|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 1, 2022 23:18:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:15
Tuesday, November 1st, 2022
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Acts 11:15
Peter has explained how he wound up at Cornelius’ house in Caesarea. Once there, he now tells what transpired, saying, “And as I began to speak.”
Though it is a very short explanation of the events in the house, it is not incorrect. The use of the word “begin” as recorded by Luke does not necessarily mean the starting of the action, but the action itself. In Luke 4:21, Jesus said, “And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” Peter’s discourse began immediately after Cornelius had finished explaining why he had summoned Peter. After Cornelius’ words, it then said –
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.’” Acts 10:34-43
Peter had no idea that the Spirit would come upon the believers while he was speaking. He was probably prepared to continue speaking for a lengthy span, but his words were cut short once the substance of the gospel had been presented and the hearts of those attending had accepted what was presented. Thus, to say, “And as I began to speak” is an all-inclusive statement of his short discourse. With that, he next says that “the Holy Spirit fell upon them.”
This is exactly what is recorded in Acts 10. There it said, “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.” In the middle of his discourse, and certainly before he had finished his thoughts – and yet at the time when the substance of the gospel was given – the Holy Spirit fell upon those who were listening.
Peter’s words noted the death, burial (implicitly stated because Jesus rose on the third day), and resurrection of Christ. This is the exact same gospel referred to by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 and which Paul testifies is the same gospel preached by Peter and the other apostles (1 Corinthians 15:11). And the same effect occurred as that which came upon those in Jerusalem, just as Peter says, “as upon us at the beginning.”
The reference is to the event of Acts 2:3. The believers were gathered together, and the Spirit sat upon each of them. With that, it then said, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” In Acts 10:46, it said, “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”
The same gift came upon the Gentiles as had come upon the Jews at Pentecost. The event occurred apart from any law observance or rite of the Jews such as circumcision, and apart from the act of baptism. It simply happened when they heard the gospel and believed. God had shown no favoritism of Jews over Gentiles. He graciously accepted these people apart from any work of any kind.
Life application: If one reads the substance of what occurred as is recorded in this short commentary on Acts 11:15 and then takes to heart what it means, several truly insidious heresies could be done away with in that person’s thinking.
One is that of the need for law observance in order to be saved. Another is the notion that Jesus is not God. Another is that Jesus was not actually a human who could suffer. Another is that there are two gospels, one for Jews and one for Gentiles.
These false teachings have as their main goal to distract from the truth of who Jesus Christ is or to tear apart the scope and importance of what He has done. Each of them will lead people astray to a false Jesus and thus a false gospel. Be attentive to what people are saying, check their words against what is presented in Scripture, and be sure to make a right analysis of what is recorded there. And the only way you can do that is to continue to read and contemplate what Scripture says. Be sure to read your Bible!
Heavenly Father, we are accepted because of the giving of Your Son for us. We stand in awe of the marvel of Your goodness toward us, and we thank You for the coming of Jesus. May Your glorious name be praised forever and ever! Hallelujah to You for Your goodness toward us and Your kind care of us. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 3, 2022 0:00:38 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:16
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022
“Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 11:16
Peter just noted that, even as he began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon the believers at Cornelius’ house. He then said, “as upon us at the beginning.” With that, he next says, “Then I remembered the word of the Lord.”
Peter had seen the salvation of these uncircumcised Gentiles. They heard the word, they obviously believed, and then the Holy Spirit fell upon them. This was the same as when the Jews had received the Spirit. As such, it is a confirmation that the fulfillment of the Feast of Pentecost is not merely a particular day in the calendar year, but a particular event that occurs in a believer’s life.
The fact that it first occurred on a particular day was to show the believers at that time that the feast had found its fulfillment in the giving of the Spirit. But this was not a one-time thing. It was the beginning of an ongoing event. Peter suddenly realized this, and so he continues with, “how He said.”
Peter is now remembering something that Jesus said, and he then processed the Lord’s words in a fuller and more complete way, which is, “John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
This comes from Jesus’ words just prior to the ascension –
“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Acts 1:4, 5
Jesus was speaking to those gathered with Him at the Mount of Olives. This was to Jews who had followed Him and believed. They had seen His crucifixion and His resurrection. It was they who had received the Holy Spirit. Now, a group of people who were not Jews had likewise heard, believed, and been given the Holy Spirit in an outward display. Pentecost did not just apply to Jews then. Rather, its significance continued on with the acceptance of Gentiles as well.
But more, this was even without the baptism of repentance that came to Israel at the call of John. These Gentiles had not repented because there was nothing to repent of. They were never under the law, and they had never needed to turn back to Moses or turn back to the Messiah they had rejected. They simply heard the word concerning Jesus and they believed unto salvation. Peter will next explain the logical conclusion of this to those gathered before him.
Life application: The feasts detailed in Leviticus 23 are not “Jewish” feasts. They are also not “the feasts of Israel.” They are “the feasts of the Lord.” They are then laid out in order by the Lord –
The Sabbath.
The Passover.
*Unleavened Bread.
Firstfruits.
*Weeks (beginning with Pentecost).
Acclamation.
Atonement.
*Tabernacles.
(* indicates a pilgrim feast)
These deal with the work of the Lord and/or the state of the believer in Christ. The Sabbath is the rest offered to God’s people upon belief in Christ’s work (Hebrews 4:3). The Passover deals with the believer’s redemption from sin by the work of Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:7). Unleavened Bread anticipates the state of the believer in Christ because of Christ’s redemptive work (1 Corinthians 5:8). Firstfruits deals with the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20). Weeks anticipates the acceptance of believers despite their sinful nature (Acts 2:1, Romans 16:5, and 1 Corinthians 16:15). Acclamation anticipates the incarnation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:48, 49). Atonement is fulfilled in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24, 25). And Tabernacles anticipates Christ dwelling in a “tent” of flesh and the believers’ walk in this life “tenting” with Him (2 Corinthians 5:7).
The only thing these feasts had to do with Israel were anticipatory annual celebrations of the Lord’s coming. Like all things under the law, they were shadows given so that when He came, the world could see Him and His work as the fulfillment of them (see Colossians 2:15, 16). In Christ is the substance, and in Christ is found the realization and fulfillment of what these annual celebrations only anticipated.
In other words, Peter is just now more fully realizing what people all over the world still fail to realize today. The work of Jesus Christ is a unified work that extends to all – Jews and Gentiles. There is one salvation and one gospel –
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:14-18
If someone comes to you with any other doctrine, tell him, “Beat it heretic, I’m following Jesus, not the law and not just ‘one’ of His gospels, but His one and only gospel.”
Lord God, it is so wonderful that all are saved in the same manner – by simple faith in the full, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You that we do not have to observe the law, be circumcised, or do any other such thing. All we have to do is to believe in what Jesus has done. From there, help us to demonstrate our gratitude by being observant of His will. May it be so for all our days. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 3, 2022 19:56:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:17
Thursday, November 3rd, 2022
“If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” Acts 11:17
Peter had just recalled the words of Jesus concerning the giving of the Spirit. As those at the house of Cornelius have been given the Spirit, Peter asks a logical rhetorical question concerning that fact, beginning with, “If therefore God gave them the same gift.”
In other words, Peter acknowledges that the Spirit is a gift given by God. It is not something earned, nor is it something bestowed by the apostles. Those gathered in Acts 2 had received the gift apart from any merit. Those in the house of Cornelius had likewise only heard the gospel and they had obviously believed what was said. In their belief, the gift was given to them as well. Peter confirms this to those with him, saying, “as He gave us when we believed.”
Belief is the only condition set forth for the reception of the Spirit. It was true for the disciples, and it was true for the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius. As God is the Source, and as the requirement for bestowal of the Spirit had been met, then what the apostles may have thought about Gentiles in the past is now wholly irrelevant. God had accepted them and therefore the matter was settled. Peter then continues with a specific note about where the belief was directed, saying, “on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Anyone can believe anything. Nothing stops a person from believing that Buddha is the path to enlightenment. But this does not make it true. Someone may believe the world is flat, but if it is not true, then it is wasted faith. Incorrect belief is not always a major issue, but sometimes it is. A person may wake up believing it is Thursday when it is actually Wednesday. If his routine doesn’t change between those days, it doesn’t really matter. But a person may believe a bottle of water is safe, drink it, and get a serious intestinal infection.
In the case of restoration with God, one’s belief must be properly directed. If it is, then apart from any merit of words, societal class, wealth, or any other distinction restoration is made. All other aspects of the person’s life are irrelevant. Cornelius and those with him met God’s standard for reception of the Spirit and God gave them the Spirit. The matter was settled. Because of this, Peter finishes with, “who was I that I could withstand God?”
This is the point of the discourse. In verses 11:2 and 11:3, it said –
“And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, ‘You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!’”
Peter carefully explained what happened, finishing his words with a logical rhetorical question about the matter. In essence, he is saying to them, “What on earth could it matter if I stayed with these Gentiles and ate with them? God has accepted them. Am I going to fight against that? Not a chance.”
Life application: So, who is it that baptized the believers with the Spirit? In Matthew 3, John the Baptist said –
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11
Now in Acts 11, Peter said it was God who did this. But Jesus gives more explicit meaning to that saying –
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26
And yet, Jesus then says –
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” John 15:26
What is obvious from these and other verses is that the giving of the Spirit is a result of the work of the Father and the Son and that they are distinct despite being one. But more, reviewing statements about the Spirit elsewhere in Scripture tells us the same thing about Him. There is a distinction clearly made between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And yet, they are each fully God.
This is the doctrine of the Trinity. It is not something to be taken lightly. If this doctrine is taught in Scripture, and if it defines the very nature and workings of God, then it is to be heeded carefully. And more, as this is the presentation of God as it is revealed in Scripture, and as He is the One who accepts people by restoring them to Himself, then we should consider this carefully as well.
First, John tells us that if we do not accept the Son, we also do not have the Father (see 1 John 2:23). This is not merely speaking about the humanity of Jesus. It is speaking of Him as the God/Man. Logically, if we deny this, then we also do not have the Spirit because the Spirit comes from the Father and/or the Son (as evidenced above). And if one does not have the Spirit, then he is not restored to God.
Secondly, though we may not like someone very much, we need to remember that if he does have the Son, he also has the Father. And if this is so, then God has accepted him by sealing him with the Spirit. As such, we should not attempt to fight against God by rejecting that person. If God has accepted him, we need to consider that and accept him as well.
But a note of warning from John is also given –
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:9-11
The doctrine of Christ is that God has united with human flesh in order to redeem man. The Father is God, and the Son is God. They are distinct and yet they are One. This also extends to the Spirit even though it is not specifically stated by John in these verses. One who does not accept the doctrine of Christ does not have God. As such by greeting him, we are validating his incorrect belief. In doing so, you are sharing in that person’s evil deeds. There should be no fellowship with such a person.
Be attentive to these things. God has set forth who He is and what His nature is like so that we can avoid error. Let us hold fast to the truth of God in Christ and not be swayed by those who have a perverse agenda through distorting God’s stated revelation of Himself.
Lord God, You have made the gospel so very simple, and yet it is hardly proclaimed correctly in the world today. How much more is this the case with the weightier doctrines laid out in Scripture? May we be carefully attentive to Your word and how it reveals You to us. Help us in our understanding and give us hearts that are directed to a fuller and more complete understanding of who You are. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 4, 2022 20:47:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:18
Friday, November 4th, 2022
When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:18
Peter just noted that the Gentiles had been given the same gift as the Jews by simple belief. Because of this, he asked how he could withstand God by not accepting them. The obvious but unstated answer was that he could not. As such, it now says, “When they heard these things, they became silent.”
The clause in the Greek begins with an aorist participle and a conjunction, “And they, having heard these things, became silent.” In other words, they held their tongues in accusation against Peter. They had accused him of wrongdoing in verse 11:3, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” That is what they now are silent over. Because of how Peter described the events, and especially with the note concerning the coming of the Spirit upon the Gentiles, there could no longer be any accusation against Peter. He stood innocent of any transgression. As such, and in this state of understanding, it next says, “and they glorified God.”
