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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 16, 2022 1:19:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:31
Monday, August 15th, 2022
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:31
In the last verse, Saul (Paul) was sent out from Caesarea to Tarsus. With him now sent off, the narrative continues with the focus on the immediate area, beginning with, “Then the churches.” Some manuscripts here identify it as one church – “And the church.” Either way, the individual churches form one church as long as they are under Christ, the Head. But the distinction between individual churches is not inappropriate and is seen throughout the rest of the Bible, even into Revelation where Jesus addresses the seven churches.
For now, these churches (forming one church) are found “throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria…” The land of Canaan, the original area of Israel’s land grant, is the main area of focus at this time. The words “had peace and were edified” should read “had peace, being edified.”
The first verb is imperfect and the second is a present participle. These things were happening, and the time of edification was a part of what resulted in the peace they experienced. Of this word, edified, Charles Ellicott says –
“The passage is noticeable for the appearance of the word ‘edified,’ or ‘built up,’ in the sense in which St. Paul had used it (1Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 14:4), as describing orderly and continuous growth, the superstructure raised wisely upon the right foundation.”
Along with that, it says, “And walking in the fear of the Lord.” Rather than being a new sentence, these words are a continued part of what brought the state of peace. Along with being edified, the churches were walking in the fear of the Lord. This speaks of a sense of reverent fear of the Lord, not a sense of terror or trembling fear. Just as a child is admonished by his father and he has a sense of respect for him, so the church is built up in the knowledge of the Lord, growing in a sense of respect and humility before Him. With that understood, it next says, “and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”
The word translated as “comfort” signifies “close beside.” Helps Word Studies says it “is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan, delivering His particular message to someone else.” The context will decide what is being conveyed, whether it is a warning, an exhortation, an encouragement, etc.
In this case, and because it is tied in with edification and fear of the Lord leading to peace, it is probably a mixture of exhortation – meaning the words of the apostles building them up into a fuller knowledge of Christ, and encouragement – meaning a state of feeling secure, confident, and hopeful in the faith that was espoused to all of the believers.
In this state, it concludes with, “they were multiplied.” These words certainly mean the number of believers, but it may go beyond that to the state in which the believers existed. A small church that doesn’t have great growth can still be multiplied in knowledge and in their state of blessing. A large church with new members coming in all the time may have a love for the Lord, but may not have the same sense of importance concerning doctrine.
In other words, one may be multiplied in doctrine and instruction while the other is multiplied in people filling the seats. The words now do not limit the meaning and it is probable that they were being multiplied in both ways.
Life application: If one goes back to the previous verses, it almost seems as if the statements made in this verse came about because Paul was no longer among them. When he was there several years earlier, they were not in a state of peace. When Paul returned, they – at least at first – were wary of him. His zeal for the Lord also brought about difficulties with the Hellenists who then tried to kill him.
But their animosity toward Paul would naturally lead to that same feeling toward others who Paul identified with. As such, the Lord had Paul removed from the area in order for them to grow without him. This would give Israel a chance to accept this message or reject it apart from him. At the same time, he would be out among the Gentiles evangelizing them.
Eventually, it would be seen that Israel would not accept Jesus in the time allotted by God (see Luke 11:29-32). This was a period of forty years (a day for a year based on Jonah’s proclamation to Nineveh). By the time this period was over, the Gentiles would be ready to take the helm of carrying the gospel forward.
Everything finds its proper place, and God continues to work out His plans according to His infinite wisdom. We do not need to fret or fear that things are not working out as they should. They are. We just need to continue to trust that God is in control. He is doing things that we may not even realize. In the end, we will see the wisdom of it all.
Lord God, how precious it is to know that You are leading things. If it were up to us, it all would have fallen apart eons ago. But things are getting done because You are directing things to a good end. Help us to trust this when things don’t appear that way from our perspective. We have a sure place of trust in Your guiding hand. Thank You for that. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 16, 2022 23:01:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:32
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. Acts 9:32
The previous verse told of the peace and edification of the believers in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. They were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit while being multiplied. With that remembered, the narrative now returns again to Peter. “Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country.”
Rather than “went,” the verb is a present participle. He was passing through all parts of the country. Luke is describing it as he is going. As for the traveling itself, it can be inferred that this is what the apostles did, both from the previous verse where the content and expanding nature of the church were noted as well as from Galatians 1 where Paul noted that he only saw Peter and James the Lord’s brother.
The inference to be made is that the apostles traveled about Israel strengthening the churches and instructing them while using Jerusalem as their home base. Peter is now doing this, carrying his knowledge of the Lord throughout the land. During this trip, it next says “that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.”
Of this town, Albert Barnes (1798-1870) notes the following –
“This town was situated on the road from Jerusalem to Caesarea Philippi. It was about 10 or 12 miles southeast from Joppa, and belonged to the tribe of Ephraim. It was called by the Greeks Diospolis, or city of Jupiter, probably because a temple was at some period erected to Jupiter in that city. It is now so entirely ruined as to be a miserable village. Since the Crusades, it has been called by the Christians George, on account of its having been the scene of the martyrdom of a saint of that name. Tradition says that in this city the Emperor Justinian erected a church.”
Today, Lod is considered a part of the Central District of Israel, being situated between the lower Shephelah on the east and the coastal plain on the west. In 2019, it had a population of a bit more than 77,000. It is a mixed city with about 30% Arabs. It is a major junction for roads and railways.
As for its biblical history, it appears four times in the Old Testament. Each reference is without any great specificity. Its name is defined by Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names as “Contention.” It is at this place that Peter has made a stop during his travels.
Life application: In Lod, Israel today there is a Greek Orthodox church. The closest Messianic synagogues noted on the map are in Tel Aviv. This means that the message of Jesus is sorely needed there. While you’re praying for the lost, be sure to pray for those in Israel. There they are, right in the middle of the land of the Bible, and yet the knowledge of Jesus is severely lacking.
The traditional orthodox churches are pretty much all rites and rituals, but there is generally little concern for, or even an understanding of, the gospel. Messianic synagogues are growing in Israel, but the Arab churches appear to be in a bit of decline. On the brighter side, there are Messianic believers that put out great music in Hebrew and there is a radio station that broadcasts from Israel.
With the internet available pretty much everywhere, there is access to sermons, studies, and music. Direct your prayers for the Lord to bring about those seemingly chance occurrences where a finger will push a wrong button and click on something Christian-related. Pray that something even as cumbersome as a flat tire or an accident might lead to someone meeting a believer who is willing to share his faith.
Just like in the other countries of the world, people in Israel need to hear about Jesus. Pray that the Lord will open those doors and bring the word to many.
Lord God, today we lift up the people in Israel – Jews and Gentiles alike. We pray that they will be curious about the biblical history of where they are and that they will seek out and find Jesus as they look. Make this the day where many wonderful meetings through time and circumstance will bring this about. According to Your wisdom, we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 17, 2022 23:32:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:33
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. Acts 9:33
The previous verse saw Peter going throughout the country and eventually came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. Now, Luke continues, saying, “There he found a certain man named Aeneas.”
This is all that is stated about the meeting between the two. He may have been in the streets, he may have been staying with a believer, or he may have been in a house where Peter stayed the night. He may not have been a believer at the time. If he was, Luke probably would have called him a brother. However, Luke may be simply tying him in with “the saints” of the previous verse. Despite this, it is certain that he has been told about Jesus already because, in the next verse, Peter will call him by name, implying they have already conversed.
The meaning of his name, Aeneas, is hard to pin down. It may be a Greek name, coming from the verb aineo, meaning to tell about or speak of. Or it may be from the adjective ainos, horrible. Charles Ellicott states –
“The Greek name (we note the shortened vowel Ænĕas of the later form of the word), perhaps, implies that he belonged to the Hellenistic section of the Church. Had the fame of Virgil’s poem made the name of the Trojan hero known even in the plains of Palestine?”
There is the possibility, however, that his name comes from the Hebrew noun ‘ayin, fountain, or eye. With these various possibilities, it is unsure what the meaning of his name actually was, but it was likely tied to one of these roots. Therefore, the meaning may be Praise, Horrible, or Man of the Well (Fountain). Of him, Luke next says, “who had been bedridden.”
Rather, it is a present participle. He was “lying on his bed.” Luke continues to provide the narrative as if it is happening as if we are watching. The word translated as bed, krabattos, signifies the mattress of a poor man, showing that not only was he confined to a bed, but that he was financially ruined as well. And this had continued on for “eight years.”
As usual, Luke is very careful to provide the details in an exacting manner. The words are not unimportant because they discount any hint of deception as might otherwise be the case with a charlatan. This man had lain on a poor bed, unable to rise at all for eight years. Anyone who knew him or saw him would know this to be a fact. Luke then adds in a medical note, saying, “and was paralyzed.”
It is a word, paraluó, found twice in Luke, twice in Acts, and once in Hebrews 12 –
“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:12, 13
It comes from two words signifying “to loose beside.” As such, it can mean either paralyzed or enfeebled. In this case, it is most likely paralyzed simply because he was bedridden for eight years, but it could be that he just couldn’t rise because he had permanently torn his quad muscle while on a vacation. As such, he just lay helpless. Whatever the reason, Luke’s description is sufficient to explain that the man was incapable of proper functioning.
Life application: The miracles of the Bible always have a reason. One is to bring glory to God. Another is to validate the ministry of the individual who is performing the healing. The miracles that are performed never have the purpose of enriching or making well-known and famous those performing them.
Further, there is no longer a need for such miracles because the Bible is written. It stands as the witness and testimony to the validation of the ministry of Jesus and those who were appointed by Him. As the Bible says that we live by faith and not by sight, that is an indication that those miracles that do happen now are miracles that require faith to believe.
In other words, we do not need faith to believe a true healing like Aeneas if we see it. We would have known him, seen his condition, and then seen his healing. We would, therefore, have no reason to disbelieve.
But if we have a person who is in need of healing and we pray for it and it occurs without a showy display by a charismatic preacher, we will have to have faith that it was our prayers that brought it about. As Hebrews says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Nobody should ever try to dismiss the miraculous. If God wants to heal, He can and He will. And this is what we are to pray for. But let us not get duped into the fake miracles, signs, and wonders of those who are looking to profit off of such things. Be wise, be circumspect, and be ready to pray for God’s hand to perform the miraculous. If it comes about, have faith that He heard your prayers and has responded accordingly, thanking Him for His goodness.
Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the hope we possess in You because of the work of Jesus. We have a hope that You can and do heal in this life, but that You may not choose to do so for Your own reasons. But this life is short, and so we know that the true and everlasting healing lies not too far off. Someday, things will be perfect, and they will be so forever. May that day be soon! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 18, 2022 23:22:20 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:33
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. Acts 9:33
The previous verse saw Peter going throughout the country and eventually came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. Now, Luke continues, saying, “There he found a certain man named Aeneas.”
This is all that is stated about the meeting between the two. He may have been in the streets, he may have been staying with a believer, or he may have been in a house where Peter stayed the night. He may not have been a believer at the time. If he was, Luke probably would have called him a brother. However, Luke may be simply tying him in with “the saints” of the previous verse. Despite this, it is certain that he has been told about Jesus already because, in the next verse, Peter will call him by name, implying they have already conversed.
