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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 15, 2023 0:18:03 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:24
Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Acts 17:24
Again, as with the previous verse, the NKJV cleans up the mess of the KJV, however, it is still not literal enough. The words read, “The God, having made the universe and all things in it, He – of heaven and earth being Lord – dwells not in handmade temples” (CG).
The previous verse noted Paul’s reference to the platform inscribed with GOD UNKNOWN. He then said that he would proclaim that unknown God to those in Athens. He now begins that proclamation, saying, “The God.”
The Greek reads, “The God, the having…” The first article does not need to be translated, but the second defines Him as “The God” who will next be described. As seen in the last verse, the pronoun there was neuter – this [One]. Now, the words of this verse are masculine. Of this, Charles Ellicott says –
“The masculine form of the pronoun and participles throughout the sentence presents an emphatic contrast to the neuter pronoun of the previous verse.”
Paul informs those in Athens that the God he proclaims is not feminine. He is referred to in the masculine. This is something that they could not have known without it being specifically revealed by Him. To those in Athens, He was GOD UNKNOWN. Now He is no longer completely unknown. They know at least something about Him. Paul next says that He is the God “having made the universe.”
The word kosmos is almost always translated as world. But that can have various meanings. One is “the inhabitants of the world.” That, for example, would be what is referred to in John 3:16. It can also refer to worldly affairs, the world itself, or the universe.
Paul, being a Jew who is perfectly aware of the Genesis 1 creation narrative, would not limit his words to the world alone. That he goes beyond the world itself is evident from what he will say in the rest of the verse. Understanding this, he continues with, “and all things in it.”
This could be taken as referring to the things of the world itself or of the universe. The latter is certainly what is on Paul’s mind –
“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-19
Regardless of how sizeable the people of Paul’s time considered the universe, it was vast enough from their perspective to know that it extended beyond the world itself. With Paul’s words noting that the God he was proclaiming created all of these things, he next says, “He – of heaven and earth being Lord.”
This tells us that Paul was certainly referring to the universe. First, he notes “heaven.” Depending on the context, the Greek word signifies the visible heavens, the atmosphere, the sky, the starry heavens, and the spiritual heavens. This is certainly referring to at least the visible heavens, the starry heavens, and the spiritual realm, summed up in the singular “heaven.” The way this can be determined is by considering his continued words.
He next notes “earth” using the word gé. It can refer to a particular land, the ground, or the earth as a whole in contrast to the heavens. Paul is referring to the physical earth as a whole as evidenced by the contrasting thought “of heaven.” He has introduced his audience to the God proclaimed in Genesis 1:1 –
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
The God he proclaims is Lord of heaven and earth because He is the Creator of those things. The word kurios signifies “absolute ownership rights” (HELPS Word Studies). These things are His and He has the right to direct them and dispense with them according to His will. Of this God, who is the Lord of heaven and earth, Paul then makes an obvious statement. He “dwells not in handmade temples”
This tells us that Paul was not only referring to heaven as the visible heaven and the starry heaven but also to the spiritual heaven. Temples are intended to provide the link between the physical and the spiritual. Thus, Paul’s words are certainly inclusive of that.
The meaning of his words is obvious. If God created everything, then nothing can contain Him. He is greater than that which He created. It is a truth pulled right out of the Old Testament from when Solomon dedicated the temple in Jerusalem –
“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” 2 Chronicles 6:18
Paul is using his vast knowledge of Scripture, along with his understanding of the nature of God, to reveal what the true God is like to those in Athens. He will continue with this for only a few verses and then He will tie all of this into the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
Life application: The Bible is what reveals God to us in a specific and special way that goes beyond what we can learn about Him from the world around us. Does knowing the Creator in this way matter to you? If so, then be sure to read your Bible. If not, you need to redirect your thinking. The Bible is the one source that we have for knowing and understanding these things.
For example, many churches are getting away from the masculine that is used in Scripture. This is not just inappropriate. Rather, it is an offense to God. God does not have parts. He is not a male in the sense that we understand. However, the word shows us that His characteristics are revealed in a masculine manner. To deviate from this is to mar what God has set forth in His word.
Be careful to check Bible translations before you buy them. Make sure they haven’t gone down PC Path onto Heresy Highway. The manner in which God has revealed Himself is not up to us to pick and choose. Likewise, if you are in a church where they have gone down this path, pack your bags and move out. There can be no compromising with those who have compromised. Stand fast on the word and hold fast to what is proper.
Lord God, help us to hold fast to the faith that has been handed down to us from the beginning. May we never compromise on what the Bible proclaims. Instead, may we be firm and fixed in our resolve to always put You first. Help us in our walk so that we may bring glory to You. May it be so, O God. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 15, 2023 23:48:55 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:25
Thursday, June 15th, 2023
“Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:25
The words more correctly read, “nor is he attended by humans’ hands, further needing anything, He giving to all life, and breath, and all things” (CG).
Paul is in the process of proclaiming the true God to those in Athens. He just noted that being Lord of heaven and earth, he does not dwell in temples made with hands. With that noted, he now continues, saying, “nor is he attended by humans’ hands.”
The verb translated as “attended,” is therapeuó. One can see the root of our modern word therapy. It signifies to heal, care for, attend to, etc. Most translations say “serve.” But there is a suitable word translated as serve used elsewhere. That gives the idea of serving, such as in ministering, worshiping, accomplishing tasks, and so forth.
In the case of this word, it would be as if God has a need that must be attended to. To avoid confusing the two, saying attended provides the proper meaning. Paul is saying that there is nothing lacking in God that would need man’s attention.
As for the words “humans’ hands,” the Greek adjective anthrópinos is introduced here. In this case, it is plural. Rather than “men’s hands,” it is more rightly translated as “humans’ hands.” Thus, it is contrasted with the divine nature of God. From there, Paul says, “further needing anything.”
The word translated as “further needing,” prosdeomai, is found only here. It is a present participle signifying to want more or to need more. God needs nothing. The thought is expressed by the Lord in Psalm 50 –
“I will not take a bull from your house,
Nor goats out of your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the mountains,
And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.” Psalm 50:9-12
This should be obvious. God is. He is the Source of all things. As this is true, then there is nothing that he needs from man. Paul then explains this in the simplest terms, saying, “He giving to all life, and breath, and all things.”
The words life and breath appear almost synonymous, but there is a difference. The zóé, or life, is the state of being alive. It further applies to both physical and spiritual life. It is the existence we possess because it is sustained by God’s self-existence.
