saying that when the Jews rejected Christ, the kingdom was transferred to the church and the church has replaced Israel.



That view, known as replacement theology, is not heretical, but it is dismissive of a literal interpretation of Old Testament passages, it denies a literal reading of the “thousand years” referred to six times in Revelation 20, and it disregards the establishment and fulfillment of the covenants with the fathers (meaning both that made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and that made to the people brought out of Egypt and given covenantal promises at Mount Sinai) in the books of Moses.



Others find this kingdom to be one designated for the Jews, and therefore there must be two gospels (one to the Jew through Peter and one to the Gentiles through Paul). This is a heretical view known as hyperdispensationalism. It takes the words of the New Testament authors and epistles and it divides them up in such a manner that only the words of Paul are accepted as a valid presentation of doctrine and practice to the church today. It dismisses the words of Revelation 1-3, saying they belong solely to Israel of the future, and it rejects the words of Jesus which are prescriptive for the church concerning baptism and evangelism.



There are innumerable other incorrect ideas concerning the status and future of Israel that have been presented. Some are simply poor doctrine, some are heretical. One must carefully pay heed to what is stated in the Old Testament in order to form a proper understanding of what the future of Israel will be.



Life application: The “kingdom” spoken of in Acts 1:6 is not always the same kingdom referred to by the apostles in the epistles. Further, in Acts 8, Philip preaches “the things concerning the kingdom of God.” This kingdom of God is then validated and approved of by Peter and John who went to Samaria in response to Philip’s preaching. This same kingdom is then referred to in Acts 14:22; 19:8; 20:25; and 28:23 & 28:31 when it is proclaimed by Paul and those with him.



The “kingdom of God” refers to a right relationship with God because of the final, full, and finished work of Jesus Christ. It applies to Jew and Gentile. This is obvious, because Paul first proclaims it to the Jews in every location he goes, such as in Acts 28:23 noted above, and then he proclaims it to the Gentiles immediately afterward.



The “kingdom” of Israel is the fulfillment of the “kingdom age” promises made to Israel for possession of and security within the land of Israel, and of ruling by the Lord over the nations from that land. In dismissing the latter (replacement theology), or incorrectly mixing the two (hyperdispensationalism), a faulty view of the redemptive narrative is arrived at.



Be careful what you absorb into your doctrine, or you are bound to wind up as confused as the countless souls who have accepted such views. Your walk with the Lord will be harmed, and your understanding of other core doctrines (such as eternal security, the covenant-keeping nature of the Lord, the eternal nature of God’s decrees, and so on) are all tied up in what you believe about the literal nature of the kingdom promises to Israel, and how they relate to the overall “kingdom of God” that proclaims a right restoration with God because of the work of Jesus Christ.



Lord God, how wonderful it is to know of Your faithfulness to Your covenantal promises to Israel. If You were to not fulfill them, then how could we trust You with our souls in the New Covenant that was established through the blood of Christ. But You are faithful to that unfaithful nation, and we know that You will always be faithful to us, even when we fail You. Praise You forever, O God! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:7

Saturday, October 2nd, 2021


And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. Acts 1:7



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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible,” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



The question pressed upon Christ Jesus by the apostles has been submitted, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” The answer He will give to that question is telling. Of all of the answers He could have given, the answer is direct in one way, but indirect in another. It is direct enough that the reader should not make particular errors concerning it, but it is indirect enough to allow for the future to remain completely open to the timing of the event to occur.



Luke records, “And He said to them.” It is the word of the Lord to His disciples concerning their pressing question. As such, it is an answer sufficient to fully express to them what they need to know, which is, “It is not for you to know.”



If the restoration of the kingdom, of which they had asked about, was not ever going to come, then He would have said something like, “You have misunderstood Scripture. There will be no kingdom restored to Israel.” Or, He may have said, “The kingdom that you are anticipating is now to be fulfilled spiritually by the church.” He didn’t hint at any such notion.



The reason for this is obvious. He had already told them, just a short time before, that Israel had a long difficult road ahead of her –



“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:20-24



The disciples failed to understand what would occur in the days ahead concerning their people and their nation. This is what Luke will detail in the chapters and verses ahead. The lack of a direct answer concerning this matter clearly indicates that a kingdom will be restored to Israel, but that the event would not come “at this time” as they had anticipated. In this, Replacement Theology fails.



With this understood, Jesus continues with His answer. It was not for the disciples (meaning any that follow after them as well) to know “times or seasons.” Jesus carefully leaves off definite articles, stating the words in an indefinite manner. The Greek words are –



chronos – this expresses time in sequence (think of a chronometer or the idea of chronology). It is a succession of moments that occur as the stream of time. In reference to God, it is that time that has been allocated by Him for events (such as a person’s life, or the time of Israel’s punishment) to occur.



kairos – it is a word coming from kara, or “head,” that speaks of things “coming to a head.” As such, it is a designated time, a favorable moment, a particular time, and so on. For example, in the harvest cycle, there is a time for the harvest to come. Thus, it is a season in which that occurs.



Jesus tells the apostles that such things are not for them to know. Paul uses the same words, with the articles, in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 –



“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.”



Paul had just described the rapture at the end of 1 Thessalonians 4. He then went on to detail the Day of the Lord, of which the coming of “the man of sin” would also be revealed (as he details in 2 Thessalonians 2). It is these events that Paul specifically refers to as “the times and the seasons,” noting that they would come as a “thief in the night.” As such, it means that no one will know when they will occur and that believers are always to be ready for them.



As Jesus said this, and as Paul repeats it concerning both the rapture and the Day of the Lord, anyone who claims that he knows the timing of these events is to be ignored. Predictive Rapture Theology fails.



Rather, these “times and seasons” are those “which the Father has put in His own authority.” Of the words te idia, or “the His own,” Vincent’s Word Studies states –



“Stronger than the simple possessive pronoun. The adjective means private, personal. Often used adverbially in the phrase κατ’ ἰδίαν, apart, privately.”



In other words, God has a timeline that is set, and we are not privy to it – either in the chronological sense or in the event occurrence sense. They personally belong to Him. Jesus has spoken this. As such, it is thus an inviolable truth. Paul has repeated it concerning the rapture, the Day of the Lord, and the revealing of the antichrist. As such, we are to leave those matters to God and not attempt to interfere in them or “outsmart” Him.



Life application: Core doctrinal truths are confirmed or are revealed in this one verse. Israel as a nation is not through as far as God’s redemptive purposes are concerned. That is clearly and unambiguously stated elsewhere, but it is confirmed by Jesus’ response. As such, the church has not replaced Israel. This is clearly seen later, such as in Paul’s words of Romans 9-11.



Further, the Lord has purposefully told His disciples (and thus us who follow in succession to them in church history) that the events of life and of redemptive history belong to God the Father. As such, we are to leave those things in God’s hands and accept His will concerning them.



What is implied now, but which will be stated explicitly in the coming verse, is that there is a job to be done and we are to get out and do it. Therefore, let us do it to the glory of the Lord who has so commissioned us.



Lord God, help us to be careful as we anxiously await the events to come that have been revealed in Your word. Christ Jesus has told us that the timing of those events belongs to You alone. Therefore, may we accept this truth and not get misled by those who claim to have secret insights into what You have kept private. Instead, may we be about Your business, working to bring others the good news of Your gospel. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:8

Sunday, October 3rd, 2021


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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible,” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8



Jesus just told the disciples that it was not their business to know “times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” He now explains what immediately matters, and it isn’t speculating on the day of the rapture (a doctrine not yet revealed to the church as is indicated in 1 Corinthians 15:51) or the time when the kingdom promised in the prophets would come about.



Rather, these disciples had a job to perform. In this task, they would be both directed and assisted, as Jesus notes saying, “But you shall receive power.” The Greek word is dunamis. It carries various meanings including might, ability, efficacy, deeds of power, and so on.



In this case, it is a received power granting the disciples the ability to perform what is necessary to accomplish the task set before them. It is the basis of our modern word dynamite, though the meaning is obviously different in that case. Jesus next notes this power will be received “when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”



This is the same Spirit that rested upon the Lord in His ministry –



“Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.” Luke 4:14, 15



It is the same power referred to as being available to the saints in Rome –



“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13



This power of the Holy Spirit is referred to again and again throughout the New Testament. It is what ultimately directs those who are working in accord with the will of the Spirit to meet the charge of Jesus that He has given to His church, which is stated with the words, “and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”



As noted in the introduction to Acts, this is a purpose of the book of Acts. It is to detail the fulfillment of this command of the Lord as set forth in these words. Hence, it also forms one of the main structures of the book. The disciples are, in fact, recorded as following this pattern exactingly.



First is the recorded witness in Jerusalem –



“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.’” Acts 2:14



Next, the word went out into Judea –



“At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. … Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:1 and Acts 8:4



This is immediately followed up in Acts 8:5 –



“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.”



And then, the beginning of the final portion of the fulfillment of Christ’s words is recorded in Acts 13 –



“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:

“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:46-47



The words of Acts 1:8 are quite similar in content to those spoken by Christ just after the resurrection, even if the structure varies –



But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8



“Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.’” Luke 24:46-49



The consistency of Luke’s recording of Jesus’ words demonstrates careful attention to the detail He spoke forth. Christ spoke of what His resurrection meant to the world, and then He reminded those who heard Him again before He departed. In essence, “You have been told the significance of what I have done. Now, you are to take that knowledge and share it with the world.”



Life application: The words of Jesus in this verse, accompanied by their fulfillment as noted above in the book of Acts (to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the world), once again reveal the false nature of the doctrine of hyperdispensationalism. The same unified message, being empowered by the Holy Spirit, is carried out by the Lord’s command in the manner He set forth.



