Superior Word Daily Devotional on the Book of Acts

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:30

Friday, March 31st, 2023


So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. Acts 15:30




With the contents of the letter from the council having been recorded by Luke, the narrative continues, saying, “So when they were sent off.”



In the selection of those to go with Barnabas and Paul, preparations had to be made for their journey. With those taken care of, it can be assumed that some of the council saw them part of the way out of the city, or even out of the gates and for a short distance. It is a common gesture and would not have been missed on such an important journey.



Eventually, those remaining in Jerusalem would give their final goodbyes and turn back while the company making the journey would continue. Having been sent off in this manner, Luke next says, “they came to Antioch.”



The narrative brings them right back to where all the trouble began as was recorded in Acts 15:1. However, instead of leaving with a dilemma to be resolved, they are returning with an answer from the council concerning the matter.



It is certain that those of the church were anxiously waiting to hear how things went and were probably asking about the council’s decision. Instead of answering one person at a time though, it next says, “and when they had gathered the multitude together.”



The Greek is more succinct, “and having gathered the multitude.” Everyone was brought together for the word to be spoken forth at one time. By doing it this way, there would be vindication for Barnabas and Paul because the letter and the witnesses were there to validate the matter. That is seen in the final words of the verse, saying, “they delivered the letter.”



One can imagine anyone who sided with the Judaizers looking aghast at the hearing of the decision. And yet, if saved, they were saved by the blood of Christ, not adherence to the law. Their legalistic demands would now be exposed for what they were.



Life application: To this day, when someone challenges the legalism of the Hebrew Roots Movement adherents or that of fundamentalists in churches that heap up rule upon rule not found in Scripture, there are arrogant and even angry faces and accusations hurled out against them.



Sides are drawn up and churches are divided over such things. But there is a standard by which these matters can be determined, the Bible. One good way of exposing legalism is to simply ask, “Where does it say that in Scripture?”



For example, some churches impose petty little laws on the congregation. Your hair is too long, you should not be dancing, we do not approve of musical instruments in this church, etc. In such cases, ask them where Scripture imposes such a rule. The only one of the three mentioned that is even partially addressed is the length of a person’s hair, but even that is subjective. Paul, when addressing the issue, never gives a length. If the matter is not defined, then there is a reason for it.



The point is that we need to be prepared to challenge such nonsense. The way that is done is to know what the word says. There is freedom in Christ. He did not come to bind His people with a laundry list of pet peeves, nor did He come to provide His people with eternal insecurity.



Rather, those things that are not defined in Scripture are simply not important to our walk before the Lord. Don’t allow yourself to get bogged down in legalism. Stand firm on the freedom we are granted in Christ. Remember that such people abounded even during the time of the law. Jesus strongly rebuked such arrogance. How much more offensive is such an attitude when the grace of God has been poured out on His people through the giving of Jesus!



Lord God, thank You for the freedom we possess in Christ. Help us not to get caught up in legalism and strange teachings that do not profit our walk before You. Rather, may we live holy lives, guided by the words of Scripture without adding to them. Where there is freedom, may we live it out accordingly. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:31

Saturday, April 1st, 2023




When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. Acts 15:31


In the previous verse, it noted that the letter from the council at Jerusalem was delivered to the multitude who had gathered from the church at Antioch. With that, it next says, “When they had read it.”



Those of the church were certainly excited about what decision had been made and their ears would have been open and alert as each word was read off the scroll. Upon its completion, they certainly would have been quite relieved for several reasons. First, and simply from a human perspective, the prospect of going through the pain of circumcision was now removed.



But more, it meant that, as Gentiles, the circumcision they had received, meaning that of the heart, put them on the exact same level as the Jews without ever having to join the Jewish nation, giving up their own unique culture and identity in the process.



It also meant that they had a freedom that Israel under the law had never previously possessed by not being brought under the yoke of the law. By this time, Paul would have instructed the Gentiles that the entire period of the law was simply a tutor to lead people to Christ. Instead of law, they needed something better, they needed Christ. But they already had Christ. How could it be that they should need to go back to that which never truly profited Israel?



This is the lesson that Paul later had to explain in detail to those at Galatia in his epistle to them. But those at Antioch had certainly been with Barnabas and Paul long enough to already know this fundamental truth.



Because of these reasons, and certainly many others, it says that “they rejoiced over its encouragement.”



Here, a pun is most likely being conveyed by Luke. In Acts 15:22, it said, “Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.”



With these words, Barnabas is placed before Paul and the chosen men who were sent with Barnabas and Paul. Therefore, it is likely (though still supposition) that Barnabas was the one who stood reading the letter from the council. The pun is in his name and in the word translated as “encouragement.” Both are from the Greek word paraklésis. As such, Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36), is living out his name toward those at Antioch as their hearts were encouraged by the contents of the letter he bore and read to them.



Life application: Of the meeting of the council in Jerusalem, Albert Barnes says, “This council has been usually appealed to as the authority for councils in the church as a permanent arrangement, and especially as an authority for courts of appeal and control. But it establishes neither, and should be brought as authority for neither.”



After coming to this conclusion, he gives four long and well-thought-out reasons for this. What he says can be read in his commentary, but the overall thought of his words can be summed up with the single thought that what is recorded here in Acts is not a prescriptive account. It prescribes nothing for future councils.



Rather, it is a descriptive account of what occurred. The form, structure, type of authority, and makeup of the council cannot properly apply to later councils. The apostolic age has ended. What occurs now in councils around the world is not in the least bit comparable to what occurred in Acts 15.



Now, instead of doctrinal issues being handled as occurred in Acts, a total reliance on the contents of Sacred Scripture, meaning the Holy Bible, is to be considered. The presence of the Holy Spirit is in the pages of the Bible because it is the Holy Spirit who breathed out its words through those who wrote it (see 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:19-21).



Therefore, if the considerations of and decisions rendered by a council are not in accord with the words of Scripture, they are, by default, not guided by the Holy Spirit; they are not of God. If they are not of God, they are, by default, of the devil. This is a lesson that must be considered as councils, conferences, and the like are held by churches and denominations. What is happening in the world today, such as in the ordination of women, homosexuals, etc. is not of God. The Holy Spirit is not among these gatherings, and only unholiness and apostasy will be the result.



Hold fast to this sacred and precious word for the guidance of matters of the church and the Holy Spirit will guide that church through its times of difficulty. And the same is true with your personal life as well.



Heavenly Father, how could we expect You to bless our actions in our personal lives or in the churches we attend if we are not acting in accord with Your word? Help us to think this through clearly and never deviate from its precepts. In them, there is life and the straight path. Apart from them is unhappiness and loss. May we do all that we do to Your glory alone. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:32

Sunday, April 2nd, 2023




Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. Acts 15:32


The letter from the council has been read to the congregation at Antioch. Having heard it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. With that, it next says, “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also.”



These are the two men who had been sent from the council to confirm the words of the letter, having accompanied Barnabas and Paul to Antioch. The term “prophets” in this verse is obviously not given in the sense of the Old Testament prophets that foretold the future or spoke forth a new word of the Lord. That may or may not be something they did at other times, but in this context, calling them prophets is tied to what is stated in the next words. It says they “exhorted and strengthened the brethren.”



The verb form of the word used in the previous verse, paraklésis, which was translated as “encouragement,” is used here, parakaleó. Thus, it is more appropriately rendered “encouraged.” The other word, translated as “strengthened,” was introduced in Acts 14:22. It signifies to support, confirm, make stronger, etc.



In other words, there had been confusion thrown into the congregation by the events that took place. Trust in the words of Barnabas and Paul may have been diminished because of the Judaizers, something that definitely happened to the church in Galatia as Paul records in his epistle to them. These two prophets, rather than foretelling the word of the Lord, forth-told it.



They gave them encouragement that the message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, apart from any works of the law, was correct. They encouraged the church to stand fast in their faith and even built them up with additional words, strengthening them, as it next says, “with many words.”



Rather, the words in the Greek are singular and should read “with much discourse.” They added either instructional lessons as may be seen today in a Bible study, or they may have spoken forth in the form of a sermon or homily, building the believers up in the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.



Life application: Because the council has wisely sent along Judas and Silas, the decision rendered by it would certainly have gone unchallenged by any Judaizer still lurking around the believers in Antioch. Today, we do not have the apostles around any longer to render such a letter and then send along people to confirm what was said.



However, we do have the full, final, and sure word of the apostles and other men who wrote out the word of God for our instruction. There is no need to have Judaizers throw a congregation into upheaval if the congregants are properly instructed in the word of God. Thus, it is imperative to not just give life application sermons and Bible studies that are not based on the Bible.



Rather, the word of God is to be opened, analyzed, and explained in detail. If this is not done, the same confusion in the congregation that arose in Antioch, Galatia, and elsewhere is sure to arise in whatever congregation these false teachers come to. Be firm on what the gospel says. Do not give an inch to such cretinous fellows. Instead, proclaim the freedom and liberty that is found in Jesus Christ, not works of law or man that can never profit. Yes, hold fast to the true and only gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord.



Glorious God Almighty, how thankful we are for the surety of the word. If we simply read it and properly apply it to our lives, we will not be misdirected by false teachers. You have breathed it out to us, and You want it to be known by us. So, Lord, help us as we open it and study it all our days. Thank You for the surety of the word that You have given to us. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:33

Monday, April 3rd, 2023


And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. Acts 15:33


The previous verse said that Judas and Silas encouraged and strengthened the brethren at Antioch. With that, it now says of them, “And after they had stayed there for a time.”



No specific time is stated, but it was long enough to accomplish whatever goals were intended to be met but not recorded in Luke’s narrative. The main goal, that of encouraging and strengthening was certainly fully met. Confidence in the teachings of Barnabas and Paul would have been realized and even bolstered, and anyone who was found to be harming the congregation would have been weeded out and expelled.



With the time for their return having arrived, it next says that “they were sent back with greetings.” Rather, the Greek reads, “they were sent away with peace.”



It is a Hebraism signifying a blessing for peace to be upon them. The traditional words in Hebrew are normally shalom aleichem, peace unto you. Some form of blessing such as this would have been pronounced over them as they were sent “from the brethren to the apostles.”



Here, some manuscripts state, “to those who had sent them.” The meaning is basically unchanged. Either way, these two men had fulfilled their task, they had confirmed the gospel Barnabas and Paul had proclaimed, it being the same gospel as that of those in Jerusalem, they had refuted the falsities of the Judaizers, and they had encouraged and strengthened the church at Antioch.



Life application: It is hard to imagine how people can continue to teach such heretical ideas as that of the Judaizers, meaning adherence to the Law of Moses, or those of hyperdispensationalists, meaning the teaching that there are two gospels – one for the Jews and one for the Gentiles – after going through this account in Acts. But they are out there, ready to destroy the faith of congregations and bring them into the bondage of heresy.



Variations of these heresies abound as well. So be sure to read your Bible, study proper theology, and apply right doctrine to your walk before the Lord. Don’t be duped by those with pious-sounding arguments about how holy they are because of what they do. Rather, remember that you are made holy because of what Jesus has done.



And that holiness is bestowed upon all in the same way. It is through faith in the finished, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ. Any who come to Him, Jew or Gentile, is saved by simple faith in what He has done. Hold fast to this precious message of salvation.