The verb is now aorist. Once they ceased their accusation, they next broke forth in acknowledgment of the works of God. What else could they do? The Gentiles had received the Spirit in the middle of Peter’s words, cutting off the need for anything else to be said. The simplicity of the gospel had been conveyed, the Gentiles believed what they heard, and the Spirit came upon them. The work of Jesus Christ was proven to be all-sufficient for the conversion of a person who had never spent a moment of his existence living out the Law of Moses. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah had come to pass –
“Indeed He says,
‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant
To raise up the tribes of Jacob,
And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;
I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,
That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6
This is openly noted by them in their next words, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” It must be remembered what transpired at the house of Cornelius. Peter spoke, the Gentiles heard, the Gentiles believed (with no record of them saying a single word), and the Holy Spirit came down upon them. That is all that Luke recorded, and that is all that God, therefore, wants us to know.
It also needs to be remembered what the word “repentance” means. It signifies “to change the mind.” As such, the words “repentance to life” mean a changing of the mind leading to salvation (eternal life as noted in John 3:16). The speaking forth of the gospel, when accepted, leads to a changing of the mind about God. If these believers thought that they needed to do good stuff in order to be saved, they no longer needed to believe that. If they believed that praying to Artemis was what was needed, they changed their mind about that. And so on.
The word “repentance” here does not mean “stopping sinning and making oneself right.” It means “to change the mind” and nothing more. Until these now-saved people are instructed on what it means to be pleasing to God, they cannot change in the right direction. One must first come to believe in the finished work of Jesus and be saved. He is what we change our minds to accept. He is God’s provision for restoration. This is what Peter conveyed to the house of Cornelius in Acts 10:43, saying, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
These Gentiles changed their mind about God and what He expects, they believed in Jesus as the One to provide restoration, and they were saved. Deal done.
Life application: The gospel is an amazingly simple thing that God has laid out for us. And yet, it is one of the most mis-explained or totally ignored things imaginable. Paul details in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 –
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
How can we add to that and not cause damage to the message? We cannot. Let us present this life-changing news in the simple form in which it is presented in Scripture. We can talk around it as Peter did in Acts 10 by providing other truths about Jesus, but we must clearly provide the substance of the gospel without addition or deletion. It is by faith in this provision of God that man is saved. Let us thank God for the simplicity of this glorious message!
Yes, Lord God, how thankful we are to You for what You have done for us. You have saved us through the giving of Your Son. He died to pay our sin debt, He was buried, and He rose again. All glory to You for this wonderful word of restoration. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 5, 2022 23:20:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 11:19
Saturday, November 5th, 2022
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. Acts 11:19
With the matter of Gentile inclusion clearly established and settled based on Peter’s words to those in Jerusalem, the narrative now takes on a new and significant direction. The direction and focus of Acts will now begin to head out into the world beyond the borders of Israel and, eventually, the gospel will predominantly be seen to go forth to the Gentiles. In order to reveal this, the account will also go back to events that occurred in previous chapters so that the narrative catches up with events that occurred there, such as in Acts 7, 8, and 9.
With that understood, the words begin with, “Now those who were scattered.” This takes the reader back to Acts 8:1 –
“Now Saul was consenting to his death.
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”
This was referring to the events that took place among the Jews and it occurred “after the persecution that arose over Stephen.”
This goes back even further, to Acts 7 and the account of Stephen’s stoning. The persecution that is recorded in Acts 8:1 is based upon that. Also, rather than “persecution,” the Greek word here signifies “tribulation.” It is a wholly different word than that used in Acts 8:1. The persecution led to tribulation. Because of this, these Jews were not only scattered within the borders of Israel, but they continued on and “traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.”
The first location, Phoenicia, is introduced here. The name is believed to come from the Greek word phoinix, meaning a palm tree, most especially the date palm. Albert Barnes describes the location, saying, “Phoenice, or Phoenicia, was a province of Syria, which in its largest sense comprehended a narrow strip of country lying on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, and extending from Antioch to the borders of Egypt. But Phenice Proper extended only from the cities of Laodicea to Tyre, and included only the territories of Tyre and Sidon. This country was called sometimes simply ‘Canaan.’”
The next location, Cyprus, is also introduced here, although the name of the inhabitants was mentioned in Acts 4:36. The origin of the name is uncertain. Again, Barnes describes it, saying, “An island off the coast of Asia Minor, in the Mediterranean Sea.”
Finally, this is also the introduction of Antioch. Albert Barnes again describes the place, saying, “There were two cities of this name, one situated in Pisidia in Asia Minor (see Acts 13:14); the other, referred to here, was situated on the Orontes River, and was long, the capital of Syria. It was built by Seleucus Nicanor, and was called Antioch in honor of his father Antiochus. It was founded in 301 b.c. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, but is several times mentioned in the Apocrypha and in the New Testament. It was long the most powerful city of the East, and was inferior only to Seleucia and Alexandria. It was famous for the fact that the right of citizenship was conferred by Seleucus on the Jews as well as the Greeks and Macedonians, so that here they had the privilege of worship in their own way without molestation. It is probable that the Christians would be regarded merely as a sect of Jews, and would be here suffered to celebrate their worship without interruption.”
With these locations noted, the verse finishes with the thought that those scattered were “preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.” Although true to some extent, this is not so much because they “had the common prejudices of the Jews, that the offers of salvation were made only to the Jews” (Barnes), but that they probably had no idea that Gentiles would even be included in God’s offer of Christ Jesus.
In other words, it is true that the Jews had these prejudices, but without even knowing something is available to others, those prejudices would not even arise. Peter found out that Gentiles could be included, and he set aside any such prejudices. These Jews were as of yet uninformed as to what God was going to do for the Gentiles. Therefore, they simply went about telling their own fellow Jews that the Messiah had come.
Life application: The narrative in Acts is marvelously structured to show how events unfolded, but the events are placed in a manner that allows us to go forward with certain events and then go back to older events to see how other things occurred while those first set of recorded events were happening.
In this, we can get a marvelous sense of how the narrative is simultaneously unfolding in several directions. As you read Acts, consider such things and think about why each section is placed where it is. Like all of Scripture, God is slowly and methodically revealing to us what His plans are for the people of the world. At the same time, He is showing us why trouble has come upon Israel during this dispensation and where He would lead things during their time of exile.
Everything is carefully and meticulously placed to help us see how the great story of man’s redemption through the Person and work of Jesus Christ has come about, is coming about, and will continue to come about. Luke’s record of Acts is a wonderful part of this. If we pay heed to how he has laid things out, we can get a marvelous sense of the structure of this beautiful plan.
Lord God, thank You for the careful detail You have placed in Your word to help us know and understand why things are the way they are. You have set a plan for man’s redemption, and it is so beautifully and methodically detailed for us to see. Give us insight into Your word so that we can more fully grasp every nuance that You have placed there for us to understand what is going on. Thank You, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 7, 2022 0:28:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:20
Sunday, November 6th, 2022
But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. Acts 11:20
The last verse spoke of those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen. They traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. While they went, they preached, but only to the Jews. However, it now says, “But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene.”
In other words, these men had been in Jerusalem, but when Stephen was stoned and the great time of tribulation came against the saints, some of the people who were scattered to the cities previously mentioned were Jews who originally came from Cyprus and Cyrene.
As such, they would speak the native languages and they would be able to effectively relay the word about Jesus to people in those areas. And more, they would be more comfortable having conversations with the native people, including Gentiles. Having noted that, it next says, “who, when they had come to Antioch.”
This is referring to the same location named Antioch in the previous verse. These Jews who spoke either Greek or the native language of the area (or both) had returned home or were in an area where they could easily converse with the local population. With that noted, the next words are highly debated, and the meaning depends on which Greek texts are correct. It says they “spoke to the Hellenists.”
The issue is that some manuscripts say Ἑλληνιστάς (Hellénistés) meaning Greek-speaking Jews while others say Ἕλληνας (Hellénes) meaning Gentile Greeks. As noted, the previous verse said that those scattered spoke to the Jews only. The words of this verse are set in contrast to that thought. And so, it could be assumed that these people were speaking to the Gentiles. This is how Vincent’s Word Studies takes it –
“The express object of the narrative has been to describe the admission of Gentiles into the church. There would have been nothing remarkable in these men preaching to Hellenists who had long before been received into the church, and formed a large part of the church at Jerusalem. It is better to follow the rendering of A. V. and Rev., though the other reading has the stronger MS. evidence. Note, also, the contrast with the statement in Acts 11:19, to the Jews only. There is no contrast between Jews and Hellenists, since Hellenists are included in the general term Jews.”
Albert Barnes agrees and even says, “The connection would lead us to suppose that they had heard of what had been done by Peter, and that, imitating his example, they preached the gospel now to the Gentiles also.”
However, this is an incorrect idea because the account is backing up to the dispersion that took place after Stephen’s stoning. The event with Peter (Acts 10) came later in time even though it is recorded earlier in this passage in Acts 11. The two accounts are now meeting up after both events have occurred –
Stephen was stoned resulting in persecution and a scattering of the people. After this:
Some of those scattered went as far as Antioch and spread the good news.
The events of Chapters 8, 9, and 10 (and Peter’s explanation in Acts 11) were ongoing at the same time.
As such, this does not mean that these Jews who were scattered didn’t speak to the Gentiles, which is the matter in question, but that the reasoning used by Barnes is incorrect.
John Gill, on the other hand, says, “which when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians; or Hellenist Jews, who were born and brought up in Greece, and spoke the Greek language; though the Alexandrian copy, and the Syriac version, read ‘Greeks’, as if they were native Greeks, and properly Gentiles, to whom these ministers spoke the word of the Lord; but the former seems most likely.”
A logical argument is made for either rendering, but it appears that without the knowledge of Cornelius’ conversion, these Jews would have been unlikely to speak to Gentiles directly. In fact, Paul is sought out by Barnabas in Acts 11:25. From there, he and Barnabas travel quite a bit as is recorded in Acts 13, but nothing is said of preaching to Gentiles until Acts 13:42. Before that, only interaction with Jews is made. It is in Acts 13:44-48 that this is recorded –
“On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:
“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”’
48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”
As this is the case, the most likely translation now in Acts 11 is that this is referring to the Greek-speaking Jews, not the Gentiles. In other words, the Jews are given every chance possible to come to Christ as a nation. The majority of those in Israel had rejected the word. From there, the account will show that the majority of Jews outside of Israel will also reject the word. At that time, the account will show that the Gentiles, in contrast to the Jews, will come flooding to the good news of Jesus, setting up the Gentile-led church for the long period that has continued since. As for now, the verse finishes with the note that these people of the scattering caused by Stephen’s stoning were “preaching the Lord Jesus.”
The words more precisely read, “proclaiming good news – the Lord Jesus” (YLT). The word is going out from Israel to the Jews of the diaspora. This appears to be the main point of the narrative at this time.
As noted above, it is believed by many scholars that this is speaking of a conversion of the Gentiles, and that is a possibility. However, the internal markings of what has occurred and what will continue to occur appear to show that it is only the Greek-speaking Jews that are being referred to at this point. Either way, the main point is that word is going forth outside of the borders of Israel.
Life application: One of the key things to take away from these words is that God used the stoning of Stephen to expand the preaching of the gospel. Surely Stephen would approve of this, knowing that the ending of his life would be a way of bringing many others to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
We should be willing to have this same heart for the lost. How far are we willing to go in order that others might be saved? This is something we should ask ourselves. Our temporary afflictions, whatever they may be, can be used for great gain in the spreading of the gospel. So, let’s look for ways to have this come about. It is the most important thing that can occur in another person’s life. Without this good news, there is only bad news ahead for them.
Let us consider this always. Stephen would certainly agree. He would tell you, “Don’t worry about this life. God has a plan that is so marvelous you just won’t believe it. Trust Him and He will do great things with you and for you.”
Lord God, use us now while we are here! May we be vessels ready to be poured out in whatever way You choose for the furtherance of Your good news. Help us to see the lost and to have pity on them. And then prompt us to act so that they might hear and respond while there is time. To Your glory, we pray this. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 8, 2022 1:15:10 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:21
Monday, November 7th, 2022
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:21
The previous verse noted that those of the scattering that occurred after Stephen’s stoning who were from Cyprus and Cyrene “spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.” As noted then, there is a dispute as to whether this was referring to Greek-speaking Jews or Gentiles. What seems likely is that it was speaking of Greek-speaking Jews. Either way, however, it now says, “And the hand of the Lord was with them.”