The meaning of his name, Aeneas, is hard to pin down. It may be a Greek name, coming from the verb aineo, meaning to tell about or speak of. Or it may be from the adjective ainos, horrible. Charles Ellicott states –
“The Greek name (we note the shortened vowel Ænĕas of the later form of the word), perhaps, implies that he belonged to the Hellenistic section of the Church. Had the fame of Virgil’s poem made the name of the Trojan hero known even in the plains of Palestine?”
There is the possibility, however, that his name comes from the Hebrew noun ‘ayin, fountain, or eye. With these various possibilities, it is unsure what the meaning of his name actually was, but it was likely tied to one of these roots. Therefore, the meaning may be Praise, Horrible, or Man of the Well (Fountain). Of him, Luke next says, “who had been bedridden.”
Rather, it is a present participle. He was “lying on his bed.” Luke continues to provide the narrative as if it is happening as if we are watching. The word translated as bed, krabattos, signifies the mattress of a poor man, showing that not only was he confined to a bed, but that he was financially ruined as well. And this had continued on for “eight years.”
As usual, Luke is very careful to provide the details in an exacting manner. The words are not unimportant because they discount any hint of deception as might otherwise be the case with a charlatan. This man had lain on a poor bed, unable to rise at all for eight years. Anyone who knew him or saw him would know this to be a fact. Luke then adds in a medical note, saying, “and was paralyzed.”
It is a word, paraluó, found twice in Luke, twice in Acts, and once in Hebrews 12 –
“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:12, 13
It comes from two words signifying “to loose beside.” As such, it can mean either paralyzed or enfeebled. In this case, it is most likely paralyzed simply because he was bedridden for eight years, but it could be that he just couldn’t rise because he had permanently torn his quad muscle while on a vacation. As such, he just lay helpless. Whatever the reason, Luke’s description is sufficient to explain that the man was incapable of proper functioning.
Life application: The miracles of the Bible always have a reason. One is to bring glory to God. Another is to validate the ministry of the individual who is performing the healing. The miracles that are performed never have the purpose of enriching or making well-known and famous those performing them.
Further, there is no longer a need for such miracles because the Bible is written. It stands as the witness and testimony to the validation of the ministry of Jesus and those who were appointed by Him. As the Bible says that we live by faith and not by sight, that is an indication that those miracles that do happen now are miracles that require faith to believe.
In other words, we do not need faith to believe a true healing like Aeneas if we see it. We would have known him, seen his condition, and then seen his healing. We would, therefore, have no reason to disbelieve.
But if we have a person who is in need of healing and we pray for it and it occurs without a showy display by a charismatic preacher, we will have to have faith that it was our prayers that brought it about. As Hebrews says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Nobody should ever try to dismiss the miraculous. If God wants to heal, He can and He will. And this is what we are to pray for. But let us not get duped into the fake miracles, signs, and wonders of those who are looking to profit off of such things. Be wise, be circumspect, and be ready to pray for God’s hand to perform the miraculous. If it comes about, have faith that He heard your prayers and has responded accordingly, thanking Him for His goodness.
Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the hope we possess in You because of the work of Jesus. We have a hope that You can and do heal in this life, but that You may not choose to do so for Your own reasons. But this life is short, and so we know that the true and everlasting healing lies not too far off. Someday, things will be perfect, and they will be so forever. May that day be soon! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 20, 2022 0:14:28 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:35
Friday, August 19th, 2022
So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Acts 9:35
The previous verse told of the healing of Aeneas by Peter. Because of that, Luke now records, “So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon.”
The Greek has an article before “Sharon.” It is “the Sharon.” It refers to a larger district. The name Lydda has already been explained. Sharon (Greek: Sarón) is found only here in the New Testament, but it comes from Sharon, a location named seven times in the Old Testament. It comes from yashar – to be straight, level, or right. Hence, Sharon means “Plain.” Even in the Old Testament, the name is often prefixed by an article, “the Sharon.” Therefore, it refers to “the Plain.” Wikipedia says of the location today –
“The Sharon plain (Hebrew: השרון HaSharon Arabic: سهل شارون Sahel Sharon) is the central section of the Israeli coastal plain. The plain lies between the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Samarian Hills, 15 km (9.3 mi) to the east. It stretches from Nahal Taninim, a stream marking the southern end of Mount Carmel in the north, to the Yarkon River in the south, at the northern limit of Tel Aviv, over a total of about 90 km (56 mi). The level of the Sharon plain is connected to the level of the Mediterranean Sea by the Sharon Escarpment.”
It is good to know this because it means that what had happened to Aeneas has impacted not just people in a couple small towns, but in a vast area. It is those dwelling in Lydda and the Sharon who “saw him and turned to the Lord.”
The meaning is obvious. The people saw the man, they understood the miracle, and they became believers in Jesus as the Messiah. What may be the case for such a large area to be impacted in this way is that the people of the plain traveled through Lydda for selling goods and shopping on the coast or for some other reason. As they did, they would see the man who had previously been paralyzed and would want to know what happened.
With that, the explanation of his healing would be carried back to those living in the plain area, describing the miracle and telling others that it was Jesus who had accomplished it. Despite the large area, this is not unlikely. The people of the plain would have things they grew and needed to sell and so traveling through various towns with their agricultural products would be the obvious thing to do.
Life application: From small to great things. The Lord accomplished a miracle through Peter in healing a bedridden man. This was in a town that is hardly mentioned in the Old Testament except in a minimal way. In the New Testament, it is simply a village that Peter is passing through where some believers obviously lived.
Those believers would probably have told others about Jesus after their conversion, maybe at the time of the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, or at some other annual feast in Jerusalem. But with Peter’s arrival and the healing of Aeneas, there would now be something to back up what these people had been saying all along. The miracle provided proof of what these believers already knew to be true.
And so with a single healing in a small town, an entire district hears and believes. Aeneas didn’t need to do anything but be healed. The others simply needed to tell what they believed. With the change in Aeneas, the gospel message has been confirmed.
Today, if there has been a change in your life, or someone else’s life that you know of, that single conversion can be used to confirm the power of the gospel to many. “He was a drug addict and now he is the finest employee I have ever had!” “She was a real run around, but then she met Jesus. What a change in her!”
And even if your conversion wasn’t as noticeable as this, it is still a change that can be told to others. God can take your witness and grow it into a great harvest. But people need to hear about it in order for that to happen. Let the world know that the gospel has power and that this power is proven in your own life.
Lord God, how marvelous was the day when we realized what Christ had done for us. Thank You for the wonderful change that has taken place. We were on the way to condemnation, and then came Jesus! Now, we have a hope of eternal joy in Your presence. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 20, 2022 20:56:17 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:36
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. Acts 9:36
While Peter was still in Lydda, Luke now brings a new development into the narrative at a new location, beginning with, “At Joppa.”
Joppa (Hebrew: Yafo) is a port city found four times in the Old Testament and ten in the new. The name comes from yaphah, to be fair or beautiful, and so it means Beautiful. It is the city from which Jonah went in order to obtain a ship going to Tarshish. For the city today, Wikipedia says of this location –
“Jaffa, in Hebrew Yafo (Hebrew: יָפוֹ, Yāfō (help·info)) and in Arabic Yafa (Arabic: يَافَا) and also called Japho or Joppa, the southern and oldest part of Tel Aviv-Yafo, is an ancient port city in Israel. Jaffa is known for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon and Saint Peter as well as the mythological story of Andromeda and Perseus, and later for its oranges. Today, Jaffa is one of Israel’s mixed cities, with approximately 37% of the city being Arab.”
Today, the population of Joppa is about 46,000. It is in this location that Luke continues, saying, “there was a certain disciple named Tabitha.” This is an Aramaic name coming from a word meaning “gazelle.” Hence, her name means “Gazelle.” Of her, Luke next says, “which is translated Dorcas.”
Dorcas (Greek Dorkas) means the same thing, Gazelle. That comes from a Greek word meaning “to see clearly,” because the gazelle is an animal with bright, large eyes. Having two names is not uncommon in the Bible. In her case, being in Joppa which was a port town, there would be many Greek-speaking people. Therefore, to accommodate both, she was probably known by either her Aramaic name (the language of Israel at the time) or by her Greek name (the standard language of trade and commerce in the Roman Empire at the time). Of her, Luke next says, “This woman was full of good works.”
The meaning is obvious, but Charles Ellicott gives insight into Luke’s writing style by saying this of her –
“The form of the expression may be noticed as characteristic of St. Luke, and his favourite formula for conveying the thought of a quality being possessed in the highest degree possible. So we have ‘full of leprosy’ in Luke 5:12, ‘full of grace’ and ‘full of faith’ in Acts 6:5; Acts 6:8. (Comp. also Acts 13:10; Acts 19:28.)”
In the case of Tabitha, Luke uses the word agathos to describe her works. It is a common word signifying that which is intrinsically good. It is what finds its origin in what is provided by God, and it finds its empowerment from Him. For example, Jesus speaks of a tree that bears “good fruit.” One can see the root of the modern name Agatha in it.
Along with this, Luke continues, saying of her, “and charitable deeds which she did.” The verb is imperfect showing that her good deeds were ongoing – “which she was doing.” It wasn’t that she was known for something good that she had done, but she was known for her constant doing of good things. The Greek word used to describe these good deeds signifies beneficence or alms. They were deeds of charity that defined her as a person who was doing what she did without any strings attached.
Life application: Luke is careful to refer to Tabitha in two ways: full of good works and charitable deeds. One can be full of good works that are self-serving, and one can be full of charitable deeds that are sloppy or not well thought out. However, when one does good things and is charitable as well, it shows a person who is careful, methodical, and who is generous simply because it is his or her nature.
The Bible’s inclusion of this description of Tabitha tells us that her conduct was right in the eyes of Luke, but it also tells us that it is right in the eyes of God who inspired Luke to write these things. She was being evaluated and the record of her life has been documented.
Likewise, we are also being evaluated, and the attitude and conduct we put forth are being remembered. Someday, we will have our life and actions judged –
“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10
If our purpose for doing things is amiss, our rewards will be diminished. And if the quality of our works is shoddy, the same will be true. Let us strive with our hearts set on the Lord in order to perform well and to produce that which is exemplary. In this, the Lord will be pleased and will return to each of us a full reward.
Heavenly Father, help us to be faithful and careful stewards of the time and talents You have given to us. And Lord, we are flesh and bone. Give us strength to meet our desire to perform and give us the inner drive to meet the strength You have provided. May there be a full display of careful attention to our deeds and actions before You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 22, 2022 2:00:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:37
Sunday, August 21st, 2022
But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Acts 9:37
The verse now is speaking of Tabitha (Dorcas) of the previous verse. It noted that she was full of good works and charitable deeds. Luke now continues with, “But it happened in those days.”
Without going ahead, “those days” means that it was during the time that Peter was in the vicinity. The narrative was focused on him and Aeneas. What is happening now is to be assumed (and later made explicit) that this is during that time period “that she became sick.”
Luke, a physician, doesn’t give any specifics. This shows that no determination was made how this happened. Otherwise, he would have given his usual careful observations. Rather, he gives the main point that some malady had overtaken her. She was “sick and died.”