Lord God, thank You for the simple gospel that saves. Thank You that Jesus has done it all. Now, all we need to do is believe. Yes, thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:34

Tuesday, April 4th, 2023




However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. Acts 15:34


The previous verse said, while speaking of the emissaries from Jerusalem, “And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.” Now, a verse that is not found in many manuscripts says, “However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”



The context of the previous verse was based on verse 15:32 which spoke of Judas and Silas. As it said in verse 15:33 that “they were sent back,” it would be assumed that it also spoke of Judas and Silas. However, in verse 15:40, it will say that Paul chose Silas to join him on a second missionary journey.



Because of this, it is believed by many that the words of this verse now were a later insertion to explain why Silas was available to join Paul. Some believe it to be a margin note that crept into the text. It is not found in the Syriac, Arabic, and Coptic versions. On the other hand, the Latin Vulgate says, “It seemed good to Silas to remain, but Judas went alone to Jerusalem.”



Supposing it belongs there, the plural of the previous verse could indicate that others came from Jerusalem with Judas and Silas, and together they left while Silas remained behind. However, that would seem to fly in the face of verse 15:27 where the council only mentions Judas and Silas.



Supposing it doesn’t belong, no contradiction between verses 15:34 and 15:40 should be assumed. Verse 15:36 will say, “Then after some days.” There is nothing to suggest the timeframe. It could be a few weeks or a year. It is a statement that could mean almost any amount of time. Therefore, Silas could have returned to Jerusalem and decided to go back to Antioch during those days, weeks, or months.



No matter what, either one text added a thought which is spurious, or a part of the true text was dropped out that does not affect any point upon which the overall narrative or any set doctrine hinges. If it is included in a version, it should be footnoted with a comment concerning why it is not in other versions. If it is not included in a version, it should be footnoted why it is not.



Life application: God has allowed man to copy and pass on His original word. God is not fallible and the word He originally breathed out is perfect because it comes from Him. However, man is fallible. Anytime man is involved in something such as this, a process of corruption will result because of man’s inability to maintain the perfection of the original.



We cannot reasonably look at such differences in texts and say, “This cannot be the word of God.” Rather, we can look at the whole and feel confident that it is the word of God, but that man has been graciously allowed to transmit it, causing contamination of it. And yet, God has preserved His word in a sure enough form that it still can be rightly considered His word.



It is certain that if a copy of a manuscript of Shakespeare’s work was found and it had spelling errors, transpositions, margin notes, missing words or sentences, etc., anyone who evaluated it would say, “This is a copy of Shakespeare’s work.” In fact, it would be ridiculous to say otherwise. And yet, naysayers of the Bible demand perfection of transmission to be a part of the process of conveying His word. If such perfection does not exist (which it could not because of the nature of man), then to them it somehow cannot be God’s word. The thinking is biased and flawed.



This is the trap that too many Christians have fallen into, thus believing that God has somehow preserved His word in an exacting manner that is 100% infallible in one particular version or another. They then choose a version, claim that the version they have chosen is God’s only infallible word, and condemn all others as being of the devil. This leads to a cult-like mentality and very poor theology.



But this claim has been made time and again over various versions in various languages. Rather than look at the matter from this viewpoint, we should look at the massive number of texts available as a blessing by which comparisons can be made to weed out obvious errors that have entered the various texts. This is responsible and it is certainly what God intended so that His word would be safely transmitted in a form that carries with it the essential information we need to share with others.



Lord God, do we have a sure word? We sure do. Thank You for Your precious word, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:35

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023




Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Acts 15:35


The previous verse contained the disputed words, “However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.” Whether that verse is original or not, the words now are without dispute, but the translation of the conjunction will depend on how one views the matter. If those words are accepted as original, the words of this verse will say something like, “Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch.” If they are not accepted, then translators will say something like, “Paul and Barnabas, however, remained in Antioch.”



The conjunction can be rendered either way depending on the context. Whichever is correct, Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch after the matter of the Judaizers was settled. However, with it settled, Luke now returns to placing Paul’s name first – Paul and Barnabas. Together, they remained in Antioch “teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.”



As elsewhere, the word translated as “preaching,” euaggelizó, signifies to proclaim the good news. It is less a formal sermon and focuses more on evangelizing. They continued sharing the gospel which is the word of the Lord for salvation. Along with them, it also says, “with many others also.”



The meaning is that the church was filled with people who were willing to go out and tell others the good news about Jesus. With the approval by the council that Gentiles did not need to adhere to the Law of Moses after coming to Christ, the church was able to go forth and evangelize the gospel in the purity with which it was originally intended, meaning salvation by grace through faith in the full, finished, final, and forever work of Christ Jesus.



The idea comes through a bit more clearly when it is translated in the same order as the Greek –



“And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming good news — with many others also — the word of the Lord.” (YLT).



In Young’s translation, one can see that he punted on the conjunction, translating it as “and.” In doing this, it allows for either option concerning the previous verse being genuine or not. He also, rightly, offsets the words “with many others also” giving a greater force to them. The church was highly evangelistic.



The reason for this being so important to highlight is because this may have been the time when the sad events of Galatians 2 took place –



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

14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?’” Galatians 2:11-14



Others disagree and say this cannot be the time when these events took place, instead placing them in Acts 18:22. This is less likely because Paul says that Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. However, Paul and Barnabas are never mentioned as being together again after Acts 15. Further, this probably did not occur as is supposed by the Pulpit Commentary, which says –



“But it is quite inconceivable that Peter, with all the influence of the Jerusalem Cornell fresh upon him, and after the part he himself took in it, and when his own emissaries, Silas and Judas, had just left Antioch, should act the part there ascribed to him. Nor is it within the region of probability that, so soon after the council, any should have come ‘from James’ to unsay what James had said and written at the council. We may with much confidence place Peter’s visit to Antioch before the council.” Pulpit Commentary



The reason this view is unlikely is that Paul says in Galatians 2:9 –



“…and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”



The only record of Paul and Barnabas being together in Jerusalem before the council in Acts 15 is in Acts 11 & 12 at a time when this issue had not yet come to light. The point of the council was to determine the acceptability of the message that Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed to the Gentiles. That was decided, as indicated in Galatians 2:9, at the council.



And more, apart from the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 and the conversion of the household in Acts 10, the main conversion of the Gentiles only began to occur after Paul and Barnabas were called by the Holy Spirit to their first missionary journey in Acts 13:2. Therefore, it is most probable that Peter’s great failings, along with those of Barnabas, occurred at this point in Acts 15, shortly after the council had taken place.



Peter came to Antioch, realized the freedom that came from faith in Christ, ate with Gentiles, probably enjoying pork chops, bacon, and ham for the first time in his life, and then withdrew from this fellowship because he was unsure if the Jews who came from James would accept his move so far away from the restrictions of the Law of Moses.



Life application: If the timeline suggested here is correct, and the words of Galatians 2 fully support that it is, it shows how quickly we can backpedal from the truth and soundness of proper doctrine when faced with a little bit of external pressure.



Peter had spoken boldly in the council of Acts 15 concerning Gentile conversion and their not needing to adhere to the Law of Moses. This, by default, meant that the law was set aside in Christ. And yet, he peevishly backtracked from this fundamental truth when it personally affected his appearance before those who may condemn his departure from the customs of the Jewish people.



If this can happen to Peter so quickly, it can happen to any of us if we allow our guard to come down. Stand firm on the freedom of the gospel, do not allow anyone to bring you under the yoke of the law or of legalism. There is freedom in Christ and we must proclaim it as such.



Thank You, O God, for the freedom we possess in Christ. May we never fail to speak out just what Your word proclaims. Help us in this because it is so easy for us to get distracted or to not want to deal with conflict that may arise over one issue or another. Help us to stay on the right and sound path at all times. We pray this so that You will be glorified through our conduct. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:36

Thursday, April 6th, 2023




Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Acts 15:36


The previous verse noted that Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word. With them there, it next says, “Then after some days.”



There is no indication of how long this is. Charles Ellicott notes, “The commonly received chronology of the Acts makes the interval between the Council of Jerusalem and St. Paul’s second missionary journey somewhat more than a year.” How this was determined is unknown, but it seems likely that the time is certainly more than a few months based on the word “remained” in the previous verse and “some days” in this one.



After this extended but indeterminate time, “Paul said to Barnabas.” Paul is the one to initiate the idea and it is reflective of the type of man he was because he next says, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city.”



The Greek word is an aorist participle. Literally, “Having turned back, indeed, let us look upon our brethren in every city.” Paul is concerned about those he previously evangelized wondering about their state and desiring to meet up with them again. This is all inclusive of the cities where the two of them had gone. Paul truly cared about these people and the churches that had been established among them because they were “where we have preached the word of the Lord.”



Everything came back to the knowledge of Christ with Paul. It certainly burned within him that not only were converts made, but that they were living in accord with the word they had heard. To him, if their ministry were to be considered effective, it would mean that it continued to make new converts whose faith was based on the truth of the word. The Judaizers had followed along after them as they went to new locations. How much more could they infect the churches when there was a long interval without any teaching support! As such, he adds a final note, saying, “and see how they are doing.”



The Greek is more succinct, “how they are.” Taking the first clause and the last, the main focus of Paul is more clearly seen – “Having turned back, indeed, let us look upon our brethren in every city – how they are.” He cared about the brethren who had received the word of God, and he cared about them in every city they had been to. His heart and desire were geared toward the converted lives in Christ to be established and flourishing. The thought is expressed throughout his epistles, a few examples of which are –



“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Romans 1:9-12



“…besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:28



“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:15-18



“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:3-6



These, and other such verses, reveal the caring nature of Paul. He was not just an evangelist who passed through with the gospel. Rather, for those who heard and accepted it, he became a father to his children, a teacher, and a mentor. The connection to those he preached to remained, even after he had physically departed from them.



Life application: It is the job of an evangelist to evangelize. There is nothing wrong with a person sharing the gospel and moving on. Likewise, there are those who are geared toward remaining in the same place and who preach and teach, even if they have never gone out to evangelize the community in which they live.



There are those who establish a church, pass the reins on to another, and move on to establish another new church. There is nothing wrong with any of these approaches. We have all been given certain abilities that can be used to glorify God. Paul did all three of these examples just mentioned and so much more. Even if we don’t do all of the things Paul did, we can still do our part and learn from his example. Above all else, the things he did were intended to glorify God through Jesus Christ.



If we can make that the main focus of what we do, our time will be well spent, even if it is simply checking people out at the grocery counter, fixing someone’s plumbing, or writing out insurance policies. Whatever we do, it should become evident to those we encounter that we are people of integrity and caring because we are people in Christ. Let us have this attitude in all we do.



Lord God, may our lives be used as instruments of honor to the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us to be willing to live in a manner that others can see the difference in us and want to know why we possess the joy that is in us. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:37

Friday, April 7th, 2023



Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. Acts 15:37




In the previous verse, Paul suggested to Barnabas that they go back and visit the brethren in all the places they had previously preached to them, desiring to see how they were doing. With that, it now says, “Now Barnabas was determined.”