This is referring to those who preached about Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and they were able to effectively communicate the good news, bringing others to salvation. That is explicitly noted with the words, “and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.”
Whether Greek-speaking Jew or Gentile, there was an extensive harvest of those who believed in Antioch. The church grew quickly because of the efforts of those who were a part of the scattering.
Life application: There are many Hebraisms brought forward from the Old Testament into the New. In reading and understanding the Old, the New is much livelier and much more easily understood. An example of this is the term “the hand of the Lord.” This is found many times in the Old Testament where the “hand” is equated to power. In this case, it is the effective power of the Lord to bring about a change.
An example of this is found in Exodus 14:31 –
“and Israel seeth the great hand with which Jehovah hath wrought against the Egyptians, and the people fear Jehovah, and remain stedfast in Jehovah, and in Moses His servant” (YLT)
This is translated by others as –
“Thus Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses.”
There are an innumerable number of such terms used in Scripture to help us see how the Bible portrays things. The finger of God, the arm of the Lord, walking in the way of the Lord, and on and on. Such terms, when understood, can help us to more clearly see how God is revealing things to us.
As you go through the Bible next time, maybe take the time to highlight such things. As seen in the translation of the NKJV, some of these Hebraisms are rendered in order to accommodate our understanding, but many are left equivalent to the Hebrew idiom. So, pay heed to them and think about why God chose to express Himself in these various ways. This is a great tool to help you understand the Bible more clearly.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your precious word. It is a light to our understanding. It is a beacon to call us to You. It is a guide for our walk in this life. And it is a book of hope and joy for us to revel in. Indeed, O God, thank You for Your most precious word. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 8, 2022 23:27:23 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:22
Tuesday, November 8th, 2022
Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. Acts 11:22
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
Verses 19-21 spoke of the preaching of the word in Antioch. As noted, there is a debate about whether the word was preached to Gentiles or only to Greek-speaking Jews. Either way, the previous verse said that a great number believed and turned to the Lord. With that stated, it now says, “Then news of these things.”
This is referring to the expansion of the church even as far as Antioch. This still does not answer the question as to who was evangelized, but it was a source of great news either way because word of it “came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem.”
Be it Jew or Gentile, the fact is that the word had gone out and was being multiplied outside of the borders of Israel. This is what is known and what has been conveyed to the people’s ears in Jerusalem. With this good tiding having come to them, they then responded, as it next says, “and they sent out Barnabas.”
Barnabas was introduced into the Bible in Acts 4:36 where it said several things about him that would make him an obvious choice to go. First, his name means Son of Encouragement. His real name being Joses, tells us that he was called Barnabas because it fit his character. Thus, he would be well-suited to the task of encouraging those believers he encountered.
Secondly, he was a Levite. By nature of their tribe, Levites were teachers of the law and those who were set aside to give instruction and help to others within the Jewish community. Therefore, he would be well-suited to such work outside of Israel. And this is especially so because it also says he was from Cyprus. As such, he would certainly be fluent in Greek and the native tongue of the area as well.
And so, it was he who was selected “to go as far as Antioch.” The wording means that he was not just sent “to” Antioch, but “until” Antioch. In other words, he wasn’t just sent to one location, but to wherever the reports had come back from. Those who were scattered told of Jesus here and there. Barnabas was chosen to go to those various locations and encourage and strengthen them, as will be seen in the words to come.
Life application: One of the things about evangelism is that it needs to be followed up with both instruction and encouragement. If someone was traveling and went to a church or a crusade meeting where he heard the gospel, he may respond by believing and receiving the Lord. However, if there is no follow-up, he may return to his hometown and settle back into his old life, never becoming productive in his salvation.
Or he may assume all churches are the same and go to an Episcopal church where homosexuals are ordained as priests and think that is normal. He may even stop at the local Jehovah’s Witnesses and get led astray by their nonsense. Hence, it is always good to follow up with those who have received the Lord and instruct them to get into the Bible and read it. Also, they should attend a sound church that accepts the Bible as the literal word of God.
Barnabas was sent out to further instruct those who had accepted the message of the Lord, ensuring that what they heard was correct and in accord with what is sound and proper. If this is not done, a person can get so far from their moment of salvation that he actually can forget he was saved. Take time to read 2 Peter 1:1-9 to see how this can come about. Verse 9 explicitly says that it is so. However, the good news is that God does not forget. The salvation of that individual is not in question as is also perfectly clear from verse 9.
Lord God, help us to be responsible to tell others about the saving message concerning Jesus. And Lord, help us to follow up with that by telling the important precept that those who call on Jesus should learn what that means, growing in Your word and in a closer relationship with Him each day. May we be responsible in this. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 10, 2022 0:41:05 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:23
Wednesday, November 9th, 2022
When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Acts 11:23
In the previous verse, Barnabas was sent out to go as far as Antioch. With that, it next says, “When he came and had seen the grace of God.”
The meaning is clear. These were people who were once unsaved but who had come to believe the gospel. The grace of God through the giving of Jesus had been realized in them and they were now reconciled to Him forever. Because of this, “he was glad.”
As seen in verse 20, it is unclear whether these were Gentiles or Greek-speaking Jews. Other than just one word which varies in Greek texts, it is only an assumption that this is speaking of Gentiles. As such, it would be unwise to say “Gentile conversion” was the reason for Barnabas’ rejoicing.
Rather, his rejoicing is in the conversion of people outside of the borders of Israel, simply through the preaching of the word. Whether they are Jews or Gentiles, the conversion itself is the source of rejoicing. In this state, it next says, “and encouraged them all.”
The verb is imperfect, showing its ongoing nature. It more appropriately says that he “was encouraging them all.” The translation of this word mostly varies between “encourage” and “exhort.” In this case, translating it as “encourage” captures the thought because a pun is being made.
In Acts 4:36, he was called “Son of Encouragement” using the Greek noun paraklésis. Here, he is said to encourage them using the verb form of the same word, parakaleó. This was certainly one reason why he was sent in the first place, and it shows that he lived up to the name he was given. With that in mind, it next notes that his ongoing encouragement for them all was “that with purpose of heart.”
The word translated as “purpose” has been seen three times so far, in Matthew 12:4, Mark 2:26, and Luke 6:4. Each time, it was used to describe the consecrated bread (the showbread) set before the Lord at the tabernacle/temple. The idea here is that Barnabas was setting something before them as an object to be attained.
He was fully aware of people’s tendencies to become idle in life, be it in going to work, keeping up the roof on a house so it remained strong, or pursuing holiness before the Lord. Unless man is vigilant in tending to things, those things can get overtaken by other matters. In no time at all, doing what is right and/or necessary can be overlooked or even forgotten.
Because of this, Barnabas’ encouragement was that “they should continue with the Lord.” The Bible is filled with failure in this regard. Saul, the first king of Israel, started well, but he failed to continue with the Lord. The same is true with Solomon and other kings as well. And the same is true with Israel as a nation. Time and time again, they failed to set the Lord before them, and they suffered because of it.
So pronounced was this that the proper knowledge of how to serve him was entirely forgotten –
“Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.’ And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9 So Shaphan the scribe went to the king, bringing the king word, saying, ‘Your servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of those who do the work, who oversee the house of the Lord.’ 10 Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read it before the king.” 2 Kings 22:8-10
The priests of Israel, those responsible for maintaining and teaching the Law of Moses, as well as the king of Israel who was supposed to write out his own copy of the law and read it all the days of his life (Deuteronomy 17:18-20), didn’t even know the law existed. They had failed to be attentive and to set the Lord before themselves. As such, the nation went into one time of apostasy after another. Eventually, they were exiled. After their exile, they failed to see Jesus for who He is, and they were destroyed and exiled again.
Barnabas was there to encourage them to not allow their new faith in the Lord to get set aside, but to hold fast to it all their days.
Life application: Solomon, who wrote out the Proverbs, said –
“Because of laziness the building decays,
And through idleness of hands the house leaks.” Ecclesiastes 10:18
People may be attentive in one area, but lazy in another. But priorities must be set and maintained. It is more important to be attentive to the house than it is to be attentive to football scores. However, it is more important to be attentive to the Lord and His word than anything else. We all must set our priorities and then determine to follow through with maintaining them.
If we fail in this, we will not lose our salvation, but we may be the cause of our own family members never even coming to the Lord. What a sad day it will be when someone who is saved at a young age and then fails to follow through with it finds that his own children died apart from the Lord because of his negligence.
Let us be wise and consider our state before the Lord and then set Him as our chief priority all the days of our lives. Eternity is forever and it begins right now, so be attentive to the long term, even while walking in this short, futile world.
Glorious Heavenly Father, today we pray that You will keep us from backsliding or simply walking away from the commitment we made to You. We are prone to such things, so we ask You to personally intervene in our lives, reminding us of our duty to You above all else. May we be wise in this short walk before You. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 10, 2022 21:58:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:24
Thursday, November 10th, 2022
For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Acts 11:24
The previous verses referred to Barnabas’ travels to go as far as Antioch and build up those who had made a commitment to Jesus. It noted that he encouraged them all “that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Now, it continues with, “For he was a good man.”
The word used to describe him is agathos. It signifies a general goodness in something or someone, such as in a good tree, a good gift, or a good person. It is that which is intrinsically good. In Matthew 19:17, Jesus used this word to argue against it in comparison to God –
“Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Jesus said this in response to a question regarding eternal life. If someone merits eternal life, then he must be intrinsically good in comparison to the standard which grants eternal life. In other places, such as in Luke 23:50, the same word is used concerning a person to indicate a goodness in him that is in accord with a particular standard. Hence, it is no contradiction to say that there is “none good” in comparison to meriting eternal life while saying there is a person who is good and righteous because he acts in some particular manner.
In the case of Barnabas, he is noted as a good man “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” He is an encourager, a good thing. He is filled with the Holy Spirit, a good thing. He is filled with faith, a good thing. Having been saved by Jesus, he is also deemed as good in comparison to the standard of eternal life. This is not because he has merited it, but because Christ has merited it for him. The standard of eternal life, Christ, is imputed to him.
The reason for this high compliment, something not especially common in Acts, is probably to show that the argument between Barnabas and Paul that will be recorded in Acts 15 is not because of a flaw in Barnabas’ character, but it was simply a negative part of human interaction that is unavoidable at times.
In compiling the book of Acts, Luke is writing out a history of what has already taken place. Hence, his note concerning Barnabas now was certainly written even after the events of Acts 15 occurred. He is being careful to ensure that the character of Barnabas is fully established as that of a good man even before he introduces the negative events that have already happened between him and Paul. This is especially needed because Paul is the main focus of the narrative after that.
Establishing Barnabas’ character in a good light early on is important because of this. As a final note of the success of the ongoing ministry, it next says, “And a great many people were added to the Lord.”
The words are in the singular – “And a large multitude was added to the Lord.” This would be in addition to those mentioned in verse 11:21, which said, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” With those who traveled spreading the good news, and with Barnabas following up and encouraging those who were saved, the numbers continued to increase so that there was a sizeable multitude who had come to know about God’s salvation in Jesus Christ.
Life application: It is common for people to piously repeat Jesus’ words concerning being “good” from Matthew 19:17 and deny that what has been said about someone being a “good person” is true. But as noted above, goodness is a comparative thing. Therefore, the question should be, “What is the word ‘good’ being used for?”
If it is to compare a person to God, then the obvious answer is, “There is none who is good.” Paul says in Romans 3:12 –
“They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
What is the context of Paul’s words? He is making a comparison to God, such as in Romans 3:5, where he says, “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say?” All have sinned, so in comparison to God, we are not “good.” But more, Paul is citing the Psalms which say –
“The fool has said in his heart,
‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.” Psalm 14:1
David was writing about the atheist (the fool has said… there is no God). Paul cites this verse, along with other verses, to make a point about the law versus grace (as in Romans 3:19, 20). Further, the word Paul uses in Romans 3:12, chréstotés [good], is completely different than that found in Acts when describing Stephen. It gives the sense of “meeting real needs in God’s way.”
Unfortunately, Calvinists take Paul’s continued words of Romans 3 and apply them across the board to all people in all situations and come to the illogical conclusion that man does not have free will to choose Christ, something completely contradictory to what the Bible says elsewhere.