However, that one message was set forth by both Peter and Paul. They are not speaking a different gospel, nor is one speaking of an earthly kingdom while the other is referring to a heavenly one. Instead, it is one message being proclaimed by two people – one better qualified to speak to his own countrymen while the other is better qualified to speak to the Gentiles.



In dividing up the gospel of Jesus Christ, a heretical view of what is commanded by Jesus, and a heretical doctrine pitting Jews against Gentiles arises. Be careful when listening to teachers to determine if they are doing this. If they are, it is best to find someone else to listen to. Otherwise, you are bound to quickly lose proper footing in your understanding of what God is doing in redemptive history.



Glorious God Almighty! You have set forth Your plan of redemption, You have outlined how it will come about, and You are – even to this day – leading people by the power of Your Holy Spirit to bring it to completion. Lord God, if You can use me, failing as I am, be pleased to do so. You are greater than all of my faults. So, use me Lord, according to Your wisdom. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:9

Monday, October 4th, 2021




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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible,” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:9



With His instruction and commission to His apostles stated in the previous words, Luke next says, “Now when He had spoken these things.” Luke makes a point of repeating that Jesus had spoken the words of the previous verses –



1:4 – remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Promise of the Father

1:5 – you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit

1:6 – questioned by the apostles concerning the restoration of the kingdom to Israel

1:7 – it is not for you to know the times and the seasons reserved by the Father

1:8 – you shall receive power and you shall be witnesses to Me



The Holy Spirit (the Promise of the Father) would be given. Despite this, with the giving of the Spirit, we do not have a direct connection to all of the infinite knowledge of God. Certain things are withheld at the Father’s prerogative. However, the Holy Spirit will endow the Lord’s people with everything needed to accomplish His purposes, with the main point being to witness to the Person of Jesus Christ.



While focusing on these details of primary importance (even if the Lord spoke with them for an hour about a hundred other subjects), Luke next says, “while they watched.”



In his gospel, Luke notes the following at this time –



“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke 24:50-53



The Lord spoke to the apostles (and any others who may have accompanied them), He blessed them, and then “while they watched, He was taken up.” It is of note that none of the apostles “watched” as Jesus was resurrected. The fact that He appeared to them was sufficient evidence that the resurrection had occurred. The four gospels then relay the events surrounding that event in various ways, each highlighting certain aspects of it.



It is also of note that only Luke especially highlights the timing and events surrounding this ascension. Mark’s gospel simply refers to it as if it were commonly known –



“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:19, 20



After the ascension, it was and written about by the apostles at various times and in various ways. A couple of them are –



“This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” Acts 2:32, 33



“God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16



The fact that the ascension is simply referred to as an actual occurrence, without any notable highlight apart from Luke’s words, adds a level of credibility that would otherwise not exist. The event happened, it was documented, and then it is taken as an axiom that it occurred.



The taking up of Christ is of the highest importance. Charles Ellicott gives his thoughts on possibilities that may have arisen if Christ did not ascend –



“We may add that there was something like a moral necessity, assuming the Resurrection as a fact, for such a conclusion to our Lord’s work on earth. Two other alternatives may, perhaps, be just imagined as possible: He might, like Lazarus, have lived out His restored life to its appointed term, and then died the common death of all men; but in that case where would have been the victory over death, and the witness that He was the Son of Man? He might have lived on an endless life on earth; but in this case, being such as He was, conflict, persecution, and suffering would have come again and again at every stage, and in each instance a miracle would have been needed to save the suffering from passing on to death, or many deaths must have been followed by many resurrections.”



Ellicott’s thoughts are well stated and what Peter says to Israel in Acts 3 explains Ellicott’s final point quite well –



“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:19-21



The redemptive narrative must take its course. There is no need to endlessly speculate on what it would be like if Christ remained, although there is no harm in doing so. God saw the ascension as an integral part of what is necessary for His plans to come about, and so Christ was taken up.



In this, sin is allowed to run its course. Faith, rather than sight, is an essential part of the reception of the gospel. The kingdom promised to Israel is not denied them, but it is withheld until they (as a nation) receive Jesus as their Messiah. And so on. But importantly, Christ gave a personal reason for His going away –



“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7



In order for one thing to occur, another must take place. What is promised to come upon the believers cannot happen until Christ ascends. Hence, the ascension of the Lord to the Right hand of God is a fundamental part of the workings of the Triune God. While the Holy Spirit is accomplishing His role at this time, Christ is in heaven performing His many roles before the Father – mediation, advocacy, and so on. With these things considered, the verse finishes with, “and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”



The symbolism goes back to the Old Testament where the Lord is repeatedly said to dwell in a cloud, or even to be taken up in a cloud –



“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:34-38



“The Lord reigns;

Let the earth rejoice;

Let the multitude of isles be glad!

2 Clouds and darkness surround Him;

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:1, 2



The ascension of Christ was bodily, and it was visible. At some point, He was taken into the clouds, and He was no longer seen by those who beheld this. But it was another confirmation to them that Jesus is, in fact, the Lord (Yehovah) incarnate. As Paul said to Timothy (see above), He was “Received up in glory.”



Life application: The Lord’s words to the apostles before He was taken up were His final instructions of what was to be known and also accomplished by them. The same instructions applied to Paul as they applied to those who stood watching. And from there, the same message is now carried on by those who have their testimony. There is one Lord and one gospel that is to be carried to the world. There is one church in which this is to occur, despite the countless denominations that divide that church.



The content of Acts, the epistles that are set forth after Acts, and the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation confirm this. The Lord ascended and during the time until He returns, we have a commission to perform. Let us be about the Lord’s business, conveying this message that cannot be believed unless it is first conveyed –



“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10:14, 15



Heavenly Father, thank You for the surety we possess in Christ. We have the written testimony of who He is and what He did. The eyewitnesses who recorded those things provide us with the certainty we need to live by faith and not by sight. But, Lord, when our faith is challenged, help us through such times. Help us in our weakness and be with us as we wait for the glory to come. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:10

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021




And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, Acts 1:10



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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible,” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



The previous verse saw the Lord ascend in the sight of the apostles until He was received out of their sight. With that, Luke now says, “And while they looked steadfastly.”



The verb is a present participle, saying, “And as they were looking intently.” Luke is bringing his reader into what was going on at the time, revealing what was happening while they were watching the Lord ascend. It is the same verb, in the same tense, that was used by Luke in Luke 4:20 –



“And having folded the roll, having given it back to the officer, he sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing on him.” (YLT)



Those with Jesus were literally captivated by the sight before them. The Lord who they had seen crucified and dead, but who then was alive again, is now ascending before their very eyes. So incredible is the sight that their eyes are literally fixed on Him to the exclusion of everything else. They are focused on the Lord Jesus, but their eyes are “toward heaven.” The Greek reads, “into the heaven.”



It isn’t just that they saw Him walking higher up the Mount of Olives, ascending to a higher point so that He could preach to them. Rather, He is ascending – bodily – above them. It is in this incredible motion into heaven that they continued to gaze “as He went up.”



Here again, it is a present participle. It should say something like, “in His going,” or “while He was going.” They are intently gazing into heaven while He is ascending. The words of Luke are active and alive as he describes things as they were occurring. And there is a point to the structure which is revealed in the next words. It is while this was actively occurring that, “behold, two men stood by them.”



The verb now is pluperfect, indicative – “behold, two men were standing by them.” The obvious meaning of Luke’s words is that these guys didn’t just come with the apostles, but there was an appearance of them that occurred while Jesus was ascending. It is as if an exchange took place without their realizing it.



The speculation on whether these are men or angels goes on and on. Luke, being precise, states “two men.” There is no reason to go beyond that. The point is that they are now accompanied by these two who were obviously sent by the Lord.



The appearance of two men with the Lord is seen again and again in Scripture. Two men were with the Lord when He appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:2. Two men were with Him when He was seen in Daniel 12:5. Two men (Moses and Elijah) were with the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration. Two men were at the tomb after the Lord’s resurrection in Luke 24:4.



Such appearances give added weight that the same Lord (Yehovah) of the Old Testament is the risen Lord (Jesus) of the New. This appears to be the point of Luke’s meticulous description of what is happening. Of these two men, he then notes they were “in white apparel.”



The idea here is that of purity as well as righteousness (being free from sin). The metaphor is explained, for example, in Revelation –



“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments.” Revelation 3:4



&



“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.” Revelation 3:18



Life application: Hints of the deity of Christ are found throughout the New Testament. Some are so obvious that it is inexcusable to deny the matter. And yet, the words of Scripture are twisted to do just this. Cults, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, go to great lengths to deny this fundamental truth.



Be careful to check what you hear, and to hold fast to what the word is conveying. Jesus Christ is the Lord God. Any doctrine or teacher that denies this is to be rejected –



“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:9-11



Lord God, what You have presented in Scripture leaves absolutely no doubt that Jesus Christ is God. You have entered into the stream of humanity in order to redeem us back to Yourself. Help us to carefully contemplate, and to never deny, this fundamental truth as it is revealed in Your word. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:11

Wednesday, October 6th, 2021




who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11



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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible,” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



In the previous verse, two men were noted as standing by the apostles when Christ ascended into heaven. With that said, Luke next reveals their words to the apostles, beginning with, “who also said.”



It is as if it took their speaking to the apostles for them to even be noticed. The apostles were so intently looking up that they failed to see the coming of these two men. In their address, they say, “Men of Galilee.”