The breath, or pnoé, was seen in Acts 2:2 when the rushing wind came upon the believers gathered in Jerusalem. This is its second and last use. It signifies both breath and breeze. It is the respiration that occurs because there is life within a being. God gives those things to us, so how could He need something from us to sustain Him.
As for “all things,” the Greek reads ta panta – the all. Not only does God provide us with life and breath, but He provides all things necessary for those things to continue. Food, oxygen, water, intelligence, etc. Everything that allows man to live and to continue living is provided by God. As this is so, there is nothing that He needs from us for His continuance.
This does not mean that man is not to serve Him. This is where translating the word therapeuó as attended rather than served becomes evident. Man is to serve God. This is seen throughout Scripture. In Revelation 22:3, it says –
“And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.”
God does not need this from us as if He would be troubled, sick, or die if we did not provide it. Rather, He is glorified in our worship and service of Him. This is the purpose of creating. God shares His goodness with His creatures, and it is right that His creatures return to Him the glory He is due. This is not because there is a lack in Him that must be filled, but that the natural result of sharing is that there is a mutual reciprocity that should take place.
Life application: If you don’t thank God for the good things you receive, He is not lessened by that. He is not harmed by it either. But when we thank God for each blessing, it demonstrates an appreciation that He is the Giver and we are appreciative of what He has provided.
This is why we should spend our time singing out His praise, telling others of His goodness, contemplating His majesty, etc. Through these things, we are returning to Him the glory that He is due from us.
Lord God, You are great and greatly to be praised. We are thankful to You for every good and kind blessing that comes from Your open hand of grace. Dwell in our praises and be glorified upon our lips. You are great and greatly to be praised, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 16, 2023 21:27:33 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:26
Friday, June 16th, 2023
“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, Acts 17:26
In the previous verse, Paul noted that God needs nothing and that it is He who gives to all life, breath, and all things. He now continues, saying, “And He has made from one blood.”
The verb is not a participle. Rather than “has made,” it simply says, “made.” Also, some texts omit the word blood. The thought is still the same and the point is that God created one man from whom all others have descended. This is found in the creation account of Genesis 1 and 2. It is stated explicitly in Malachi 2:10 as well –
“Have we not all one Father?
Has not one God created us?
Why do we deal treacherously with one another
By profaning the covenant of the fathers?”
The meaning is that all differences that exist in men now are the result of a natural process but that all men are of the same human stock, regardless of color, size, national heritage, etc.
Despite the Hebrew sense of superiority over others, which is evident in Jesus’ words to those in the synagogue in Nazareth in Luke 4 and Paul’s words to the mob of Jews in Acts 22, they understood from their Scriptures that all men were created from one first man. Any superiority the Jews felt would have to be for some other reason. The Greeks, however, felt that they were intrinsically superior to the barbarians around them, as if they were created differently than others. Paul is telling them that from the perspective of humanity, this was not the case. With this noted, he next says, that from this one man came “every nation of men.”
This is recorded in the Table of Nations found in Genesis 10. The general breakdown found there continues to this day. An initial division of the descendants of Noah took place and that set the general parameters that have followed since that time. A study of the Table of Nations is one of the most important tools in understanding the breakdown of the people groups of the world, even to this day. With these families identified, they began to disperse in order “to dwell on all the face of the earth.”
This is seen, for example, in the line of Japheth where it is recorded, “From these the coastland peoples of the Gentiles were separated into their lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations” (Genesis 10:5). This is repeated with the other sons of Noah as well –
“These were the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands and in their nations.” Genesis 10:20
“These were the sons of Shem, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands, according to their nations.” Genesis 10:31
Of these people groups and the places where they settled, Paul next says that God “has determined their preappointed times.” There is a slight variation in some texts here –
prostetagmenous
protetagmenous
One means “assigned.” The other means “before appointed.” The meaning of the first would be that a people were assigned a land, probably after settling there. Once in that land, it became their assigned possession and that is their station where they belong. If they were preappointed, it would indicate that God has chosen the time and place where each nation, and thus each person, would most likely seek out God, as is indicated in the coming verse.
The difference in the idea presented between these two spellings is not small. Both, however, show that there is a set plan that was determined by God concerning the settling of the nations and the boundaries in which they are to reside. That is seen in the final words of the verse, “and the boundaries of their dwellings.”
The word translated as “boundaries,” horothesia, is found only here in Scripture. It conveys the idea of fixed boundaries. These things would be established by customs, laws, national interests, cultural expressions, and languages. It is such things that cause nations to be set and fixed. This is the plan of God in order to keep the world from doing what it did by reuniting as one, as is recorded in the Tower of Babel account in Genesis 11.
The dwellings of the people are regulated by a set plan of God to keep them separated. The wisdom of this is seen in the error of thinking that arose when all men sought to work together as one. In such a situation, the only One to work against would obviously be God Himself. For the sake of keeping that from happening, God has directed the peoples and nations through the division of tongues and the attitudes that arise among those of similar speech.
Life application: In understanding the Genesis account of the Tower of Babel and then reading Paul’s words in Acts 17, it is perfectly evident that what is occurring in the world today – concerning the movement of vast numbers of people across set borders – is an attack against the set limitations that God has instilled in man through their division by various languages.
That is also being challenged by universal translators where people of various languages can communicate in real time with one another. With the removal of the constraints assigned by God, the inevitable result will be another Tower of Babel scenario. In order to effect this, governments and non-governmental bodies are uniting through a set plan, using tools such as climate change, to destroy the fabric of the nations as set forth by God.
The people of Genesis 11 didn’t trust God and united as one against Him. They wanted to be like God and so they built a tower to reach the heavens. This united them as one, and replaced God with their own set authority. This is the purpose of the globalist movement today. With the various languages no longer being an issue to divide, and with the movement of peoples to destroy national identities, a uniting against God and His set order is taking place
Every perversion being publicly condoned, every attack on the family structure, every denial of creation (for example teaching and promoting evolution), every attack on the climate (as if it must be controlled by man because there is no God to do it), etc., is set forth by the globalists to destroy what God has ordained for man. This is perfectly evident when such things are directly approved of when they most fully express the opposite of what the Bible presents.