What is good? It is a comparative word that needs to be taken in its proper context. Be sure to think about what is being conveyed when someone speaks about goodness. If someone is being likened to God or absolute moral perfection, then be sure to correct their thinking. However, if they are making a point about someone being good in relation to a certain task, a set standard of measure, or something similar, then the words are wholly acceptable and shouldn’t be dismissed based on a verse that has been taken out of its intended context.
Glorious Heavenly Father, thank You for the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. Without that, we could never come into Your presence. But because He has accomplished all things according to Your standard, we can come before You. In Christ, our righteousness is from You, and from You alone. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 12, 2022 0:58:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:25
Friday, November 11th, 2022
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. Acts 11:25
The description of Barnabas as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, has been made. It then noted that a great multitude had been added to the Lord. With that stated, it next says, “Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.”
With the work at Antioch showing such great success, Barnabas’ attention is next directed to Saul. Ellicott notes that it “indicates the assurance that Saul would approve of the work which had been going on at Antioch, and the confident belief that he [Barnabas] was the right person to direct and organise it.”
The idea of Saul (Paul) needing to approve of the work at Antioch makes no sense. Telling people about Jesus is what the disciples were instructed to do. Whether Saul approved of that or not is irrelevant. Further, and has already been noted, it cannot be satisfactorily determined if the Gentiles had even been evangelized in Antioch at this point. That is wholly dependent on the change of one word in various manuscripts.
What seems likely is that Barnabas simply extended his efforts to where Paul was located. He was sent out to encourage and strengthen those who had been scattered after the stoning of Stephen. Saul had been sent away by the apostles because of his own persecution by the Jews (Acts 9:30). Therefore, it should be expected that he would search for Paul, just as he sought out the others who had been sharing the message of Jesus.
This seems more likely based on the word Luke uses and which is translated as “search.” It is a word only found elsewhere in the account in Luke 2 where Jesus was temporarily lost to Joseph and Mary –
“When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.” Luke 2:43-45
The word signifies “to search up and down.” It is a word, anazéteó, that carries with it the idea of difficulty in the task. Barnabas’ mission was to seek out these people of the scattering and to encourage them in their sharing of the news about Jesus. Having no idea about Saul’s status or condition, he set out to find him and see how he was faring. Rather than seeking Saul’s approval, he is seeking Saul’s effectiveness in evangelism in the area he had gone to.
The Pulpit Commentary notes that this occurred ten years after the crucifixion. It is uncertain how that date was determined, but they continue with a note that “From Seleucia to the port of Tarsus would be about a twelve hours’ sail; or, by land, a journey of about eighty miles would bring him to Tarsus from Antioch.” Barnabas was on a mission to find Saul and so he either traveled by ship or by land to find him.
Life application: Barnabas was sent forth to encourage others in their efforts. The narrative shows that he not only did so but that he was quite effective in the job set before him. Being a good encourager is a noble trait, but there is a truth that lies behind it as well. Solomon says –
“As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
Regardless as to Barnabas’ ability to encourage, there needs to be someone to encourage as well. Only when the two meet up can the strengthening take place. And so, as you go out today, think of someone you haven’t talked to in a while and give him a call or an email (or even stop by for a visit) and provide a bit of encouragement. It may be just what this person needs. If so, it isn’t going to happen unless the two of you come together.
And the benefit of this is that just as you will sharpen that particular person, you will be sharpened in turn. Such things will naturally go in two directions at the same time. Give it a try and you will find that you are also a recipient of the very encouragement you intended to pass on to another.
Lord God, time is short, and days are often filled with busy work. But there are things we can do that will bless and benefit others if we just take the time to reach out. And so, Lord, help us to extend ourselves out to people who come to mind, letting them know that they are appreciated and also encouraging them in their lives. Help us in this so that we will be people of encouragement to those who may need it. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 12, 2022 22:56:11 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:26
Saturday, November 12th, 2022
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:26
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
The previous verse showed that Barnabas had departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. Now, the narrative continues with, “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.”
Remembering that Saul (Paul) was sent out of Jerusalem by the apostles, Tarsus was not the place where he otherwise would have been. They may have said something like, “When things have quieted down, we will send for you.” As such, he remained in Tarsus. Being a tent maker, he could pull up stakes without any trouble and move on in a moment.
Therefore, once Barnabas had come and told him of the work being done in Antioch, Saul would have been in full agreement to join him and return with him. It might seem odd that Paul would just drop everything and head off to Antioch, but the matter makes complete sense when it is looked at from this perspective. With that understood, it next says, “So it was that for a whole year.”
Again, being a tent maker meant that Saul could work anywhere. Being a Roman, he could travel with complete freedom, and he had nothing restraining him. And so, to leave Tarsus and move for an entire year to Antioch would be as simple as going on a five-day vacation. With the size of the city and the large number of people there, it would be a great place to continue with both evangelism and discipleship.
And more, at some point during that year, it is likely that the events of Acts 10 and 11 took place, and so even if it was only Greek-speaking Jews that were told about Jesus to start with, eventually it would become known that the Gentiles had also been converted, receiving the Holy Spirit. As such, it next says that during this year “they assembled with the church.”
Rather than “with,” the preposition is “in.” However, this does not mean a particular building. That is not the sense or meaning of the word “church.” The word simply means “an assembly.” It refers to the people, not an edifice. Translating the word as “assembly” gives a more literal sense. As such, it would read, “they gathered together in the assembly.” In this gathering, they “taught a great many people.”
One can see that Saul immediately became a leader in the instruction of the people. His background as a Pharisee would have made him unusually suited to such a position. He had all of the theology of the Scriptures carefully sorted out in his mind so that when Christ came, and when he had put his biases against Christ away, he could clearly see how Jesus was the fulfillment of everything that had been spoken of.
His instruction would have been an invaluable part of the growth and maturity of the assembly at Antioch. His depth of understanding may have been the exact reason Barnabas specifically traveled to find him. Barnabas may have had questions arise that he wasn’t suited to answer. When such an occasion came about, he may have said, “I know just the guy to answer this.” It is all speculation, but it fits with the narrative. With this noted, it next says, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
The word translated as “called,” chrématizó, is not a usual word for naming someone. It gives the sense of transacting business or making an answer. HELPS Word Studies defines it as “‘a legal agreement for transacting business’ – properly, to admonish on the basis of a valid standard (what has true worth).” To get the sense of its meaning, Paul uses it in Romans 7 when referring to an adulterous wife –
“So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.” Romans 7:3
As such, the word “designated” gives the appropriate sense. Hence, “And the disciples were first designated as Christians in Antioch.” The word “Christian” simply means a follower of Christ. With this understanding, it is often held that Luke means that the term was used as a sort of pejorative, such as, “Look at those stupid ‘Christians.’”
Hence, the idea is that the term is one which was only considered lowly and derogatory, even disgracefully when used by others. This is an unfounded claim. Seeing the three uses of the word will clarify what the intent is –
“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’” Acts 26:28
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:16
There is nothing to suggest that the term here is used exclusively by those outside of the body of believers. It is simply a statement of fact. Just as today a Presbyterian is identified as such, and just as a Baptist is identified as such. It is true that those outside may have used the term in a negative way – “Look at those holy-roller ‘Christians’ over there.” However, to a believer in the Greek-speaking world, the name is the only logical and proper title.
The word Christos is transliterated into “Christ,” and it has the same meaning as Messiah. Both mean “Anointed One.” As the majority of believers moved from Hebrew-speaking to Greek-speaking Jews, and even Gentiles, such as would be the case in Antioch, the title “Christian,” or “Christ-follower,” would naturally and gladly be used. There would be no hint of derision, but only a welcome bearing of the word.
For those on the outside who were not at enmity with the believers, it would be a name to be used without either derision or exaltation. And for those who disliked believers, it would probably have been a title of derision. This is how any name is given. For a family – “Those ‘Garretts’ are a bunch of yahoos.” For a nationality, “I really respect those ‘Americans.’” For a type of car – “A ‘Ford?’ No way Jose! That means ‘Found On Road, Dead.’ I would never own a ‘Ford!’”
The use of the word would bear either a positive or negative stress based on who was using it. To understand this even more clearly, one can think of the word used today that has the Hebrew equivalent, Messianic. With the increase in Jewish believers since the 1960s, the term “Christian,” which has been used as a pejorative by the Jewish people for the past two millennia, is no longer a suitable word to identify oneself with among the Jews. Therefore, to remove any negative connotations, the term “Messianic” has been adopted.
This word bears the same meaning as “Christian,” but being in the Hebrew language, it does not carry with it the same negative connotation by most. And yet, there are times when it is used negatively, such as, “Those ‘Messianics’ are nothing but trouble.” Despite this, it is a term used by believing Jews as a badge of honor.
Life application: The word “church” in Scripture does not mean a building. Far too often, however, that is exactly what comes up in our modern thinking – both within the body and by those outside of it. But the church is a body of believers that meets together, not a building. Hence, one can be in a church while on the beach, while in a gymnasium, or even attending online with others. The church is comprised of those who are gathering.
Remembering this will help us to have our focus on the One who has brought about the gathering in the first place. We are not going to a building to hear certain music, to see a fancy light show, or to have “the best latte” in town. We attend a church gathering to hear the word explained, to find comfort in fellowship, and – above all – to honor the Lord Jesus who has brought us together unto Himself. As such, we are Christians, followers of Christ, who are gathered to worship the crucified and resurrected Lord of all.
Most glorious and gracious heavenly Father, thank You that we can bear the title of Christian because we are followers of Christ Jesus. There is no greater honor than this. Help us to never be ashamed of this title and to never be afraid to avow that it applies to us. Even in this world where it is becoming a title to be rallied against, may we gladly bear the reproach of the world for the sake of our Lord. Help us to stand firm in this. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 13, 2022 15:25:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:27
Sunday, November 13th, 2022
And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Acts 11:27
The previous verse noted Paul’s coming to and staying at Antioch, the location where disciples were first called Christians. With that noted, it next says, “And in these days prophets came.”
The Greek reads “came down.” It is considered a descent from the particular place these prophets have left. As for being “prophets,” the word used indicates one who speaks by the inspiration of God. Their utterance can be to either foretell events or to forthtell, such as in explaining the word of God. It is the same word used by Paul in Romans 12:6 and elsewhere as an office of the church. Paul places them next to the apostles in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11.
The foretelling of events is used to confirm the word of God at times. It will also confirm the prophet as a true prophet. Jeremiah, for example, made specific prophecies that came about. Thus, this validated him as a true prophet, and it also validated the word he spoke forth. But more, it continues to validate his word even now. If there is a future prophecy still awaiting its fulfillment in the book of Jeremiah, we can have every reasonable expectation that it will come to pass.
As for these prophets, nothing is said about what the extent of their prophesying was. One of them will give a specific future prophecy in the verses to come, but the rest may simply be men who spoke forth the word, much as a preacher does today. We can only speculate due to the brief description given by Luke.
As for their “coming down,” it was “from Jerusalem to Antioch.” Antioch is north of Jerusalem, so modern thinking is that they would have gone up to Antioch. Likewise, there are times when someone will leave Jerusalem and actually go to a higher elevation. Our thinking would be that such a person was “going up.” However, in Scripture, a trip from Jerusalem is always down. A trip to Jerusalem is always up. This is because it is the city of God. Hence to go from Jerusalem is to go down from the presence of God.
Life application: There are an innumerable number of people today who claim prophetic visions, utterances, and revelations. They speak out things over people, claiming that God is speaking through them. This has been going on all along in the church and it has caused irreparable harm to countless millions.
So the question is, are there prophets and prophecies today? The answer is both Yes and No. There are prophets who forthtell the word of God. These men evaluate the word and speak it forth in a manner that explains it to others. However, there is no need to call such a person a prophet. That only muddies the waters for no good purpose.
As for prophecies, there are still many, many prophecies in the Bible that are yet to be fulfilled. They have been recorded, they are from prophets whose words have been validated, and they will certainly come to pass. However, there is no reason at all to assume that people are receiving divine revelation today. The word is written. It includes everything we need for right doctrine and proper living in the presence of God. To add to that would be to detract from the word itself.
Those who have claimed divine revelation have only confused the church and set it on bad paths. Joseph Smith (Mormonism) was not a prophet. He was a false prophet, as were all of the supposed Mormon prophets. Ellen G. White (Seventh Day Adventists) was not a prophetess, she was a false prophetess. Juanita Bynum (still active and getting rich off the uninformed) is not a true prophetess. And so on.