Luke makes a point of documenting where they were from, here and again in Acts 2 –



“And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?’” Acts 2:5-7



He notes the same again in Acts 13 –



“He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers.” Acts 13:31, 32



It appears that Luke is intentionally noting their origin to remind the reader of the prophecy of Isaiah 9 –



“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,

As when at first He lightly esteemed

The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

And afterward more heavily oppressed her,

By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,

In Galilee of the Gentiles.

2 The people who walked in darkness

Have seen a great light;

Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,

Upon them a light has shined.” Isaiah 9:1, 2



As such, Luke is making the implication that Jesus is, in fact, the fulfillment of this prophecy. It is Galilee where this great light shined, and those who were from there are now those commissioned with spreading this good news. It is to them that the two men with them now state, “why do you stand gazing up into heaven?”



Like the questions proposed to those at the empty tomb (see Luke 24:5) and later by the Lord (Luke 24:38), the words are intended to redirect the minds of the hearers. It is as if they are saying, “Don’t you understand? These things had to take place. It is all there, right in the Scriptures. Each thing that occurs is according to God’s set plan and purpose.”



Of the possible things that could have been on the minds of the apostles, Albert Barnes provides three valid suggestions –



————————–



(1) In the feeling of disappointment, as if he would not restore the kingdom to Israel.



(2) Possibly they were expecting that he would again soon appear, though he had often foretold them that he would ascend to heaven.



(3) There might have been an impropriety in their earnest desire for the mere bodily presence of the Lord Jesus when it was more important that he should be in heaven. We may see here also that it is our duty not to stand in idleness, and to gaze even toward heaven. We, as well as the apostles, have a great work to do, and we should actively engage in it without delay.



————————–



For these and/or for other reasons, their question is intended to get the apostles to think everything through in accord with the word. As such, they next state, “This same Jesus.”



The words are given to highlight the name, and thus the Person. “We have something to tell you that you should have already deduced, and it concerns this same Jesus whom you saw crucified, buried, and risen again. It is this same Jesus also that you just saw ascend… ‘who was taken up from you into heaven.’”



Again, one can only speculate on the exact intent, but it rightly seems to be, “You have seen this human being do things that no human being has ever done before. But more, you have seen that it was prophesied of before it occurred. The things that happened to Him were at the set times and by the appointment of God who said it would come about. The One you have been witnessing accomplish these things, and who has now ascended into heaven,… ‘will so come in like manner.’”



In other words, there are yet to be fulfilled prophesies. “To the word! Remember the word! It has all been spoken of before! And they will be fulfilled by THIS SAME JESUS!”



It seems this is the unstated intent of their words. They are proclaiming that Jesus is the fulfillment of not only everything that has occurred, but all that will occur as well. His departure is not the end of the thing, but a planned part of it. As such, they can now put things together.



Christ rose into heaven, and so He will come again from heaven. A cloud received Him out of their sight, and so He will come again on the cloud. He ascended from the Mount of Olives, and so He will return again to that spot. “You are asking about the kingdom being restored to Israel? Look at what Daniel and Zechariah have already said” –



“I was watching in the night visions,

And behold, One like the Son of Man,

Coming with the clouds of heaven!

He came to the Ancient of Days,

And they brought Him near before Him.

14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,

That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion,

Which shall not pass away,

And His kingdom the one

Which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13, 14



“Behold, the day of the Lord is coming,

And your spoil will be divided in your midst.

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;

The city shall be taken,

The houses rifled,

And the women ravished.

Half of the city shall go into captivity,

But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

3 Then the Lord will go forth

And fight against those nations,

As He fights in the day of battle.

4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,

Which faces Jerusalem on the east.

And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,

From east to west,

Making a very large valley;

Half of the mountain shall move toward the north

And half of it toward the south.

5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley,

For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal.

Yes, you shall flee

As you fled from the earthquake

In the days of Uzziah king of Judah.

Thus the Lord my God will come,

And all the saints with You.

6 It shall come to pass in that day

That there will be no light;

The lights will diminish.

7 It shall be one day

Which is known to the Lord—

Neither day nor night.

But at evening time it shall happen

That it will be light.

8 And in that day it shall be

That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem,

Half of them toward the eastern sea

And half of them toward the western sea;

In both summer and winter it shall occur.

9 And the Lord shall be King over all the earth.

In that day it shall be—

‘The Lord is one,’

And His name one.” Zechariah 14:1-9



This is what the two men are telling the apostles. This same Jesus who ascended out of their sight, who did not directly answer their question about a kingdom for Israel, didn’t have to give them an answer. The Scriptures have already given it. Jesus never said, “You have misunderstood the Scriptures.” Rather, the rebuke of these two men is that the apostles should have faith in the Scriptures. Just as He has ascended, so shall He come again, just “as you saw Him go into heaven.”



The words of Scripture have been written. They are faithful and reliable. God’s people simply need to study them, remember them, and have faith in them. Those who deny a literal millennial reign of Christ from Jerusalem have not done this. Epic fail.



The words have already been confirmed by Jesus Himself –



“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:29-31 (see also Matthew 26:64 and Revelation 1:7).



Life application: If you cannot trust a literal reading of the Old Testament verses cited above, then there is no reason to trust anything else the Bible says. The two men standing on the Mount of Olives with the apostles not only confirm that Jesus will fulfill these verses, literally, but that He is also the Lord (Yehovah) of those same Scriptures.



Go back and read Zechariah 14:3, 4 cited above. It is as clear as the purest crystal that this is what they are indicating. Those who deny the deity of Jesus Christ will not be saved because they have called on a false Christ through a false gospel. Epic Fail. Don’t be an epic failure. Instead, believe the word, call out to God through Christ, and be reconciled to Him forever. God has done it all, and He has done it through JESUS!



Lord God, the wonder and marvel of Your word is beyond comprehension. We have a sure and great hope that can never be taken from us because Your word tells us of Jesus, Your coming in human flesh. Nothing can take away our joy, and our hope in Him is secure. Thank You for Your word that reveals these truths to us. Amen!

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:12

Thursday, October 7th, 2021


Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. Acts 1:12



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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible,” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



The two men who appeared with the apostles just relayed the news of Christ’s promised return. With that complete, nothing more is said of them. It simply states, “Then they returned to Jerusalem.”



In Luke 24, it says the following –



“Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke 24:51-53



The words, “And they worshiped Him,” appear to have occurred after His ascension. It may be that the confirming words of the two men that Jesus Christ is, in fact, the Lord (see previous commentary), resulted in a time of prayer and praise to God. If so, it is after this time of worship that they proceeded to head back to Jerusalem “from the mount called Olivet.”



The word translated as “Olivet” is found only here in the Bible, Elaión. It is derived from elaia, meaning “an olive tree.” It is the area where an orchard of olive trees was located. The mountain ridge is one that is separated from Jerusalem by the Kidron Valley. Of this walk from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, Luke specifically says that it is “a Sabbath day’s journey.”



There are two possibilities for the inclusion of this statement. The first is that it is a general term used to describe the distance if it were a Sabbath, even if it was not a Sabbath. In other words, even if this was not a Saturday (Sabbath), it is the distance that would be considered allowable to walk on a Sabbath. This maximum distance is two thousand cubits as is based on Joshua 3:4. It is about three-quarters of a mile. Luke is careful to give specific distances elsewhere, such as in Luke 24:13.



The other possibility is that this was, in fact, a Sabbath. As such, Luke is noting that the distance they walked was not a violation of the Sabbath laws. This would then mean that they had gone to the mount on Friday, and walked back Friday evening, the start of the Sabbath (or even Saturday morning after a night of worship and sleep). This would then be in accord with statements recorded by Luke, such as –



“And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.” Luke 23:55, 56



Without being dogmatic, it would appear that Luke is stating this distance because it was a Sabbath. If so, then the traditional dating for the ascension is incorrect. The church places it ten days prior to Pentecost. Acts 1:3 says that Christ was seen “during forty days.” The Greek reads “through forty days.” As such, instead of a Thursday ascension, it very well could be a Friday (or Friday evening) ascension. Thus, Luke is now specifying that with the term “a Sabbath day’s journey.”



If so, then the ascension of Christ until Pentecost is eight days. The reason this is possible is because of typology. Christ would then be seen to have completed all of His work and then entered into His rest on (or just at the coming of) the Sabbath. The importance of this for believers is explained in Hebrews 4 –



“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in My wrath,

‘They shall not enter My rest,’”

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.”

6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,

Do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:1-10



Believers enter into Christ’s rest through faith in what He has done. As He is the Lord God, the typology would be appropriate.



Life application: The term “a Sabbath day’s journey” prescribes nothing. Remember the five principal rules of proper biblical interpretation – Descriptive, Prescriptive, Context, Context, Context. Luke is describing what occurred, and quite possibly on the day it occurred. Luke is neither arguing for either a Sabbath observance nor is he stipulating that one can only walk so far on a Sabbath Day.



Rather, he was (possibly) stating that the recorded event occurred on a Sabbath, and this is his way of noting that fact. Today in Israel people observe the Sabbath. It is a fact that prescribes nothing for those who know they do.



Several times later in Acts, it will be noted that Paul went into the synagogues and preached on the Sabbath. This does not mean that Paul is prescribing Sabbath observance. Instead, it is describing to us what Paul did because the Jews (who had not come to Christ and who were being evangelized by Paul) were, in fact, Sabbath observers.



This is a problem with the Hebrew Roots Movement, Judaizers, etc. They take such descriptive passages in the book of Acts, and they treat them as prescriptive. This leads to a faulty hermeneutic. Such a doctrine places believers back under the Law of Moses. As such, it is heresy.



Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (see Romans 10:4). Don’t be misdirected by such people. Read Acts with the understanding that it is a historical recording of events. Nothing is prescribed by Luke’s inclusion of the words of Acts 1:12. Hold fast to Christ alone and you will be in the sweet spot.