What is happening in the world is the natural result of rejecting God and ignoring His word. With modern technology, this has become possible. The people of the world are being directed by a satanic attack against God’s set order for humanity. The path is set and it can only end in one possible way. The Bible describes it in the pages of Revelation. Hold fast to God and His word. This is the only safety humanity can possess in a world of ever-increasing wickedness.
Lord God, how wise You are to have directed the world as You have. And how foolish we are to attempt to reject Your ways and to pursue our own reckless paths. This is true as individuals, as nations, and as the mass of humanity is united against You. May we wisely hold fast to You in this time when the world is being prepared to destroy itself through rejection of You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 17, 2023 22:32:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17::27
Saturday, June 17th, 2023
“so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; Acts 17:27
More literally, the verse reads, “to seek the Lord, if perhaps, indeed, they might feel for Him and might find Him, although He is not far from each one of us (CG).”
In the previous verse, Paul spoke of the creation of man and that God has pre-appointed the times and boundaries of their dwellings. He now continues this thought, saying, “to seek the Lord.” The meaning is, as many Bibles paraphrase it, “so that they should seek the Lord.”
In other words, rather than seeking a united power against the Lord as during the time of the Tower of Babel, the peoples were divided by languages and these nations were established and dispersed so that they would seek out the Lord instead. It should be noted that many manuscripts say “God” here instead of “the Lord.”
Either way, because the Lord is God, the meaning is not substantially changed. The thought here is expressed in Romans 1:19, 20 –
“…because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
God has made Himself manifest in the created world. It is obvious that the universe did not simply explode itself into existence. Nor is it eternal, as if it had always existed. These things can be deduced without the Bible. And more, it is evident that God didn’t just create a bowl of soup which then evolved into the various types of life on the planet. This is evident without the Bible as well.
However, with man united as one, their greatest desire is to eliminate God from the picture. On the other hand, as nations develop, there is a chance of them being governed in a manner that will allow their people to think through matters concerning God and pursue Him. Job was such a person.
But more, he was not alone. It notes in Job 1:6, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord.” This is not speaking of angels. Rather, it is referring to those people among whom Job associated and who believed in the Lord as handed down to them from the time of Noah.
This would not have been the case if the nations remained united. The Lord knew this and dispersed them. In doing this, Paul next says, “if perhaps, indeed, they might feel for Him and might find Him.”
The meaning of the words is obvious. In seeking after the Lord, he may be found through His general revelation of Himself. Paul gives a sense of this in Romans 2 –
“…for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Romans 2:14-16
The Mosaic Law is special revelation. But people know that it is wrong to steal. Even without the law being stated, they may willingly restrain themselves from stealing because of this. There is a moral conscience in man that tells him he should seek after God who has instilled this consciousness in him.
This is clearly evident because societies all over the world have laws against stealing. Only when a society has completely departed from the conscience instilled in them by God will it no longer enforce laws concerning stealing. Communism is designed to steal the people’s efforts away from them. Liberal governments allow looters and thugs to steal from stores that put forth the effort to gather and resell merchandise.
Even if man cannot be saved by general revelation, he can live a happy and content life, given to him by God, when he feels for Him and finds Him. Understanding this, Paul finishes with, “although He is not far from each one of us.”
Paul is surely tying this thought back to the abundant idolatry found in Athens, and indeed in the whole world. Instead of seeking God who is ever present with us and who has filled the universe with order and harmony so that it is evident it was done by a Designer, man makes up gods of his own. He bows down to them and worships them. These things, of man’s own imagination and production, become his gods.
What is near to us in what God has done, and which is so obviously created by Him, shows us that He is there.
Life application: Despite our knowing that God is right here with us, we want to bring our own gods closer, thus pushing the knowledge of Him out of our minds. Paul speaks of this in Romans 1 as well –
“…because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:21-23
Because of this, an obvious cycle of degradation in man takes place, especially leading to sexual sin, but also all other sorts of immoral and destructive behavior. Take time to read Romans 1:24-32 to see what Paul says concerning this. While you are reading, compare the cycle of depravity to the world around you.
As the nations unite globally, and as power and authority are solidified more and more, what Paul writes about is becoming global as well. In the past, this cycle of perversion would cause a nation to finally collapse through war, disease, or internal destruction. When that happened, the ideas of that nation would end. Having nations separated allowed this to occur again and again without the whole world collapsing together.
However, that no longer needs to be the case. As the world unites, there can be only one inevitable result, global destruction. This is what the book of Revelation says is coming, but it is not limited to that book. Isaiah also speaks of such things. What was once not possible has now become inevitable. Pay heed and be ready to tell others about the goodness of God in Jesus Christ.
Lord God, how desperately we need to get the word out about You before it is too late. Help us to continue to tell others what they need to know before the time comes when the whole world falls under the deceiving influence of the antichrist. May we be wise in how we spend our time, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 19, 2023 1:02:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:28
Sunday, June 18th, 2023
“for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Acts 17:28
Paul has stated that God has ordained the boundaries of the nations so that people should seek the Lord, and in feeling for Him, He might be found. He said this while noting that He is not far from each of us. He now explains that saying, “for in Him.”
The word “in” can have various connotations. One of them is to be inside of something else. It can also mean being the product of, such as “In His act of creating, God displayed infinite wisdom.” Further, it can be used to help define something else. For example, “In seven days, I will finish this job.”
Paul is probably saying this in the sense of being the product of, but because of that, it would be inclusive of the thought of being inside of or surrounded by. We are the product of His hand and thus “we live.”
The word means exactly that. It is experiencing the gift of life given by God. We are the product of His act of creation, but we are also being sustained by Him, as it says in Colossians 1 and Hebrews 1. For example –
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16, 17
God created and He sustains. Further, Paul continues, saying, “and move.” The word signifies the act of moving. It is translated as wagging in Matthew 27:39. In Revelation, Jesus tells the church at Ephesus that He will remove their lampstand unless they repent. However, the word also is used figuratively to indicate the arousal of passions. Ellicott seems to rightly argue that this is the intent here.
This is the only time Paul uses the word. Its other two uses in Acts are by Luke. One is in the sense of provocation and another refers to stirring up sedition. If the first word, live, refers to the physical existence of man, this one would speak of his emotional nature. Remembering that the purpose of Paul’s words is based on the previous verses where man is to seek after God, this makes complete sense.
First, man is created by God and our lives are the product of His hands. Thus, we have a responsibility to search out the One who so fashioned us. Second, our emotions are a part of who we are, and they are to be directed to conduct that would support our seeking after Him. Third, Paul continues with, “and have our being.”