Such people give out false prophecies for various reasons that are always harmful to others, and they detract from the soundness of the word of God. We have God’s word, it gives us all we need to live out our lives in a proper manner, and it tells us of what is coming – even through the end of the ages. And so, what more do we need? Learn the word! Don’t trust in that which is false. Set your eyes on the truth found in Scripture.
Glorious God almighty, thank You that we have a sure word. It has confirmed itself innumerable times throughout history, and it continues to do so even to this day. We don’t need anything sensational from the lips of false teachers to excite us. Rather, we have the most exciting word of all in the pages of Scripture. Thank You, O God, for Your wonderful word! Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 15, 2022 0:38:23 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:28
Monday, November 14th, 2022
Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Acts 11:28
The previous verse noted the prophets who had come down from Jerusalem to Antioch. Luke continues that thought now, saying, “Then one of them, named Agabus.” This person, Agabus, is said to be one of the prophets. His name may come from the Hebrew agav, or love. But it seems more likely it comes from the Hebrew word khagav, meaning a grasshopper or locust. This was considered a clean insect that could be eaten by the Jews according to Leviticus 11:22. The word is used four more times in the Old Testament to indicate a comparison in size (Numbers 13:33 & Isaiah 40:22), a heavy burden (Ecclesiastes 12:5), and a devourer of the land that has been sent by the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:13).
As for Agabus, Luke next says that he “stood up.” Rather, it is an aorist participle. It more appropriately reads, “having stood up.” In other words, Luke sets him apart from the other prophets in order for him to make a prophecy. Agabus, having stood up, then “showed by the Spirit.”
The word translated as “showed” is a verb that speaks of a sign, sémainó. In other words, he “signified” by the Spirit. He gave a word that was to be taken as a sign that something would come to pass. This coming event was “that there was going to be a great famine.”
The reason for reporting this now will be seen in the coming verses, but other reasons which go unstated are that the New Covenant church, not Israel under the law, is given the word by the Spirit. It also shows that the famine which is coming could be prepared for by the church, both spiritually and physically, so that it would be able to continue and flourish. As for the famine itself, it is next said to be coming “throughout all the world.”
The Greek word epi, or upon, is used. The famine will come “upon all the world.” In saying “world,” it is to be understood that this is referring to the known world, meaning the Roman Empire at this time. As Souter states, it is “the land that is being inhabited, the land in a state of habitation, the inhabited world, that is, the Roman world (orbis terrarum), for all outside it was regarded as of no account.” Souter’s evaluation of this is further confirmed by the next words, which say, “which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.”
Claudius Caesar ruled over the Roman Empire. Hence, the focus is on that part of the world at large. The prophesied famine could be an isolated one and yet still be a fulfillment of this prophecy because a lack in one area of the empire would cause a disruption over the entire empire. This is something that occurs throughout the world today.
One nation may have a time of famine which then extends out even to countries that are not facing a famine because the supply lines of other things become disrupted. Despite this, Albert Barnes gives a highly detailed explanation of four famines that came upon the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius –
—————————————
In the days of Claudius Caesar – The Roman emperor. He began his reign in 41 a.d., and he reigned for 13 years. He was at last poisoned by one of his wives, Agrippina, who wished to raise her son Nero to the throne. During his reign no less than four different famines are mentioned by ancient writers, one of which was particularly severe in Judea, and was the one, doubtless, to which the sacred writer here refers:
(1) The first happened at Rome, and occurred in the first or second year of the reign of Claudius. It arose from the difficulties of importing provisions from abroad. It is mentioned by Dio, whose words are these: “There being a great famine, he (Claudius) not only took care for a present supply, but provided also for the time to come.” He then proceeds to state the great expense which Claudius was at in making a good port at the mouth of the Tiber, and a convenient passage from thence up to the city (did, lib. Ix. p. 671, 672; see also Suetonius, Claudius, cap. 20).
(2) a second famine is mentioned as having been particularly severe in Greece. Of this famine Eusebius speaks in his Chronicon, p. 204: “There was a great famine in Greece, in which a modius of wheat (about half a bushel) was sold for six drachmas.” This famine is said by Eusebius to have occurred in the ninth year of the reign of Claudius.
(3) in the latter part of his reign, 51 a.d., there was another famine at Rome, mentioned by Suetonius (Claudius, cap. 18), and by Tacitus (Ann., John 12:43). Of this, Tacitus says that it was so severe that it was deemed to be a divine judgment.
(4) a fourth famine is mentioned as having occurred particularly in Judea. This is described by Josephus (Antiq., book 20, chapter 2, section 5). “A famine,” says he, “did oppress them at the time (in the time of Claudius); and many people died for the lack of what was necessary to procure food withal. Queen Helena sent some of her servants to Alexandria with money to buy a great quantity of grain, and others of them to Cyprus to bring a cargo of dried figs.” This famine is described as having continued under the two procurators of Judea, Tiberius Alexander and Cassius Fadus. Fadus was sent into Judea, on the death of Agrippa, about the fourth year of the reign of Claudius, and the famine, therefore, continued probably during the fifth, sixth, and seventh years of the reign of Claudius. See the note in Whiston’s Josephus, Antiq., book 20, chapter 2, section 5; also Lardner as quoted above. Of this famine, or of the want consequent on the famine, repeated mention is made in the New Testament.
—————————————
Life application: Context is the main thing to consider when evaluating a passage. To take an idea out of its intended context will lead to a false understanding (a pretext) of what is actually being said. Because of the use of the Greek word translated as “world” in this verse, one could then say that “the Bible is only speaking of the Roman Empire” at other times as well.
In such an evaluation, all kinds of false ideas about who is to be evangelized, the duration of the evangelization of the gospel, and so on, will arise. Paul uses the same term translated as world in Romans 10:18 saying that the gospel has gone out to “the ends of the world.” Therefore, the logic might be that the words of Jesus about preaching to all nations have been fulfilled. But Paul’s point concerns the Jews having heard the word concerning Jesus and why the message would go out to the rest of the world after their national rejection of Him.
By taking thoughts like this out of their proper context, incredibly bad theology has arisen concerning the sharing of the gospel (or even if there is only one gospel), end times events, and so on. There is a job to do, it is to be done over the face of the entire planet and to all people groups and all nations, and it is inexcusable that people sit on their hands and avoid their responsibilities simply because of such poor interpretation of Scripture.
Context is king, so keep things in their intended context. Be sure to stay away from any teaching that puts the burden on someone else or some other timeframe for the gospel to be shared. It is our responsibility to share the gospel, the one and only gospel, with all people at all times. As for national Israel, they will eventually accept it as well. The book is written, and it will come to pass. As for individuals, speak! They need Jesus.
Gracious and merciful God, thank You for Your wonderfully good news, the gospel, that comes through faith in the full, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise to You forever and ever for what You have done. We are reconciled to You through Him! Hallelujah and amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 15, 2022 22:46:58 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:29
Monday, November 14th, 2022
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. Acts 11:29
The previous verse referred to the prophecy of the famine coming “throughout all the world” during the days of Claudius Caesar. With that noted, it now says, “Then the disciples.”
This is a united effort that is coming about by those who have been ministered to. Being disciples implies being trained by others. What these disciples will do is next stated as “each according to his ability.”
The verb is imperfect showing an ongoing state. Also, it more precisely says, “according to the prospering of each.” The word translated as “prospering” is found only here. It signifies “to be good for passing through,” and thus it speaks of ability. Today we might say, “Good to go!” It reflects the state of the individual in relation to his financial needs and abilities. Of those who were good to go, they “determined to send relief.”
This is more of a shortened paraphrase. The words literally read, “to send for ministry.” There will obviously be a need when the famine comes and because there is advanced warning of it, there is the ability to prepare for it in advance. This is not unlike what Joseph did for Pharaoh in Genesis. The ability presently exists, and it can be used for a need that will arise at a time when the ability to tend to it will no longer exist. With that understood, this charitable ministry is intended to go “to the brethren dwelling in Judea.”
It is not said why this ministry is being sent. It is possible that Agabus told them the need would be greater in Jerusalem. It may be that the apostles constantly expended themselves in the service of others and relied on others for their daily bread. It may be that there was already a fund in Jerusalem that existed, and which would be quickly used up in a time of famine.
Whatever the reason, it was understood that there was a need in Jerusalem and that the disciples felt the burden of helping them because of the blessing they had already received from the mother church, such as in the sending of Barnabas, Agabus, and others. Hence, the need is identified, and it is met according to the ability of the disciples.
Life application: What is said in this verse is not unlike what Paul says in 1 Corinthians –
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
There was a need, promises were made, and Paul was ensuring that the promises would be kept by reminding those at Corinth of what was said. These were disciples that had obligated themselves to tend to the mother church in Jerusalem. And Paul explains why this was good to do in Romans 15 –
“For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.” Romans 15:26, 27
Those in Jerusalem had expended themselves on behalf of the church in spiritual matters. Paul was correct in saying that they should, therefore, be tended to in their material needs. Today, there are really only two verses for the care of those who tend spiritually to others, neither of which has a thing to do with “tithing.” That is an Old Covenant concept that should never be taught in the church. Rather, Paul says –
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Galatians 6:6
&
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7
That pretty much sums up the obligation of those who are ministered to by others. Share in the good you have and give freely but without compulsion. Rather, give according to your own purposes.
If you ever feel pressured to give, then you should wait until you don’t feel pressured. If you cannot give, then why would you? The Lord knows your heart. If you desire to give but are financially unable, then it makes no sense to do so. Instead of money, you can still offer prayer, encouragement, or help in the kitchen. Never feel compelled by others to do what is not coming from a cheerful and willing heart.
Lord God, thank You for those who tend to us in spiritual matters. Please bless them with a special blessing today. We are grateful for what they do, but we are also grateful to You for making it all possible. Thank You for Jesus who has led the way in all good things for us. Praises to You for what You have done, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 16, 2022 22:30:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 11:30
Wednesday, November 16th, 2022
This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:30
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
The previous verse noted that the disciples in Antioch determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. With that, it now says, “This they also did.”
As they determined, so they followed through with it. It is a complementary note concerning the matter. With that, it next says, “and sent it.”
Rather, it is an aorist participle without any preposition, “having sent it.” In other words, they determined to take the action, and then they did so, but the action of sending it leads into the rest of the words of the thought which says, “to the elders.”
This is the first time the word presbuteros, or “elder” is used in Acts in relation to the body of believers. It essentially signifies “a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience)” (HELPS Word Studies). However, for the Jewish nation and even the church, it is more fittingly applied to the office of a person in a trusted position. Today, we use the words elder, pastor, overseer, and so on to describe a person who is in such a position.
These people, whoever they were, were considered mature and competent to handle the gift properly and with due care. It may have been the apostles, or it may have simply been men of maturity who were selected for the task, somewhat like the deacons in Acts 6. Either way, the words “having sent” – see explanation of the aorist translation above – now connect with the final words of the verse, saying, “by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
These two were deemed of the highest integrity and were, therefore, chosen for the task of delivering this money to Jerusalem. As this is not a visit that was based upon a doctrinal matter, it is probably not a visit that Paul later refers to in Galatians 2. It seems that these two men simply took the money, delivered it, and then returned to Antioch as is recorded in Acts 12:25.
To understand several views on the matter of Paul’s visits to Jerusalem, the Pulpit Commentary on Acts 11:30 lays out the different possibilities quite well.
Life application: This verse in Acts refers to “elders.” As noted, this could be referring to the apostles. It could also be referring to others who were considered trustworthy. Paul will later give specific details concerning the offices within the church. This will be in 1 & 2 Timothy and in Titus. There he will use various terms to explain the offices.
It is not inappropriate to use terms such as pastor, deacon, elder, overseer, bishop, and so on. However, it is also acceptable for people who fill such positions to simply say, “Call me Tom.” We should not look down on those who accept the bestowal of a title, especially when it is referring to the position he fills. But it is also ok for a person who fills such a position to ask that he not be titled as such in regular conversation.