Lord God, how good it is to know that Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf. In knowing this, we have every reason to rejoice in Him and what He has done. We are freed from the impossible yoke placed upon Israel through His full, final, and forever satisfaction of the law. Thank you, O God, for Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:13

Friday, October 8th, 2021


And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. Acts 1:13



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



You can also read today’s verse and commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern The Bible,” at this link on YouTube. (Click Here to listen)



The words now are dependent on what was said in the previous verse. The apostles returned to Jerusalem. Upon their return, Luke next says, “And when they had entered.” This is referring to Jerusalem the city. It is upon entering it that, “they went up into the upper room.”



The KJV incorrectly states “an upper room.” The use of the article defines this as a room set aside for them that they specifically used in order to meet. The Greek word is huperóon. It signifies the upper part of the house. This word is only found in Acts where it is used four times – Acts 1:13, 9:37, 9:39, 20:8. From the uses, it can be determined that such a room was set aside for gatherings. They may be for meetings, parties, funerals, and so on.



In Luke 24, it says –



“And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke 24:52, 53



Because of this, some take this as being an upper room of the temple. It is then assumed that this is where the events of Acts 2:1 take place –



“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”



This connection is not necessary. The wording of Luke 24:53 simply means that they went to the temple to worship often, not that they were living there. What occurs in Acts 2 is certainly at the temple though. There is a place where they met as a group, and the temple is where they went to worship. The two are probably distinct thoughts.



It is in this room “where they were staying.” Again, the older KJV incorrectly says “where abode.” Rather, it is a present participle. They were staying there, and they continued to do so now that they had returned.



At the time of Luke, this room would have been known, and anyone who wanted to check his writing for accuracy could easily have followed his narrative to determine if his words were plausible or invented. With this carefully noted by Luke, he next presents the names of those who need to be highlighted. The list is the same as that given in Luke 16:14-16, except the order is changed for a few of the names. Also, Judas Iscariot is obviously not with the apostles in Acts, having come to a gruesome end. His demise was recorded in Matthew 27:5. Luke will give a secondary description of the end of Judas in Acts 1:18.



For now, here are those listed by Luke who gathered in the upper room –



“Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.”



This is how they are listed in Luke and then again in Acts –



Luke 16:14-16 – Acts 1:13 –



Simon, whom He also named Peter Peter

Andrew his brother James

James John

John Andrew

Philip Philip

Bartholomew Thomas

Matthew Bartholomew

Thomas Matthew

James the son of Alphaeus James the son of Alphaeus

Simon called the Zealot Simon the Zealot

Judas the son of James Judas the son of James

Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor



Life application: If you are going to take the book of Acts in a prescriptive manner, then churches would be meeting in upper rooms. The words here describe what occurred. They prescribe nothing. Remember this, because when we get to verses that are used by some to set church doctrine from the book of Acts, you must ask, “What is the difference between this verse and the verse about meeting in an upper room?”



Be sure to think such things through and not rush ahead in setting doctrine based merely on what the text is saying. Is it only describing something? Is it prescribing something? Acts is presenting a historical account of what occurred. For the most part, it is not intended to establish church doctrine. Keep reminding yourself of this as you continue.



Lord God Almighty, You have set Your word down as a guide to us. At times, it tells us of future events. At times, it tells us of historical events. And at times, it sets forth doctrine for us to walk in accord with what is set forth. Help us to maintain the proper context so that we rightly divide the words set forth before us. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:14

Saturday, October 9th, 2021




These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1:14



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



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



With the naming of those who were in the upper room of the meeting place complete, Luke continues that thought showing that more people accompanied them, but the highlight is upon those mentioned. It is they, in particular, who are noted as apostles in verse 1:2.



The word “apostle” (Greek: apostolos), signifies a messenger or one sent on a mission. It is the sender of the apostle, then, by whom the apostle is known. If an emperor sent out an apostle, he would be an apostle of the emperor. It is the men named in the previous verse that are considered the apostles of Jesus in its strictest sense. They were personally commissioned by Him.



As this is so, it is inappropriate to use the term “apostle of Jesus” today. There was no commission because the Lord did not personally send that individual. The reason for stating this now is that others may have been on the Mount of Olives with Jesus and the apostles, but it is the apostles who were highlighted upon their return to the upper room. Now, in that same thought, others are mentioned separately, indicating that they were not so commissioned by the Lord.



With this understood, Luke begins this verse with, “These all.” It is referring to the apostles just named. The highlight is on them, and it is they who are set to continue this message as designated apostles. They have a particular task to perform, and that will continue to be highlighted as the narrative progresses. It is they who “continued with one accord.”



The word used is a new one to Scripture, homothumadon. It means “with one mind,” “unanimously,” “with one accord,” and so on. It is a compound word derived from homo (same) and thumos, signifying “passion.” Thus, there is a uniting in purpose. It can be in intent, in wrath, and so on. A fuller study of this word will be included below to make a point about the early church. In the case of these apostles, their united passion was “in prayer and supplication.”



The two Greek words are similar in meaning. Some texts only say, “in prayer.” The main point is that these men were united in intent and purpose in the prayers they set forth, probably praying for wisdom, understanding, and the ability to convey this new message properly. Along with this, there must have been an almost unlimited number of prayers for eyes to be opened concerning Christ to the people.



For such a small group, without their leader physically present, it must have seemed a daunting task. But they had been given the assurance by Jesus that He would not leave them alone He would send the Holy Spirit. Their prayers must have included many words concerning this as well. Next, Luke notes that they were also “with the women.”



These are the women who had accompanied Jesus and who were most highly noted in the gospels by Luke. One of several examples is found in Luke 8 –



“Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.” Luke 8:1-3



Only after noting them does Luke next include the words, “and Mary the mother of Jesus.” The inclusion of Jesus’ mother is to demonstrate that she was not neglected by the apostles, even if she had nothing to offer them as the other women did. Although the Gospel of John is written much later, the knowledge that Jesus had appointed His beloved apostle to care for her was already known –



“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ 27 Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” John 19:26, 27



The inclusion of Mary in this list is to show that she had been cared for accordingly. This is the last of the few times she is mentioned in Scripture. There is nothing said of note concerning her that would excuse the Roman Catholic teachings and idolatry of her. There is no allowance for prayers to or through her, there is no idolizing of her authorized, and so on. Scripture does not mention the doctrine of Immaculate Conception, and it in fact argues against it. It also does not speak of her “perpetual virginity,” but also clearly argues against it. There is no note of her assumption as well. These are heretical teachings set forth with the sole intent of diminishing the role of Jesus Christ.



Luke completes the thought with, “and with His brothers.” This is certainly included for several reasons. The first is that they came to understand that Jesus is, in fact, the sinless Son of God and the Messiah, something they were previously skeptical about. Further, being listed after the apostles, it shows that they were not considered as such. And thirdly, James (the Lord’s brother) will eventually be the leader of the church as is inferred from the words of Acts 15:13.



As such, it shows that being an apostle has its own purpose, but it does not necessarily confer authority or preeminence in all areas. As such, the idea of “apostolic authority” which is supposedly claimed by various denominations, is another incorrect and inappropriate doctrine. It abuses the intended meaning of the word “apostle,” and it claims an authority that cannot be inferred from Scripture.



As can be seen, this one verse – when considered rightly with other parts of Scripture – refutes a couple points of bad doctrine or even heresy.



Life application: As noted above, the word homothumadon will be looked at a little more closely. These are all of the uses of the word in Scripture –



“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” Acts 1:14



“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,” Acts 2:46



“So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: ‘Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,’” Acts 4:24



“And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.” Acts 5:12



“Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;” Acts 7:57



“And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” Acts 8:6



“Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.”Acts 12:20



“it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,” Acts 15:25



“When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat,” Acts 18:12



“So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions.” Acts 19:29



“that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus” Christ. Romans 15:6



A great deal can be learned from the careful placement of this word at the various points in Acts. But only a short evaluation will be made. First, the word is used eleven times total with ten being in Acts. The first seven uses are in the “Peter” chapters of Acts 1-12. One use (Acts 8:6) is among the Samaritans, a people who had their own Pentateuch and are more of an offshoot of what is going on in the religion of the Jews than anything else.



Of the two uses in the “Paul” chapters of Acts (Acts 13-28) the eighth use is in the Council of Jerusalem as led by the Jews. The ninth and final use is seen in the Gentiles coming against the believers of the church.



The eleventh and final use of the word is by Paul, writing to the Romans (and thus by extension to the entire Gentile-led church) to be of one mind in glorifying “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”



With only this minimal evaluation of this word, it is plainly evident that unlike the early Jewish-led church, the gentile churches agree on very little. The reason for this is quite apparent. There is a complete breakdown in theology within the church. There is a lack of applying proper context, there is a mixing of dispensations, there is a failure to understand what is prescriptive and what is descriptive for doctrine and practice.



The early church had one body of Scripture that they were well versed in. The early Gentiles had the same body of Scripture, but they were not well versed in it. Therefore, they were easily swayed by external pressures. A perfect example of this is found in the book of Galatians. There was a failure to recognize false teachings, false teachers, and heretical ideas.



To this day, that continues. And the entire reason it does is BECAUSE WE FAIL TO HEED THE WORD. When the word is ignored, diminished, added to (see the Roman Catholic heresies mentioned above), and so on, we can never be in one accord. It is the word of God, in its proper context, that is to be held to and properly evaluated. May it be so in our lives, to the glory of God who has so ordained it. In such a state, the “with one accord” mentioned above will be realized, and there will be harmony among believers –



“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

3 It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—

Life forevermore.” Psalm 133



Lord God, help us to rightly divide Your precious word, and then to present it in this manner so that all believers will be built up into one body that has Jesus Christ properly placed in His glorious position before You and before us! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:15

Sunday, October 10th, 2021


And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, Acts 1:15



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



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



It was just noted that all of the apostles, and those who joined them, were in one accord. Understanding there is a lack in the apostleship, it now says, “And in those days.” This defines the period between the ascension and the time when the Promise of the Father would come. It is during this interval that “Peter stood up.”