The words are an unnecessary paraphrase. It is a single word meaning “are.” Therefore, an equivalent idea is “and exist.” Not only do we have life as a product of His hand, but our continued existence, from moment to moment is fully known to Him and dependent on Him. This is reflected in Jesus’ words –
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
The existence of the sparrow is known to God, the state of the hair on our heads – which is a part of our existence – is known to God, and the number of our days is known to God –
“Since his days are determined,
The number of his months is with You;
You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.” Job 14:5
Paul’s words indicate the total dependence of man on God. Thus, man should acknowledge that He is reliant on Him and seek Him out. His nearness makes this possible and it is thus man’s duty to perform. With that noted, Paul next goes outside of Scripture to make his point, saying, “as also some of your own poets have said.”
When he says, “your own poets,” he is not referring to Athenians specifically, but Greek-speaking Gentiles whose work was known and quoted among the people. By quoting such a poet, it would lead the Athenians to know that he wasn’t just a wandering Jew, but an educated man who knew Greek literature.
As for the word “poet,” it is introduced into Scripture here, poiétés. It signifies a doer or a performer. In this case, because Paul will cite poetry, it refers to a doer of poems. As Paul notes poets in the plural, he is indicating that what he will cite is found in more than just one poet. It was a well-known thought used again by another. The poets are Aratus and Cleanthes. Paul cites their words, saying, “For we are also His offspring.”
In other words, these Gentile writers understood that man is the product of a greater being. The being they ascribe their life to may not be the God of the Bible, but the premise of being the product of a divine being was understood by them.
Aratus was from Cilicia where Paul was from. He lived from 315-240 BC. Cleanthes was from Behram, Turkey, living from 331-232 BC. Concerning this line of poetry, Barnes writes –
“This precise expression is found in Aratus (‘Phaenom.,’ v. 5), and in Cleanthus in a hymn to Jupiter. Substantially the same sentiment is found in several other Greek poets. … Aratus passed much of his time at the court of Antigonus Gonatas, king of Macedonia. His principal work was the ‘Phoenomena,’ which is here quoted, and was so highly esteemed in Greece that many learned men wrote commentaries on it. The sentiment here quoted was directly at variance with the views of the Epicureans; and it is proof of Paul’s address and skill, as well as his acquaintance with his auditors and with the Greek poets, that he was able to adduce a sentiment so directly in point, and that had the concurrent testimony of so many of the Greeks themselves. It is one instance among thousands where an acquaintance with profane learning may be of use to a minister of the gospel.”
The specific lines of poetry from Aratus state –
“From Zeus begin; never let us leave
His name unloved. With Him, with Zeus, are filled
All paths we tread, and all the marts of men;
Filled, too, the sea, and every creek and bay;
And all in all things need we help of Zeus,
For we too are his offspring.”
– Aratus from Phenomena
Cleanthes’ words are almost identical and are in a hymn to Zeus. Paul’s point is that truth can be found in other religions and philosophies and it can be used for the benefit of evangelizing. However, this does not mean that the religion itself is true.
In verse 23, he referred to a Greek altar to show that he was not introducing foreign gods. He does the same here by supporting his knowledge of God with words from Greek writers. They may have been confused about who this God is, but they could not say he was introducing a foreign one. Rather, he is clarifying what was stated by them.
Life application: When evangelizing someone of another religion, asking what that person believes is a good way of helping him process what you are telling him. This is because most people really have no idea about their own religion. They do things because that is what they were taught to do.
This is no different than evangelizing someone who has been in church his whole life but has never been told the simple gospel. Such people go to church and do stuff. But they have no idea as to why they do what they do. It is just a part of their cultural life and so they continue with it.
However, without knowing Jesus, those people cannot have a close and personal relationship with God. Introducing them to what Jesus has done will make this possible. There will no longer be a need to “do” stuff because Jesus has done it all. Be sure to get out and tell people about Jesus – our great Doer!
Lord God, thank You that Jesus has done it all! He has accomplished everything necessary to reconcile us to You. Now, all we need to do is to believe. May we use wisdom in how we spend our time, and may we get out and tell others about this good news. To Your glory. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 20, 2023 0:32:19 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:29
Monday, June 19th, 2023
“Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Acts 17:29
A more literal translation is “Therefore, being the offspring of God, we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone – an engraving of craft and device of man – the Divine to be like” (CG).
Paul just finished the last verse in agreement with a quote from a Greek poet, saying, “For we are also His offspring.” With that, he now continues with, “Therefore.”
Saying this confirms that what he just quoted from the poet is true. In essence, “As this is so.” Because it is granted as such, he says, “being the offspring of God.” Paul is initiating a logical conclusion: this, therefore this. Because we are God’s offspring, it is logical that we bear His image
The word translated as offspring is genos. It signifies family, race, nation, kind, etc. Thus, it means that there is an affinity between what is being referred to. Without citing Scripture, he is stating the essence of the Genesis creation account concerning man –
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26, 27
Paul expects that his hearers would understand. When a cat reproduces, another cat is the result. When an elephant bears, another elephant is produced. He has already told his audience that God made man. Thus, when acknowledging that we are His offspring, it doesn’t mean that we are gods, but that we bear a semblance to Him.
As this is so, he continues with, “we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone.” These are inanimate things. They have no life or breath in them. They cannot think, they cannot act, nor can they respond when spoken to. Anything that takes place in their use is because man acts first. That would include “an engraving of craft.”
The word translated as “engraving” is first seen here. It signifies a stamp, impress, mark, etc. It is used seven other times, all in Revelation and all referring to the mark of the beast. The word translated as “art” is also first found here. It signifies a skill, art, craft, trade, etc.
It should be evident on the surface that when a man of craft engraves something, he was the one to make the first move. The thing did not call out for being shaped into an image. But more, what is produced has no qualities of the man apart from a physical image. And because God’s image in man is not the physical image of man, as can be deduced from his words of 17:24, 25, then to assign such qualities to God would be absurd. And more, Paul continues with, “and device of man.”
The word translated as “device” means a thought or contemplation. As God cannot be seen, it would be ludicrous to think that man could devise something that could be formed into an object representing Him. Again, in Paul’s mind, he is giving the substance of what Scripture has already revealed –
“Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. 19 And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. … 23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:15-19 & 23, 24
Isaiah 44:9-20 gives a brilliant description of the folly of such idolatry and the irrational nature of man who would suppose that producing something in this manner could produce a divine being. Such things are completely opposed to the nature of God. Therefore, no one should consider as such “the Divine to be like.”