Using the word “determined” is agreed by many scholars to be too strong for the statement. The Greek word focuses on the planning of an action rather than the desire behind it. Thus, something like, “Now Barnabas was minded to,” gives the sense.



It was his intention to take Mark. Based on what will be said in the next verse, this intention will turn into determination. But the initial act is what is being referred to here, and that intention was “to take with them John called Mark.”



This is Barnabas’ cousin who went with them on the first missionary journey but who then departed from the trip upon arriving at Perga in Pamphylia –



“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.” Acts 13:4, 5



“Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” Acts 13:13



This is all that was stated about John at the time. No reason was given for his departure, but the fact that he left the missionary work early will now become a source of contention between Paul and Barnabas.



Life application: Each person will find offense in different areas of life. What one might find trivial, another may find the same matter inexcusable. Some of this may be cultural, at times it may be how one is personally geared towards stress, forgiveness, honor (of self or for another), etc.



As an example of a cultural offense, one could make dinner plans with a family in Malaysia. If a time is set for 5 pm, an American will normally be ready at the scheduled time, awaiting his guests. When 5 pm comes around, and the guests don’t arrive, he may be perplexed. By 6 pm, he may be worried. By 8 pm, he will consider that any chance for the dinner to come about will be gone. The food will be put away and the night will be over.



And yet, the family arrives at 9:30 pm with big smiles on their faces, ready for dinner while Andy American stands there in his night clothes wondering what has just taken place. No explanation is given by the family as to the delay. And they are as surprised at there being no food for them as the American is that they even showed up at such a late hour.



Who is in the wrong? It depends on the perspective of the one standing on either side of the door. The culturally accepted norm for an American is that when dinner is set for 5 pm, anyone showing up more than 10 minutes late and without an excuse and an apology is the offender. For a Malay, 5 pm really means 9, or 10, or even 11 pm. No excuse is needed, and no apology should ever be expected.



Paul and Barnabas will have an issue arise based on the events taking place in the verses now being analyzed. Who is right and who is wrong? What good or harm will come from what occurs? Take a broad view of what transpires and consider the matter from both sides as the words are evaluated.



Then take time to consider a similar event that may have occurred in your own life. Is there something that could have been done to avoid the outcome? Or did the outcome eventually lead to something good even though it was not a happy thing at the time?



Life is filled with events that we often cannot resolve, and which may turn out negatively. And yet, God can use them to bring about something good in another area. Think about such things and consider them. You may be surprised at what you eventually see has arisen.



Lord God, help us to consider things that occur in our lives that were either beyond our control or that we were unwilling to resolve. May we evaluate what eventually took place and try to see how You have brought something good out of what took place. When we do, we will surely find that Your guiding hand has brought about something far better than what first occurred. We know that You have a great plan that even includes our temporary failings. Thank You for Your guiding hand in all things. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:38

Saturday, April 8th, 2023




But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Acts 15:38


The previous verse noted that Barnabas had determined to take John Mark along on the missionary journey that Paul and he were planning. With that, it now says, “But Paul.”



An immediate contrast has arisen in the direction they should take concerning the matter. At this point, anything is solvable, but beginning with this note of dissension a red flag is thrown up concerning what will come of the matter. As for Paul, he “insisted” concerning his point of view.



The Greek is an imperfect verb signifying “to account as worthy.” In other words, it might be said, “Paul found it worthy to make his case.” The verb, being imperfect, means that he didn’t just speak up, but that he continued to speak. Barnabas would give his thoughts and Paul would counter with his. It is like two grindstones spinning against one another, rubbing each other down.



Paul’s argument was “that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia.” The wording is important. First, the word translated as “had departed” is aphistémi. It signifies to depart, but it is connected to the word we translate as apostatize. That is probably how Paul took it based on the rest of what is said.



Second, the word translated as “the one” actually ends the verse in the Greek text, thus placing it in the emphatic position. It strongly marks out John as an irresponsible partner. One can see Luke interviewing Paul and saying, “So, tell me what happened between you and Barnabas?” In response, Paul would have said something like, “I saw it worthy to tell him that he who withdrew from us in Pamphylia and who didn’t go with us to the work… we shouldn’t take THAT ONE!”



When this was recorded in Acts 13:13, no note of why John had departed was given and Luke provided nothing negative in his recording of the event.



However, it can now be determined that John’s departure was something that Paul had considered unacceptable. He had carried the thought of it with him ever since. It can only be speculated upon, but because John was Barnabas’ cousin, Paul may have not said a word about the matter to Barnabas. But now that they were faced with the prospect of another journey where the same thing could happen again, it was intolerable to Paul that John should be included in the plans. This is because he “had not gone with them to the work.”



Paul saw the missionary trip as work, not an adventure. He saw it as something that was necessary for the saving of souls, and he was willing to expend himself in the process. John Mark, for whatever reason, did not share this same drive. The event came shortly after the conversion of the Gentile Sergius Paulus and Paul’s acceptance of the name Paul, which is used from that time on.



Mark may have taken offense at the thought of evangelizing Gentiles, a task that Paul seemed wholly devoted to undertaking. It is speculation, but it fits with the chronology of what occurred as well as the decision rendered by the council concerning Gentiles. Whether this or something else, whatever motivated him, John was not grounded enough to remain in the mission field. Paul found that unacceptable.



Life application: What appears to be the case is that Paul has kept a matter that truly upset him pent up within himself. There are times that this is necessary, such as information that is considered personal and confidential between clergy and those they tend to. However, if there is a matter that is festering between friends or those who are closely connected within the church, keeping something like this pent up may turn into a disaster as it continues to seethe below the surface.



Paul has allowed a matter to continue in this fashion for an extended period of time. Only now that the issue of John joining the trip has come into focus has Paul been faced with it becoming an issue. If he had talked with Barnabas about it over the many months of their travels, things would have been handled differently now.



When you have something that is bothering you that could later erupt, it is best to not hold it in. Barnabas probably had no idea that Paul was so offended by the matter. That seems apparent from his suggestion of bringing John along again. He was probably caught totally off guard by Paul’s words. This could have been avoided, and it will lead to a real eruption between the two of them.



Prayer and conversation are key points that have been lacking over this matter. Don’t allow the same to happen to you if it is within your ability to correct perceived offenses early on.



Lord God, there are really annoying people out there who go out of their way to upset others. But, for the most part, offense comes about unwittingly and unintentionally. When an offense has taken place, help us to attempt to work it out with Your wisdom, through adherence to the word and with prayer. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:39

Sunday, April 9th, 2023




Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; Acts 15:39


The previous verse revealed Paul’s insistence that John Mark should not be taken along with him and Barnabas on the next missionary journey. With that, it now notes, “Then the contention became so sharp.”



The word translated as contention is paroxusmos. This is the first of two times it will be seen in Scripture. It signifies a paroxysm; a provocation that literally jabs someone to the point where he is forced to respond. Words such as provoke, incite, and so on will give the active sense of the matter. The other use of the word is in Hebrews 10:24 where it is used in a positive sense where believers are implored to motivate one another toward love and good works.



As for Paul and Barnabas, one would say something that cut so deeply the other couldn’t let it go and responded with his own cutting words. It is the type of argument that leads to words that may never be forgiven and wounds that may never heal. Because of this, it says “that they parted from one another.”



Of this, Matthew Poole dubiously equates this to the parting of Abraham and Lot as is recorded in Genesis 13, claiming they kept the unity of the Spirit. The words now do not bear this out. Their fellowship was torn apart, and the Spirit would have to deal with them individually as they proceeded in their own directions. Because of this, it next says, “And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.”



Barnabas was from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) and it is where he and Paul set forth on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:4). Thus, it is the natural direction that he should go to have the most impact on his next missionary travels. Taking along John Mark shows Barnabas’ ability to overlook whatever Paul perceived as a permanent factor of disqualification.



This is the last time that Barnabas is mentioned in Acts. The record Luke lays down from this point on, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, is directed to the ministry of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Any further record of future impact that Barnabas may have had on the church is left to secular history. In Scripture, he will be directly mentioned two more times. The first is in 1 Corinthians 9 –



“My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?” 1 Corinthians 9:3-7



He will also be mentioned again in Galatians where Paul notes that he was led astray, just as Peter was, by the Judaizer who came to Antioch. That is an event that probably occurred during the events of Acts 15, although some see it as having occurred during Acts 18, something less likely. Of the events now taking place, John Gill says –



“…thus as soon almost as peace was made in the church, a difference arises among the ministers of the word, who are men of like passions with others; and though it is not easy to say which was to blame most in this contention; perhaps there were faults on both sides, for the best men are not without their failings; yet this affair was overruled by the providence of God, for the spread of his Gospel, and the enlargement of his interest; for when these two great and good men parted from one another, they went to different places, preaching the word of God.”



Life application: Regardless as to whether Paul and Barnabas ever reconciled again or not, the Spirit inspired Luke to record the events in Acts for us to consider what occurred. There was a sharp dispute between two men who had expended themselves for the gospel and who would continue to do so.



This is a fallen world. We all have limitations and buttons are bound to get pushed. When they are, our response may set us at odds with one another, even to the point of never fellowshipping together again. And yet, Paul does not later hint at the events that occurred or claim that Barnabas is not to be trusted. Rather, his comments in 1 Corinthians 9 (noted above) indicate that Barnabas was a trustworthy, selfless worker for the Lord.



Somehow, those in Corinth will hear about Barnabas even if there is no record of him traveling there in Acts. This means that Paul probably spoke well of him to the Corinthians, describing the person he had traveled with on his first missionary journey. In other words, just because they could not agree on working together any longer, Paul continued to speak highly about Barnabas. Let us consider doing this as well should we divide from another over some difference in opinion.



Heavenly Father, we are limited beings. We don’t have all the information, we only have so much power and stamina, we may get riled up or offended by events that occur, etc. Because of this, differences are bound to arise between us. When such times come, give us wisdom and discernment in how to handle such things. May we not spitefully hurt others simply because we can. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:40

Monday, April 10th, 2023


but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. Acts 15:40


The great dispute that led to the parting of Paul and Barnabas came about in the previous verse. Because of it, Barnabas and Mark sailed to Cyprus. Continuing that thought, it next says, “but Paul chose Silas and departed.”



Here, Silas is reintroduced into the narrative. The dispute over whether verse 15:34 is authentic or not was discussed at that time. It could be that he stayed in Antioch all along, or it could be that he returned with Judas to Jerusalem and came back to Antioch later. Regardless of that matter, he was approved by Paul for his conduct and reliability and so Paul chose him to accompany him on his second missionary journey. In their departure, it next says, “being commended by the brethren.”



This is a blessing bestowed upon them as they headed out. The congregation met, prayed over them, and commended them to the task set before them. Because of what is said here, many scholars take the incredible stand that this means they took Paul’s side in the dispute that had arisen between him and Barnabas. That is an argument from silence, and it ignores the fact that the narrative is focused on the ministry of Paul.



For all we know, the church could have had a party with balloons, falafel, and herbal tea for Barnabas and John Mark. After that, they could have heaped blessings upon them and sent them off with a ten-piece band playing the 126th Psalm. The point is that the contents of Acts is highlighting the ministry of Paul now, just as it had highlighted Peter from Acts 1-12.