Her death is given as a recorded fact. There is no reason to assume anything other than this occurred. Those who argue that this was a swoon or the like do so against the plainly stated facts. Further, to argue for this when they were not present is to argue that the account is factual and simply needs to be tweaked to allow for their own presuppositions and biases concerning the matter.
Further, it is the height of arrogance to make a claim about the narrative that is contrary to what is plainly stated when they were not there. Being dead is a state that is not hard to determine, and people have identified it for all of human history. If there are exceptions where a misdiagnosis was made, the burden of proof is on the one making the claim to prove it. As this cannot be done, the record of her death must stand as it is written. With that in mind, it next says, “When they had washed her.”
This was a traditional part of the burial process. It is a demonstration of care and respect for the person’s memory as she is prepared for her final internment. Matthew Poole says, “They washed the dead, and anointed them, to fit them for their burying, and especially to show their hope of the resurrection; which some think St. Paul alludes unto, 1 Corinthians 15:29.”
This is actually an important point. Matthew Poole’s note about anointing the dead is correct, but nothing is said of that here. It is actually a clue that they have a hope that has not yet been expressed in the account. That will be seen in the coming verses.
People tend to the corpses of their dead all over the world. It may be there is a sense of hope in an afterlife (such as the Egyptians) or for some other reason but including 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not correct. That is not at all the intent of Paul’s words. He clearly says in the same passage “that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50).
The bodies that believers now possess are destined to return to the dust of the earth, just as the early Genesis account tells us. When Daniel was told that many of those who sleep in the dust will be raised, it confirms this. The bodies that we now possess will not be the bodies we will possess at the resurrection. The washing of Tabitha was a note of respect and a point of closure for those left behind. With that noted, the verse ends with “they laid her in an upper room.”
This would be out of sight of any who came by the house except for those who would purposefully go up to view her one last time. The custom in the Middle East was to always bury a person as quickly as possible, usually within the same day. Any chance to pay one’s last respects would have to come within that short timeframe.
Life application: Unless the rapture happens, we are all going to die physically. This is a part of the way things are at this time. There is not a moment of guarantee that when we wake up in the morning, we will be alive by evening. And there is no guarantee that going to bed will be followed by getting up the next morning.
We must be prepared, right now, to meet our Maker. As Jesus is the One who makes reconciliation with Him possible, it is our responsibility to receive His offer of peace and reconciliation now. And more, it is our responsibility to tell others about what God has offered. Our date with death’s destiny is assured. When it will come is known to God alone. Let us be wise and be prepared for that day and let us prepare others – as best as we can – for that day as well.
Lord God, thank You that because of Jesus Christ, we have the sure, certain, and blessed promise of the resurrection to eternal life that You have promised to all those who believe. May we be responsible to tell others about this joy that we possess while we have the time. Prompt us in this, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 22, 2022 23:56:48 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:38
Monday, August 22nd, 2022
And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Acts 9:38
In the previous verse, Tabitha is said to have died. With that remembered, Luke next records, “And since Lydda was near Joppa.” The verb is a present participle, “And Lydda being near Joppa.” Luke is describing the narrative as if it is ongoing. Understanding that, he continues with, “and the disciples had heard that Peter was there.” Again, the verbs are present tense, “and the disciples having heard that Peter is there.”
Tabitha has died, it is understood that Peter is in Lydda and Lydda is not that far away. Luke is weaving his words together to join his reader in the narrative as it continues. The sadness of the situation, the loss that has been experienced, and the immediate pressing nature of the situation is highlighted by the use of his words.
Because of this state, Luke next records, “they sent two men to him.” Many scholars tie in the coming internment with the urgency of the request while, at the same time, denying that Peter was being called for the purpose of a hoped-for miracle. In other words, an example of the reasoning is that Peter’s presence was needed “to comfort those that were concerned in the great loss of so good a woman” (Matthew Poole).
If this was the case, it would hardly matter if Tabitha was buried or not. Comfort can be provided if a body is above ground or in the grave. It is obvious that they have hope that Peter can, in fact, appeal to the Lord for a miracle. It would make no sense to rush Peter to Joppa unless this was the possible outcome. But the next words give just that sense of urgency, saying they were “imploring him not to delay in coming to them.”
The verse ahead will clearly show that Tabitha was not someone Peter knew well, if at all. And yet, he is being summoned to come quickly. However, just a few verses ago, it said –
“And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.’ Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:34, 35
The word had gone out all around the surrounding area that Peter had accomplished this miracle. It was understood from Jesus’ ministry that He had not only healed but that He had also raised the dead. The anticipation is that Jesus, through the apostleship of Peter, might again perform such a miracle.
Life application: Luke’s words are meticulously recorded to show an ongoing narrative, one thing often leading to the next. This is certainly the case here. The final note concerning the healing of Aeneas going out in a great manner was provided for just this reason, meaning it was intended to lead into the next section of the narrative.
Likewise, if you come to the end of this passage about Tabitha and look it over, you will see a connection to the next section. This is not uncommon in Scripture and such clues show that what is being detailed is not a haphazardly recorded account, but a purposeful compilation intended to lead us through the narrative to a more perfect understanding of what God has done in order to establish His church.
Pay attention to such cues because they will help provide a clearer sense of why things are occurring at the times they occur. Acts is a vital part of God’s word, even if it is not prescribing things for us to do. It is showing us that God’s hand was with His church as it began, and thus we can know that His hand continues with His church today.
The miracles, for example, helped establish a sense of surety within the church until the word was written. Those same miracles can provide us with the exact same sense of surety now that the word has been received.
Lord God, we can look to the wonderful things You have done for Your people in the past as are recorded in Your word. Now, we can have faith that what is provided there is true and reliable, and we can have confidence in the future concerning Your guiding hand being with us. Thank You for the surety Your word provides us as we continue forward in time, awaiting the fulfillment of all the things it promises are yet ahead. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 23, 2022 22:42:38 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:39
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. Acts 9:39
In the previous verse, the saints in Joppa sent two men to Peter in Lydda imploring him to come with them to Joppa. Now, that continues with, “Then Peter arose.” It is a present participle. The Greek reads, “Then Peter, having arisen.”
The narrative Luke presents brings the reader into it, carefully allowing it to unfold as it is being read. Peter was willing to go with them. Therefore, in having arisen, he “went with them.” His willingness to go with them would have alleviated any unnecessary delays as they could take him directly to the location without the possibility of him getting lost on the way or in the city.
As for the journey, it would not have been too long because the cities were near one another. The current driving distance is 16 miles. Assuming they had animals, it would be a few hours of riding at most. Even walking at a normal pace takes about 4 hours to go that distance. Luke next records, “When he had come, they brought him to the upper room.”
There is a sense of urgency here. Nothing is said about stopping to have a meal, wash their feet, or any of the other things that normally would occur after traveling 15+ miles. Instead, Luke notes that he is immediately brought to where Tabitha had been laid. Next, whether they were already in the room or whether they came up with him, it notes, “And all the widows stood by him weeping.”
Tabitha had been a faithful soul and a caring provider to many. That alone would have endeared her to others. Her death would have been a source of loss to anyone who was close and shared in her life. But these women were also the recipients of her good deeds. This is seen in the next words. They were “showing the tunics and garments.”
It is improbable that they carried up a display of the things she had made. Rather, it appears that they were showing her works as they wore them. In essence, “She made these just for me.” This is implied in the Greek which is in the middle voice. The middle voice is used to denote that the subject is both an agent of the action and somehow concerned with it. In other words, these ladies were most probably modeling the garments for Peter to understand the greatness of the efforts put forth by Tabitha.
The types of clothing noted by Luke include the chitón, which is a garment worn close to the skin. It could be an undergarment, a shirt, a coat, and so on. The second is the himation. This is a garment worn over the chitón, such as a robe. It would often be made of wool, having openings for the head and arms. It would be a more loosely fitting garment. Of these, Luke notes that they were clothes “which Dorcas had made while she was with them.”
The word translated as “which” means “as many as,” and the verb is imperfect. It gives the sense of it being a continuous habit of making. It’s not just that she made them for these ladies, but she went out of her way to make them anytime a need arose. A literal translation of this last clause would be “as many as Dorcas was making while she was with them” (YLT).
The care she had for those she tended to is evident in all that is documented about her by Luke.
Life application: Paul was torn between departing and being with the Lord and staying to minister to others –
“But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” Philippians 1:22-24
Tabitha (Dorcas) obviously was one of the saints and was therefore free from this body of death. However, those behind certainly wanted her back. Paul notes that her state with Christ would have been “far better” if she did not come back. And yet, that was the desire of those who had lost her.
Elsewhere, Paul says, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” Death is a part of the human existence. Until the rapture people will continue to die. The mourning we experience as believers is one of personal loss, not one of permanent loss.
If we can remember this, our times of loss should at the same time include a sense of joy for the one who has departed. Jesus Christ came to provide us with hope. To understand this more fully, take time today to read the account of the death of Lazarus in John 11. There, we see the surety of our hope because of who Jesus is.
In Christ is victory over death. If we can remember this and keep it with us at all times, it should help us in two major ways. The first is to spur us on to a more perfect desire to tell the unsaved about Jesus and to keep them in prayer for their hearts and eyes to be opened. The second is that when death enters into our sphere of life, if it is a believer who has died, we can have confidence that they are now in a “far better” state than remaining with us.
Heavenly Father, help us to be attentive to the terminal state of existence that we as humans live in. May we carefully remember that our days are short and that without Jesus, there is no hope for those who depart this life. Give us hearts that are caring about this so that we will not be negligent in our responsibilities concerning proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 25, 2022 0:03:59 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:40
Wednesday, August 24th, 2022
But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Acts 9:40
The previous verse spoke of the widows weeping and showing to Peter the tunics and garments that Tabitha (Dorcas) had made. With that, the words of this verse are given. The NKJV does not do a great job with the verbs, so Young’s translation will be used. It says –
“And Peter having put them all forth without, having bowed the knees, did pray, and having turned unto the body said, ‘Tabitha, arise;’ and she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up.”
With that noted, it says, “And Peter having put them all forth without.” Peter excused those who were in the room in order to have his full attention devoted to the matter at hand. Jesus did this with the young girl as is recorded in Matthew 9:25, but we see in Mark 5 that the parents, Peter, James, and John were with Him. This is also confirmed in Luke 8. In this case now, however, Peter is alone. From there, it says, “having bowed the knees.”
After having solitude, he takes a position of humility before the Lord. There is no arrogance or pretentiousness in him. Rather, he is as one who is seeking the Lord from the heart and in a state of reverence. With that, it says he “did pray.” In the account of the girl from the gospels, Jesus simply spoke forth His words, and the girl was raised. In John 11, at the raising of Lazarus, Jesus prayed to the Father, but it was an open prayer intended to be heard for others to perceive and understand the intimacy that exists between the Father and the Son as well as the authority that the Son possessed.
Peter yielded himself to God through prayer, not claiming any authority of his own. With that, it next records, “and having turned unto the body said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’” Though recorded in Greek, these would have been the same words as spoken by Jesus in Mark 5. He said, “Talitha cumi,” meaning, “Little girl, arise.” Peter would surely have spoken Aramaic and said, “Tabitha, cumi.” The closeness of the words is remarkable but coincidental. Next, after Peter’s spoken words, it says, “and she opened her eyes.”