The word Paul uses is a neuter adjective, not a masculine noun. The word is theios. It is that which manifests the characteristics of the nature of God. HELPS Word Studies says it “ties God’s essence to His self-manifestation, permitting all people to know Him by observing His attributes.” As God manifests Himself through creation, we can deduce things about His divine nature from observing the creation. However, we cannot ascribe the divine to what is created.
To understand this, think of a watchmaker. We can look at a carefully constructed precision watch that was fashioned by a man and we can tell a lot about the man. However, we cannot turn around and attribute the man’s qualities to the watch. The watch was produced by him and it bears the mark of his intelligence, patience, meticulous nature, etc. But the watch itself possesses none of those things. When we ascribe divine attributes to the creation, we err in our thinking.
Life application: Take the time to read Isaiah 44:9-20 and think about how offensive our conduct as humans must be when we do what is recorded there. Imagine what the watchmaker would think if you picked up a watch and started praising it, not him, for its intricate gears and beautifully polished crystal, thanking it for its perfect rhythm and soothing sound as it whirrs in your ears. He would think you had gone absolutely bonkers and he would be offended as well.
This is how God looks at man when he does something even more outlandish by ascribing the qualities He alone possesses to carvings of wood, stone, gold, and so forth. Let us be carefully on guard to give God alone the glory for the magnificent things He has done.
We should look up to Him as greater than our character (morally, spiritually, intellectually, etc.), rather than down to created things, as if they bore His nature. Israel was rebuked for its false gods because they had the special divine knowledge of God presented to them. Paul probably pitied these pagans because they lacked it, even if they should have known better. In his pity towards them, he admonishes them about what is right. In the verses ahead, he will explain the importance of this to them.
Heavenly Father, help us not to have idols in our hearts but to always find our sufficiency and hope in You. May we be careful to always glorify You for who You are and for what You have done. We thank You and praise You for Your marvelous glory as it is revealed to us in so many ways. Praises to You, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 21, 2023 0:52:05 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:30
Tuesday, June 20th, 2023
“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, Acts 17:30
A closer translation would be, “Therefore, indeed, having overlooked these times of ignorance, God now commands all men everywhere to repent.”
Paul has been speaking about the nature of God, contrasting what He is like to what man may suppose. In the previous verse, Paul noted that He is not like gold, or silver, or stone that can be shaped by art and man’s devising. Now, he takes this line of thought and begins to redirect it toward what God expects, saying, “Therefore, indeed.”
In the previous verse, Paul said, “therefore.” He now states it again, stressing it to ensure the thought is offset in the minds of his audience –
“For we are also His offspring.”
“Therefore, since we are the offspring of God…”
“…we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.”
“Therefore, indeed, having overlooked these times of ignorance…”
Paul is shaping his argument to lead to a conclusion. Before he gets there, he is ensuring that those listening will carefully process what leads up to it. Understanding this, he continues, saying, “having overlooked.”
It is a word found only here in Scripture, hupereidon. It essentially means to take no notice of or to disregard. Vincent’s Word Studies says, “to suffer to pass unnoticed.” This does not mean that it is either condoned or accepted. But God has allowed man to do what he has done without telling them otherwise that what they are doing offends Him.
Unfortunately, some older translations say, “God winked at.” Depending on how one takes the translation, that can mean a variety of things not intended by the apostle. For example, the KJV used the word “wink” five more times, and they are all with a negative connotation that has nothing to do with what Paul is saying here.
Paul is saying that God has simply not paid attention in a particular manner to what the nations were doing. While Israel was given the law and explicitly told to not conduct themselves in such a manner, punishing them when they did not obey, God allowed the nations to do what they willed without any warning of the consequences. Thus, without a law to direct the nations, Paul refers to this as “these times of ignorance.”
The article and noun are both plurals, “these times.” In the Bible, there are various dispensations that God has used to work out His redemptive plans. While the nations were doing as they saw fit without any particular direction from God, He had called and made a covenant with Abraham.
From there, He chose a particular line of Abraham’s descendants to continue His redemptive intentions. This led to Israel and eventually the time of the law. The law was given for a fixed and particular set of purposes leading to the coming of the Messiah. In His coming, He fulfilled the law that was given to Israel alone.
With that, the law was set aside and a New Covenant was introduced. This New Covenant was with Israel and the House of Judah, but – unlike the law – it was not limited to them. Rather, it is inclusive of all peoples, allowing them to come into the commonwealth of Israel. Because of this, Paul next says, “God now commands all men everywhere.”
What God is now doing is no longer limited to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people, nor is it limited to the land of Israel or the city of Jerusalem, as if people were responsible to go there to meet with the God of Israel. It is a new direction where anyone at any location can be accepted. However, there is an expectation laid on the people who have carried such incorrect notions about God. That is “to repent.”
The Greek word is metanoeó. It signifies to change one’s mind, to think differently, to reconsider. Paul has been speaking about the nature of God. He has noted what God is like and what God is not like. For those who have misunderstood the nature of God, he is telling them that they must change their mind about Him and think differently. Jesus, while responding to the woman at the well in John 4 provides the meaning –
“The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.’
21 Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’” John 4:19-24
This is what people are to change their minds about. They are no longer to live under incorrect ideas about what God is like and how He should be worshiped. Rather, they are to change their minds and accept this special revelation of Himself that is proclaimed through the New Covenant. Paul will explain in the next verse how the people can be sure that what he says about God is true.
Life application: Paul never introduced the idea of sin into his discourse. He has only told the people where their thinking is wrong. Elsewhere, he says –
“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19, 20
The people of Athens (and by extension the people of the world) had no law from God about idols that could bring about the imputation of sin. Paul states that explicitly in Romans 5:13, saying that “sin is not imputed when there is no law.” Therefore, Paul could not have been telling the people to repent of sin. And, indeed, he was not telling them this. He was telling them to repent (think differently) concerning their faulty ideas about God.
Today, people use the word “repent” in a completely incorrect manner. They equate it to the active ending of something, such as sin. “You must repent of (stop doing) XXX in order to be saved.” That is not the gospel. One is saved by grace through faith and that is in believing the gospel which says that Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
Only after being saved will stopping incorrect behavior have any meaning. Be sure to present the gospel without adding the baggage that is often heaped upon people. To add to the gospel is to present a false gospel.