In the end, having a title is simply a part of the regular working of any company or organization. It helps identify who does what. But those who fill the position shouldn’t let it go to their head. We all have jobs to do and if we can do them without a lot of hoopla attached to them, that is a good thing. So, don’t get too legalistic either way on the matter. Allow people to use titles to honor others and allow people who hold such positions to decline being called by the title as well. In the end, adherence to the word and having a heart for the Lord is what is of the greatest importance.
Lord God, You have asked us to give double honor to those who deserve it because of the positions they fill. At the same time, help us to not exalt such people in a manner that is inappropriate. In the end, we are all servants. Help us to serve with hearts of humility and with a desire to exalt You above all else. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 17, 2022 21:44:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse. Acts 12:1
Thursday, November 17th, 2022
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Acts 12:1
Acts 11 ended with a note concerning Barnabas and Saul carrying the gift from Antioch to Jerusalem. Chapter 12 begins with, “Now about that time.”
The word translated as “time,” kairos, signifies a season or an occasion. It is not easy to determine if it means “about the time of the famine” mentioned toward the end of the chapter or “about the time that Barnabas and Paul traveled.” Either is possible, but the use of the word kairos, as well as the words of verse 12:20, seem to point to the time of the famine. Verse 12:20 refers to the food supplied to the people of Tyre and Sidon.
A time of famine would certainly bring about a trying situation between people that required attention, and so “about that time” may be referring to the time of famine. However, this is only speculation. Regardless of this, it is at some point connected to one of the two events that it next refers to “Herod the king.”
This is referring to Herod Agrippa I, also simply called Agrippa. He was the son of Aristobulus and the grandson of Herod the Great. Because these events shortly preceded his death, it is believed that this is AD43/44, about a decade after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Hence, the church has been functioning for about ten years at this point. It is at this time that Herod “stretched out his hand.” The word “hand” is plural, “hands.” Also, it more correctly reads that he “laid on his hands.”
The meaning is “to wield power or authority.” When one lays his hand upon someone or something, it is to accomplish a task. In the case of a king, he will work to a particular end on behalf of his kingdom, his subjects, alliances with other kings, and so on. His actions can be taken in a positive or negative light, depending on who he is laying his hands to, on, for, upon, or against. In this case, he has laid on his hands, “to harass some from the church.”
The reason for this will become clearer in the verses ahead, but Cambridge, citing Josephus, gives us an advanced note as to why he would do this. It was because the Jews were opposed to the message of Jesus the Messiah and Herod wanted to be considered a devout Jew. They say –
“Agrippa, according to Josephus (xix. 7. 3), was anxious to be esteemed a devout Jew: ‘He loved to live continually at Jerusalem, and was exactly careful in the observance of the laws of his country. He therefore kept himself entirely pure, nor did any day pass over his head without its appointed sacrifice.’ Such a man might easily be roused, by the Jews whom he was so anxious to please, to the perpetration of cruelties upon the Christians.”
Life application: When you read the Bible, think about what is being conveyed. In Matthew 26:50, it says, “Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.” Likewise, in Luke 21:12, it says, “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.”
The same word used in both verses is used in Acts 12:1. The context shows us the meaning, even if we have not heard the expression before. But understanding the context and what is being conveyed is only a part of the words. In this context, we can know that to “lay hands on” signifies to manhandle, but we should also think about the word “hand.”
The hand is something that has a purpose. The hand has fingers (Exodus 8:19). The hand is at the end of the arm (Psalm 136:12). The hand grasps (Ecclesiastes 1:14). The hand rests upon others for healing (Luke 13:13). And so on.
As you read the Bible, don’t always just read it as a narrative before you. At times, stop and consider the individual things, like the hands, that are presented. Think of them in relation to other times they are similarly used. In doing this, you will get a better understanding of what is being conveyed. There is so much richness in the word. The more you contemplate it, the fuller your mind will be with the beauty of how it is presented. Take time to meditate on it. It is well worth your effort to do so.
Lord God, Your word is rich and wonderful and beautiful. Thank You for every detail. Our lives are enriched when we read it and contemplate all it presents. Thank You for this glorious word that You have given to us. Yes, thank You for this treasure of our hearts. Amen.
Acts 11:30
Charlie Garrett Acts, Acts (written), Daily Writing, Writings
Wednesday, November 16th, 2022
Covered bridge. Vermont.
Wednesday, 16 November 2022
This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:30
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
The previous verse noted that the disciples in Antioch determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. With that, it now says, “This they also did.”
As they determined, so they followed through with it. It is a complementary note concerning the matter. With that, it next says, “and sent it.”
Rather, it is an aorist participle without any preposition, “having sent it.” In other words, they determined to take the action, and then they did so, but the action of sending it leads into the rest of the words of the thought which says, “to the elders.”
This is the first time the word presbuteros, or “elder” is used in Acts in relation to the body of believers. It essentially signifies “a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience)” (HELPS Word Studies). However, for the Jewish nation and even the church, it is more fittingly applied to the office of a person in a trusted position. Today, we use the words elder, pastor, overseer, and so on to describe a person who is in such a position.
These people, whoever they were, were considered mature and competent to handle the gift properly and with due care. It may have been the apostles, or it may have simply been men of maturity who were selected for the task, somewhat like the deacons in Acts 6. Either way, the words “having sent” – see explanation of the aorist translation above – now connect with the final words of the verse, saying, “by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
These two were deemed of the highest integrity and were, therefore, chosen for the task of delivering this money to Jerusalem. As this is not a visit that was based upon a doctrinal matter, it is probably not a visit that Paul later refers to in Galatians 2. It seems that these two men simply took the money, delivered it, and then returned to Antioch as is recorded in Acts 12:25.
To understand several views on the matter of Paul’s visits to Jerusalem, the Pulpit Commentary on Acts 11:30 lays out the different possibilities quite well.
Life application: This verse in Acts refers to “elders.” As noted, this could be referring to the apostles. It could also be referring to others who were considered trustworthy. Paul will later give specific details concerning the offices within the church. This will be in 1 & 2 Timothy and in Titus. There he will use various terms to explain the offices.
It is not inappropriate to use terms such as pastor, deacon, elder, overseer, bishop, and so on. However, it is also acceptable for people who fill such positions to simply say, “Call me Tom.” We should not look down on those who accept the bestowal of a title, especially when it is referring to the position he fills. But it is also ok for a person who fills such a position to ask that he not be titled as such in regular conversation.
In the end, having a title is simply a part of the regular working of any company or organization. It helps identify who does what. But those who fill the position shouldn’t let it go to their head. We all have jobs to do and if we can do them without a lot of hoopla attached to them, that is a good thing. So, don’t get too legalistic either way on the matter. Allow people to use titles to honor others and allow people who hold such positions to decline being called by the title as well. In the end, adherence to the word and having a heart for the Lord is what is of the greatest importance.
Lord God, You have asked us to give double honor to those who deserve it because of the positions they fill. At the same time, help us to not exalt such people in a manner that is inappropriate. In the end, we are all servants. Help us to serve with hearts of humility and with a desire to exalt You above all else. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 18, 2022 20:23:41 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:2
Friday, November 18th, 2022
Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. Acts 12:2
Acts 12 opened with the note that Herod the king had stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. With that noted, it next says, “Then he killed James the brother of John.”
This is then James the son of Zebedee recorded in Matthew 4 –
“Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.” Matthew 4:21, 22
He is known in early writings as James the Greater. James the Less is James, the son of Alpheus noted in Matthew 10:3 when the apostles were designated by name. The only mention of him in Acts outside of this verse is that he is noted among the apostles after the ascension of the Lord –
“And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.” Acts 1:13
No reason why he was selected to be killed is given, but it does show that he was prominent enough and outspoken enough to be noticed and brought forth. So, despite not having anything recorded concerning his apostolic work, it is certain he was faithful and productive. It is a good indication that Acts is structured around Peter and Paul for a reason. Even if the other apostles did a great deal of work, the ministries of Peter and Paul are given special attention, showing the shift from the Jewish people to the Gentiles. Of James, it notes that he was killed “with the sword.”
Because of this, it is certain that this was a Roman and civil execution. Like John the Baptist, there is an obvious political element to what occurred. Being death by a sword, it could be either decapitation or being thrust through. Either way, the description of his death comes down to two words. This is in complete contrast to Stephen who was given almost an entire chapter of the events surrounding his stoning.
As for his death, it appears that this is something hinted at by what Jesus said in Matthew 20 –
“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.
21 And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’
She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.’
22 But Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’
They said to Him, ‘We are able.’
23 So He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’” Matthew 20:20-23
James certainly participated in the sufferings of Christ. But more, in a sense, the request was granted. James is noted as the first apostle to be martyred now in Acts. It is known that John was the last surviving apostle. Thus, the two sons of Zebedee were granted two positions of honor in their lives and deaths as chosen apostles of Jesus.
Life application: If the mother of James was alive at this time, she may have questioned God’s goodness in allowing her son, who had done so much in his ministry, to be killed in such an ignoble way. Or she may have understood that this was an honorable death in the eyes of the Lord. As tragic as it may be for someone to lose a family member, we cannot impute wrongdoing to God when it occurs.
The fact is that we are all going to die. Paul goes further and says –
“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:10-12
We have been told this, it is included in God’s word, and therefore, it should not be a surprise to anyone when a faithful, godly believer is persecuted in some manner. This doesn’t mean God is uncaring. It means that God is receiving glory through the right conduct of His people. It is also a sign to those who engage in the persecution that His judgment upon them will be just and deserved when it comes.
We need to consider our earthly bodies less and look to what is promised. Our time now is in a fallen world where we can expect things to occur that may seem bad from our perspective. But in seeing how they fit into what lies ahead, they are not really “bad.” What God does, and what He allows in our lives, will always lead to what is good. Trust this as you consider the events of the world around you. Look at all things from an eternal perspective and you will be much better off as you trudge through this life of difficulty, trial, and woe.
Lord God, help us to maintain an eternal perspective on things and not get too caught up in the temporary, transitory things that will have their end. We know that good is promised for us, and so whatever happens now must be leading us to the good that lies ahead. Thank You that we can know this and cling to it while we are here in this life of difficulty. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 20, 2022 0:47:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:3
Saturday, November 19th, 2022
And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. Acts 12:3
The previous verse noted the killing of James with the sword. Now, it continues, saying, “And because he saw that it pleased the Jews.” The meaning is clear. This doesn’t mean all the Jews collectively, but those who represented the nation. It is referring to the Jews who were in the powerful positions and whose favor would more fully establish his political relations with them, along with his own power within the realm. Because these leaders were happy that Agrippa had done away with one of the leading apostles, “he proceeded further to seize Peter also.”
The Greek is actually in the form of a Hebraism, saying, “he added to lay hold of Peter also.” It is a way of showing an increase in a proposition, whatever it may be. In this case, it is the proposition of eliminating the apostles for the sake of cementing political status and power.
The apostles had been a thorn in the side of the leadership for about ten years. Therefore, having the ruling governmental authority over them harass and destroy this group was a welcome occasion for the leading Jews. And because this pleased the Jews, while also solidifying his own position and power, Agrippa decided to continue with his attack against them. As Peter was a chief figure among them and one who had spoken boldly against the ruling council, he was probably personally called out by name by the Jews as the next suitable target. Ellicott agrees with this being a matter of politics, saying –
“This was throughout the ruling policy of the Herodian house. The persecution did not spring from any fanatic zeal against the new faith, but simply from motives of political expediency.”
Likewise, Cambridge further clarifies this relationship between the two by citing Josephus –
“This Josephus notices (Antiq. xix. 7. 3), for, comparing Agrippa with the Herod who ruled before him, he mentions that the latter ‘was more friendly to the Greeks than to the Jews,’ in which matter he says Agrippa ‘was not at all like him.’”
With the event explained, the timing of it is next provided, saying, “Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.”
The meaning is that this is during the time of the Passover and the pilgrim feast of Unleavened Bread which accompanies it. Luke unites the two in one thought as he did in his gospel. This is evident because the Passover actually precedes and leads into Unleavened Bread. Notice, however, that Luke unites them using the commonly used terminology for both that had been adopted in Israel –
“Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.
3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.
7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.’” Luke 22:1-8
As it is now the time of the Passover, it would be especially pleasing to the Jews. They had crucified Jesus at this time, and it was certainly welcome that Peter had been seized at the same time of year. However, one can see the backroom dealing of the Jews and Agrippa in the words of the coming verse which will be analyzed in the next commentary.