As dead people do not open their eyes, the miracle that was hoped for has been realized. She is brought back to life by the power of God and through the petition of Peter. With that noted, the verse finishes with, “and having seen Peter, she sat up.”
Not only was she brought back to life, but she was also brought back to a state of vigor that allowed her to rise up on her own. The power of God is realized in the miracle.
Life application: Peter’s words, “Tabitha, arise,” were words of confidence. This is the same person who asked to come out to the Lord on the raging waters of the Sea of Galilee. There it said –
“So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:29, 30
Peter took his eyes off the Lord and looked at the dangers surrounding him. His faith faltered, and he began to sink. In this account, Peter removed the distractions of the women and their sadness and focused on the Lord through prayer.
We can, and should, learn from this. Hebrews 12:2 implores us to fix our eyes on Jesus. If we don’t do this, we will be ineffective in what we determine to do as believers because we will always be distracted by the things of the world. When our eyes are set on Jesus, our attention is likewise going to be set on Him. And when that is the case, our priorities and our determination will be properly focused. May we consider this all the days of our lives. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!
Lord God, even the most confident of us are just one step away from sinking among the raging waves of life if we don’t keep our eyes on Jesus. But with Him as our focus, we can be confident that the path we are taking is correct, and that it will lead to the right and proper end. What happens along the way is temporary and will pass, but the goal on which we focus – Jesus our Lord – is eternal joy in His presence. Help us to remember this all our days. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 26, 2022 0:17:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:41
Thursday, August 25th, 2022
Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. Acts 9:41
The previous verse detailed the restoration of life to Tabitha (Dorcas). With that having occurred, it next says of Peter, “Then he gave her his hand.” The verb is an aorist participle, saying, “And having given her his hand.”
It is speculated that this is noted because up until this time nothing has been said of physical contact between the two. If there was, Peter would have been ceremonially defiled according to Jewish law. That is found in Numbers 19:11, which says, “He who touches the dead body of anyone shall be unclean seven days.”
This is unlikely because it also says in Numbers 19:14, “This is the law when a man dies in a tent: All who come into the tent and all who are in the tent shall be unclean seven days.” The tent in that passage is to be equated to an enclosed area which is just where Tabitha’s body had been laid. The prophets of the Old Testament also went into the dead in the same manner as Peter, and they had physical contact with them while dead. That is seen in 1 Kings 17 (Elijah) and 2 Kings 4 (Elisha). But more to the point, in Christ, the types of defilement that are seen under the law are fulfilled and the law is set aside.
Regardless of this, Peter extended his hand to her. In doing so, he “lifted her up.” The order of events was different when Jesus restored life to the twelve-year-old girl. In Luke 8, it says –
“But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, ‘Little girl, arise.’ 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.” Luke 8: 54-56
Jesus first took the hand of the girl. He then directed her to arise. Peter directed her to arise and then took her hand. The difference is possibly because the life itself flowed from the Lord to the little girl whereas this is to show that the life of Tabitha was restored through Jesus and not from Peter. Only after her restoration does he take her hand to help her up. Next, it says, “and when he had called the saints and widows.”
The distinction between saints and widows is certainly not intended to mean the widows were not believers, but that they are the ones who were most affected by the charitable deeds of Tabitha. She tended to those who were unable to support themselves and were dependent on others for their needs. Having noted this, it is to these previously mournful souls that Peter “presented her alive.”
The miracle had been wrought, Tabitha was restored to those who had been mourning her loss, and the joy of her presence was probably accompanied by a great amount of praising the Lord for His tender mercies upon them all.
Life application: There are many people who say they believe in Jesus and yet they don’t accept the early Genesis account as literal history. This generally extends to Genesis 11 where they begin to accept it as true and literal, as if God suddenly started telling us the truth about what was happening at that time.
There are people that say they are believers and yet they do not accept the idea of predictive prophecy. In other words, the prophecies in the Bible that are fulfilled were written after they occurred.
There are people who claim to be Christians, but they dismiss the miracles, healings, and raising of the dead as fabricated stories.
A lot of these categories overlap too, meaning it is the same group of people in two or even all three of the categories. Some only fall into one of them. But all of them show a lack of faith in God, and they do not accept the “Jesus” who is presented in Scripture. Jesus held to the absolute authority and truthfulness of the Genesis account including the story of man’s creation (Mark 10:6), the killing of Abel (Luke 11:51), the flood of Noah (Matthew 24:37, 38), and so on.
Jesus refers to prophecies that were written long before His coming, and which were either fulfilled in His coming (such as Luke 4:18) or that would be fulfilled in the future (such as Mark 13:14). The number of such prophecies is rather extensive.
And more, Jesus is said to have performed miracles, healings, and the raising of the dead. After His ascension, these continued on through the apostles who were empowered by the Lord to do so, such as in the raising of Tabitha in Acts 9.
Although it is possible to be saved and hold to these erroneous views, it is both illogical and contradictory to do so. And to then teach these things to others will lead to the presentation of a false Jesus and thus a false gospel.
Where is your faith? If you cannot trust the word that tells of Jesus, you are not demonstrating faith in the Jesus who is presented in Scripture. Have faith, accept the word, and trust that what is presented is literal and truthful.
Lord God, help us in our times of unbelief or in our failure to accept Your word as it is given. May we stand approved before You as those who trust that Your word is literal, and it is true. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 26, 2022 23:14:10 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:42
Friday, August 26th, 2022
And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. Acts 9:42
Over the past verses, the death and raising of Tabitha have been recorded. The last verse said that Peter “presented her alive.” With that noted, the main purpose of her being brought back to life is given. As it says, “And it became known throughout all Joppa.”
The restoration of her life was not, first and foremost, to bring happiness to those who had experienced loss. Nor was it so that she could continue doing good works for the people of Joppa. It was also not to relieve her of the state of death. Paul’s words concerning that state have already been noted where he says that to depart and be with Christ “is far better” (Philippians 1:23).
Rather, the miracle was primarily for people to hear about it and then to accept that the Lord had accomplished it. And that is what occurred. As it next says, “and many believed on the Lord.” Rather than “in the Lord,” Luke says, “on (or upon) the Lord.” He, Jesus, is the object of the belief. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon identifies this as “a direction toward a person or thing, ‘after verbs of trusting and hoping.’”
The people have looked to Jesus and placed their trust in Him based on their knowledge concerning the miracle that has been accomplished. Any other reason for Tabitha’s raising is secondary to this. But more in their trusting of Jesus, the Father is then glorified. In John 12, Jesus said –
“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.’
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’” John 12:27, 28
A main purpose of Christ’s coming was to bring glory to God. The Father acknowledged this and said He had glorified His name, and He would do it again. That then follows with Jesus’ words to the apostles –
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
And this is now what has occurred. The people heard of what Peter had done in the name of Jesus (this is not explicitly stated, but it is implied because of Peter’s prayer) and they believed on the Lord. In believing in Jesus, the Father is glorified in the Son.
Life application: What has come about in Christ Jesus, both during His ministry and in the acts of the apostles in His name, is satisfying to God. Everything about the exaltation of Christ was by the design, and with the approval, of God. Christ Jesus’ preeminence in all things was God’s intent from the very beginning.
Jesus Christ is the means by which God receives glory in all things. Jesus is the Word, the Creator. God receives glory through His creative acts. Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word, the Redeemer. God receives glory through His redemptive acts. And so on. Such things about God are revealed to us through Christ Jesus. He is the focal point for us to understand God, fully and completely. Further, it is through Jesus Christ that God will ceaselessly and endlessly reveal Himself to us.
Those who believe that they are “good with God” but who do not have Jesus Christ are as far from God as the greatest sinner. Jesus Christ is the One to heal the fracture between God and man. The Bible has been given to provide us with a written record of what God has done in and through Christ. The miracle of Tabitha’s raising is a testament to God’s approval of Jesus. Jesus is the means by which God receives glory. Have faith in Jesus Christ, and God will be pleased with you.
And more, read the Bible from this perspective. Remember, it is the word that is telling us about Jesus. Cherish this word and look for Jesus in it. When you do, God is pleased that you are doing so.
Lord God, how precious it is to know that by faith in Jesus we are pleasing to You. In Him is reconciliation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal hope. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord who makes these things possible. Yes, thank You for Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 27, 2022 23:51:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 9:43
Saturday, August 27th, 2022
So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. Acts 9:43
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This is now the last verse of Chapter 9. The previous verse noted the extent that the news of the miracle of raising Tabitha had traveled, saying that it had “gone throughout all Joppa.” With that, it now says, “So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa.”
The meaning of “many days” is impossible to determine. It could have been weeks, months, or even years. The same expression was seen in verse 9:23 and it was a period of around three years. It is simply an indeterminate amount of time that means Peter stayed and conducted his affairs.
During this time, one can imagine Peter evangelizing those who had not received Jesus, providing doctrine and actual accounts of the work of Jesus, and performing or assisting in baptisms of those who had come to faith in the Lord. These and other things would have eventually led to this location becoming a hub for the word to go out. It is at this location that Jonah attempted to escape from the Lord, and as ships came in and went out, there was always the chance of the word being conveyed to those who were on them. While there in Joppa, it says that Peter stayed “with Simon, a tanner.”
It is the same name as Peter, who is “Simon Peter.” The Greek word translated as tanner is burseus. It will be seen three times in Acts 9 and 10, all associated with this person. In Chapter 10, it will note that his house is “by the sea.” Having a tannery meant a lot of refuse that needed disposal. Being by a flowing river or the sea would be an ideal spot. Further, the salt water of the sea would assist in the treatment process.
As for the job itself, being a tanner, the man would carry around an odor with him. If the tanning was accomplished on site, the whole place would have a really bad stench tied to it. Records of the Jews show that it was considered a lowly, contemptible profession.
The job itself cannot be equated, as some scholars do, with a job that was impure according to the law. That would be dependent on the types of hides he tanned (e.g., see Leviticus 5:2), the way they were obtained, and so on. None of these things are mentioned, and so any such thought would have to be inferred. In the law, the use of hides is explicitly noted –
“And the priest who offers anyone’s burnt offering, that priest shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has offered.” Leviticus 7:8
Further, the hides of animals were used in the construction of the Tabernacle of Meeting, and they are noted as coverings for people in the Bible, such as John being “clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist” (Matthew 3:4). These and other references show that being a tanner may have been a stinky, lowly profession, but it was not necessarily something that caused defilement. It was a part of the normal lives of people within the society.
The fact that Peter is with this person, however, does appear to bear on what will transpire in Acts 10. Peter was a Jew who was raised under the law. He saw the law completed in Christ, but he did not yet understand the full extent of what that meant or the scope of its effects. He understood that the legalistic and societal judgments of the Jews were obstacles to interpersonal relationships. He certainly remembered Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, and he was willing to live with a person who was considered contemptible to many. But that is only a step forward toward what he will next learn.
Life application: There are plenty of jobs people do that others might look down on. Treating wastewater might come to mind – “Eeeew, who would want to do that?” Cleaning public toilets would for sure be something many would not dare to do – “Yuuuuck, I’m glad I don’t have to do that!” Picking up trash and cigarette butts probably doesn’t seem too appealing to the folks who are coming into the local store to get their morning coffee – “Egad, I’m glad I’m not him. Off to the office, I go.”