Glorious Lord God, You have done everything necessary for us to be saved. All we need to do is accept that by believing in the full, final, forever, and finished work of Jesus. May we present this to others clearly and without addition so that they understand what they need to do. Faith! You are looking for faith in Your faithless creatures. What more can we add to what Jesus has done? May we never presume to do so. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 22, 2023 0:03:45 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:31
Wednesday, June 21st, 2023
“because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:31
Paul just finished his words about the nature of God by saying that He “now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Paul now provides the reason for this, saying, “because He has appointed a day.”
The verb is not a participle. It simply says, “because He appointed a day.” In understanding the foreknowledge of God, it is known that the future is laid out before Him. The entire timeline of human history is known and events are set to occur at predetermined moments. God knew when the flood of Noah would commence. He knew the day He would part the Red Sea or appear on Mount Sinai before Israel.
The day Christ would be crucified was set by God. This is true with all things. There is nothing that God does not know will occur because He knows how all things will turn out. This includes a particular day “on which He will judge the world.”
The Greek more closely reads, “in which He is about to judge the world.” The word melló “signifies the very point of acting” (HELPS Word Studies). Understanding this, there are actually various days of judgment, all combined into the singular “day.”
There is the judgment of sin (the cross of Jesus) for believers when they believe the gospel. There is the Bema seat of Christ where believers will be judged for rewards and losses. There is the tribulation period where it is said in Revelation that judgment has come upon the world. There is the judgment of the nations where the sheep will be separated from the goats. There is the Great White Throne judgment of Revelation. These and other such judgments have been set by God and they will come about at the pre-appointed time. And this will be done “in righteousness.”
There is a set standard by which all things will be judged. That standard is the Lord God Himself. This is seen in Psalm 92:15 –
“To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
Jesus referred to this in John 7:18 –
“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.”
Jesus was making a general statement about accusations levied against Him, but He was also proclaiming that His doctrine was not His own, but from God. Thus, the righteousness of the Lord is found in Jesus Christ. Paul, understanding this, next says that God’s righteous judgment will be “by the Man whom He has ordained.”
There is no article before “Man.” The words more appropriately read, “by a Man whom He appointed.” Paul defines the coming judgment as being brought about by a Man. He has not yet spoken directly of Jesus at the Areopagus, but he had spoken of him earlier as noted in verse 17:18. He is now proclaiming what God has done by appointing a Man, meaning the man he had previously spoken of, to accomplish His will.
The word translated as “ordained” or “appointed” is horizó. It is where our word “horizon” is derived from. If one thinks of approaching time as a horizon, with each moment, a new horizon is seen. Thus, it speaks of designated limits or boundaries.
God has “horizoned” every moment of time and thus all of the scenes and moments of life have been known to Him even before He created. As HELPS Word Studies notes, “This guarantees God works each in conjunction with His eternal purpose.” With this concept stated, Paul next turns to the proof that this will come about, saying, “He has given assurance of this.”
The noun translated as “assurance” literally means “faith.” But it is a set faith, not the act of faith. Therefore, it should read “an assurance.” God has provided the necessary evidence that what He says is true, reliable, and will come to pass. And that is confirmed by an assurance “to all.”
Humanity now has a witness that the God of Israel is the true God and that what He has spoken forth, as is recorded in the Scriptures, is true. As this is so, then all must pay heed. The sign has been given and it is intended that all people must pay heed.
This is why Paul, in just the previous verse, said that God overlooked the times of ignorance by all other nations. They did not possess the necessary revelation of God to necessitate His attention in a particular manner. However, with the coming of Jesus that is no longer the case. All men will be held accountable just as Israel was held accountable in the past. The necessary revelation of God has been provided and it now pertains to all people. He has proven this “by raising Him from the dead.”
Rather, being an aorist participle, it reads, “having raised Him out of the dead.” It has been accomplished and it is the necessary sign to all people that the judgment of God will come at its pre-appointed time.
Jesus said this to Israel –
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” John 5:21-23
He continues to express this thought again in John 5:24-30. The statement was made and in order for it to be an assurance that can be trusted, God confirmed His words by having raised Jesus out of the dead.
Life application: Everything about future history for the world is tied up in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If the resurrection is true, then it is the sure sign and confirmation to the world that what God has said elsewhere in Scripture – both before and after Christ’s coming – is true. If the resurrection is not true, then another path than what Scripture presents will come to pass.
As the judgment of the world in righteousness is said to be committed to Jesus Christ, then those who hear this message must decide whether they will accept it or not. But more, as believers have accepted that this message is true, and as it has been provided as the sign to the world of its need of Jesus’ salvation, then it is incumbent on the church to get this word out. Without Jesus, only condemnation will result. The sign has been given. It is the assurance to the world that God’s righteous judgment awaits.
Lord God, may we turn our hearts once again to our need to share with others the message of hope and redemption that is found in Jesus Christ. Without accepting Your offer of reconciliation through Him, only condemnation lies ahead. May our hearts be softened to the plight of the world and may we be ready to share the gospel with all before that day comes. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 22, 2023 23:54:02 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:32
Thursday, June 22nd, 2023\
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” Acts 17:32
Paul, while speaking to those at Athens, noted that God had appointed a Man through whom He would judge the world in righteousness. To confirm this was so, Paul noted that God had raised this Man from the dead. Having said that, Luke next records, “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead.”
There is no article before either resurrection or dead. Therefore, one must infer what is the best way of taking this –
The resurrection of the dead
A resurrection of the dead
The resurrection of a dead
A resurrection of a dead
As the adjective translated as “dead” is plural, the last two would seem to make no sense. One might assume from the plural that this is a resurrection of more than just the Man Paul has mentioned. And yet, Paul has not spoken of any resurrection beyond that of Jesus. Therefore, the plural may be a general way of expressing any resurrection at all.
Most translations go with the first, “the resurrection of the dead.” Several translations say, “a resurrection of the dead.” Only the Weymouth with a bit of a paraphrase for clarity says, “a resurrection of dead men.” Despite being a lone voice, this seems to be the intent. It is the thought of any resurrection at all that suddenly brings about a change.
Since verse 17:22, Paul’s words were going along without interruption, but now it says that “some mocked.” Rather, the verb is imperfect. More correctly, it says, “some began to mock.” In other words, it was at this moment that their attentive ears turned to interruptive jests, which is just what the Greek word implies.