This is a general way of saying that someone is presenting himself to do something, be it speak, read, or so on. A couple of examples from Luke will show this –



“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah.” Luke 4:16, 17



“And behold, a certain Lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’” Luke 10:25



In this posture of presenting himself, it next says, “in the midst of the disciples.” Some translations say “brethren” instead of “disciples.” Either way, the words “in the midst” are a way of saying that all attention is directed at him and that he is now the center of focus in the narrative. With that stated by Luke, he then – as he so often does – makes a careful recording of those gathered, saying, “altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty.”



There are a variety of ways of translating this –



the company of persons

number of names

multitude of persons

multitude of the names

etc.



It seems unlikely that the word “number” would be used to identify a group just about to be numbered, so “multitude” may be better. The word “name” is used at times to refer to individuals, and so “persons” is also an acceptable translation. The major point is that Luke is being specific in the number, regardless as to whether he is being specific about the individual identification of each person.



It is in this large gathering that Peter will address an issue that he believes needs to be resolved. This is indicated by the words, “and said.” What will be said is to be found in the coming verse.



Life application: The early church started slowly, and it was a small body of believers. But their faith in what they had seen was unshakeable. The bonds of their fellowship were also strong because they had a united purpose based on their faith.



Eventually, disputes and troubles will arise in the book of Acts. However, some of them will be resolved while others have no indication of that being the case. If things don’t work out on an earthly level between people, the main thing is to still be determined in the set goal of promoting faith in Christ and fellowship among one another.



It is rather easy to cut oneself off from the body because of being hurt, but this solves nothing. If a personal disagreement can’t be resolved, it should not be allowed to destroy all other aspects of one’s walk with the Lord. Hold fast to Jesus above all else, and let everything else take second stage to that. In this, everything will find its proper place.



Heavenly Father, we have troubles, and we have trials, even within the church. This can’t be helped at times. But help us to stand strong in our faith despite these things. May our focus be on You and on what You have done through Jesus. If we can do that, then everything else will work out as it should. Help us to keep this perspective. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:16

Monday, October 11th, 2021




“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; Acts 1:16



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



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



In the previous verse, Peter stood to speak. His words now commence with, “Men and brethren.” It is a single address in the Greek signifying “brother-men.” Simply saying “brothers” would get the point across in our modern speech. In this, he is addressing those with him in a personal, friendly manner. With the tone set, he then says, “this Scripture had to be fulfilled.”



Understanding that there was no New Testament at the time, the only thing the people had to rely on for their knowledge of the workings of God in Christ was the Hebrew Scriptures, now our Old Testament. What Peter is referring to has two parts to it. The first is that of Judas’ betrayal, something he will not cite, but which had already been cited by Jesus in John 13 –



“I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.” John 13:18, 19



Jesus’ words are a quote from the 41st Psalm –



“Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,

Who ate my bread,

Has lifted up his heel against me.” Psalm 41:9



Though Peter doesn’t cite this, it can be inferred that he is referring to it. Later, he will cite more Scripture to show what must be done in order to replace the traitor. For now, Peter is reminding the brethren that what occurred was a part of the plan of God, even if Judas willingly set out to do what he did. That is evidenced in the next words, saying, “which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David.”



David, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:19-21), prophesied what would occur concerning Judas’ interactions with the Messiah. This in no way means that the psalm written by David wasn’t something that pertained directly to him as well. David was betrayed, he was disturbed in his heart over his betrayal, and he wrote a psalm to the Lord about what happened. And yet, the words prophetically anticipate what would happen to the Messiah also. Such dual meaning in Scripture occurs constantly –



“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.’

And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.” Exodus 1:5, 6



&



“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4



Real events of the past, as recorded in Scripture, are given as types and pictures of the coming Messiah, of His work, and of the effects of His work – both for Israel and for the church. These events are often so precise that they can identify the interactions of a single person. As Peter next says, “concerning Judas.”



God, who created time and who is outside of time, knows everything that will ever happen. He knew that Judas would betray Christ Jesus, and He allowed David’s words to become a part of what would be realized in that betrayal. This, however, does not mean that God is responsible for what occurred. Foreknowledge does not, by default, mean “prearranging.” We can know that a clock will ring at a certain time, and it does. And yet, we may have had nothing to do with it happening.



In 1 Samuel 22, David said –



“I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death of all the persons of your father’s house. 23 Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you shall be safe.” 1 Samuel 22:22, 23



David understood the character of Doeg and that he would tell Saul what David did. Doeg then killed 85 of the priests of the Lord. If David had killed Doeg, he would have been a murderer. But in not killing him, the priests died. Despite David’s knowledge concerning Doeg, he could not be blamed for the murder of the priests, even if he felt bad about what occurred.



This is a simple example of a man with intuition concerning a matter. Considering God, whose knowledge is infinite, what occurs is known to Him, but it does not mean that He prearranged the good or evil that occurs. He simply knows the logical outcome and uses it in accord with His will to continue His work within the stream of time. Judas is solely to blame for his actions. It is he “who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”



The events surrounding what Judas did are recorded in the gospels, specifically in Matthew 26:14 and 47-56, Mark 14:10 and 43-50, Luke 22:3-6 and 47-53, and John 13:18-30 and 18:1-11. Reading these accounts, one can see that the comments of John Gill are correct when he says, “so that he was not only a guide as to the way, but was a director, and conductor, and manager of the whole affair.”



Life application: The events recorded concerning the deeds of Judas are evidence of the state of free will in man. God does not force His will upon man. When it says in Exodus, “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart” (Exodus 7:3), it is perfectly clear from the account that this was done passively, not actively. The Lord arranged events to occur that caused Pharaoh to harden his own heart.



For example, Moses was told to throw down his rod before Pharaoh. In doing so, it became a serpent. However, Pharaoh’s own men did the same. In this, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened towards the power of the Lord. In the next instance, Moses was told to strike the waters of the Nile and they would turn to blood. He did and they did. But it says that Egypt’s magicians did the same with their enchantments. As a result, it specifically says, “and Pharaoh’s heart grew hard” (Exodus 7:22). The hardening was passively accomplished by the Lord. Pharaoh, not the Lord, is to blame for his actions.



The Lord knew the character of the man, He knew what man would do, and He used the circumstances to continue to reveal His glory –



“Now if I had stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, then you would have been cut off from the earth. 16 But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” Exodus 9:15, 16



This doctrine of free will is essential to a right relationship with God. Without it, man would be nothing more than an automaton, doing the bidding of the Lord without any true sense of fellowship, love, fear, awe, admiration, and so on. And this is a key and principal part of salvation as well. One false doctrine espoused within the church, part of the teaching known as Calvinism (after John Calvin), says that man does not have free will to choose God.



Rather, it teaches that man is first regenerated by God (he is “born again”), and then he chooses God and is saved. In other words, he is saved before he is saved. It is a confused theology that has no basis in Scripture. The free will of man is taught from the first pages of the Bible until the last pages of the Bible. Nowhere is it taught that man does not choose Christ. Rather, it is explicitly or implicitly stated throughout Scripture, including John 3:16 –



“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”



God reveals, God offers, and God expects a response. If you disagree, that is your choice. God gave you free will to do so.



Lord God, thank You for the offer of salvation that is found in the giving of Your Son for us. All You ask us to do is to believe the simple message of salvation, the gospel. In accepting that He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, we are sealed with Your Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation. Thank You for this simple and glorious path to eternity with You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:17

Tuesday, October 12th, 2021

for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” Acts 1:17



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



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



The words concerning Judas continue in this verse. It was he who the previous verse said, “became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.” Of him, Peter continues, saying, “for he was numbered with us.”



Peter uses a word found only here in Scripture, katarithmeó. It signifies “to reckon with.” It is a compound word coming from kata, or “according to,” and arithmeó, “to count.” As such, Judas was truly reckoned among the apostles. As such, someone must take his place to fill the void that has arisen. Being numbered among them, Peter says, “and obtained a part in this ministry.”



There is a play on words here that will give a hint as to what is coming in the verses ahead. It literally reads, “and was allotted the lot.” It isn’t that Jesus cast lots to determine who would be His apostles. Rather, the words of the gospels were clear –



“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16



Jesus “chose twelve.” However, in using the words “allotted the lot,” the implication is that the apostles were decided upon in a manner as authoritative as the lot itself. Hence, it is a subtle note of the deity of Christ, as can be inferred from the Proverbs –



“The lot is cast into the lap,

But its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33



As Christ chose His apostles, and as Judas was “allotted the lot,” it signifies that Christ’s decision stands as a decision from the Lord.



Life application: In 2 Peter 1:1, the final use of the verb lagchanó, or “to obtain by lot,” is used. There, he says –



“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:”



The way one obtains (is allotted) the like precious faith of righteousness is to be counted as such. And the way that occurs is by being a part of the lot designated by the Lord. In other words, the Lord has provided a set measure by which man participates in His goodness. That measure is the perfection of Christ. Apart from that, man cannot participate in Him.



We can have faith in many things, but that does not necessarily signify a faith unto salvation. Where are you placing your hope? For us today, there is one source of knowing who Jesus is. That is found in Scripture. To reject the Christ revealed in Scripture is to reject the only path to salvation as revealed in Scripture.