Each of these jobs may seem rather unappealing, but someone must do them. One thing is for sure, if the wastewater doesn’t get properly treated in the nation for one week, the incidents of disease would begin to multiply and would quickly get out of hand. If the public bathrooms were never cleaned, people would be reticent to even go out, lest they had a need to use one! And if things weren’t picked up around the local shops and malls, they would quickly begin to look like third-world nations, or maybe San Francisco or some other liberal city. Rats would quickly move in, and from there disease could easily start to spread.
The people that do these things perform hugely important functions that others look down on with contempt. But without their efforts, society would quickly begin to collapse. When you drive down the road and smirk at the guy blowing off a parking lot, remember that your lawn also needs to be mowed and your drive needs to be blown off. Simon was a tanner and yet Peter stayed with him. Maybe you can spend some time with people you think you’re better than. You might find out that they are, in many ways, above you. A little humility in life goes a long way.
Lord God, there are innumerable jobs to keep a society going. Some don’t pay so well. Some are stinky or dirty. Some are hot and miserable to be accomplished. But each person that does his job is someone who was created in Your image. If he is a believer, then he is way ahead of the richest and most powerful person who has not come to Christ. Help us to make right judgments about the people we see and come into contact with each day. Yes, help us with this. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 29, 2022 1:19:38 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:1
Sunday, August 28th, 2022
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, Acts 10:1
The final verse of Chapter 9 told of Peter staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner. Now, Chapter 10 begins with the words, “There was a certain man in Caesarea.” Caesarea has already been mentioned twice in Acts. It was first noted when Philip is said to have preached in cities until he came to Caesarea (8:40). It was also mentioned in verse 9:30 where it noted that the brethren brought Saul down to Caesarea and sent him off to Troas.
The direction of Acts is going to shift greatly in Acts 13, from the ministry of Peter to that of Paul. But before that happens, the introduction of Gentile converts is to now be noted. This will begin the shift from Jew to Gentile, from Jerusalem to the rest of the world, and from the focus of Peter’s ministry to that of Paul’s. Of thischange, Charles Ellicott rightly notes concerning this man –
“His admission into the Church, even if it were not the first instance of the reception of a Gentile convert as such, became, through its supernatural accompaniments and (in the strict sense of that word) its ‘prerogative’ character, the ruling case on the subject. Whether it were earlier or later than the admission of the Gentiles recorded in Acts 11:20, we have no adequate data for determining.”
The man now to be referred to is “called Cornelius.” Some place the name Cornelius (Greek: Kornélios) as being Latin, coming from cornu, or horn. Abarim defines that as coming from the Greek keras, or horn. And that, in turn, comes from the Hebrew qeren also meaning horn. They say, “The name Cornelius probably stems from an adjective and a diminutive form combined, and means A Bit Like A Horn or, slightly more striking: Of The Little Horn.” For brevity, it means “Little Horn.”
Of this man, Luke next says he is “a centurion.” Ellicott says of this –
“Cæsarea was at this time the usual residence of the Roman Procurator of Judæa, and was consequently garrisoned by Roman troops. Greeks, Jews, and Romans, probably also Phœnicians and other traders, were mingled freely in its population.”
Concerning his rank, Cambridge gives a full description of his minimal scope of authority, saying, “This was not a distinguished office. He was commander of the sixth part of a cohort, i.e. of half a maniple. The name must have been given to such [an] officer when his command was over a hundred men. The Roman legion in these times was divided into ten cohorts, and each cohort into three maniples, so that the nominal strength of the legion would be 6000 men.”
Based on this, Cornelius is just a moderately positioned soldier. He has men over him and he is the leader of about one hundred under him. This is defined by the word “centurion.” In Greek, it is hekatontarchés, coming from hekaton, one hundred, and archó, to rule. Hence, he rules over a hundred. Of this ruling position, Luke says it was “of what was called the Italian Regiment.”
He is an Italian in a unit that is part of a greater unit forming the tenth part of a legion. The word translated as regiment was used in the gospels in regard to those stationed in Jerusalem at the time Jesus was crucified (see Matthew 27:27). Noting him as being of the Italian Regiment is probably expressly stated to identify the entire regiment as being from Italy and not hired or conscripted natives from other areas. This regiment may have been designated to provide protection for the Roman proconsul who ruled in the area.
Life application: Without even reading ahead in the story, it is obvious based on how the structure of the Bible, including Acts, is laid out that this person now being mentioned will become the focus of attention for a certain amount of time.
As he is a Gentile, he is outside of the covenant given at Sinai. He would be considered an unclean Gentile to the Jews. As a soldier, he is not in any special category within Roman society. He is just a person who follows orders and who would also give orders depending on his position. But his orders would only be to those who were also soldiers. As a centurion, he is in a very moderate position of authority. It would be easy to blame him for problems that occurred under his authority, and it would be rare for him to be given a great notice even if his soldiers were exemplary in their conduct.
In other words, Cornelius is just a run of the mill guy who is living a pretty average life but with nothing exceptional in it to make him stand out among a crowd. He would fit the description provided by Paul in 1 Corinthians 1 rather well –
“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Those who are in high positions will feel secure in who they are, thinking they are great and in God’s good favor. Their concern is not how to please God because they feel they must already be pleasing to Him. Those who live mediocre lives will normally understand that their position in society is not great. Therefore, they may more often be inclined to want to be pleasing to God. It is such people who will then be more willing to try to find out what it is that God finds pleasing.
When the gospel meets up with such a person, and when it is responded to, he has no place for boasting. Instead, he gives God the glory for what he has been freely offered. This is what God finds pleasing. When we trust in Him and not ourselves, He can, and He will be, satisfied that we have placed our hopes in the right place. If you want to be pleasing to God, don’t revel in your own goodness, but His. Be grateful for the gospel and glorify God through Jesus Christ whom He has sent to reconcile us back to Himself.
Lord God, how wonderful it is to have been called back to You through the gospel. You have done all that is necessary to reconcile us to You. Thank You for that! All glory belongs to You. We receive the gift! We believe the gospel! We accept Jesus! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 29, 2022 23:44:12 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:2
Monday, August 29th, 2022
a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10:2
Cornelius was just introduced into the narrative. He was in Caesarea and was a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment. Luke continues his words concerning him, saying that he was “a devout man.” The Greek simply reads, “devout.” It is a new word to Scripture, eusebés. It signifies pious, God-fearing, devout, etc. The word carries a different sense than that used in Acts 2:5 and 8:2, eulabés.
That word denotes someone who properly takes hold of what is known, such as the law of Moses. This word in verse 10:2 is more like someone who properly esteems or reverences. Cornelius may not have known the true God, but he knew He was there, and he reverenced Him as such. Thus, he was pious.
That alone sets him off as an exceptional person considering his profession. But more, Luke continues to describe him. As he does, and unlike the NKJV rendering, he will use present participles to do so. He says, “and one who feared God.” Rather, “and fearing God.”
Luke is bringing the reader into the constant state of how Cornelius lived. It is a common word that signifies awestruck or being terrified of. The same word is used when Paul was converted. The people didn’t believe that his conversion was true. As such, verse 9:26 says they were afraid of him. Cornelius was truly afraid of the God he knew was there and understood, as humans should, that he was accountable to Him for his actions. This is the sense that is to be derived from the words. This would then explain his piety. He wanted to please God with his life and works. But more, Luke says this was the case “with all his household.”
Even without the revelation of Scripture, Cornelius understood the importance of conveying the right attitude concerning God to his whole household. For example, Proverbs says –
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Verses such as this in the Old Testament, and many written by Paul in the New, are things that Cornelius understood intuitively. He shared his piety and fear of the Lord with his household, knowing that they too would have to give an account for their actions before God someday. Luke next says of him that he was one “who gave alms generously to the people.” Rather, “giving many alms to the people.”
The verb is singular. Thus, this is not speaking of the whole household just mentioned, but of Cornelius. The word translated as alms is also a general word found thirteen times in the gospels and Acts. For example, it was used in Acts 3:2, 3:3, and 3:10 when referring to the beggar that was healed by the Lord through Peter.
One can infer that Cornelius was the kind of person to drop money in such a person’s hand. He might see a boy without a shirt and hand him one, and so on. He has a streak of pity and compassion for others that did not go unnoticed. And more, Luke also says of him that he “prayed to God always.” Again, it rather says, “imploring God always.”
The word is deomai. It signifies having a want for oneself. It may be a need, a request, and so on. It is used, for example, in Luke 5:12 –
“And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’”
It seems likely that his imploring of God was for mercy –
* He was a devout man. He truly cared that his actions and heart were pleasing to God. Hence, he understood that there was a disconnect between him and God that needed to be appeased.
* He feared God with all his household. He was truly afraid of God, knowing that he would be judged for what he did in this life.
* He gave alms generously to the people. He didn’t know how to mend the rift between him and God and so he did what he could with his limited knowledge in order to attempt to mend it from his level upwards.
Because of his albeit limited understanding of God, he implored Him, probably with words like, “O God, I know you are there. I know that You are holy and terrifying. I am a vile creature in Your presence, and I need Your mercy lest I be swept away in the final judgment.”
He was less worried about his earthly life than he was about the judgment that he knew would come after it.
Life application: Cornelius knew what all people instinctively know. But instead of dismissing it and going on in life without a care, figuring it was all hopeless anyway, he held fast to what he was certain was true. It is the state of humanity that Paul writes about in Romans 2 –
“For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Romans 2:12-16
When you witness to people about Jesus, you will come across some who know that they are already in big trouble with God. They just don’t know what to do about it. For such people, all you need to do is tell them about the grace of God in Christ and they will get it. They will straight away be drawn to this good news.
Others have hidden away this obvious knowledge of God. They may say, “I’m a good person,” or “I’m not as bad as Hitler.” Such people see themselves as a standard, or at least as a point of reference in relation to others. They fail to see themselves in the light of God’s perfection. For such a person, you must first get them to understand that God is perfect and infinitely holy. In order to do this, you present them the law. In seeing that they have not met God’s standards of perfection, they can then be explained about the grace of God in Christ.
Until someone sees himself in relation to the awesome perfection and holiness of God, they will never see the need for a Savior. Be sure to evaluate the person you are giving the gospel to. Amend your presentation based on questions you ask them. Once they realize their state, whatever it may be, then explain how that state is corrected through the cross of Jesus Christ.
Lord God, may we be alert to the state of those around us. Help us to carefully consider how their lives are being lived, and then help us to direct them to the cross of Jesus accordingly. In the end, no sinner is too far from its cleansing power, and no person is good enough to avoid the judgment that it signifies. Help us to rightly explain to all about their great need for Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 31, 2022 0:17:09 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:3
Tuesday, August 30th, 2022
About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” Acts 10:3
The first two verses of Chapter 10 described the man, Cornelius, and the caliber of person he was. He was truly a man who desired to be pleasing to God, and he desired to be granted His mercy. That can be inferred from the description of him. Now the narrative will reveal that God has read his heart. This begins with the words, “About the ninth hour of the day.”