One can see them raising their hands and casting them forward in a dismissive manner and shouting out, “Yeah, right.” If they had tomatoes, they would be tossing them at this point. This would have been most laughable to the Epicureans. In verse 17:18, Albert Barnes was cited noting that, “They denied that the world was created by God, and that the gods exercised any care or providence over human affairs, and also the immortality of the soul.”
Because of their presuppositions about such things, it would be especially incredible for them to accept the words of Paul. However, Luke continues, saying, “while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’”
The thinking of the Stoics was not especially opposed to Paul’s line of reasoning, although it was considerably different from what the gospel presents. In Acts 17:18, Barnes noted that they “prided themselves on their own righteousness.” As this is so, they may have been at least sympathetic to Paul’s words because he had just said in the previous verse that God “has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness.”
One does not need to pride himself in his own righteousness if there is no judgment for righteousness. Rather, if this life is all there is, then righteousness is a rather unimportant trait to pursue. Therefore, it is likely that the Stoics would at least be willing to consider the matter further.
Having said that, the logic of Paul’s argument was such that it could have touched anyone in a positive manner. His words were precise and carefully presented. Anyone willing to set aside what they think they already knew, soberly considering if what Paul said was possible, could be positively influenced by his words.
Those who were at least willing to entertain the possibility of a resurrection from the dead would also be willing to hear him again when the mockers had quieted down and departed for lunch.
Life application: Quite often when talking to others about God’s judgment or some other major doctrine that personally affects people, you will hear something like, “Well, I don’t believe that” or “I don’t think God would do that.” Without being argumentative or flippant, a good response to that is, “If it is true, then what we think doesn’t matter.”
God is God. He is sovereign over all things. He has the absolute right to judge His people and to dispense with His creation as He sees fit. People may mock the resurrection as the definitive proof of God’s impending judgment, but if it is true, their jeers will not change a thing. Paul writes about exactly this attitude in 1 Corinthians –
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.’
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
The cross is a sign that God is serious about judgment. The resurrection proves that judgment has either been meted out on Christ for those to whom it applies or that it lies ahead for those to whom it does not apply.
The gospel says that those who believe are imputed God’s righteousness and they are no longer the objects of His wrath. Those who do not believe remain under the sentence of condemnation. Therefore, if the resurrection is true, all the mocking and disbelief in the world will not change a thing. Use reason and logic with people as you talk to them. In the end, it doesn’t matter what we think. All that matters is what is true. People need to research the matter of the resurrection. It is the dividing line by which all humanity will be judged.
Lord God, You have done everything necessary to secure our salvation and restore us to You. May we never waffle on our presentation of the gospel. Rather, may we be bold and speak out the truth of what You have done. Jesus Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. It was prophesied before it happened, it is testified to by reliable witnesses, and it is documented in Your word after it occurred. May we not fail to get this message out! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 24, 2023 0:32:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:33
Friday, June 23rd, 2023
So Paul departed from among them. Acts 17:33
As simple as the sentence is, the translation is lacking in three ways. It says, “And so, Paul went out from their midst.”
The previous verse described the mocking reaction of some of those who heard Paul. Others had said they would hear him again on the matter. With that, it next says, “And so, Paul.”
Some texts omit the word “And” and simply say, “So Paul…” The Greek text used by the KJV and the NKJV includes it, even if they failed to translate it. With that, it next says that he “went out.”
The word translated as “went out” means exactly that, to go or come in or out. Saying Paul departed, as with the KJV and NKJV, gives an incorrect sense of the matter. How long Paul remained at the Areopagus we don’t know. Another speaker may have taken up the center position while Paul retreated from it. What he did was to go out “from their midst,” not depart entirely.
This takes the reader back to verse 22, which said, “Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus.” But he was already at the Areopagus, having arrived there as stated in verse 17:19, “And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus.” Eventually, he was given the opportunity to speak to the forum. At that time, he went into the midst of them.
Now, it is not that Paul departed, but that he has moved out of the place of speaking. He could not have departed from among them because the words of the next verse would then make no sense.
Life application: Translation matters. This short sentence will not change the world if it is incorrectly translated, but it can give the mind an incorrect sense of the flow of movement of the apostle. Here are some variations in the translation of this verse. See how widely different they are and consider how each will affect your thought about what has taken place –
NIV – At that, Paul left the Council.
NLT – That ended Paul’s discussion with them,
BSB – At that, Paul left the Areopagus.
Holman CSB – Then Paul left their presence.
CEV – When Paul left the council meeting,
GWT – With this response, Paul left the court.
Mace New Testament – upon which Paul left the assembly.
ESV – So Paul went out from their midst.
Catholic Public Domain Version – So Paul departed from their midst.
NASB– So Paul went out from among them.
NKJV – So Paul departed from among them.
Weymouth New Testament – So Paul went away from them.
Amplified Bible – So Paul left them.
CSB – So Paul left their presence.
Worsley New Testament – So Paul went out of the assembly.
NET Bible – So Paul left the Areopagus.
CG – And so, Paul went out from their midst.
Haweis New Testament – And so Paul departed from the midst of them.
SLT – And so Paul went forth from the midst of them.
A Faithful Version – And so Paul went out from among them.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English – And so Paulus went out from among them.
ANT – And so Paul departed from among them.
GNT – And so Paul left the meeting.
New Heart English Bible – Thus Paul went out from among them.
Darby – Thus Paul went out of their midst.
BLB – Thus Paul went out from their midst.
Worrell New Testament – Thus Paul went forth out of their midst.
Depending on the source text, the Greek has either seven or eight words in it. Despite that, there are 27 different translations presented here. And this was only from checking 46 Bibles and having provided a personal translation. There are hundreds of versions that were not checked, each with its own nuances and translational preferences. If punctuation and capitalization were considered, there would be even more variations.
Some of these are so off that they are simply paraphrases. Others are incorrect in one way or another. And yet, most convey the sense well enough to be understandable. Don’t limit yourself to a single version of the Bible. Rather, read a version in the morning and one at night. When you finish, grab another and start over again. Take time to consider what you read each day and reflect on the precious word that God has given us. In all things, be sure to thank God for it. What a treasure it is!