What are you doing in church? If it is not pursuing God through the Bible, and as He has only specifically revealed Himself there, then without knowing if you are right or not, you are following whatever version of “God” (or “god”) the pastor or preacher presents to you. Is that wise?



Be wise and discerning by being well-read in this marvelous treasure from God. Know this word and be informed about Him so that you are not led down unhappy trails of unsound doctrine.



Lord God, Your word itself says that it is a light to our path and a lamp to our feet. If this is so, then help us to be wise and let that light shine upon the path of our lives. May the way be illuminated with the knowledge of Your word so that our feet stay on the path that is right and proper. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:18

Wednesday, October 13th, 2021




(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. Acts 1:18

mmentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).



Note: The explanation of this verse comes with a gross-out warning.



The words now continue to refer to Judas. The gospels record this concerning his death –



“Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’

And they said, ‘What is that to us? You see to it!’

5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.’ 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.’” Matthew 27:3-10



Understanding the context, Luke now parenthetically records, “Now this man purchased a field.” Obviously, Judas was unable to actually purchase anything while dangling from a rope. Instead, the idea is that the money he earned through betraying Jesus was used in his name by the chief priests. As Vincent’s Word Studies says, “The expression means merely that the field was purchased with the money of Judas.”



From there, Luke continues, “with the wages of iniquity.” This expression means that the silver he was paid was reckoned to him as wages. He earned the money through his actions, but they were actions of iniquity. Therefore, despite throwing the money down in the temple, his name remained attached to them.



This same concept is found throughout the world. When it is known where a sum of money comes from, the acknowledgment for that money is assigned to the one from whom it issued. For example, “This hall was built with the money provided by Glen Giver.”



With that understood, Luke continues with the unhappy details of the final state of Judas’ earthly body, saying, “and falling headlong.” The Greek reads, genomenos elakēsen, “and becoming headlong.” The inference is that he hung himself (Matthew 27:5), and at some point, his rotting corpse fell. Hence, translators rightly say “having fallen.”



As far as the word “headlong,” it is prénés, an adjective found only here in the Bible. It signifies headlong, or prone. Hence, one can see him hanging and when his body finally fell from that position, he landed face-first on the ground. When he did, “he burst open in the middle.”



Again, a word found only here in the Bible is used, laskó, to burst asunder with a loud noise. With all of the detail given, a clear mental picture is made. In Israel, even at the time of year of the Passover, the sun is direct and would have quickly caused Judas’ body to swell up from rapid decomposition. The gasses caused pressure from the inside, and when he came down, he fell flat, face first, and forcefully. As such the pressure of the gasses was great enough to cause him to burst open, “and all his entrails gushed out.”



The inclusion of the details, culminating with this note here, is given to explain the ignoble end of Judas. It is a note of disgrace in death. Such a death, and the surrounding circumstances concerning the body, are being given to highlight the despicable deeds of the man. An example of the disgrace recorded here is found in the death of Joram, a contemptible king of Judah. Because of his vile life and actions, the prophet Elijah said to him –



“Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, 13 but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot like the harlotry of the house of Ahab, and also have killed your brothers, those of your father’s household, who were better than yourself, 14 behold, the Lord will strike your people with a serious affliction—your children, your wives, and all your possessions; 15 and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.” 2 Chronicles 21:14, 15



Exactly as the prophet stated, so it occurred (see 2 Chronicles 21:18, 19).



The fact that no record of Judas’ burial is given is also telling. To not be buried is an added note of disgrace, as is evidenced by the words of the Lord through Jeremiah –



“They shall die gruesome deaths; they shall not be lamented nor shall they be buried, but they shall be like refuse on the face of the earth. They shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, and their corpses shall be meat for the birds of heaven and for the beasts of the earth.” Jeremiah 16:4



Understanding these things, one might wonder how Luke would know the details. First, the reason for the gas buildup and resulting explosion is obvious. Judas hung himself at the Passover, so the next day was a Sabbath. Depending on where he hung himself, he might not have been discovered until that was over on Sunday morning. People would be home resting according to the commandment (see Luke 23:56).



This would allow plenty of time for him to swell up. Secondly, the recorded detail tells us that he was discovered, and someone saw the resulting explosion when he landed headlong. But a dead body in Israel was considered unclean. As such, whoever found him (or whoever was told about it), had no desire to even touch his rotting corpse. Instead, he probably would have taken a knife and cut the rope. Down Judas went, and apart he came. Hence, an eyewitness is not only possible, it is likely.



Finally, the death of Judas in this way has one more highly ignoble consequence laid upon him. As he was hanging there for some time, it means he was hanging overnight. But the law says this –



“If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.” Deuteronomy 21:22, 23



Anyone hanged is accursed of God. As such anyone who was hanged was to be taken down before evening (the start of the new day). Judas did not receive this treatment. The contrast is given –



Christ was nailed to a tree, but He was taken down and buried.

Judas was hanged and his body remained up.



Christ rose on the third day, whole and complete, and having prevailed over death.

Judas fell (probably on the third day, but that is speculation) and burst open; a most ignoble end for his corpse.



Christ was anointed with spices in His burial (see John 19:39).

Judas bloated up while hanging in his exposed death.



Christ removed the curse of the law and the sting of death through His work.

Judas was accursed of God in his hanging, and he never received the atoning work of the Lord for his iniquity.



Life application: The Bible doesn’t hide gruesome facts or difficult to swallow details. But when they are given, it isn’t just for a sensational story. Rather, they are provided for a specific reason, and they call out to us to consider them and contemplate why they are stated.



When we come across events such as these, let us consider them and try to learn from them. In the end, the glory of what Jesus did is usually not far away from the evaluation, being hinted at for us to see. Thank God for the Person of Jesus Christ who has done marvelous things for His people!



We thank You, O God, for the events recorded in Scripture that provide us with the detail we need to see the marvel of what You have done in Christ. Even some details that seem hard to swallow when we read them will often give us wonderful hints of the contrasting glory to be found in what Jesus did. Thank You for this precious word You have given us. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:19

Thursday, October 14th, 2021




And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) Acts 1:19


In the previous verse, the final note concerning the gruesome disposition of Judas was noted. Of that explosive event, Luke next says, “And it became known.”



What happened to Judas was over the Passover. It was also over a Sabbath. It was also suicide. Such things as this would be long remembered by any who heard it. And the word would have gone out like wildfire for everyone to consider. If there were a town crier who called out the day’s news, it would have been one of the main stories for all to hear as it was passed on.



In contrast to that, this is said of Jesus’ resurrection –



“Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, ‘Tell them, “His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.” 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.’ 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” Matthew 28:11-15



Two deaths had occurred within the same circle. Jesus was openly crucified and then buried. Despite His resurrection, the leaders did what they could to hide this. Although not entirely successful, what was passed on was sufficient to convince many Jews, even to this day, that the lie they told the soldiers was the true end of His story.



Judas’ death was locally notable, being explained by Luke as going out “to all those dwelling in Jerusalem.” Unlike the story of the resurrection that was covered up by the leaders, this was openly passed on.



What is ironic is that the news about Judas filled the city, while the news about Jesus was secreted away as much as possible. And yet, in the larger picture, the knowledge of Jesus’ death and resurrection has filled the entire world, but the death of Judas, along with its surrounding events, make a mere footnote in Scripture.



Despite being a footnote now, at the time it was such big news that the place where it occurred was actually given a name by the people as a memorial to the event. As Luke next says, “so that field is called.”



The naming of the field is memorialized by the event. Hence, anytime someone would pass by it, the event would be called to mind. Fathers would tell their children, friends would tell their visitors, maybe pilgrims and tourists would be taken by to remember the macabre event. To this day, it is still a known location where there is little doubt about its identity. Those who go there will take pictures and film videos, witnessing to the tragedy that occurred at that time.



Luke next makes a statement that should clear up the confusion that many have concerning the language of the time in Jerusalem, saying “in their own language.”



The word used is dialektos. This is the first of six times it will be seen in the New Testament. All six of them will be found in Acts. It means “dialect.” Luke explicitly tells us what the dialect of Jerusalem at that time was, confirming what can already be inferred from the gospels. He does this by saying that they named the field in their own (meaning Jerusalem’s own) dialect. The name is “Akel Dama.”



A more literal transliteration from the Greek is “Hakeldamakh.” It is a compound Aramaic word corresponding to the cognate Hebrew words cheleq (portion, lot, tract, territory) and dam (blood). Thus, the meaning is then given by Luke, saying, “that is, Field of Blood.”



The name is given based on the event. But it is also based on what occurred in Matthew 27 where the field was named based on the blood money which the chief priests used to purchase the field. Thus, there is the irony of both events converging on this one spot of land. This is explained by The Expositor’s Greek Testament –



“It is true that the two accounts in St. Matthew and St. Luke give two reasons for the name Field of Blood. But why should there not be two reasons? If the traitor in the agony of his remorse rushed from the Temple into the valley of Hinnom, and across the valley to “the potter’s field” of Jeremiah, the old name of the potter’s field might easily become changed in the popular language into that of “field of blood,” whilst the reason given by St. Matthew for the name might still hold good, since the blood-money, which by a fiction of law was still considered to belong to Judas, was employed for the purchase of the accursed spot as a burial ground for strangers. See Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, ii., 574, 575.”



If this is correct, and it appears likely based on the nature of the event, then the price of betraying the blood (meaning the life) of Christ Jesus is witness to the naming of the field just as the ghastly death of Judas is. The latter event cannot erase the magnitude of the former event. Rather, it highlights it.



Life application: There is often argument over what language the New Testament was originally written in. It is not a sound argument, but it is one that never seems to be settled as presuppositions, biases, and even pride step in.