Life application: Some people refuse to talk to others about religion and politics. Some will talk about religion but not politics, or vice versa. The fact is that Christians are obligated to speak out about Jesus in order to be considered faithful servants of the Lord. This doesn’t mean that all must be evangelists and stand on the street corner, but we should be willing to speak about Jesus when the occasion arises or when questioned about our faith.
But it is also true that we live in a world where earthly governments rule. It is the policy of some sects, such as the Roman Catholic Church, to participate in the running of governments, dictating to them what should and should not be done. It is the policy of some sects and cults to never engage in any political activity at all, not even voting. This is the policy of the cult known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Both approaches are flawed. Governments that are led by religion will inevitably become religiously tyrannical. Governments that have no representation of faithful Christians will become wholly immoral and destructive against any who are spiritually aligned with Christ.
As this is so, it is incumbent on faithful Christians to engage in voting and even in running for political office. By doing so, their views can be expressed and protected. Paul was a Roman citizen and he appealed to his citizenship unashamedly. He attempted to convert public officials, kings, and others in governmental positions. These things are undeniable as revealed in Scripture. Therefore, it is to the benefit of both the general population and the working of the government in which one lives to be active in both religious and governmental affairs.
Have a right balance in your thinking concerning these things. And above all, do not listen to those who claim an ultra-piety that says, “I am not of this world.” In this, they rip the words of Jesus (John 15:19) out of any proper context in order to absolve themselves of any responsibility for the events of life.
Rather, Paul clearly shows – both in his actions and in his writings – that we are in this world, and we must conduct our affairs in this world, but that we also have a better hope than this world. We cannot deny either without having an unbalanced approach to the lives that we live – in the here and now and in the hope of the future that lies ahead.
Lord God, how good it is to know that even though we are in this world and have lives to lead, we also have a hope that transcends this earthly life. Our true hope is not in a leader, a bank account, a form of government, or a retirement that provides a false sense of safety and security. None of these things can ever come close to the glory that lies ahead when Christ comes for His people. How we long for that day, and may that day be soon! Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 21, 2022 1:39:11 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:4
Sunday, November 20th, 2022
So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Acts 12:4
So far in the ongoing narrative, Peter has been seized by Herod during the Days of Unleavened Bread. With that noted, it now says, “So when he had arrested him.” The words here more appropriately should be translated, “So having arrested him.” There is motion in the words of Luke, one thought building upon the next. Herod had arrested Peter. With that action complete, it next says that “he put him in prison.”
The reason for this is coming in the next clause. All it said of James is that he was killed with the sword. Regardless of the events surrounding the killing of James, only his death by the sword is recorded. However, the fate of Peter is explained in greater detail. Luke masterfully builds up a sense of excitement with his words to lead the reader to each subsequent thought. Peter is now put in prison, and then it next says that Herod “delivered him to four squads of soldiers.”
Like the first clause, these words are from an aorist participle and more rightly should be translated, “having delivered him to four squads of soldiers.” Luke continues to carefully align his words to bring the reader right into the narrative. As for the large number of soldiers, this certainly seems like total overkill, but Luke is undoubtedly recording it for a particular purpose. To understand it, one must go back to Acts 5 –
“Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 ‘Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.’
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, ‘Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!’ 24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, saying, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’” Acts 5:17-25
This certainly supports the theory that the leaders of Israel personally asked Herod to seize Peter and do away with him as he had done with James. Peter had been arrested and yet was freed from his incarceration. They may have accepted it was an angel who released the men, or they may have reasoned that they were somehow broken out at night.
Regardless of how they had escaped, they did. Because of that, when Herod seized Peter, the Jews probably said, “Be careful to guard this guy well. He is a slippery fellow and has escaped from our own dungeon.” This is all conjecture, but Luke’s careful attention to this detail supports the theory. Hence, Herod had a large contingent set aside “to keep him.”
Four squads, or four quaternions, of soldiers would be sixteen men. Hence, if the shifts were divided into four, there would always be four soldiers monitoring him. It is readily apparent that Peter was considered a particularly important prisoner to be watched because he was known to have escaped in the past.
Were this not so, Luke would have simply overlooked any mention of it at all. A prison is a place of incarceration that generally holds lots of people. It is also normally well-guarded. To assign four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, and for Luke to especially note this, is certainly exceptional. As for the reason for not dispatching Peter off to the next world immediately, it next says that Herod was “intending to bring him before the people.”
The words “to bring him before” are more precisely rendered, “to lead him up.” The idea is that he would be brought out of prison and “up” to the elevated place where a tribunal would be held and where the death sentence would occur in the presence of the people. And this was to occur “after Passover.”
These words also give a very good indication that the Jews were involved in the seizing of Peter. They had seized Jesus and they delivered Him up to Pilate for sentencing, probably thinking that he would wait and have a trial at some later point. This is based on the words of Matthew 26 –
“Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. 5 But they said, ‘Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.’” Matthew 26:3-5
Pilate set about to have an immediate trial, even as the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread was getting started. And exactly what they said might occur came about. These leaders had to actively call out for Jesus’ crucifixion to stir the crowds against Him. This led to ten years of one problem after another as His followers kept claiming He was the fulfillment of all the symbolism of the feasts and thus the Messiah.
With this thought in mind, one can see that the leaders were almost certainly in cahoots with Herod, giving their recommendations on what to do with Peter. They did not want another problem to arise like that which had occurred with the killing of Jesus.
Life application: Luke is a careful chronicler of all that is taking place. But it must be remembered that God is the One who inspired the narrative to be recorded as it is. The careful attention to detail, all the way through Acts, is a testament to Israel’s rejection of Jesus as their Messiah. His rejection then explains the destruction of the nation along with their two thousand years of justly deserved exile.
However, the fact that they have been under the curses and punishment of the law, instead of God just destroying them and being done with them forever, gives clear and reasonable proof that He is not done with them as a people. The regathering of them into the land from which they were exiled is an openly visible proof that the Lord is set to do all that His prophetic words concerning Israel are said to be coming.
The idea of “replacement theology” is so utterly ridiculous when looked at from how things are in the world. God spoke, His word promises, and He will fulfill. There is absolutely no reason to think that the church has replaced Israel. Rather, there is every reason to be certain that it has not. And more, as this is so, and because Israel is once again restored as a people and a nation, it is a sure sign that the other prophecies concerning the coming of the end times must also be ready to find their fulfillment.
Let us live out our lives with this in mind. Let us not hold too tightly to this world. Some wonderful day, and it may be soon, the call will be made, and the church will be removed from the hour of trial that is set to come upon the whole world. Let us anticipate that moment more and more with each moment that passes!
Heavenly Father, we look to the coming of our Lord Jesus and our being gathered to Him. May that day be soon. And Lord, until that day, may we be about the business that You have set before Your people. May we be willing to share the good news with all that come into our lives. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 22, 2022 0:32:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:5
Monday, November 21st, 2022
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
The previous verse referred to the arrest and incarceration of Peter, noting that it was intended that he should be brought forth before the people after the Passover. With that noted, it now says, “Peter was therefore kept in prison.”
An important conjunction is missing from the translation. Also, there is a necessary article before prison. It more appropriately reads, “Peter, therefore, indeed, was kept in the prison” (YLT).
As this was noted to be “during the Days of Unleavened Bread” (Acts 12:3), it could be that he was actually seized before the Passover, and the inserted word “during” would mean that it is that general timeframe, or it could be that it was on some day during the feast. As such, it could be from a couple of days to more than a week that Peter was held. Luke does not provide the specifics on this. Regardless of the duration, Luke next notes the attention of those in the church concerning his situation, saying, “but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.”
The words are very poorly translated. The word translated as “constant prayer” is an adverb that means “fervently.” The idea of continuance comes from an imperfect verb and a present participle. Thus, the entire thought should read, “and fervent prayer was being made by the assembly unto God for him” (YLT).
The sense is that the church was literally pouring out its heart in a continuous fashion for Peter. There were probably shifts of people that came together and wholeheartedly sought the face of the Lord for his deliverance. It is a beautiful note of the unity of the assembly and of the love they possessed for Peter. It also reveals that the church had no design to go in and bust Peter out of the pokey.
Rather, they prayed for the Lord’s hand to intercede in whatever fashion He determined, be it a miraculous release as had occurred in the past or to soften the heart of Herod and bring about a change in his designs. This fits well with Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 –
“Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.”
Life application: The Bible always exalts the power of prayer, even if not all prayers are answered in the manner of the one who is praying. It is certain that God already knows exactly what is going to happen regarding whatever matter is lifted up to Him, but it still asks us to pray. Further, Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1 (above) clearly indicate that he believed that prayers change the outcome of events.
How can this be if God already knows the outcome? The answer is that He factors in the prayers of His people. Even if He already knows who will pray and who will not. This is not contradictory at all. He knows, we do not. An unspoken prayer is a prayer that will not be responded to. A spoken prayer will be responded to according to His will. And the outcome will be as God designed by taking the entire process according to His eternal counsel.
And this is the same thing as the salvation of an individual. Despite the Calvinist doctrine that God must regenerate a person in order to believe (which is nonsense) a person who does not have faith in God’s provision will not be saved. A person who does will be. Just as there is nothing contradictory in praying in order to affect God’s will, there is nothing contradictory in believing and being saved.
And yet, the same people who deny free will in salvation will pray for the lost, they will pray for healing, they will pray for blessing and favor, and they will pray for the other desires of their hearts. That… that is contradictory thinking.
We must act, both in believing God unto salvation and in praying to God for what we desire. And so, act!
O God, we are grateful to You for hearing our prayers and for responding according to Your infinite wisdom. How unimaginable it is that You would hear our prayers and respond to the faith we possess! You have all power and all knowledge. You are infinitely glorious. And yet You would look upon us and care for what we desire and attend to our faith. How truly great You are, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 23, 2022 0:28:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:6
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022
And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Acts 12:6
The previous words noted Peter having been kept in prison while those of the church prayed constantly for him. With that, it now says, “And when Herod was about to bring him out.”
However long he was in prison, be it a day or more than a week, the time had arrived when the next day would see Peter’s trial, surely resulting in his execution at the hands of Herod. Despite this, it next says, “that night Peter.”
The Greek is more specific, “the night, that.” In other words, not only was Herod about to bring Peter forth, but this was on no other night than the one before the day he was to be brought forth. This highlights the importance of the events. Nobody had come to Peter’s rescue during his incarceration, and he had a few hours left before his time was set to expire. And yet, it says, he “was sleeping.”
One would think sleep would not come easily at such a time, but Peter was fast asleep. This can be deduced from the words of verse 12:11. The events that are set to come about are so incomprehensible that Peter thought he was still in a deep sleep. For now, Luke’s minutely detailed account notes that while he was sleeping, he was “bound with two chains.”
Rather, the Greek is a perfect participle, saying, “having been bound with two chains.” This is the state he was in all along and it continued right up to the present moment. The impossibility of his situation is highlighted by this. If Peter were able to free himself from one chain, there would still be a second to deal with. And more, though it does not say how he was bound to the chains, it does note that it was “between two soldiers.”
The Greek reads, “between to guards.” It is true that they are identified as soldiers elsewhere, but the soldiers are acting as guards at this time. Of this, Albert Barnes says, “Peter was bound to the two. His left hand was chained to the right hand of one of the soldiers, and his right hand to the left hand of the other. This was a common mode of securing prisoners among the Romans. See abundant authorities for this quoted in Lardner’s Credibility, part 1, chapter 10: section 9, London edition, 1829, vol. i. p. 242, 243, etc.”
Whether bound to the guards as noted by Barnes or bound to chains attached to the walls or floor, the situation is beyond any reasonable hope. If Peter were to free himself from the chains, the clinking sounds would be unmistakable as the guards were right there with him. But more, Luke continues, saying, “and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.”
Even if Peter were to free himself from his chains and then overcome two guards who were bound by their lives to not allow him to escape, there were still two more guards who would hear everything and be ready to overcome him in a moment. The utter impossibility of Peter gaining his freedom through natural means is perfectly evident by noting the description of his situation that has been so carefully detailed by Luke.