There is a transition from Jew to Gentile taking place. Paul is the one to effect that transition as it occurs, being the apostle to the Gentiles. Barnabas was mentioned because he was relevant to the account in relation to Peter and then to Paul. Now that he is not connected to Paul any longer, there is no need to focus on what has happened to him. As for Paul and Silas, they were commended by those at Antioch “to the grace of God.”



It is of note that some Greek texts say, “to the grace of the Lord.” As Jesus is God, and as God bestows His grace through the Lord, the change in texts does not change the significance of what is said. The blessing upon them is given and they will depart to carry on the work set before them.



Life application: It is fine to speculate on matters such as the blessing of the church upon Paul and Silas, but it is not appropriate to take sides where the Bible does not do so. As noted, that is an argument from silence, a fallacy. A fallacy is a belief that is mistaken because it is based on an unsound argument. There is a failure to properly reason out what is taking place. When a conclusion is made, the argument is rendered invalid because of this error in thinking.



There is an almost innumerable list of fallacies used by people. Take time to brush up on them and then try to avoid such errors in your words. This is important because once a fallacy is introduced, the rest of the argument has no further standing on that particular point. And it may be that particular point that the entire argument stands or falls on.



Lord God, help us to be reasonable in our thinking, discerning in how we present our thoughts and logical in evaluating arguments that arise. May this especially be so when we consider Your word. Help us not to insert fallacies into our perceptions about what You are telling us. Instead, give us wisdom to think things through in a right and clear manner. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 15:41

Tuesday, April 11th, 2023




And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:41


The previous verse noted Paul’s choosing of Silas to join him on his second missionary trip. Upon their departure, they were “commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.” Now, that continues with, “And he went through Syria and Cilicia.”



The singular shows that the journey is currently conducted by Paul while Silas is merely there as an assistant. This is probably like Acts 13:5 where John was noted as their helper. This will continue in Chapter 16, noting Paul as the main subject. At times, it will say “Paul and his companions.” However, Silas will begin to take on a more prominent role, being noted alongside Paul, while in Philippi.



As for the region they are going through, Syria and Cilicia, those are, along with Antioch, the areas noted in the letter from the council earlier in this chapter –



“The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:

Greetings.” Acts 15:23



As these areas are not where Paul and Barnabas had gone on their first missionary journey, and yet they are areas that had churches as evidenced by the letter and the travels of Paul now, it is probable that these churches were either established during the dispersion of the Jews at some unrecorded point or, more likely, by Paul.



If by Paul, it may be during the time when he had left Jerusalem after visiting the apostles as is recorded in Acts 9:26. In Acts 9:30, Paul returned to Tarsus which is in Cilicia. It was quite a bit later when Barnabas went to bring him to Antioch as is recorded in Acts 11:25. Therefore, during that period, Paul may have gone to the synagogues in the surrounding areas and spoke about Jesus, establishing churches that included Gentiles.



This can be assumed because of the council’s letter which specifically addresses the Gentiles in those churches. It is evident that Judaizers had gone to those churches and countered the true gospel they had at first received.



Therefore, with Silas as a representative of those in Jerusalem, it was a wise time to personally go to those churches and spread the truth of the matter that had been resolved. Salvation is by grace through faith, and law observance has no part in one’s standing before Christ. It is this message they carried, “strengthening the churches.”



In other words, the churches had certainly been put into a quandary when the Judaizers had shown up and started teaching their false gospel of works of the law in order to be saved. Now, to shore them up and strengthen them, Paul had determined to bring them the true gospel once again, establishing that word with the authority and backing of those in Jerusalem.



Life application: Acts 15 has now come to an end. The main message of this chapter is not unlike the overall substance of the book of Galatians. But it is a message that permeates both Paul’s writings and the rest of Scripture as well. It is that man under law is at enmity with God but in the coming of Jesus Christ, there is grace.



From the first verse of the chapter to the last, this is the preeminent theme –



“Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’” Acts 15:1



“Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Acts 15:10, 11 (Peter’s final recorded words in Acts)



Acts 15:23-29 provide the decision of the council, excluding any hint of law observance.



He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:41



Interspersed throughout these select verses is the constant theme that salvation is by grace through faith and that works of the law are excluded from the process of salvation. Stand fast on this precept and stay away from any teacher, church, or denomination that imposes some type of works as a needful requirement to be pleasing to God. Rather, God is pleased with faith in the works of His Son –



Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28, 29



O God, how grateful we are for Your grace. Thank You for Jesus Christ who has made it possible for us to receive it by faith. Help us to never add to the purity of the gospel. May our deeds be deeds of faith because of who we are in Christ. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:1

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023





From Antioch, via Sryria and Cilicia, to Derbe and Lystra.




Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. Acts 16:1


Acts 15 ended with a note that Paul went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Though he was accompanied by Silas, the verse spoke only of Paul. Chapter 16 begins with the singular as well, saying, “Then he came to Derbe and Lystra.”



Notably, the record of the journey of Barnabas and John is omitted by Luke. With the decision of the council established concerning Gentiles, the focus has turned to Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. As for this location, it is the area where Paul and Barnabas had fled in Acts 14:6 after having been chased out of Iconium. This is the area Paul referred to in Acts 15:36 –



“Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.’”



Instead of Barnabas, it is Silas who is with him this time. While in this area that Paul had previously evangelized, it next says, “And behold, a certain disciple was there.” The wording does not indicate whether Timothy was in Lystra or Derbe. However, Lystra is the nearest antecedent, and it is named again in relation to Timothy in the next verse and in 2 Timothy 3 –



“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.” 2 Timothy 3:11, 12



Being a disciple means that he was probably converted by Paul on his previous missionary trip or that someone who was converted had later spoken to him about Jesus. Paul will call him a “son in the faith” or a “faithful son” in his epistles which may be an indication that Paul was a father to him through conversion.



In Philemon, Paul will say, “my son Onesimus, who I have begotten while in my chains,” when referring to Onesimus’ conversion. Therefore, it is possible that Timothy was one of the converts of Paul and Barnabas. Whatever the case, he is now referred to for the first time in Scripture with the words, “named Timothy.”



The name comes from the Greek words timé, price or honor, and theos, God. Thus, the name means something like (passively) Honored of God or (actively) Honoring of God. Other similar variations are given such as Dear of God, etc. Of him, it next says, “the son of a certain Jewish woman.”



This will be an important distinction that Paul will deal with in just two more verses. For now, it says of his mother that she was one “who believed.”



The meaning is certainly that she was a believer in Christ. Nothing indicates how this came about, but being around of Derbe and Lystra, it is likely that the message carried by Paul and Barnabas had made it to her ears either directly or indirectly. This faith is referred to by Paul in his first letter to Timothy –



“I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” 1 Timothy 1:3-5



Noting that his mother is a Jew is important because it next says, “but his father was Greek.” Nothing is said of the father’s connection to either Judaism or Christianity. If such a connection existed, Luke would have noted it as he meticulously tends to highlight such things. Despite this, the faith of his grandmother and his mother was strong and that was instilled in Timothy either for his conversion or as an example to him to remain strong after his conversion.



Life application: There are faithful women noted in Scripture that were set as examples to their households. One of them is Abigail, the wife of Nabal. While he was an uncaring drunk, she saved him and his household from being killed by David through her faithful deeds, eventually becoming the wife of David after the death of Nabal. Likewise, Proverbs 31 describes the conscientious conduct of the woman of faith, describing someone Solomon was intimately aware of.



Faithful women such as Mary and Tabitha are noted in Luke’s writings. Though the history of Scripture predominantly is centered on men, women are carefully noted throughout its pages as well. Paul highlights the importance of women in an obvious way in his writings –



“For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.” 1 Corinthians 11:8-12



God is revealing the history of the redemption of humanity through the pages of the Bible. As the man is the head of the house, the focus is naturally on the line of man throughout its pages. But within the greater story, we are reminded that women play an integral role in this process. Women should not be upset that certain restrictions are placed upon them in the church. They are created differently, and limitations are set because of these differences. And yet, there is an honor upon women that cannot be denied. Any noted figure in the church, even the humanity of Jesus, came through the woman.



When the biblical model is adhered to, things will work properly, and proper respect will be granted. Let us remember this and adhere to the order which God has ordained according to His wisdom.



Lord God, thank You for the differences that exist between men and women. Together, we form a unit that is ordained by You that is lacking when it is not properly adhered to. Help us to follow the guidelines set down by You so that we will not err in our lives as we live in Your presence. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:2

Thursday, April 13th, 2023




He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Acts 16:2


In the previous verse, Paul had arrived at the area of Derbe and Lystra. Upon his arrival, the words introduced Timothy. Of him, it next says, “He was well spoken of.”



This is referring to Timothy, the main subject of the previous verse, not of his father who was mentioned in reference to him, just as his mother also was. The word translated as “well spoken of,” martureó, simply means “witnessed to” or “testified of.” The idea of the witness of him being positive is understood from the context.



This positive testimony concerning him was “by the brethren.” This is something Paul will later note is required of those who serve as elders and deacons when he writes his first epistle to Timothy. For example, of deacons it says, “But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless” (1 Timothy 3:10).



During the time of Paul’s absence from this area, Timothy had earned a positive reputation within the church. But his reputation went beyond just his own local gathering. Luke records that Timothy was positively spoken of by those “who were at Lystra and Iconium.”



Nothing is said about how this came about, but there are possibilities to consider. Timothy might have had work that took him between Lystra and Iconium. If so, he might have faithfully attended whichever church he was nearest to when they gathered.



It may also be that when questions arose within the church in one area, they may have sent to the other area to say, “What about this issue from Ruth chapter 3? What do you think this is telling us?”



In such a scenario, Timothy may have considered the matter, spoken to the church, and was then sent off by them to the other church to give his reading on the matter. This is not speculation without support. Paul says in 2 Timothy 3 –



“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3: 14, 15



Timothy’s great understanding of the Scriptures may have made him a sought-out commodity in these churches as they continued to grow in the faith. Whatever the reason for the positive witness concerning him, it is obvious that Paul immediately was drawn to him in a bond that would grow from this time forward.



Life application: Timothy was well-versed in Scripture even from childhood. Because of this, he was well-grounded in his life and conduct. Scripture can have a wonderfully positive effect on us if we are just willing to read it and apply its lessons to our lives. This is true even with verses that are filled with judgment and doom, such as –



“As the thief is ashamed when he is found out,

So is the house of Israel ashamed;

They and their kings and their princes, and their priests and their prophets,

27 Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’

And to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’

For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face.

But in the time of their trouble

They will say, ‘Arise and save us.’

28 But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves?

Let them arise,

If they can save you in the time of your trouble;

For according to the number of your cities

Are your gods, O Judah.

29 Why will you plead with Me?

You all have transgressed against Me, says the Lord.

30 In vain I have chastened your children;

They received no correction.

Your sword has devoured your prophets

Like a destroying lion.” Jeremiah 2:26-30



In reading passages like this, along with its surrounding words of judgment, too many people conclude that the God of the Old Testament is an angry, judgmental God. But this is not the case. In understanding the entire context of the history of Israel, including their covenant relationship with the Lord, they will see that it is Israel, not the Lord, who is at fault. The wrath and punishment are meted out because they have violated the relationship between the two.