The obvious main choices are Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. Other ridiculous choices are Latin, King James English (yes, you read that right), and so on.



A secondary argument is, “What predominant language was spoken in Israel at the time of Jesus?” The main choices are Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.



The answer to the question concerning the original New Testament language is “Greek.” We can know this because the gospels, Acts, and even the epistles translate words from either Hebrew or Aramaic into Greek. A few of many such examples are –



“‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Matthew 1:23



Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Mark 5:41



“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?’” John 1:38



“And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)” Acts 1:19



“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated ‘king of righteousness,’ and then also king of Salem, meaning ‘king of peace.’” Hebrews 7:1, 2



If either Hebrew or Aramaic was the original language of the New Testament, the word “translated” would be superfluous. It is evident from the context that Greek was the original language in which the New Testament was penned.



As far as the language spoken at the time, it is evidently Aramaic. This can be discerned in the same way from the gospels and Acts. Matthew relies heavily on Hebrew words, which is not unsurprising as his gospel is directed to the Hebrew people with the idea that Jesus is the King of Israel. However, the other gospels pretty clearly indicate that the words conveyed by the people were generally Aramaic, even if many Hebrew words are either translated or transliterated into the Greek. The languages are cognate, but the use of Aramaic at the time of Jesus is quite evident. Further, it is explicitly noted by Luke in Acts 1:19.



These aren’t points that need to be argued over, but it happens for various reasons. In the end, the use of a variety of languages in the Bible tells us that God’s word does not need to be read in only one language to get a proper understanding of what is being conveyed. It is acceptable for the Bible to be translated into any and every language on the planet, and yet, it will also reward those who study what was penned in the original languages as well.



Be sure to read your Bible daily and be sure to cherish this marvelous gift of God that has gone forth, and continues to go forth, in languages throughout the world.



Lord God, it is so wonderful to know that Your word is available to people all around the world in their own languages. Today, we pray for those who are diligently translating the Bible into the remaining languages where it does not yet exist. Give these people wisdom in their efforts and the ability to overcome all obstacles so that Your word will be available to people everywhere. Amen.











Acts 1:18

Charlie Garrett Acts, Acts (written), Daily Writing, Writings

Wednesday, October 13th, 2021





Wednesday, 13 October 2021



(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. Acts 1:18



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



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



Note: The explanation of this verse comes with a gross-out warning.



The words now continue to refer to Judas. The gospels record this concerning his death –



“Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’

And they said, ‘What is that to us? You see to it!’

5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.’ 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.’” Matthew 27:3-10



Understanding the context, Luke now parenthetically records, “Now this man purchased a field.” Obviously, Judas was unable to actually purchase anything while dangling from a rope. Instead, the idea is that the money he earned through betraying Jesus was used in his name by the chief priests. As Vincent’s Word Studies says, “The expression means merely that the field was purchased with the money of Judas.”



From there, Luke continues, “with the wages of iniquity.” This expression means that the silver he was paid was reckoned to him as wages. He earned the money through his actions, but they were actions of iniquity. Therefore, despite throwing the money down in the temple, his name remained attached to them.



This same concept is found throughout the world. When it is known where a sum of money comes from, the acknowledgment for that money is assigned to the one from whom it issued. For example, “This hall was built with the money provided by Glen Giver.”



With that understood, Luke continues with the unhappy details of the final state of Judas’ earthly body, saying, “and falling headlong.” The Greek reads, genomenos elakēsen, “and becoming headlong.” The inference is that he hung himself (Matthew 27:5), and at some point, his rotting corpse fell. Hence, translators rightly say “having fallen.”



As far as the word “headlong,” it is prénés, an adjective found only here in the Bible. It signifies headlong, or prone. Hence, one can see him hanging and when his body finally fell from that position, he landed face-first on the ground. When he did, “he burst open in the middle.”



Again, a word found only here in the Bible is used, laskó, to burst asunder with a loud noise. With all of the detail given, a clear mental picture is made. In Israel, even at the time of year of the Passover, the sun is direct and would have quickly caused Judas’ body to swell up from rapid decomposition. The gasses caused pressure from the inside, and when he came down, he fell flat, face first, and forcefully. As such the pressure of the gasses was great enough to cause him to burst open, “and all his entrails gushed out.”



The inclusion of the details, culminating with this note here, is given to explain the ignoble end of Judas. It is a note of disgrace in death. Such a death, and the surrounding circumstances concerning the body, are being given to highlight the despicable deeds of the man. An example of the disgrace recorded here is found in the death of Joram, a contemptible king of Judah. Because of his vile life and actions, the prophet Elijah said to him –



“Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, 13 but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot like the harlotry of the house of Ahab, and also have killed your brothers, those of your father’s household, who were better than yourself, 14 behold, the Lord will strike your people with a serious affliction—your children, your wives, and all your possessions; 15 and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.” 2 Chronicles 21:14, 15



Exactly as the prophet stated, so it occurred (see 2 Chronicles 21:18, 19).



The fact that no record of Judas’ burial is given is also telling. To not be buried is an added note of disgrace, as is evidenced by the words of the Lord through Jeremiah –



“They shall die gruesome deaths; they shall not be lamented nor shall they be buried, but they shall be like refuse on the face of the earth. They shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, and their corpses shall be meat for the birds of heaven and for the beasts of the earth.” Jeremiah 16:4



Understanding these things, one might wonder how Luke would know the details. First, the reason for the gas buildup and resulting explosion is obvious. Judas hung himself at the Passover, so the next day was a Sabbath. Depending on where he hung himself, he might not have been discovered until that was over on Sunday morning. People would be home resting according to the commandment (see Luke 23:56).



This would allow plenty of time for him to swell up. Secondly, the recorded detail tells us that he was discovered, and someone saw the resulting explosion when he landed headlong. But a dead body in Israel was considered unclean. As such, whoever found him (or whoever was told about it), had no desire to even touch his rotting corpse. Instead, he probably would have taken a knife and cut the rope. Down Judas went, and apart he came. Hence, an eyewitness is not only possible, it is likely.



Finally, the death of Judas in this way has one more highly ignoble consequence laid upon him. As he was hanging there for some time, it means he was hanging overnight. But the law says this –



“If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.” Deuteronomy 21:22, 23



Anyone hanged is accursed of God. As such anyone who was hanged was to be taken down before evening (the start of the new day). Judas did not receive this treatment. The contrast is given –



Christ was nailed to a tree, but He was taken down and buried.

Judas was hanged and his body remained up.



Christ rose on the third day, whole and complete, and having prevailed over death.

Judas fell (probably on the third day, but that is speculation) and burst open; a most ignoble end for his corpse.



Christ was anointed with spices in His burial (see John 19:39).

Judas bloated up while hanging in his exposed death.



Christ removed the curse of the law and the sting of death through His work.

Judas was accursed of God in his hanging, and he never received the atoning work of the Lord for his iniquity.



Life application: The Bible doesn’t hide gruesome facts or difficult to swallow details. But when they are given, it isn’t just for a sensational story. Rather, they are provided for a specific reason, and they call out to us to consider them and contemplate why they are stated.



When we come across events such as these, let us consider them and try to learn from them. In the end, the glory of what Jesus did is usually not far away from the evaluation, being hinted at for us to see. Thank God for the Person of Jesus Christ who has done marvelous things for His people!



We thank You, O God, for the events recorded in Scripture that provide us with the detail we need to see the marvel of what You have done in Christ. Even some details that seem hard to swallow when we read them will often give us wonderful hints of the contrasting glory to be found in what Jesus did. Thank You for this precious word You have given us. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:20

Friday, October 15th, 2021




“For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling place be desolate,

And let no one live in it’;

and,

‘Let another take his office.’ Acts 1:20


Peter having noted that Judas was a part of the ministry (1:17), now continues after the parenthetical thought concerning Judas’ demise (1:18, 19). In his ongoing words, he quotes Scripture, saying, “For it is written in the Book of Psalms.” It is an expression unique to Luke’s writings, en biblō Psalmōn, or “in book Psalms.”



From Luke’s words, as confirmed by the citation of Peter, the Psalms were considered their own book at this time. This is not surprising, but it is simply a point of fact concerning them. It is understood that there were writings considered inspired and that they were divided in various ways.



For example, Jesus speaks of the “book of Moses,” in Mark 12:26 when referring to Exodus. At other times, the body of literature ascribed to Moses is called “the law of Moses” (e.g., Luke 2:22). The entire body of Old Testament writings is also divided up in various ways, such as “the Law and the Prophets” in Matthew 7:12, or as “the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms” in Luke 24:44.



Such terms clearly indicate that the Scriptures were considered inspired and that they were held to as individual books, as sections of a whole, and as a whole body of distinct literature. As for Peter’s words now, what he says takes it as an axiom that the Psalms are inspired. As such, there should be no surprise that Christ was crucified, nor should it be a surprise that one of his own apostles would betray Him.



And so, with that encouragement conveyed to the others for them to know that God had, in fact, worked out a plan that included the deeds of Judas, he says –



“Let his dwelling place be desolate,

And let no one live in it.”



The words are taken from Psalm 69:25 –



“Let their dwelling place be desolate;

Let no one live in their tents.”



Peter changes the plural (general enemies who war against David) and changes them to the singular (a specific enemy who arose against the Messiah).



In the Psalm, the Hebrew word “dwelling place” is that of an encampment. In Peter’s words, he uses a Greek word found only here in the Bible, epaulis. The word is derived from epi (over) and aulé (sheepfold, courtyard, etc). It is then accepted in translations to signify a dwelling place. Vincent’s Word Studies notes –



“The word is used in classical Greek of a place for cattle. So Herodotus (i., 111): ‘The herdsman took the child in his arms, and went back the way he had come, till he reached the fold’ (ἔπαυλιν). Also of farm-building, a country-house.”