This would be at 3 pm. It is the time of Israel’s evening sacrifice, and it is the hour that Christ died on the cross –
“Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, ‘Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ Having said this, He breathed His last.” Luke 23:44-46
For a fuller description of the significance of this time, refer to the comments in Acts 3:1. There is nothing to suggest that Cornelius was either a proselyte or that he was following the customs of the Jews by praying at this hour. Rather, the previous verse clearly said that he “prayed to God always.” The importance of the hour is to connect it with other events that occurred at this hour in Scripture. Like days of the year, times of the day often bear significance and are used repeatedly to reveal patterns. Next, Luke records, “he saw clearly in a vision.”
The word translated as vision is horama. It was used once by Matthew after the transfiguration. All eleven other uses are found in Acts. It is something that is gazed at, and it is normally supernatural in nature. Cornelius is not asleep, but rather it is as if he is looking through a portal into another dimension. In his vision, he saw “an angel of God coming in.”
The sense of the verb is wrong. The word translated as “coming in” is an aorist participle, “having come.” Cornelius was praying and then there was someone there. As for the word aggelos, or angel, it means a messenger. It can refer to a supernatural being or a human. It is someone sent carrying a message. In this case, he is being sent from God. With that, the verse finishes with, “and saying to him, ‘Cornelius!’”
Again, it is an aorist participle, “and having said to him, ‘Cornelius.’” The sense is that Cornelius was in prayer and may have had his eyes closed or was mentally fixated on his prayer. Suddenly, and without any motion, someone came in and has spoken his name. This is what sets up the reaction coming in the next verse.
Life application: With another interesting and divinely appointed event recorded, it is good to be reminded that the verses in Acts are descriptive in nature. What is recorded about Cornelius’ meeting prescribes nothing. It is simply a record of what transpired, and there is a reason that it has come about.
Without getting too far ahead, the events that took place were necessary to cause the subsequent events to come about. This is especially so with Peter’s trance that will also be recorded in this chapter. But the coming of the messenger to Cornelius is needed to support and confirm what Peter needs to know.
Peter was a Jew, and he was learning about the significance of Christ’s work. He will learn more about it in his encounter with Cornelius. Now, this information is known. It is recorded in Scripture, and there does not need to be a repeat of it in every jungle or grassland, or in every Buddhist or Islamic city. We should neither expect visions and trances, nor are they necessary. The word is recorded, it tells us what we need to know, and it is sufficient for our learning and instruction.
Be wary of anyone who claims they have had an encounter with an angel or with the Lord Himself. Millions have been deceived by such people. Think of Mormonism! Today, there are over sixteen million Mormons. And there have been Mormons for almost two hundred years. Their religion is based on a lie spoken by Joseph Smith concerning an angelic visitation.
This is not an exceptional thing either. Consider the Seventh Day Adventists! There are about twenty-five million members in about ninety-five thousand churches. It is one of the fastest growing and most widespread churches on the planet. And yet it is based on the false visions of Ellen G. White.
There is no need for such things because we have the word of God. Hold fast to it. Trust in Christ alone as He is revealed in Scripture. And save your time concerning that sensational video, movie, or book. You are wasting it if you dive in. Instead, dive into the Bible daily. Get your fill of God’s word!
Glorious God Almighty, thank You for Your precious word. Help us to be rightly focused on what it says and keep us from people that would direct our attention away from it and to that which is of no value. Your word is a light to our feet. It is a lamp for our path. Help us to use it as the illumination for our walk in Your presence for all our days. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 1, 2022 21:48:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:5
Thursday, September 1st, 2022
Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. Acts 10:5
In the previous verse, Cornelius was told that his prayers and alms had come up for a memorial before God. Because of this, he is told, “Now send men to Joppa.”
The encounter and the directions are not unlike that which were given in Chapter 9 –
“Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’
And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’
11 So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.’” Acts 9:10-12
This time, however, instead of a believing Jew receiving instructions to go to an unbelieving Jew to have his eyes opened, it is a Gentile being told to send men to a believing Jew so that the sender may have his heart rightly turned to God. It is obvious, even before the next clause, that it is Peter who is to be summoned. The account of him in Joppa was just referred to in the last verse of Chapter 9. That thought is confirmed with the words, “and send for Simon.”
Here, his original Jewish name is given. It is what he was known as until Jesus designated him Peter as is recorded in the gospels (see Matthew 16:17-19, Mark 3:16, and Luke 6:14). After that, Luke records, “whose surname is Peter.”
Whatever “surname” meant in the past, it now means a hereditary name common to all members of a family. In this case, his surname would be his father’s name, Bar-Jonah, or “son of Jonah,” seen in Matthew 16. Hence, this more rightly reads, “who is named Peter,” or “who is called Peter.”
Cornelius has been directed to specifically call for Simon who is called Peter. This is to avoid any confusion between him and the man he is staying with, Simon the tanner. Rather than this messenger telling Cornelius the message of Jesus, the responsibility is given to an apostle of Jesus. But more, it is given to Simon Peter. There is a reason for this that will be explained later in the passage.
Life application: A responsibility was laid upon the apostles. That expanded to the disciples as the apostolic age continued and eventually ended. The message of Jesus Christ is a message that has been given to us to share. Angels do not convey it to men, and it would be contradictory for us to think that such would be the case.
Paul says that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). It is true that someone may pick up a Bible or a tract with the gospel and read it and then come to faith. But someone had to translate the Bible, it had to be published, it had to be purchased, it had to be given, and so on.
The responsibility for people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ rests upon us. Just before Paul’s words of Romans 10:17, he said –
“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
People need to hear the word. The word will not get out unless people get involved in the process. Yes, it is good to support preachers, but it is equally as good for any and all saved believers to also join in the process. As the psalm says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2). Open your mouth and speak. Carry a Bible and pass it on. Have tracts available to share. Be a participant in the great thing God has done and continues to do, even to this day. If not you, then who?
Lord God, how marvelous it was on the day we heard the good news about what Christ had done for us. Someone took the time to share that news, and we were blessed to be included in Him because of it. Help us to carry that thought with us always. Help us to be responsible with our time and abilities by now being included in those who share this wonderful message of hope and truth. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 2, 2022 20:18:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:6
Friday, September 2nd, 2022
“He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” Acts 10:6
Cornelius is still receiving instruction from the messenger from God. He was just told to send men to Joppa and to find Simon whose name is Peter. It now continues with, “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner.” This gives the reason for specifying “Simon whose name is Peter.” Normally, one would go to a residence looking for the occupier of that residence.
In this case, Simon the tanner opened his house to Simon Peter. Without identifying which Simon was to go, they both may have had to make the journey, just to be sure. Ananias was not an apostle, and yet, he was summoned to go to Straight Street and place his hands on Paul. Without this explicit instruction, they may have thought the Lord purposefully wanted a tanner to meet with a Gentile because he was used to interacting with Gentiles, or whatever.
As noted in the commentary on Acts 9:43, being a tanner was not necessarily something that caused defilement. It was a part of the normal lives of people within the society. Even if some Jews found it an unclean lifestyle, that was their problem, but it was not necessarily an issue with the law.
In the modern world, people may look down on garbagemen, but that doesn’t mean a thing about the person. The position may be filled by the greatest guy in town. And so, this cannot be used as an indication that “the Jewish law was losing its hold on Peter” (Vincent’s Word Studies). Rather, it meant that Peter was willing to stay with a person who was looked down upon by others and who may have stank to high heaven.
Next, it says, “whose house is by the sea.” This would easily identify where to go, and which tanner was being referred to if there was more than one in town. Being by the sea was a convenient place for tanning as noted in the earlier commentary referenced above. Lastly, it says, “He will tell you what you must do.”
These words are left out of various texts. Of this omission, Cambridge says –
“These words are not in the oldest MSS. In Peter’s own account of the visit to Cornelius (Acts 11:14) we have ‘who shall tell thee words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved;’ and this is one of the numerous instances found in some later texts of the Acts where an attempt has been made to form a complete narrative in the earlier chapters by gathering together and adapting statements which appear in their proper place in later chapters.”
Cambridge immediately assumes that “older is better,” and that the omission demonstrates that this was an insert in one text to reconcile the two accounts. However, it could just as easily be that the omission was an error in the earlier text and that text was then rejected because of it. Unless there is definite proof of one or the other, the addition of a footnote in the Bible translation is a useful tool to let the reader know the disparity between the various texts. Either way, no information is lost because Chapter 11 includes it. So, it was either stated twice or it was stated only once, but it was – in fact – stated.
Life application: Be sure to read the footnotes if your Bible includes them. And when you buy a new Bible, look for one that includes footnotes. There are many important points that are noted in them that will help the true student of the Bible to determine what is going on and to then help them think those things through clearly.
When you come to a footnote you are not fully understanding, then you can read up on that passage in longer commentaries. Eventually, you will usually find a suitable resolution to the issue you are trying to resolve.
Heavenly Father, may we be faithful and careful stewards of Your word, always thinking it through, contemplating it, and meditating upon it. It is too precious to simply ignore. It is light, and it conveys life. May we treat it with the highest care and respect all our days. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 3, 2022 20:30:31 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:7
Saturday, September 3rd, 2022
And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. Acts 10:7
The previous verse had the messenger saying to Cornelius that Peter was lodging with Simon the tanner and that Peter would be the one to convey to Cornelius what he was to do. With that, Luke next records, “And when the angel who spoke to him had departed.”
In verse 10:3, it said the messenger had come in a vision. Now it says that he had departed. This tells us that he really was there, even if it is in a manner we cannot readily understand. One cannot come and then depart unless he is present at some point, and yet a vision is normally something that is thought of as being a one-sided event, actually only occurring in the perception of the one having the vision.
But this isn’t really so. In 2 Kings 6, there is an account of the Syrians coming to make war against Israel. One of the servants of Elisha saw the army and was afraid, but Elisha told him, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). After that, Elisha prayed, asking the Lord to open his servant’s eyes. When he did, it said, “And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17).
Thus, there is a realm that exists, and which can be perceived when the Lord allows it to be so. Cornelius was allowed to see into it in order to receive the words of the messenger. Now that time is ended and so it says that “Cornelius called two of his household servants.”
In verse 10:2, it said that Cornelius was “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household.” This would have included these two because they are a part of his household. Luke next continues with, “and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually.”
It is the same word used to describe Cornelius himself in verse 10:2. This was a respectful, reverent soldier that was assigned under Cornelius who was obviously highly trusted and who would understand the weight of the matter that would be taking place as it unfolded. Of these words, Charles Ellicott says, “It is obvious that all such facts are interesting as throwing light on the character of Cornelius, and showing that, to the extent of his power, he sought to lead those over whom he had any influence to the Truth which he had found precious as leading him to a higher life.”
Despite being pagan, Cornelius understood his accountability before God. But it wasn’t something he just carried around inside of him without instilling that in others. Rather, to his utmost, he expected this conduct of those who he held close to himself in his household and in those under his charge.
Life application: Although it is impossible to tell the level of godliness of Cornelius in comparison to all of the other people on the earth who were alive at his time, we could pick an arbitrary number on the bell curve based on the description of him in Acts. Assuming he was just as described, and he was described this way because he was exceptional, then we might pin him in the top five percent of people who were devout and god-fearing.