But understanding such things necessitates knowing all that Scripture says. From the broader view, the goodness of God, His covenant faithfulness, His holy nature, etc. are seen. This is how God is. The negative aspects of the relationship between the Lord and Israel are self-inflicted wounds on their part, just as getting a spanking or being grounded is a self-inflicted wound to an unruly, disobedient child.



Timothy could see this because his life was centered on Scripture since his youth. It is not too late for you to learn such things now. No matter how old you are, you can learn Scripture quickly if you just apply yourself. Audio Bibles can fill your time when you are too tired to read. You have YouTube and a multitude of other ways to access answers that may arise in your studies.



If you are trying to save money on a broken washing machine, you will go to YouTube and find a link that will show you how to repair the part you need to fix. If you can do this for a washing machine, you certainly can find an answer to something much more important that you don’t understand from the book of Jeremiah.



Don’t waste your life on vapor! Spend your time in the word. Read it, think about it, contemplate its lessons, and search for answers that arise. Which will it be today – a football game or time in the word? The choice is yours. Where do your priorities lie?



Lord God, help us to rightly align our priorities to those things that will be pleasing to You, that will edify us in Your word, and that will have eternal reward. May we not fritter our lives away on that which is just smoke and vapor. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:3

Friday, April 14th, 2023




Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. Acts 16:3


The words now continue to refer to Timothy who was introduced in Acts 16:1. Of him, it next says, “Paul wanted to have him go on with him.”



Nothing says how this came about. It could have been Paul wanting to take more people as assistants. It might be Paul recognizing Timothy’s character and ability to share the gospel. It even might be Timothy who initiated the idea, asking if he could accompany them on their journeys. The reason is less important than the fact that Paul agreed with Timothy’s character and that his presence would benefit their journey. Because of this, Luke next records, “And he took him and circumcised him.”



This seems to fly in the face of Paul’s letter to those in Galatia. In that letter, Paul completely dismisses the necessity for circumcision. He says –



“Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.” Galatians 2:3



“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:1-6



This event appears to contrast with the decision of the council recorded in Acts 15. The entire point of calling the council was because the Judaizers wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised according to Moses and to observe the law. That was rejected by the council. As these things are true, there must be a reason for the circumcision of Timothy. And sure enough, that reason is given in the next words, “because of the Jews who were in that region.”



The Jews were opposed to Paul every step of the way. Timothy being uncircumcised would only exacerbate the problems Paul faced. Timothy, and in turn Paul and those with him, would be faced with more strife and hostility than would otherwise arise because of the enmity of the Jews. The precept follows with Timothy as it was stated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 –



“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23



Paul’s thoughts concerning the circumcision of Timothy, while leaving Titus and all other Gentiles uncircumcised, came down to the issue of Timothy’s maternal heritage. His mother being a Jewess. This would mean nothing in and of itself “for they all knew that his father was Greek.”



Timothy was not circumcised because of this. His father was a Gentile and Timothy was raised without being circumcised. And yet, he was raised knowing the Scriptures, customs, and ways of the Jews. Paul’s modus operandi was to always go to the synagogue of the Jews first. This would not have been possible for Timothy, and indeed the entire cohort, if Timothy was uncircumcised.



The whole thought comes down to, “What is the most productive way of evangelizing the people we meet?” As Charles Ellicott rightly says, “The act was spontaneous, and men may rightly concede as a favour, or as a matter of expediency, what they would be justified in resisting when demanded as a matter of necessity.”



Timothy’s Jewish mother offered him an exceptional chance to be a participant in the evangelization of the Jews. But without circumcision, that could never occur. On the other hand, Paul completely resisted the circumcision of Titus because there would be no benefit for him, for Paul, for the sake of the Jews, and most importantly, for the preaching of the gospel. In fact, it would negate the gospel. Such is not the case with Timothy. There was nothing of harm and everything to be gained from performing this expedient measure upon him.



Life application: The key point of what is seen in this verse is the furtherance of the gospel. Even today, there are males born to Jewish mothers that have not been circumcised. They have a right to perform aliyah, moving to Israel, because of their maternal heritage, but if they were not circumcised, this would be a problem.



The same would be true with that person being a believer in Christ and wanting to evangelize the Jews. This is his burning desire, but if he were not circumcised, it would immediately put up an almost impenetrable wall between him and the Jews he talked to. And so, without ever considering law observance, being circumcised would be the natural course of action to take in order to meet the Jews he was evangelizing on their own level.



The fact is that Timothy was saved already. He had not observed the law. He was admitted into the fellowship of believers. He surely participated in the Lord’s Supper. He was probably baptized upon belief (though this is not stated, it can be inferred). Therefore, his uncircumcised state has nothing (zero, zip, nada) to do with his salvation or continued salvation. That alone tells us all we need to know.



Now that he is going out into the mission field with Paul, an expedient measure is taken to help with their evangelistic efforts. It is for this, and for no other reason, that Timothy is now being circumcised. Don’t be led astray by people who use this verse (and they are out there) to “prove” you must be circumcised in order to be saved. Timothy was already saved. Nothing can be added to the fully efficacious work of Jesus Christ in making that happen – not in Timothy and not in you.



Heavenly Father, may we think clearly and rationally about our state in Christ. May we never attempt to “add” to our justification through our own works. Help us to stand on the purity of the gospel that we are saved by grace through faith in the finished, final, full, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:4

Saturday, April 15th, 2023




And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. Acts 16:4


In the previous verse, Timothy was taken and circumcised by Paul. With that now accomplished, the narrative continues, saying, “And as they went through the cities.”



Rather, the verb is imperfect, “they were going through the cities.” There is a sense of ongoing action as the team travels from city to city. They have already been through the areas of Syria and Cilicia as was seen in Acts 15:41. They had come to Derbe and Lystra in Acts 16:1. So they are continuing on from there. Verse 16:6 will note Phrygia and the region of Galatia, so it is the general area that they are now going through.



Anywhere there was already an established church, they made sure to stop because, as it next says, “they delivered to them the decrees to keep.” Again, the verb is imperfect, saying, “they were delivering to them the decrees to keep.”



In each city where there was a church, they were careful to stop and provide the judgment that had previously been rendered. The narrative may imply that a sufficient number of certified copies of the edict had been prepared and that each church was given its own.



Even if not, the decrees were transmitted to them in a suitable manner. The word translated as “decrees” is dogma. It is now seen for only the second time, the first being in Luke 2:1. Of it, Albert Barnes states –



“It properly means a law or edict of a king or legislature. In this instance it was the decision of the council in a case submitted to it, and implied an obligation on the Christians to submit to that decision, since they had submitted the matter to them. The same principles, also, would be applicable everywhere, and the decision, therefore, at Jerusalem became conclusive.”



As for providing copies or maybe making a copy from a single original, with Silas accompanying the team, he stood as a representative of the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:22). And so, he could vouch for its contents “which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.”



The council was the final human authority on such matters at this time. As such, their decision stood as a witness against any Judaizers that would come in and try to bully the Gentiles into being circumcised and observing the Law of Moses. This was necessary as is evidenced by the trouble that had come about in Antioch. It is the same trouble that Paul agonizes over in his letter to those in Galatia.



At such an early time in the church, the heresy of law observance was at the forefront of issues that were infecting the minds of believers. Personally carrying the contents of the council was, therefore, a matter of critical importance for ensuring the purity of the gospel.



Life application: There is no council of apostles and elders in Jerusalem today. When the apostles were all dead, that was the end of the authority of this body in deciding matters concerning the church. This is a clear and poignant point that tells us of the importance of Scripture for the guidance of the church.



Despite the claims of the Vatican’s “Holy See,” no set council or body has been bestowed the authority over such matters when the body of believers in Jerusalem faded away. And none is needed. The writings of the apostles were saved and compiled into the New Testament. It now stands as the sole authority for deciding matters concerning the faith.



No pope, council, conference, synod, or congregation has the right to make any ruling that does not comply with what is stated in Scripture. If a matter is raised that is not addressed in Scripture, then there is freedom to decide how to handle it. But that decision should not be considered as authoritative and binding, as if it is on the same level as Scripture.



Care must be taken to keep Scripture alone as the divinely inspired authority for matters of the faith. Anything else is to be considered as a guideline for those who meet in a church, but it is a guideline that can be changed as the situation demands. Scripture, on the other hand, cannot be.



This is an important lesson we must learn. Because there is no “council in Jerusalem,” and because God has not left the church to run willy-nilly in every direction, we can – and must – conclude that He has given us a suitable standard by which we can determine necessary matters of the faith. That standard is the Holy Bible.



Glorious God Almighty, may we carefully consider how important it is to maintain the Bible in its proper place in our lives. It is the final authority for all matters relating to our relationship with You. Help us to never trifle with its sacred contents, but to carefully consider it and obediently apply it to our lives. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:5

Sunday, April 16th, 2023




So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. Acts 16:5




The previous verse noted that Paul and his companions went through the cities and delivered the decrees of the council. With that, it now says, “So the churches were strengthened in the faith.”



The verb, being imperfect, gives the sense of continuance. Thus, it more appropriately reads, “So the churches were strengthening in the faith.” In other words, it wasn’t just that they were strengthened for the moment and then may have started to slide backward. Rather, because of the decrees of the council, they felt a freedom that encouraged them, and they continued strengthening as time passed by.



This would be especially so when considering that the matter that was resolved dealt with them personally. Being Gentiles, any Scripture that they possessed would have highlighted the role of Israel and the Jewish people. To impose upon them the Law of Moses and circumcision would be to rob them of their culture and identity while leaving them among their own culture and people.



But with the decision of the council, they would remain within the Christian faith but still be just who they were within their culture. The demands of the Judaizers would have robbed them of this. It would have started with circumcision, gone onto law observance, and soon enough they would be told how they still didn’t fit in because they didn’t speak or act like the other Jewish people.



This is no stretch of the analysis at all. This even happened among the Jewish people as was evidenced in Acts 6 –



“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.” Acts 6:1



If this type of prejudice arose among the Jews just because they didn’t speak Hebrew or Aramaic, how much more would this become an issue with the Gentiles? The legalistic demands on them would never end. But with the encouragement of the letter and the words of these missionaries, they would continue to strengthen day by day in their faith. And more, others would see and be encouraged to join. As it says, they “increased in number daily.”



With each passing day, and with the freedom from the fear of death found in Christ and freedom from the bondage of the law, the churches would realize that every answer to the longing of the human soul was to be found in a rightly established faith in Christ. This would appeal (and for two thousand years has appealed) to those who “through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:15).



Life application: Even today, reading the Old Testament might leave a non-Jewish person wondering what part or role they could have in the redemptive plans of God. If all there was of Scripture was the Old Testament, no answer to the problem of sin would have come, but more, only a total identity with national Israel – conforming to their standards and cultural practices – would bring about any state of communion with God as He is presented there.



But more, there would only be identity with a group of people who had CONSTANTLY failed to measure up to the strict demands of their God. Yes, His grace and mercy upon them are evident, but so is His wrath and indignation. The bondage of the Jewish people, which they failed to realize hung over them, would be evident to anyone who properly studied their Scriptures.