As this is the case, there is no reason to not assume Peter is referring to a sheepfold. Jesus had already equated the office of the apostle to a tender of sheep (see John 21:15, 16). Paul will refer to leaders within the church as shepherds of the church in Acts 20:28, and Peter will repeat the sentiment in 1 Peter 5:2. As such, whether a dwelling place or a position of being over the sheep (those in the church), Peter ascribes the words of the psalm to Judas, noting that his dwelling place should be made desolate. The type of shepherding he would have conducted is not to be emulated.



His next words, “And let no one live in it,” signify that not only should it be desolate, but it should remain as such. If a replacement for him is to be found, it is to be in a completely new direction and not in the one of a traitor. With that stated, Peter then quotes another psalm, saying, “Let another take his office.”



It is a quote from Psalm 109:8 –



“Let his days be few,

And let another take his office.”



Peter uses the word heteros, signifying a different person. The word translated as “office” is episkopé. Paul uses it in 1 Timothy 3:1 where it is translated as “overseer.” It is an office of care and attention where a leader is known to personally visit those under him. The position originally assigned to Judas as an apostle, an office that assumes the responsibility of being an overseer, was to be taken over by someone else.



Life application: To help get the sense of Peter’s words, if one were to take the general thought of this verse (a verse which only describes what occurred and does not prescribe anything) and apply it in a similar manner within the church, an example might be that of a replacing a doctrinally poor pastor or teacher.



For example, if a local church has several teaching pastors, and one of them started denying the deity of Christ, he would need to be replaced – immediately. One might say, “Let his dwelling place (his doctrine) be removed completely and let no one live in it (no one teach this heretical nonsense) again.” At the same time, it is appropriate to hire a new teacher, one that will teach properly. So, the call is, “Let another take his office (someone different needs to take over his duties).”



Though not prescriptive, the general principle is sound. When someone fills a position within the church, and he turns out to be a dud like Judas, the best thing to do is to not only replace him, but to ensure that what he was doing (or teaching) is not repeated. The church is where people are to go to learn about the faith. The Bible is where one learns about the faith. The faith is to be based on proper doctrine and on a right understanding of theology. That theology is to adequately and rightly instruct concerning Jesus. When that is accomplished, people will then properly understand their state in relation to God.



In this case, one thing leads to another, and it all starts with proper instruction. And so, the highest care is to be given to ensure those who teach are actually qualified, capable, and rightly directed to doing exactly that.



Lord God, may those we select to teach and preach within the church actually be acceptable to do so. Your word calls people “sheep” for a reason. We are helpless and easily led astray. And so, we pray that You will only allow qualified, competent, and faithful men of God over us. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:21

Saturday, October 16th, 2021


“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Acts 1:21


Peter has just stated his words, right from Scripture, concerning God’s foreknowledge of what would occur in relation to Judas. He affirms that Scripture itself testifies to the fact that someone else should replace him in his office. As such, he next says, “Therefore.”



He is making a conclusion based on his reasoning. What follows will be a decision concerning the avenue that he recommends to be followed. Instead of “Therefore,” the KJV incorrectly states, “Wherefore.” Peter is not asking why, or for what reason, something should happen. Rather, he is affirming that Scripture has spoken, and it is to thus be acted upon.



Hence, the idea is, “Scripture says, ‘Let another take his office,’ therefore, of these men who have accompanied us…” He is obviously looking for one of “these men” to take the office of Judas. However, he continues to qualify his words in order to ensure certain necessary conditions will be met. As such, he says, “all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us.”



Peter has set forth the condition that whoever fills Judas’ office should be someone who had actively been a participant in the ministry of Jesus, seeing all that He had done and who had been faithful to not depart from Him when things got tough. An example of what he has in mind that should be avoided is found in John 6 –



“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’

68 But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” John 6:66-69



The words “many of His disciples” indicate that not all of them departed. Some held fast, just as the apostles did. It is such a person that Peter is looking for as a replacement. The words “in and out among us” signifies just that. It is a way of saying that He was in constant interaction with them and that it was as if they dwelt in the same house together. As naturally as one would come in and go out of his own house, so the Lord came in and went out among the apostles.



Life application: Peter was obviously looking for someone who was qualified in the knowledge of the Lord and thus capable of continuing on in the ministry of the Lord in a competent manner. Paul alludes to this necessity himself in 1 Corinthians –



“Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?” 1 Corinthians 9:1



But Paul was not with Jesus as the other apostles were. Therefore, he again states –



“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8



Paul notes that he was different from the other apostles in that he had seen the risen Christ, but that his selection was not in the same way as the others. And yet, he clearly states that the gospel he preached was the exact same gospel as was presented by the other apostles –



“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11, 12



Everything that Paul says in the surrounding verses and chapters of Galatians clearly reveals this. There is one gospel that is proclaimed to both Jew and Gentile. The difference is not in the message, but in the audience. The reason for the selection of Paul to proclaim this message to the Gentiles (even though he always first presented it to the Jews) is because he was gifted to do so. The other apostles were limited in their interaction with Gentiles and would have been less effective in conveying what needed to be said. Paul had the ability they lacked, and so he was chosen to be the main apostle for this ministry.



The selection of Barnabas, who was first a disciple under Peter, but who was later a witness to Paul’s conversion and who eventually became a minister to the Gentiles along with Paul demonstrates this. The same is true with Silas (Silvanus) who ministered with Paul and who then later was commended by Peter (1 Peter 5:12).



The point of this is that the heretical doctrine which teaches there are two gospels, one to the Jew and one to the Gentile, must be firmly spoken against. What Peter is conveying concerning the apostleship is as applicable to Paul as it is to the one to replace Judas, but Paul’s conversion came about in a different way, and by the Lord’s personal intervention. Again, the difference between Peter’s gospel and that of what Paul presents is not in the message (it is the same gospel), but in the audience who receives it – who is best qualified to present it to the particular audience. Paul was well-suited to do what Peter was not fully qualified to do.



Lord God, when Your word is properly analyzed, the wisdom of who You selected to do certain things is always evident. You chose a young shepherd boy to slay a giant, and You chose a persecutor of the church to proclaim the message of the church to the Gentiles. Each time a person is commissioned by You for a particular purpose, we can see how perfectly that person filled the need. Great are You, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 1:22

Sunday, October 17th, 2021


beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Acts 1:22



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



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



To get a better sense of the contents of this verse, it is good to read it together with the previous verse –



“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”



The idea is that a selection to replace Judas was to be made from someone who had witnessed the entire time of Jesus’ ministry “beginning from the baptism of John.”



The intent of Peter’s words is that of the time when Jesus was baptized by John, not from the time that John began to baptize. John already had a ministry to the people of Israel, calling them to repentance and preparing the way of the Lord. But the focus of Peter’s words is on the time of Jesus’ ministry, not John’s. Thus, he is referring to the moment when the two ministries came together in John’s baptism of Jesus. The one selected as an apostle should have a personal knowledge of this event “to that day when He was taken up from us.”



This is referring to the ascension of the Lord recorded in Acts 1:9. What seems probable is that this means that there were more than just the eleven apostles on the Mount of Olives with Jesus at that time. If that were not the case, Peter would not make this statement. Though the focus was on the apostles (see Acts 1:2), it is clear that they were a part of a larger group to have been with the Lord as He ascended.



From this larger group, Peter then says, “one of these must become a witness.” The word translated as “witness” is martus. It means a witness, but it not only conveys the sense of having seen, but of “bearing testimony of.” The act of witnessing (the seeing) is to be proclaimed (bearing the testimony).



As such, the word eventually also takes on the meaning of being a martyr. The one who bears the testimony of the Lord may even be martyred for that testimony. But in such a case, it would certainly be worth it. For the one selected to replace Judas, Peter says he is to be a witness “with us of His resurrection.”



This is the central point of the Christian faith, upon which all else either stands or falls. Of this, John Gill says –



“…the resurrection of Christ from the dead, which supposes his incarnation and life, and so his obedience, ministry, and miracles in it; and also his sufferings and death, with all the benefits and advantages thereof; and is particularly mentioned, because it not only supposes and includes the above things, but is the principal article, basis, and foundation of the Christian religion; and the sign which Christ gave to the Jews, of the truth of his being the Messiah.”



Concerning this great and prominent act of the Lord, Paul says –



“Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” 1 Corinthians 15:12-19



Life application: Everything about the record of the Person of Jesus Christ would be pointless if there was no resurrection. If He came, lived a perfect life, and then was crucified and buried, it would be of no value to us without His victory over death.



This is why the New Testament goes to such great pains to not only record the event as it happened, but to validate it through the recording of all of the surrounding events, including who saw it, how many saw the risen Lord, the things He did afterward, and so on. In reading and believing these things, we then can have faith that the other things recorded in the Bible are true as well, including the promise of eternal life.



And if the promise of eternal life is true, then why should we allow our faith to be shaken? Why should we be fearful? What does it really matter if things don’t go well for us now? We have a hope that transcends those things because of our trust in the promises made to us. Let us be faithful witnesses to the hope we possess, even if that means that we must also become martyrs for it. Christ is risen! What can man truly do to us? Press on in the goodness of God that is found in the giving of His Son, JESUS!



Heavenly Father, what sure and wonderful promises we possess in Christ. You have laid out the details in Your word so precisely that we can be absolutely certain in our hearts that it is true and what it tells us will come to pass. No fear here. We are grounded in Your word, and our eyes are fixed on Jesus. Amen.