Supposing that this is so, we could then say, “Well, if anyone had a right to boast before God, it would be him.” And yet, Paul says of Abraham, the father of those who believe –
“What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.” Romans 4:1-4
As godly and devout as Cornelius was, he was – like Abraham – wholly in need of God’s grace. God is not grading humanity on a bell curve. He is evaluating man based on His infinite perfection. Because of this, all people stand condemned before Him (John 3:18). We must be imputed His perfection, or we must be forever separated from Him, because of His perfection. It is Jesus Christ, and He alone, who makes this possible.
Cornelius will be told what he must do. The choice is up to him. Will he depend on his own supposed righteousness, or will he set that aside and believe the gospel which highlights his own insufficiency before God? To accept that Jesus Christ died for our sins is to admit that we have sinned. God cannot fellowship with a person who denies his obviously fallen state. But even if someone does acknowledge that he is a sinner, God cannot fellowship with him merely because of this. Such a person must accept the remedy to his state. That remedy is Jesus. Be sure that people know. In knowing, and in accepting what they now know, only then can God receive them.
Lord God, thank You that, because of Jesus Christ, we have forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. We may be devout without Jesus, but never enough that we can be accepted by You. Rather, we need His perfection, and You have offered it to us by grace. May those we talk to be willing to accept the premise, have the faith needed, and then be reconciled to You. Help us to share this life changing word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 4, 2022 23:23:45 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:8
Sunday, September 4th, 2022
So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:8
In the last verse, Cornelius had called his servants and a devout soldier. With that remembered, it now says, “So when he had explained all these things to them.” The word translated as “had explained,” signifies to completely bring forth and thus to thoroughly explain. This means that Cornelius didn’t just tell them, “You three are to go to Joppa and fetch a guy named Peter.” Instead, he told them the entire substance of what occurred including the vision, the visitation, the words of the messenger, and so on.
This shows that Cornelius was on the friendliest of terms with his servants and his soldier. They deserved no explanation, but they were provided with it. It is another hint of the caliber of the man who deemed those around him deserving of more than just an arrogant, commanding attitude. Understanding this, and only after fully declaring the matter, it next says that “he sent them to Joppa.”
As it was the ninth hour (3 pm) when he was given the vision, it shows the truly obedient nature of Cornelius to get about the task without delay. It also shows his true desire to get about hearing what Peter would have to say. Nothing is said of them leaving in the morning, but that they called, and he sent them out.
Life application: Paul, citing the Lord, says –
“‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
The prayers of Cornelius had been heard, and he had been told that the day of salvation had come. He didn’t delay in getting about the business that had been set before him. There are people that really want to hear the word. Their hearts are already primed for responding favorably to the gospel. Others might be so far from the Lord that the gospel is the last thing one would expect they would want to hear. And yet, at the right moment, it is presented to them, and tears of joy flood their faces as they realize the significance of what Jesus had done for them.
We cannot know what type of reaction we will receive when we share the gospel, but we will never know if we don’t… share the gospel. Today may be the only day we ever come across a particular person. We should probably get about what we have been called to do lest we are later filled with regret over our negligence.
Let us be ready and willing, at all times, to share the wonderful news that Jesus has come!
Lord God, we can look around the world and think we have plenty of time to do this or that but then find out it is too late, and our window of opportunity is closed. How sad is the regret in such times. And how much more so when we have failed to share the good news about Jesus. Help us not to be dilatory in our sharing of the gospel, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 5, 2022 18:43:53 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:9
Monday, September 5th, 2022
The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Acts 10:9
The previous verse noted that Cornelius sent his servants and one of his soldiers off to Joppa. With that noted, it now says, “The next day.” At this point, it may seem that these messengers actually started their journey the next day, but this is not likely.
They had immediately left the house of Cornelius, eventually stopped for the night, and are now continuing on the journey. Depending on where the starting and stopping points are in the cities, the journey is 35-40 miles, or even more. This would take 10-13 hours to walk at a normal pace. If they had donkeys, it could go a little quicker. If they had horses, they would have to tire them out to meet the time stated in this verse if it was on the same day of their departure. For now, it continues with, “as they went on their journey.”
The verb is a present participle, “as they are journeying on the way.” Luke is taking us through a methodical set of steps concerning what occurred to show us how the Lord perfectly timed everything that will transpire. In this journeying, it next says, “and drew near the city.”
It is another present participle, “and are approaching the city.” Again, Luke is drawing the reader directly into the events as they unfold. They have left Caesarea. They are journeying on the way. They are approaching the city. Now, at that same time as these things are coming to their conclusion, it says that “Peter went up on the housetop to pray.”
The timing of the two events coincides at this moment. The people who have been sent by Cornelius, because of the visitation of a messenger when he was seeing a vision, are coming near the city just as Peter is going up to the housetop to pray. The housetop was most likely unoccupied at this time. If it was a sunny day, the sun would be high. Unless there was a purpose in going up there, people would more likely remain in the shade.
But more to the point, the housetop was a place people would go for various reasons, including worship. This is seen, for example in these passages from the Old Testament –
“And the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the place of Tophet, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” Jeremiah 19:13
“Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops;
Those who worship and swear oaths by the Lord,
But who also swear by Milcom.” Zephaniah 1:5
Despite these people improperly worshiping the Lord or other gods, these verses show us that the housetops were used for “getting closer to God,” just as the people would go to the high places for worship throughout all of the Old Testament. The idea is that of being elevated and in the open so that God could supposedly be more accessible. With Peter now having gone to the housetop, Luke records that it is “about the sixth hour.”
This would be right at midday. This shows that the journey most probably began on the day before. Unless they got up extremely early in the morning when it was still pitch black, they could not have arrived this quickly at Joppa. Hence, they immediately left Caesarea, they traveled until evening, and then they resumed travel again the next day. This is all to be considered in how the events will come together at the same time.
Life application: Don’t be afraid to read various versions of the Bible. One can really miss out on the actual feeling of what is happening if the translators are wrong in their wording, choice of verbiage, the tense of verbs, and so on.
Luke is purposefully drawing his readers into the narrative, leading them as if they are following along as the events take place. Using the past tense in place of the present tense may still convey the same general idea, but it loses the flavor of what is presented. Being captivated by one version, especially when it is wrong in such ways, means you may miss out on the delight of the moment.
So, feel free to read several versions as in a parallel Bible. You are sure to get a fuller appreciation for what is said. If you have a real question that develops between the versions, then you can research more fully to find out what is nagging at you. Most Bibles convey the same overall thought, and so the passage is clearly understood, but the subtleties can make a difference in how you might enjoy what is being presented.
Heavenly Father, help us to be attentive to the little differences in translations of Your word. We might get a different sense from one than from another, even if they convey the same overall meaning. Help our study of Your word to be a delightful experience where we find real intimacy with You through Your wonderful word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 6, 2022 22:18:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:9
Monday, September 5th, 2022
The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Acts 10:9
The previous verse noted that Cornelius sent his servants and one of his soldiers off to Joppa. With that noted, it now says, “The next day.” At this point, it may seem that these messengers actually started their journey the next day, but this is not likely.
They had immediately left the house of Cornelius, eventually stopped for the night, and are now continuing on the journey. Depending on where the starting and stopping points are in the cities, the journey is 35-40 miles, or even more. This would take 10-13 hours to walk at a normal pace. If they had donkeys, it could go a little quicker. If they had horses, they would have to tire them out to meet the time stated in this verse if it was on the same day of their departure. For now, it continues with, “as they went on their journey.”
The verb is a present participle, “as they are journeying on the way.” Luke is taking us through a methodical set of steps concerning what occurred to show us how the Lord perfectly timed everything that will transpire. In this journeying, it next says, “and drew near the city.”
It is another present participle, “and are approaching the city.” Again, Luke is drawing the reader directly into the events as they unfold. They have left Caesarea. They are journeying on the way. They are approaching the city. Now, at that same time as these things are coming to their conclusion, it says that “Peter went up on the housetop to pray.”
The timing of the two events coincides at this moment. The people who have been sent by Cornelius, because of the visitation of a messenger when he was seeing a vision, are coming near the city just as Peter is going up to the housetop to pray. The housetop was most likely unoccupied at this time. If it was a sunny day, the sun would be high. Unless there was a purpose in going up there, people would more likely remain in the shade.
But more to the point, the housetop was a place people would go for various reasons, including worship. This is seen, for example in these passages from the Old Testament –
“And the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the place of Tophet, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” Jeremiah 19:13
“Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops;
Those who worship and swear oaths by the Lord,
But who also swear by Milcom.” Zephaniah 1:5
Despite these people improperly worshiping the Lord or other gods, these verses show us that the housetops were used for “getting closer to God,” just as the people would go to the high places for worship throughout all of the Old Testament. The idea is that of being elevated and in the open so that God could supposedly be more accessible. With Peter now having gone to the housetop, Luke records that it is “about the sixth hour.”
This would be right at midday. This shows that the journey most probably began on the day before. Unless they got up extremely early in the morning when it was still pitch black, they could not have arrived this quickly at Joppa. Hence, they immediately left Caesarea, they traveled until evening, and then they resumed travel again the next day. This is all to be considered in how the events will come together at the same time.
Life application: Don’t be afraid to read various versions of the Bible. One can really miss out on the actual feeling of what is happening if the translators are wrong in their wording, choice of verbiage, the tense of verbs, and so on.
Luke is purposefully drawing his readers into the narrative, leading them as if they are following along as the events take place. Using the past tense in place of the present tense may still convey the same general idea, but it loses the flavor of what is presented. Being captivated by one version, especially when it is wrong in such ways, means you may miss out on the delight of the moment.
So, feel free to read several versions as in a parallel Bible. You are sure to get a fuller appreciation for what is said. If you have a real question that develops between the versions, then you can research more fully to find out what is nagging at you. Most Bibles convey the same overall thought, and so the passage is clearly understood, but the subtleties can make a difference in how you might enjoy what is being presented.
Heavenly Father, help us to be attentive to the little differences in translations of Your word. We might get a different sense from one than from another, even if they convey the same overall meaning. Help our study of Your word to be a delightful experience where we find real intimacy with You through Your wonderful word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 7, 2022 23:51:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:11
Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. Acts 10:11
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Taken with the previous verse, the words form a complete thought – “Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.” With this noted, the words can now be looked into, starting with, “and saw heaven opened.”
Rather, the first verb is present tense to more poignantly bring the reader into the narrative – “and beholds heaven opened.” It isn’t that he went into a trance and saw. He went into a trance, and he beholds. It is right there before him as he looks. While beholding this marvelous scene, it next says, “and an object.”
This is all happening while he beholds. This thing, described here as an object, takes hold of his vision. The word simply means a vessel by which something is contained. In this case, the object is “like a great sheet.” The word is othoné, and it is found only here and in verse 11:5 where Peter explains to others what he saw. It is fine linen, and thus it refers to a sheet or a sail. It is a piece of linen, obviously square (as will be seen), and extremely large.
Some speculate that this may be a tallit, a fringed prayer shawl used by Jews. If it were such an item, and because Peter is a Jew, he would have certainly said so when later describing it. Rather, it appears to simply be “like” a great sheet, and thus something specifically used for this purpose. Of this object, it next says that it was “bound at the four corners.”