As such, anyone joining them would have to be a person who was filled with the pride of saying, “I can do what they have failed to do. I can please God through adherence to His law.” When this occurs, as it does to this day with such people, their religion is one based on self. Despite the supposed piety of saying, “I follow the God of Israel and keep His Torah,” there is nothing pious in the statement. The actions are based on self.



Only when one submits to Christ and says, “Jesus Christ has made me right with God,” is there any true freedom at all. He has done it, He continues to do it, and He will carry us through to the very end. It is all about what Jesus has done. Put self aside! Trust in the work of Jesus. And then, forever and ever, praise the glorious name of Jesus Christ our Lord – to the glory of God.



Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord who alone has the power to save us and to keep on saving us, despite ourselves. Yes, O God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Hallelujah and Amen.



















Acts 16:4

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

Saturday, April 15th, 2023





Wooden bridge. Virginia.



Saturday, 15 April 2023



And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. Acts 16:4



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).



In the previous verse, Timothy was taken and circumcised by Paul. With that now accomplished, the narrative continues, saying, “And as they went through the cities.”



Rather, the verb is imperfect, “they were going through the cities.” There is a sense of ongoing action as the team travels from city to city. They have already been through the areas of Syria and Cilicia as was seen in Acts 15:41. They had come to Derbe and Lystra in Acts 16:1. So they are continuing on from there. Verse 16:6 will note Phrygia and the region of Galatia, so it is the general area that they are now going through.



Anywhere there was already an established church, they made sure to stop because, as it next says, “they delivered to them the decrees to keep.” Again, the verb is imperfect, saying, “they were delivering to them the decrees to keep.”



In each city where there was a church, they were careful to stop and provide the judgment that had previously been rendered. The narrative may imply that a sufficient number of certified copies of the edict had been prepared and that each church was given its own.



Even if not, the decrees were transmitted to them in a suitable manner. The word translated as “decrees” is dogma. It is now seen for only the second time, the first being in Luke 2:1. Of it, Albert Barnes states –



“It properly means a law or edict of a king or legislature. In this instance it was the decision of the council in a case submitted to it, and implied an obligation on the Christians to submit to that decision, since they had submitted the matter to them. The same principles, also, would be applicable everywhere, and the decision, therefore, at Jerusalem became conclusive.”



As for providing copies or maybe making a copy from a single original, with Silas accompanying the team, he stood as a representative of the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:22). And so, he could vouch for its contents “which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.”



The council was the final human authority on such matters at this time. As such, their decision stood as a witness against any Judaizers that would come in and try to bully the Gentiles into being circumcised and observing the Law of Moses. This was necessary as is evidenced by the trouble that had come about in Antioch. It is the same trouble that Paul agonizes over in his letter to those in Galatia.



At such an early time in the church, the heresy of law observance was at the forefront of issues that were infecting the minds of believers. Personally carrying the contents of the council was, therefore, a matter of critical importance for ensuring the purity of the gospel.



Life application: There is no council of apostles and elders in Jerusalem today. When the apostles were all dead, that was the end of the authority of this body in deciding matters concerning the church. This is a clear and poignant point that tells us of the importance of Scripture for the guidance of the church.



Despite the claims of the Vatican’s “Holy See,” no set council or body has been bestowed the authority over such matters when the body of believers in Jerusalem faded away. And none is needed. The writings of the apostles were saved and compiled into the New Testament. It now stands as the sole authority for deciding matters concerning the faith.



No pope, council, conference, synod, or congregation has the right to make any ruling that does not comply with what is stated in Scripture. If a matter is raised that is not addressed in Scripture, then there is freedom to decide how to handle it. But that decision should not be considered as authoritative and binding, as if it is on the same level as Scripture.



Care must be taken to keep Scripture alone as the divinely inspired authority for matters of the faith. Anything else is to be considered as a guideline for those who meet in a church, but it is a guideline that can be changed as the situation demands. Scripture, on the other hand, cannot be.



This is an important lesson we must learn. Because there is no “council in Jerusalem,” and because God has not left the church to run willy-nilly in every direction, we can – and must – conclude that He has given us a suitable standard by which we can determine necessary matters of the faith. That standard is the Holy Bible.



Glorious God Almighty, may we carefully consider how important it is to maintain the Bible in its proper place in our lives. It is the final authority for all matters relating to our relationship with You. Help us to never trifle with its sacred contents, but to carefully consider it and obediently apply it to our lives. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:6

Monday, April 17th, 2023




Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. Acts 16:6


The previous verse noted the strengthening of the churches that Paul and his team visited and how their numbers increased daily. With that, it now says, “Now when they had gone through Phrygia.”



Phrygia was mentioned along with many other areas in Acts 2:10 at the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Those from there who had come to faith in the Lord at that time would surely have gone back and met together, telling others about their faith in the Lord. Phrygia was the largest of the provinces of Asia Minor. Bithynia was to its north, Pisidia and Lycia were to its south, Galatia and Cappadocia were more easterly, and Lydia and Mysia were in a westerly direction.



Paul and his company traveled throughout this district, probably helped by a listing of the locations where believers were – as recorded and maintained by those in Jerusalem. This is speculation, but it is likely. With that, it next says, “and the region of Galatia.”



Rather, the word translated as Galatia is an adjective, “and the Galatian region.” This was, as noted, east of Phrygia. Of this area, Albert Barnes says –



“The region was formerly conquered by the Gauls. They settled in it, and called it, after their own name, Galatia. The Gauls invaded the country at different times, and no less than three tribes or bodies of Gauls had possession of it. Many Jews were also settled there. It was from this cause that so many parties could be formed there, and that so much controversy would arise between the Jewish and Gentile converts.”



The area will be noted again in Acts 18:23 and then the district will be noted in 1 Corinthians, Galatians, 2 Timothy, and 1 Peter. It is the location where the church of the Galatians that brought so much frustration and heartache to Paul is located. As Gentiles, they had turned from the faith of Christ and to the imposition of circumcision. As such, they were making themselves debtors to the whole law (Galatians 5:3).



For now, and with their travels through the region complete, it next says, “they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit.” Nothing is said of how this occurred. Some think it was by direct revelation, such as speaking to Paul. However, Luke will normally detail such intimate occurrences.



It could be that they could not find safe travel, guides to lead them, enough resources to effectively set out, or whatever. They knew they were being led by the Spirit and so obvious hindrances to their forward motion would indicate being frustrated to proceed by the Spirit. This is only conjecture, but Luke’s careful recording of such things seems to necessitate that this is what is meant. What they were unable to do was “to preach the word in Asia.”



This may make the thought above even more specific. It could be that they started into the area and simply had no effective evangelization at all. This would mean the area was not yet ready to accept what they would later openly acknowledge. Whatever the situation, this is not Asia as we think of in modern times. It is an area of the Roman empire already mentioned in Acts 2:9. Barnes notes that it is the area of proconsular Asia, also called Ionia. Again, he provides more detailed information on the area –



“Of this region Ephesus was the capital; and here were situated also the cities of Smyrna, Thyatira, Philadelphia, etc., within which the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 1-3 were established. Cicero speaks of proconsular Asia as containing the provinces of Phrygia, Mysia, Carla, and Lydia.”



Life application: The area of Asia will be evangelized later in Acts, being noted many times before the book closes out. It will also be mentioned in 1 & 2 Corinthians, 2 Timothy, 1 Peter, and Revelation. For whatever reason, the team was unable to evangelize the area at this time. More frustrations on where to go will arise in the next verses, but eventually, a different direction for them to travel will be made evident.



The Lord is all-knowing, and He knows what is best, when it is best, and every detail associated with how to proceed at such times for the best result. Therefore, if you are encountering a time of frustration in proceeding with something concerning evangelism, it may simply not be time for it to happen. Instead, look for another opportunity and wait on the Lord’s timing for what you had initially planned.



There are many places that were once unwilling to hear the gospel message that later accepted it wholeheartedly. There are missionaries who died while on the mission field with no converts. And yet, that occurs in areas where great success eventually was realized. Events like this show us that God is in control of what is going on and that His will is being worked out through us and our actions.



So don’t get frustrated if you seem to be hitting a wall in your efforts. The mission team that Paul was leading certainly faced impenetrable walls as they went. And yet, they picked up and moved on, knowing that the Lord was guiding their steps. Remember this, and don’t let setbacks stop you altogether. The Lord will lead as you continue. We can be sure of this, even if we cannot be sure of the “what and when” of the events ahead.



Glorious Lord, we know that You have planned out the paths to be taken so that the whole world will be evangelized. It has been a long and often difficult track for many, but Your plan is being realized. As this is so, help us in our own efforts to know which way to turn so that Your will for us will be realized in our actions. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:7

Tuesday, April 18th, 2023




After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. Acts 16:7


In the previous verse, Luke recorded that Paul and his company had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia. However, the Holy Spirit had stopped them from preaching in Asia. With that remembered, it now says, “After they had come to Mysia.”



The meaning is not that they came “into Mysia,” which was a province of Asia minor. Rather, the word kata is used. It signifies “over against.” They had come as far as (over against) Mysia. Mysia was a district in northwest Anatolia that adjoined the Sea of Marmara on the north and the Aegean Sea to the west.



From this point in their journey, it then says that “they tried to go into Bithynia.” Bithynia was a region, a kingdom, and a Roman province also located in the northwest area of Asia Minor. It bordered the Sea of Marmara, the Bosporus, and the Black Sea. Mysia was to its southwest. The men attempted to go into this region, “but the Spirit did not permit them.”



In the previous commentary, various suggestions of what this meant were given. This does not appear to be an active manifestation of God, such as when the Egyptians were actively hindered from coming near Israel by the pillar of cloud as those fleeing passed through the Red Sea.



Rather, what seems likely is that they simply were unable to successfully travel through this area for some unknown reason. They were hindered in their travels and took it as a sign from God that it was not His intention for them to go into this area yet. Rather, there were other areas He would have them evangelize first. This appears certain from the contents of verse 16:9.



As a side note, some manuscripts say, “the Spirit of Jesus” rather than “the Spirit.” If that is the true original, then it is a unique phrase, found only here in Scripture. If it is not original, it may have come from a margin note that later found its way into those manuscripts. Such a rare phrase is not unheard of. For example, the phrases “the Spirit of Christ,” “the Spirit of His Son,” and “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” are also seen in the New Testament.



The inclusion of the name of Jesus, if a later insertion, may have come about to avoid anyone thinking “These men were hindered by an evil spirit.” To clarify the matter, a scribe may have made an insertion with the name Jesus which was later assumed to be part of the original. As always, such things should not cause the reader to assume that we have a fallible word. Rather, it should encourage us to contemplate the matter and think about why such things have come about.



Life application: To understand the difficulty of accurately translating a verse from the original to English, or how an insertion for clarity could later be thought of as original, we can take a very simple sentence from the Bible, Genesis 1:1, and make a comparison of a few translations. First, the original says –



b’reshit bara Elohim eth ha’shamayim v’eth ha’arets



a direct translation would be –



“In beginning created Elohim the heavens and the earth.”



Note that the two uses of eth in the Hebrew are not translatable. Rather, the word is an untranslatable mark of the accusative case, being generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition.