Life application: How could Peter be in a deep sleep while the prospect of his execution was only moments away? Many scholars look to the psalms as proof that Peter was satisfied with his position in the Lord and with his coming fate. Some cite the psalms, such as –
“I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.” Psalm 3:5
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
“Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,” Psalm 105:5
“It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2
It is true that we can derive comfort from the psalms in our times of distress, sadness, woe, anxiety, and so forth, but those words do not change the situation in which we find ourselves. They only give us comfort in and through them. However, Peter had something more, didn’t he? He states in his 2nd epistle –
“And we have more firm the prophetic word, to which we do well giving heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till day may dawn, and a morning star may arise — in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19 (YLT)
Peter had a prophetic word from the Lord Himself that was an absolute guarantee that his day had not yet come –
“‘Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” John 21:18, 19
Though it is not known how old Peter was at this time, he was probably not yet an old man. Only about ten years had passed since Jesus’ ascension. But more, based on how James was executed, it can be inferred that Herod’s means of execution for Peter was not what he was set to receive. The stretching out of his hands implied that he would follow Christ in crucifixion. As such, he would have accepted Jesus’ words and realized that he had nothing to worry about, at least on this evening.
Whether this is a stretch of the situation or not, and it is probably not, it is a lesson for us to consider. The Bible has given us future prophecies that are fixed in their meaning. We may not have all the details concerning them, such as exact timing, and so on, but they are events that the Lord has promised through His word that they will come about. As they tell us of the surety of glorification and eternity in His presence, what do we really have to worry about?
The prophecies are promises from God, who cannot lie. They are fixed and they are set. In due time, they will be realized. So be of good cheer and hold fast to what the word says.
Glorious Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a sure and reliable word that tells us what lies ahead. Because of this, everything that happens in this world, no matter how distressing or evil, will come to an end. We shall be brought into Your presence, and we shall see Jesus, the Hope of our hearts and the Savior of our souls. What more could we ever hope for! Thank You for our sure hope, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 23, 2022 20:36:02 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:7
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022
Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Acts 12:7
The previous verse noted the condition of Peter’s incarceration, having been bound with two chains between two soldiers and with guards before the door who were keeping the prison. Next, it says, “Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him.”
The KJV and several other versions incorrectly say, “the angel of the Lord.” However, as in Acts 5:19, there is no definite article before “angel.” Hence, this is not a particular angel, nor is it the Lord. Rather, it is an unspecified angel sent by the Lord to accomplish a mission.
This angel came into Peter’s cell in a miraculous manner where he stood by Peter. It next says, “and a light shone in the prison.”
The word translated as “prison” is not the same as previously. Rather, it is a word found nowhere else in Scripture. However, according to Greek scholars, it was a common word in classical Greek, oikéma. It literally signifies a tenement, but it was used by those of Athens in a euphemistic manner for being in prison. Today, we say “pokey,” “stir,” “hoosegow,” “jail,” “clink,” “cooler,” “jug,” “lockup,” “pound,” “glasshouse,” “caboose,” “slammer,” “big house,” “cell,” and so on, in this manner. Choose your favorite!
When the angel appeared, the area lit up. Whether it was an external light or simply light radiating from the angel is not stated. All it says is “and light shone in the pokey.” However, the accompaniment of light with the appearance of angels is found elsewhere and signifies the divine presence regardless of how it is transmitted. With that, it next says, “and he struck Peter on the side.”
The word translated as struck can be anything from a gentle knock to a lethal blow. In this case, one can see him, like a friend, using the palm or the back of the hand and gently but firmly tapping on him to bring him from his obviously deep state of sleep. From there, it says, “and raised him up.”
This word can mean to rise or to awaken. Certainly, this means he woke him up because of the next words of Luke, “saying, ‘Arise quickly!’”
Once awake, the angel then asked Peter to get up in a hurry. There could be no delays in his actions due to the current situation. With that, it next says, “And his chains fell off his hands.”
This was obviously miraculous in at least a couple of ways. First, they came off at the very moment the angel instructed him to arise. Also, the sound and motion of the chains went undetected by the guards, as did the shining of the light and the stirring of Peter. With Peter free from the chains, the narrative will continue with miraculous events in the coming verses.
Life application: A natural explanation for the events that are occurring will only go so far. The guards fell asleep. That would be all four of them. If so, we would have to assume the angel must have used a type of gas to put them to sleep. The angel got the keys and went in and got Peter up. The gas was strong enough to make everyone sleep but not strong enough to keep Peter asleep. The angel took the keys from the jailors to get in and used them on the chains. Etc.
These are all possible explanations, but then it means that the actual words of the account were falsified. If so, the account is essentially true, but the details were not as it is written. Or is it a total fabrication? In other words, there is only so much of what is said that can be considered believable without accepting miraculous and divine intervention.
But this has already been the case in Scripture many times. God intervenes at various times and in various ways to bring about the outcome of things. Angels appear and disappear. The Lord appears and disappears as well. Such accounts require faith.
Quite often, naturalistic explanations for things are made, but in seeking such an explanation, it argues that at least the substance of the account is true. Otherwise, there would be no point in trying to explain it.
If the account is true, and if we have a reliable record of how it occurred (such as this account told by Peter and recorded by Luke), then we must either believe the words as they are written, or we need to suppose that Peter was either lying or not remembering correctly. But such an event would hardly be remembered incorrectly.
Let us consider these things and accept that what is written is true and accurate. Think about the arguments of naysayers. In the end, their position will always be untenable. Either the Bible is true, or it is not. If not, then why would we bother with it? But if it is, let us accept what it says and have faith that it is accurately portraying the events it describes.
O God, we are so thankful for Your word. There are things in it that are often hard to understand, but we can accept them by faith because we know that You can do all things. Help us in our doubts and give us a depth of faith that will withstand the many accusations that come against Your word. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 24, 2022 18:54:12 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:8
Thursday, November 24th, 2022
Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” Acts 12:8
An angel of the Lord had just come to Peter, woke him up, and told him to arise. With that, the chains fell off his hands. Next, it says, “Then the angel said to him, ‘Gird yourself.’”
The clothes worn at that time consisted of an outer garment and an inner garment. When relaxing or sleeping, the outer garment would be taken off and the inner garment (the xitōn, or tunic) would be loosened by undoing the girdle that bound it. Hence, to “gird” oneself meant to tighten up this inner garment.
By doing this, it would make it possible to travel much more easily. To not be girded would mean the tunic could trip a person up when walking quickly or running. This is seen, for example, in these words from 1 Kings 18 –
“Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” 1 Kings 18:46
Hence, the angel’s admonition to gird himself up implies that they would be leaving and heading out. He also said, “and tie on your sandals.”
The Greek word is sandalion. It was, like today, a shoe that protected the sole but with an open top. The sole could be made of wood or leather. Generally, it would be bound around the ankle and leg with string or straps to keep it secure. In compliance with the angel’s words, Luke notes, “and so he did.”
Remembering that Peter was just asleep, he would have been groggy. And so, noting the act of compliance tells us that nothing in the process was missed. Remembering also that Peter is between two guards, it can be assumed that the angel’s words were only heard by Peter or that the guards had been put into some sort of trance. In the Old Testament, such a state was noted a couple of times.
For example, in the account of Lot in Genesis 19, the people outside of his house were right there by the door, and yet they could not find it –
“But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.” Genesis 19: 10, 11
The mental state of the people of Sodom was confused and their senses were blinded to keep them from properly perceiving what was happening and what they were seeing. With something like this quite possibly occurring with the guards, Luke next says, “And he said to him, ‘Put on your garment and follow me.’”
This is now what is called a himation. It is a cloak or robe that was often fabricated from wool. It had openings for the head and arms and fit loosely over the xitōn. In telling Peter to put this on, it could only mean they were leaving. He would be prepared to be outdoors when dressed in this manner.
Life application: There are times when we need to relax or sleep. But even at those times, we should be prepared to act. Peter was set to go even though he was in prison. His girdle was ready, his sandals were handy, and his outer garment was also nearby.
If we replace those things with the idea of the gospel, we can then equate our remembering it and having it handy for any situation that arises. The word should never be far from our lips, just in case there is a sudden need to share it. We should have it ready at the store, in class, while at work, or when on a picnic.
We never know when someone will suddenly enter into our life who needs to hear about Jesus. So always be ready. As Paul says –
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:14-18
Be ready! People need Jesus and you just may be the person to share Him with someone today.
Lord God, help us to always carry with us the sense of urgency that comes with knowing all people are one heartbeat away from eternity. With this thought in mind, we will always be ready to share the good news about Jesus. Keep us focused on this most important news, the good news of the gospel. Yes, help us with this. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 25, 2022 23:52:36 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 12:9
Friday, November 25th, 2022
So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. Acts 12:9
In the previous verse, the angel that had come to Peter instructed him to gird himself, put on his sandals and his outer coat, and follow him. With that, it now says, “So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.”
The NKJV does not give the proper sense of the verbs. What is much closer is a bit more cumbersome, but it more accurately portrays the nuances of the account penned by Luke. It says, “And having gone forth, he follows, and he did not know that what is happening through the angel is real, but he thinks he sees a vision” (CG). This will be the translation used for the commentary.
After being instructed to follow the angel, it next says, “And having gone forth.”
Nothing is said about how they went forth. If the angel materialized inside the prison and then freed Peter, did he just start walking out between the soldiers guarding the inside and outside of the cell? Luke simply says he (the verb is singular) went forth. Obviously, the angel was leading because it next says of Peter that “he follows.”
The account is fantastic because there are guards right there, and yet they do not perceive what is happening. As noted in the previous verse, they must have been given some type of spiritual blindness so that they could not even perceive what was going on around them. So profound is this type of blindness that it affected an entire army, as is recorded in 2 Kings 6:8-23.
In this account in Acts, the supposed spiritual blindness imposed upon the soldiers has allowed Peter to escape from the prison, even while heavily guarded. But so incredible is the event that, speaking of Peter, it next says, “and he did not know that what is happening through the angel is real.”
Peter was certainly groggy from his sleep. He was suddenly brought out of his sleep, given hurried instructions, and then led out of a seemingly impossible situation without any harm coming to him. Obviously, it would be hard for the mind to grasp such a thing. And yet, he perceives that it is happening. Trying to reconcile the two in his mind, it next says, “but he thinks he sees a vision.”
Luke’s use of imperfect and present tense verbs is marvelous, bringing the reader directly into what is happening in Peter’s mind as he walks right through the once hopeless situation without any hindrance at all. He is being freed with each step he is taking, and nothing is there to restrain him from taking another step and then another. The Lord has a purpose for him yet. It appears his execution is not going to take place after all.
Life application: It is the Lord who has total control over everything that occurs. If He does not want someone to die, that person will not die. He has His own purposes for keeping people around or for allowing them to perish. As such, we cannot blame Him when someone does die. That person’s life was lived, the Lord gave him life, and the Lord determined the ending of his life was acceptable.
Likewise, if a person is set to die (such as Peter) and does not, there must be some purpose that still exists for his continuance. Using the example of a jammed gun or an explosive that fails to detonate will get the point across. The highly unlikely event takes place, and the person lives. Was it just random chance? Was it divine intervention? We cannot know with certainty, but the Lord does.
As time unfolds, we might see the person who should have died to go on to become a great evangelist and say, “The Lord spared him for this purpose.” Or we might see that same person working in the local supermarket and think, “Boy was he lucky. He sure didn’t use his chance very well.” But are we the ones to decide that? Maybe the person in the store told someone about Jesus and that person went on to be a famous preacher.
We cannot know the stream of events that go off into the future in a million divergent paths. And so, we must simply trust that each event that happens does so to meet the Lord’s plans. And this is not meant to be a fatalistic “What does it matter then?” thing. Rather, we should look at the world with a sense of true awe and wonder, and ask the Lord that we too may be included in what He is doing in a beautiful and unique way.
Our immediate circumstances may seem minimal and unimportant, but we should never think this is so. If we are saved because of Jesus, we are having an impact that will be seen for what it truly is someday. We will stand back and see the wonder of what God has done, and we will be both awed and satisfied with what we see. Who you are and what you are doing is important. Trust this because it is so.
Wonderfully glorious heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus who gives us true purpose and meaning. Without Him, our lives are temporary and futile. But because of Him, we are a part of a marvelous plan that has true and eternal significance. Help us to realize this and to rejoice that we are an important part of what You are doing. Thank You for Jesus who has made this possible. Amen.
|
|