This now gives a better sense of what the object may be. As noted, the word used to describe it is a sheet or a sail. The Weymouth New Testament uses the word sail –
“The sky had opened to his view, and what seemed to be an enormous sail was descending, being let down to the earth by ropes at the four corners.”
This is probably what is being conveyed. Peter bar Jonah (his full name as seen in Matthew 16:17) was a fisherman and well acquainted with sailing. He had just been called from Joppa where centuries earlier Jonah had sailed aboard a ship going to Tarshish. As he was by the sea at Simon the tanner’s house (Acts 10:6), he would have daily seen ships coming and going. When describing this object in Acts 11, it would be much more normal for him to use this description with those he talked to – “I saw this thing descending like a huge sail!”
The description of it being a sail would then fit more readily with the typology of what will later be described for other reasons as well. Of this great object like a sail, it next says it was “bound at the four corners.”
The word translated as “corners” means “beginnings.” It is the very extremity of the sail, and this is what would naturally be done to a sail. The billowing square sail of a ship is what catches the wind and impels it forward as it is bound by its corners. This is just what the word was used to indicate in ancient Greek as noted by Vincent’s Word Studies –
“Dr. J. Rawson Lumby suggests that the word, ‘applied to loose, bellying sails of ships,’ may indicate that the form of vessel which appeared to Peter ‘recalled an image most familiar to his previous life – the wind-stretched canvas of the craft on the Lake of Galilee’ (‘Expositor,’ iii., 272).”
The verse finishes with the words, “descending to him and let down to the earth.” The number four in Scripture is defined by Bullinger as the number of creation. It is the world number and especially the city number. This object bound at the four corners descended down to the earth. As such, it would indicate the four corners of the earth noted elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Isaiah 11:12. It is a way of describing the totality of a location, such as a city or a country, or even the earth itself.
As this has descended from heaven, its origin is in heaven. Due to its great size and the fact that it has four corners, and that it has descended to the earth, it is emblematic of the entire earth. These things can be deduced even before the next verses are given.
As a point of interest, the word used to describe this sail has a kindred noun, othonion. That is seen in the gospels when referring to the linen strips used to wrap Jesus’ body. That word is not used, but it is an interesting connection to help understand the word that is being used by Luke.
Life application: At times, the Bible provides information in typology, metaphor, and comparison, and asks us to think through what is being said. It can be an imperfect science to interpret these things, but the more we read the Bible, the more clearly such things begin to be understood.
The consistency of the Bible in its use of various literary devices, especially combined with the life or circumstances of those who are highlighted in the passages, can give us even more assurance of what is being conveyed. For example, Peter is being used to convey imagery to the church at this time. Who he is, what he did, and the surrounding passage all give us clues as to what the imagery is conveying.
From there, we can then make logical deductions about what is being expressed. In other words, read your Bible, think about what it says, and remember these things as you continue. When an interesting passage comes before you, then you can take your store of information and make such conclusions. Be careful, however, because some people can make anything mean anything by incorrectly analyzing what is being described. Don’t just jump on the first commentary’s explanation but be willing to research the matter fully in order to get the best hint of what is being expressed.
Lord God, thank You for the wonders and delights that are found in Your word. They give us a lifetime of things to study, contemplate, and consider. Someday, we long to see the word fully explained to us so that we can behold the marvel of all that it contains! Thank You for this precious gift, Your wonderful word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 8, 2022 23:50:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 10:12
Thursday, September 8th, 2022
In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. Acts 10:12
The previous verse referred to the “object like a great sheet [sail]” descending to Peter from heaven to the earth. That now continues with, “In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth.”
The translation is not acceptable. It is stated without exception, saying, “all the quadrupeds of the earth.” It is a new word, tetrapous, that signifies “four” and “foot.” It will be seen here, in Acts 11:6, and then in Romans 1:23. Every four-footed animal that is to be found on earth was included in this display. That is followed by, “wild beasts.”
This word, thérion, is not included in some manuscripts, but it is found in Peter’s description of the account in Acts 11:6. It is possible a scribe either missed it in this verse, or it was purposefully inserted to reconcile the two accounts. Either way, the word comes from the word théra, signifying a trap used for hunting. Thus, this is a generic word for any wild animal. Next noted are “creeping things.”
The Greek word is herpeton. It also is a new word, and it signifies any crawling animal, reptiles, and especially a serpent. It is comparable to the Hebrew word remes first found in Genesis 1:24. The Greek word is the etymological root of our modern word herpes which is a disease that creeps. Finally, it says, “and birds of the air.”
Rather, the Greek reads, “and the birds of the heaven.” There is no qualifier saying, “clean birds.” Rather, it can be assumed that all birds of the heavens are included in the scene before him.
Though getting a bit ahead of the narrative, what is being seen is a picture of the cleansing of the Gentiles through Christ’s work. The sail is the means by which the message goes forth, signifying movement on the seas, even to the furthest parts of the world.
The sail being made of linen provides its own picture of purity. All that are noted upon it are cleansed by the blood of Christ, apart from deeds of the law, and are deemed as acceptable to God because of Him.
The sail having four corners signifies that the gospel will go forth to every part of the earth, the four corners representing the entire earth. And the animals, regardless of the kind, are included in the scope of the transmission of the gospels.
Under the law of Moses, animals were specifically divided into clean and unclean. The two main records of this are found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. To fully understand the typology, please refer to the appropriate Superior Word sermons on these passages.
Israel was set apart under the law and was permitted to eat only certain foods derived from a select list of animals. Gentiles have no restrictions on them concerning dietary laws. This goes all the way back to Genesis 9 –
“And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.” Genesis 9:2, 3
The law was introduced as a tool for Israel, and Israel alone, to conduct its affairs. The Gentiles were never placed under that law, and no dietary restrictions, apart from drinking blood (Genesis 9:4), were placed upon the people of the world. With the law fulfilled by Christ, it was set aside. The Gentiles who ate unclean animals are no longer considered unclean. This will be made explicit in the coming verses.
The descending of this object from heaven to the earth was to signify to Peter that a mystery was being revealed. That mystery is then explained by Paul –
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” Ephesians 3:1-7
Despite Paul being the one through whom the mystery of the church is conveyed to the Gentiles, it is the same mystery that is first revealed to Peter, and which will be confirmed by Peter in Acts 10. Once again, as has been seen several times in Acts, the same working of God, meaning the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is given by both Peter and Paul. The focus of the ministry for that gospel (meaning Peter’s toward the Jews and Paul’s toward the Gentiles) is the only difference. It is one gospel to all people.
Life application: The Chinese people have a saying, “If it moves on the earth, if it is found in the oceans, or if it flies in the sky, we will eat it.” This is a truth found throughout the Gentile world to some degree or another. No dietary restrictions exist except those that are self-imposed or that may be imposed by a particular nation or by some false religion.
For example, Islam and Hinduism restrict the eating of certain foods. Also, there are things that are just culturally not considered acceptable. Various bugs have always been eaten in parts of Asia, and even the Levitical law allowed for the consumption of locusts.
However, until recently, it was considered socially unacceptable in the western world to eat bugs. It was not prohibited, but it was something looked down on as boorish and objectionable. With the modern green movement, bugs are in, and beef is out. This is not a dietary law. Rather, it is just an attempt to manipulate the populace for a perverse agenda.
Despite this, the vision that Peter is seeing is exactly what is found in the Gentile world. The old saying, “You are what you eat,” is on full display here. Gentiles eat snakes, bugs, and lobsters (to their delight by the way), while Jews do not. And so, what is being seen is more than just the acceptance of Gentiles into the plan of God, but the acceptance of what they eat as well. The two are not to be disassociated from one another.
And yet, heretical cults and false teachers will use Acts 10 to say that the typology only points to the cleansing of Gentiles, but not the cleansing of foods. This is incorrect and it is dispelled both in the coming account of Acts 10, throughout the Pauline epistles, and the book of Hebrews as well. Don’t be fooled by perverse people with an agenda to push you under the constraints of the Law of Moses! Pass the whale blubber and bacon, and enjoy the freedom God has given you in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord God, how precious it is to know that by faith alone in Jesus and in His fulfillment of the law we are pleasing to You. He lived out the law, He shed His blood, dying in fulfillment of it, and He rose again, setting aside its ordinances so that we are justified not through our deeds, but through His. In Him, reconciliation and forgiveness of sins have come! Now, we have a blessed and eternal hope. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Sept 9, 2022 22:32:59 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse - Acts 10:13
Friday, September 9th, 2022
And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Acts 10:13
The previous verse showed that “all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth” were in the object that was like a great sheet. With that remembered, it next says, “And a voice came to him.” The source of the voice is not stated, but it is certainly the Lord Jesus. This is most probable based on his reply in the next verse and what is stated between the two. And the words conveyed to Peter begin with, “Rise.”
Rather, it is an aorist participle – “Having arisen.” Peter was obviously still laying or kneeling as during his praying. And so, the voice lets him know that once he has gotten up, he is to take a particular action. After this, and calling him by his given name, the voice continues with, “Peter; kill and eat.”
This is obviously in response to his state of being “very hungry,” as was seen in verse 10:10. The voice instructs Peter to look upon the vast multitude of animals without distinction and to take whatever he desired for himself.
In this, Peter is clearly being shown that the dietary laws of the Law of Moses have been annulled. He is being returned to a time when Israel did not have the law and lived under the general command of God to Noah –
“And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.” Genesis 9:2, 3
The importance of this is not to be missed because if the dietary laws are annulled, then the entire Mosaic Code is annulled. It is a single body of law, no part of which could be left unfulfilled without guilt being imputed –
“For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18
If the dietary laws are annulled, thus meaning that the Law of Moses is annulled, then it means that the law has been fulfilled. Those of Israel who accept the completion of Christ’s work are brought out from the bondage and yoke of the law, and into a new and as yet unexplained dispensation. Those who are not of Israel, and who had never been under the law, are imputed the righteousness of the law’s fulfillment because of Jesus.
This is all being seen, or at least hinted at, in the details provided in this one verse. The voice is from heaven, indicating that it is of God. It is in connection with the presentation of unclean animals to Peter, indicating they have been divinely sanctioned to be eaten, and it is given in typology of the people who already eat such animals because they are not, and never were, under the law of Moses.
Life application: The Lord would not present supposedly unclean animals to Peter and admonish him to eat them if it were a violation of His own law to do so without a particular reason for doing so. Hence, without going forward in the text, it is clear and explicit that these animals are no longer to be considered unclean.
And yet, there are innumerable teachers of the word, and even entire denominations, that adamantly state Christians are bound to the dietary restrictions of the Mosaic Law. If this is so, then they are also bound to every other precept of the law – without exception – and they must fulfill them perfectly. They have set aside the grace of Christ, and they have fallen back on a system that was never effectual in removing sin, except in the anticipation of its own fulfillment by Jesus.
Be sure to get what the meaning of grace is. It is not, “I have done and so now you must do.” Grace is unmerited favor. Salvation is solely and absolutely a work of the Lord. It is true that there are things we are told to do under the New Covenant, but these things are to be accomplished because of our state in salvation, not as a means of either earning it or maintaining it.
Lord God, thank You for the grace You have bestowed upon us through the giving of Christ Jesus. All that stood against us is now taken away because of Him. Praise You, O God, for what You have done! Amen.
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