A few translations of this verse are –



In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (KJV)

In the beginning, God created the universe. (ISV)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NIV)

In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. (Douay-Rheims)

In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth, (LSV)

In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. (Amplified)

In the beginning God formed the heavens and the earth. (SLT)



These are but a few of the variations of this verse. Notice how the KJV says “heaven” instead of “heavens.” Later, they will translate the exact same word as “the air” (Genesis 1:26, etc.), “the heavens” (Genesis 2:1, etc.), or some other variant. Being a plural word, their translation is wrong in Genesis 1:1. Further, the word “the” before beginning is not in the Hebrew and should be italicized as is normal with that translation for inserted words.



The word elohim at times means “gods” as in something other than the true God. Thus, the Amplified Bible both translates the word and includes it in parenthesis for clarity. It also explains the meaning of the word bara as an act of creation ex nihilo.



The SLT says “formed” without any explanation. Therefore, one might assume that the matter already existed, and God simply formed the universe from that preexisting matter. But another word, yatsar, is used to describe such a process, such as in the forming of man from the dust.



By looking over the differences in such translations, one can learn quite a bit about what is going on in the minds of the translators. But remember, this is a very simple sentence. Imagine how varied translations can be in longer or more complicated verses! Don’t rush into judging translations until you have studied and thought through what is going on.



The study of Scripture is something that we can and should spend our whole lives pursuing. Be pleased to spend your time wisely and consider what God is telling us in this precious word! Study! Consider! Seek out! There is so much treasure to be found here.



Thank You, O God, for the wonderful word You have given us. And thank You for those who have taken the time to translate it so that we can have a sense of what the original languages are telling us. Help us to consider this word all our days, pondering its secrets and learning from its truths. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:8

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023


So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. Acts 16:8




The previous verse revealed the inability of the missionary team to enter Bithynia because the Spirit would not allow them to. With that, it next records, “So passing by Mysia.”



Rather, the verb is an aorist participle, “So having passed by Mysia.” This doesn’t mean that they avoided the area altogether, but that they did not preach there. From their previous location, they had to travel through Mysia to get where they next headed, which is that “they came down to Troas.”



Their travels took them from an area of the highlands to the coastal area where the well-known seaport of Troas was. Troas, or Alexandria Troas, is a city on the northeastern coast of the Aegean Sea which is the western boundary of Asia Minor. Of this area Albert Barnes notes –



“This was a city of Phrygia or Mysia, on the Hellespont, between Troy north, and Assos south. Sometimes the name Troas or Troad, is used to denote the whole country of the Trojans, the province where the ancient city of Troy had stood. This region was much celebrated in the early periods of Grecian history. It was here that the events recorded in the Iliad of Homer are supposed to have occurred. The city of Troy has long since been completely destroyed. Troas is several times mentioned in the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Timothy 4:13; Acts 20:5.”



From this area, it is possible to sail off to other areas, and that is exactly what will be needed as the missionaries are led by the Spirit.



Life application: As noted in the commentary of the previous two verses, the hindrances placed before the group are not fully explained by Luke. It can only be speculated concerning what it means that the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching in the province of Asia or that the Spirit did not permit them to go into Bithynia. For all we know, there may have been some sort of problem in the region of Asia, such as an uprising or a time of mourning for a leader that had died. Maybe there was an arbitrarily applied lockdown because of a pandemic.



Whatever the case, and the speculation could go on indefinitely, the group understood that the timing of the surrounding events precluded them from preaching in this area. As they were being led by the Spirit and their feet had arrived in this area at that particular time, they knew that the Lord had other intentions for them.



If you are a believer in Christ, then you are “in Christ.” By default, the things that happen around you are as they should be. It is our job to respond to the events as they come and attempt to discern what God’s will for us is. This can be difficult because it won’t be written on signposts. Rather, throughout your day, talk to the Lord. Acknowledge His presence and ask Him to guide you accordingly.



Whatever happens will ultimately be known to the Lord. Nothing occurs that He is not aware of. But this doesn’t mean we are not to act. The more we include Him in our thoughts, prayers, and actions, the better off we will be in our own minds concerning what occurs.



At times, Paul sat in a Roman prison. He could say, “Well, this isn’t where the Lord wants me.” But that is not at all what he said. And more, he didn’t give up while sitting there. He continued to rely on the Lord and tell people about Jesus. He accepted that he was exactly where the Lord intended him to be. Just because he may not have liked his surroundings, it doesn’t mean he didn’t accept them as the will of the Lord.



Keep close to the Lord at all times. Include Him in all you do. And be sure to acknowledge His will as being a part of where you are at any given moment.



Lord God, help us to live in Your presence acknowledging that You are with us and directing us at all times. Our denial of this doesn’t mean it isn’t true. It would just mean that we have failed to accept that You are with us. But You are. And so, Lord, help us to realize this and remain faithful to You no matter what. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:9

Thursday, April 20th, 2023




And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Acts 16:9


Note: The verse as presented by the NKJV misses the mark. A far closer rendering, that of the Literal Standard Version, will be used: “And a vision through the night appeared to Paul—a certain man of Macedonia was standing, calling on him, and saying, ‘Having passed through to Macedonia, help us.’”



The previous verse told of the company of missionaries arriving at Troas. Once there, it now says, “And a vision through the night.” One can only speculate, but it appears that this is the very night that they arrived in Troas. No sooner had they arrived than a vision of the night “appeared to Paul.”



As the leader of the company and as the apostle to the Gentiles, the vision was directed to Paul. This is not unlike what happened to Peter previously in Acts 10 when he had a vision calling him to Caesarea to preach to the house of Cornelius. In the case of Paul, the vision concerned “a certain man of Macedonia.”



The group was currently in the province of Asia, but the call is from a Grecian province in Europe to the west. Of the area, Albert Barnes says –



“Of Macedonia – This was an extensive country of Greece, having Thrace on the north, Thessaly south, Epirus west, and the Aegean Sea east. It is supposed that it was populated by Kittim, son of Javan, Genesis 10:4. The kingdom rose into celebrity chiefly under the reign of Philip and his son, Alexander the Great. It was the first region in Europe in which we have any record that the gospel was preached.”



Of this man of Macedonia, Luke records that he “was standing.” The first verb is imperfect and the second is perfect. The idea is that he was standing and remained standing. While standing, he was “calling on him.”



One can think of Paul looking out into the vision and seeing a man who is standing, and the guy is beckoning to him, maybe waving his arms or folding his hands as if pleading. In this state of beckoning, he was “saying, ‘Having passed through to Macedonia, help us.’”



In other words, he is essentially saying, “You are over there. You should be over here. Once you have passed over to this side, you can help us.” How the man is identified as a Macedonian is not stated. It could be that the summons to Paul was from the west, and so as he looked out over the water toward Macedonia, he identified the man as Macedonian. Or it could be his clothing or speech identified him. However it came to him, Paul understood who he was and the substance of his words.



Life application: With only the Hebrew Scriptures, combined with their personal knowledge of the Lord, the missionaries went forth to proclaim the gospel. As such, it is not unexpected that visions would appear to lead the men concerning what they were to do. This is true with Peter, Ananias, and Paul.



The contents of the Bible were not yet compiled. Therefore, at times it was needed for the Lord to personally intervene in the lives of these men, directing them according to a set and determined plan. With the Bible now complete, we have the necessary instructions to follow through with the task of spreading the gospel.Although we should not expect visions to direct our feet, we can be certain that the Lord is directing them, nonetheless.



Those things He wants us to succeed at will succeed. Those things which are not supposed to occur will not come to pass. Our job is not to sit and wait for visions, but to be obedient to the word. The Lord will take care of the details according to His infinite wisdom.



Lord God, we know that when we are living according to Your will, You will lead our steps and keep us on the path that You would have us take. Help us to act by directing our efforts toward accomplishing our part of the Great Commission. Give us wisdom, boldness, and the opportunity to be a part of continuing the growth of the church until the day it is complete and You call us home. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

<script src="moz-extension://b416eede-c8a0-429b-bc63-c409ad308281/js/app.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:10
Friday, April 21st, 2023

Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:10

In the previous verse, Paul had seen the vision of a man of Macedonia pleading with him to come over there and help them. With that, Luke now records, “Now after he had seen the vision.”

The words don’t mean “sometime after.” Rather they give the sense of, “Now when he had seen the vision.” As soon as it occurred the next event took place. That is seen in the next word, “immediately.”

As the vision was in the night, it can be assumed that Paul excitedly told the others about what he had seen, and they started planning to make the necessary arrangements to go where they had been called to. With that, the first “we” section of the book of Acts begins. Until this point, it has been a narrative about others, such as “Paul and Barnabas did this,” or “they went to Troas.” However, the words now go to the first-person plural, saying, “we sought to go to Macedonia.”

The obvious conclusion is that Luke had joined them in Troas. Nothing is said about how this came about. It could be that he was living there at the time, or maybe Paul had sent word to him to join the group there. However it occurred, Luke has become a part of the ongoing narrative. Together with the others, they were “concluding that the Lord had called us.”

Paul was certain that the vision wasn’t just a dream. Rather, like Peter’s vision before, he understood it to be of divine origin, having been directed by the Lord. It is worthy of note that some manuscripts (such as the Alexandrian, Vulgate, and Ethiopian) say “God” instead of “Lord.” As Jesus is God, the change doesn’t affect the narrative substantially.

As for the use of “us” in these words, it clearly indicates that Luke was immediately considered a part of the team and he was an integral part of the calling that took place. This not only identifies him as a chronicler of the events of Acts, but he was also an evangelist in his own right. This is seen in the fact that he was a part of those called “to preach the gospel to them.”

There are several things that become obvious when considered. The efforts of the men in the Asian provinces were frustrated. It can be certain that wherever they were, they attempted to share the gospel without any success or that they knew their efforts were not fruitful in their evangelization at that time.

With each movement of the team, it was as if their feet were being led until they came to Troas. Upon arrival there, they were suddenly directed by Paul’s vision. At the same time, Luke had joined them. And with the vision of the calling of the man from Macedonia, it foreshadowed the presence of the Lord in that area. Thus, the providence of God is behind each step of the journey.

Life application: The events occurring in Acts are a descriptive account of what occurred. This includes Luke’s inclusion of himself in the narrative at this time. Nothing has been prescribed for the reader to do or to apply to his own walk with the Lord. The fact that Paul had a vision does not mean that visions are to be expected in our own lives to direct where we should go or what we should do.

In fact, supposed visions in more recent times have led to some of the greatest apostasies of the faith. The visions of Joseph Smith and Ellen G. White have led millions of people into false religion. The only conclusion that can be made is that their visions were either made up lies or that they were of satanic origins. They cannot be of God because they contradict the writings found in Scripture.

This is true with innumerable other visions that people have claimed and continue to claim to this day. Where will you put your trust? It is so easy to be led astray by convincing-sounding people who claim to have a pipeline to the divine. But the fact is that you already have one. It is the Bible.

God has given His word, and He has provided what you need to know concerning your walk before Him. It is sufficient. Stick to the word and don’t bother with the claims of others who say they have more than the word to offer you. Such things are unnecessary and unhelpful. Be assured of this.

Lord God, thank You for Your word. It is sufficient to guide us on our path as we walk in Your presence from day to day. Help us to spend our time wisely by searching out its treasures and rightly applying its precepts. Surely in this, we will be pleasing to You. Thank You for Your precious and sacred word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:11

Saturday, April 22nd, 2023


Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, Acts 16:11


The previous verse had the group of men, including Luke as evidenced by using “we” and “us,” seeking to head to Macedonia. Next, it says, “Therefore, sailing from Troas.”



Rather, the Greek more literally reads, “Having set sail, therefore, from Troas.” Luke is writing as if the journey had begun at a certain time from which he will continue the narrative. From this point, it next says, “we ran a straight course to Samothrace.”



Luke introduces a word to Scripture, euthudromeó. It will be seen here and in Acts 21:1. It comes from euthus, straight of direction, and dromos, to run a course. It is a nautical term where a ship sails before the wind. Having set out, the ship first arrived at Samothrace. This is to the northwest and would have been stopped at for the night before traveling on the next day. Of this location, Albert Barnes states –



“This was an island in the Aegean Sea not far from Thrace. It was populated by inhabitants from Samos and from Thrace, and hence called Samothracia. It was about 20 miles in circumference, and was an asylum for fugitives and criminals.”



With that first leg noted, it next says, “and the next day came to Neapolis.” The name signifies “New City.” This was a maritime city of Macedonia on the Thracian coast. It was about sixty-five miles from Samothrace and about ten miles from Philippi, it being the harbor of Philippi.



Life application: Without any recorded delay, the missionaries set out for Macedonia. They were ready and willing to go when called. Today, we generally have those we report to for our jobs, whether they are for secular or religious duties. We need to be prepared to do as we are asked if it is not in violation of the word of God or the set laws of the country in which we live.



As those under the authority of another, they are relying on us to fulfill our obligations accordingly. The missionaries were under the authority of the Lord, but we are as well. The Bible says elsewhere that we are to obey the ruling authorities of those governing us (Romans 13:1) as well as our masters (today we have employers as noted in Colossians 3:22, etc.).



As the word instructs us in this manner, it lays upon us the responsibility to do so. When we do, we will be working responsibly and honoring the Lord who has so instructed us through His word.



Heavenly Father, we have authority figures over us that we are responsible to. Help us to be obedient to Your word by being obedient to them. It isn’t always easy but help us in this so that we will be model citizens and employees as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:12

Sunday, April 23rd, 2023


and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. Acts 16:12






The trip to Macedonia began in the previous verse with the group sailing from Troas to Samothrace and then to Neapolis. They now continue the journey with the words, “and from there to Philippi.” Of this city, Albert Barnes notes –



“The former name of this city was Dathos. It was repaired and adorned by Philip, the father of Alexander the Great, and after him was called Philippi. It was famous for having been the place where several battles were fought during the civil wars of the Romans, and, among others, for the decisive battle between Brutus and Antony. At this place Brutus killed himself. To the church in this place Paul afterward wrote the Epistle which bears its name.”



Concerning the location, Luke next says, “which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia.” This clause has been called into question by deniers of Luke’s historical accuracy, noting that Amphipolis was the chief city. Due to the unusual construction of the Greek, several possibilities arise. First, Albert Barnes notes the following –



“This whole region had been conquered by the Romans under Paulus Aemilius. By him it was divided into four parts or provinces (Livy). The Syriac version renders it “a city of the first part of Macedonia,” and there is a medal extant which also describes this region by this name. It has been proposed, therefore, to alter the Greek text in accordance with this, since it is known that Amphipolis was made the chief city by Paulus Aemilius. But it may be remarked that, although Amphipolis was the chief city in the time of Paulus Aemilius, it may have happened that in the lapse of 220 years from that time Philippi might have become the most extensive and splendid city. The Greek here may also mean simply that this was the first city to which they arrived in their travels.”



Charles Ellicott adds his thoughts to this, saying –



“…it was not the chief city of any one of the four sub-divisions of the Roman province of Macedonia, that rank being assigned to Amphipolis, Thessalonica, Pella, and Pelagonia. As there is no definite article in the Greek, it is possible that St. Luke simply meant to say it was a chief town of the district, the epithet Prôte ( = first) being often found on the coins of cities which were not capitals. The more probable explanation, however, is that he uses the Greek word translated “part,” in the sense of “border-land,” as in the LXX. of Ezekiel 35:7, Ruth 3:7, and that it was the first city of that frontier district, either as the most important or as being the first to which they came in the route by which they travelled. This was precisely the position of Philippi, which, together with Pella and other towns, had been garrisoned by the Romans as outposts against the neighbouring tribes of Thrace.”



As the Greek is unusually worded, it seems likely that Luke was making a general statement concerning Philippi that it is either the first of their main stops or that it is the main city of a lesser district. As Luke will now turn to describe people, locations, and events in Philippi, the former option seems the most likely. They have arrived in Macedonia, and this is the first main area of their evangelistic efforts.



Of this city, Luke next says, “a colony.” Concerning the Roman idea of a colony, Vincent’s Word Studies provides a highly detailed explanation of what this means –



“The colony was used for three different purposes in the course of Roman history: as a fortified outpost in a conquered country; as a means of providing for the poor of Rome; and as a settlement for veterans who had served their time. It is with the third class, established by Augustus, that we have to do here. The Romans divided mankind into citizens and strangers. An inhabitant of Italy was a citizen; an inhabitant of any other part of the empire was a peregrinus, or stranger. The colonial policy abolished this distinction so far as privileges were concerned. The idea of a colony was, that it was another Rome transferred to the soil of another country. In his establishment of colonies, Augustus, in some instances, expelled the existing inhabitants and founded entirely new towns with his colonists; in others, he merely added his settlers to the existing population of the town then receiving the rank and title of a colony. In some instances a place received these without receiving any new citizens at all. Both classes of citizens were in possession of the same privileges, the principal of which were, exemption from scourging, freedom from arrest, except in extreme cases, and, in all cases, the right of appeal from the magistrate to the emperor. The names of the colonists were still enrolled in one of the Roman tribes. The traveller heard the Latin language and was amenable to the Roman law. The coinage of the city had Latin inscriptions. The affairs of the colony were regulated by their own magistrates, named Duumviri, who took pride in calling themselves by the Roman title of praetors (see on Acts 16:20).”



Luke finishes the thought, saying, “And we were staying in that city for some days.” It is this indeterminate amount of time that Luke will provide various details in the verses ahead.



Life application: For every difficult statement in the Bible, there are an innumerable number of people who have spent their time diligently trying to prove it wrong. In the case of this verse, there are several likely options to dismiss the claims of naysayers. If you hear someone call a part of the Bible into question, don’t just drop your faith and walk away from the Lord.



Rather, spend your time reading other commentaries. If the Bible was not trustworthy, these great men of the past would not have spent so much time defending it. After a short amount of time, it would have been dismissed and forgotten. But the Bible continues to share the message of faith while all the detractors of the past have returned to the dust. They will be forgotten while the Bible will be vindicated as the sure word of God until His coming.



Hold fast to what it says and be assured that your faith is not in vain. It is not a faith based on a dubious word. Instead, it is one grounded on a sure and reliable word. In pursuing the words of Scripture, you are not blindly stepping into the darkness. Rather, you are stepping into God’s revealed light. The path is illuminated, and you shall find your way without getting lost.



Lord God, we thank You for the sure word we possess. And we thank You for those who have gone before us and who have provided us with competent analyses of what Your word says. We can have full confidence in this precious and sacred word. And we do! Thank You for Your word that guides us as we walk this path of life. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 16:13

Monday, April 24th, 2023




And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Acts 16:13


In the previous verse, Luke noted the group’s arrival in Philippi, saying that they “were staying in that city for some days.” He now begins to detail things that occurred during that time, saying, “And on the Sabbath day,



It could be that there was a local synagogue and that these men went there as was the usual custom. Not being mentioned by Luke does not mean it didn’t occur. Understanding that, Luke next says of this particular Sabbath, “we went out of the city.” In these words, is a very small change in some Greek texts –



Pylēs – (city) gate.

Poleōs – city.



The meaning is unchanged because by going out of the city gate one goes out of the city. With that noted, it is also seen that Luke continues to include himself in the narrative, meaning that he and all the team went together “to the riverside.” As noted, there may have been a local synagogue and this visit to the river is coming after a visit to it. However, Charles Ellicott notes the following based on a variation in some Greek texts –



“…where an oratory (i.e., a place of prayer) was established. The word, which was the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew ‘house of prayer’ (Matthew 21:13), is used in this sense by Josephus … and was current among the Jews at Rome. Where they had no synagogue, and in a military station like Philippi there was not likely to be one, the Jews frequented the river-banks, which made ablutions easy, and often succeeded in getting a piece of ground assigned for that purpose outside the walls of the city.”



Whether this is simply a visit to a riverside or to a specific place, it was a place “where prayer was customarily made.” It is these words in the Greek that are again slightly different in some texts. Regardless of whether it was a specific place for prayer or a place to simply stop and pray, the fact that it is by a river is the main point. Of this, the Pulpit Commentary says –



“The river is not the Strymon, which is a day’s journey distant from Philippi, but probably a small stream called the Gangas or Gangites, which is crossed by the Via Eguatia, about a mile out of Philippi. The neighborhood of water, either near a stream or on the seashore, was usually preferred by the Jews as a place for prayer, as affording facility for ablutions.”



It is at this place by a river, and which was set aside for prayer, that Luke says, “we sat down and spoke to the women who met there.” The Greek more literally reads, “having sat down, we were speaking to the women having gathered there.” They were gathered and then continued in their discourse for some time. Charles Ellicott provides a well-reasoned explanation for Luke’s careful detail of this situation –



“The fact that there were only women shows the almost entire absence of a Jewish population. Possibly, too, the decree of Claudius, expelling the Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2), was enforced, as stated above, in the colonia, which was as a part of Rome, and as Jewesses would not be likely to have settled there without their husbands or brothers, it is probable that the women whom St. Paul found assembled were, like Lydia, proselytes who desired to remain faithful to their new faith, even in the absence of any settled provision for their instruction. Women thus placed would naturally welcome the presence of strangers who, probably, wore the garb of a Rabbi, and who showed when they sat down (see Note on Acts 13:14) that they were about to preach. We note that here also the narrator speaks of himself as teaching. (See Note on Acts 16:10.)”



Life application: Everything recorded in the Bible is given to tell us something about what God wants us to know. Sometimes, that even includes what is not said, such as referring to women but not to men as in this verse. If there was a synagogue, there was no fruit that came from a visit to it. If there was only this place of prayer, noting only the women tells us something else. Ellicott’s analysis would make sense based on the situation in the Roman Empire at the time.



We can’t be dogmatic about what the Bible is silent on, but we are being told to focus on the details and consider them. This is what we should be doing as we read the Bible. Stop and ask “why” from time to time. Think about what is being said (or omitted). If you cannot think of any reason for a particular statement, then read some commentaries. There is usually a suitable answer or two that may help explain why things are recorded.



Keep studying! The Bible is a treasure waiting to be uncovered with every page.



Lord God, thank You for these delights to our minds that are found in Your word. With each verse, we have things that we can consider and then add to our ever-growing knowledge of Scripture. Help us to be faithful in our study and contemplation of this precious gift You have given to us! Amen.