Heavenly Father, You have allowed Your creatures to translate Your word. Quite often, we have done a sloppy job of that. And yet, You have allowed it. Help us to be studious and careful about what we accept until we have really checked things out. Be glorified in our study of Your precious word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 25, 2023 0:03:05 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 17:34
Saturday, June 24th, 2023
However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:34
More appropriately, the verse reads, “But some men, having joined him, believed: among whom also, Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman by name Damaris, and others with them.”
The previous verse noted that Paul had gone out of the midst of the Areopagus. The meaning was that he no longer was in the place of speaking, not that he had left the forum entirely. The results of his words were a bit of mocking while some wanted to hear him again. However, there were some who were more profoundly affected. That is seen in the next words, “But some men, having joined him, believed.”
The word translated as “joined,” is kollaó. It signifies to cling to or adhere to. Thus, it would be to stick like glue. HELPS Word Studies notes it is used “frequently in ancient medical language of the uniting of wounds.”
It is a touching scene. These people had probably been to the Areopagus many times, sitting and listening to one philosopher after another step forward and present his thoughts on creation, existence, the state of man, the afterlife, and so forth. And yet, they sat listening, unaffected by what they heard. They could see through the vain babblings, knowing that things just didn’t fit with what they could instinctively know or logically deduce about the operation of things around them.
And yet, when Paul stepped forward to speak, they suddenly came alive in their spirit. That came by the simple act of belief. What does the word say? Paul explains it in Ephesians 1 –
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14
Those now being referred to in Acts 1) heard the gospel of their salvation, 2) believed, and therefore, 3) were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. They came alive in Christ and they knew that the words had changed them. In their excitement, they clung to Paul, certainly with the greatest of joy.
One could argue that the gospel, as stated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, was not properly presented. But this is not so –
Christ died for our sins. Paul has noted that God overlooked the times of ignorance. The meaning is that what was done was wrong in God’s eyes. It was sin, even if that was not responded to by God in judgment. Paul noted that the people needed to repent of their ignorance, but he tied that in with Christ’s death. He did not need to explicitly say this because it is inferred in the words, “He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). If Christ was raised from the dead, it meant that He first died. If He died, there was a purpose for that death.
Even if Paul did not explicitly state these things, those who listened to him were able to sufficiently deduce from what he was saying that God had made an avenue to reconciliation with Himself through the death and resurrection of Jesus. But more, it is possible that Paul explicitly said these things and Luke simply didn’t record every word Paul said, rather focusing on the main lines of thought. It would be an argument from silence to say otherwise.
With the belief in Paul’s message confirmed in some of his hearers, it next says, “among whom also.” The reason for this is to show that his words were not limited to those who first asked him to speak, meaning the Epicureans and the Stoics. Though some of them may have believed, at least two are noted by name who were not of them. The first is “Dionysius the Areopagite.”
The name is derived from the Greek god of wine-making, orchards and fruit, vegetation, fertility, festivity, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, and theater, also known as Bacchus by the Romans.
Ellicott notes, “As the constitution of the Court of the Areopagus required its members to have filled a high magisterial function, such as that of Archon, and to be above sixty, the convert must have been a man of some note.” Further, the Pulpit Commentary states –
“The earliest notice we have of him in ecclesiastical writers is the well-known one of Eusebius, ‘Eccl. Hist.,’3. 4, in which he says, ‘We are told by an ancient writer, Dionysius the pastor of the diocese of Corinth (ob. ), that his namesake Dionysius the Areopagite, of whom St. Luke says in the Acts that he was the first who embraced the faith after St. Paul’s discourse in the Areopagus, became the first bishop of the Church in Athens.’”
There are false writings ascribed to Dionysius that are known to be later forgeries. Along with him, it next says, “and a woman by name Damaris.” James Strong connects the name to the Greek word damazó, meaning to tame or subdue. Thus, he defines it as maybe meaning Gentle. Abarim defines it as Wife or Domesticated.
Chrysostom says in his writings that she was the wife of Dionysius. This is quite possible based on her name. It could be that she took the name Damaris to reveal her new nature under Dionysius. It would be a reasonable explanation for mentioning her by name. Not only was a member of the Areopagus a believer, but his wife also joined him in belief as well.
Along with these two, Luke next records, “and others with them.” These could be of the Epicureans and Stoics or others who sat around waiting to have their ears tickled. Rather than the ears being tickled, their hearts were pricked.
Life application: In reading the narrative, and then comparing it to Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8, there is no difference in the wording. It simply says, “Then Simon himself also believed.” The Bible does not level any other requirements on salvation than this. When the gospel is presented and someone believes, it means that the person is saved. It is not our job to go around questioning this.
However, it is our responsibility to speak to those who are not living in accord with the faith they profess. This is especially so in the church. When someone is obviously violating what is right and proper, it should be addressed. 1 Corinthians 5 speaks of this, giving an obvious example of how to handle the matter.
Let us carefully consider the goodness of God who saves us through the simple act of faith, and then may we be willing to maintain uprightness and purity of the faith among those we associate with. This is important for the continued health of the church.
Heavenly Father, it is wonderful to know that we are saved by grace through faith in the completed work of Christ. Thank You that we now have restoration with You. May we now do our part in living for You in sincerity and truth all our days. To Your glory. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 26, 2023 1:17:47 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:1
Sunday, June 25th, 2023
After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. Acts 18:1
Note: The order of the words in the NKJV doesn’t follow the Greek. It should read, “And after these things, Paul having departed from Athens came to Corinth” (CG).
Paul has spoken at the Areopagus and a few converts were noted from his time there. Now, with that complete, Chapter 18 begins with, “And after these things.”
With his efforts complete, a new direction will now take place. Nothing is said of the length of time he was in Athens, but whenever it was time to move on, Luke next records, “Paul having departed from Athens came to Corinth.”
Depending on where he started from and arrived at, it was about fifty miles by land. Thus, it would take about two days to make the trip. If he sailed, it would have been a day’s journey. At the time of Paul, it was a Roman colony. There was a synagogue there and it was a city of great commerce. Verse 18:11 says that Paul stayed in this new location for a year and a half. Of the city, Albert Barnes states the following –
“Corinth was the capital of Achaia, called anciently Ephyra, and was seated on the isthmus which divides the Peloponnesus from Attica. The city itself stood on a little island; it had two ports, Lecheeum on the west, and Cenchrea on the east. It was one of the most populous and wealthy cities of Greece, and at the same time one of the most luxurious, effeminate, ostentatious, and dissolute. Lasciviousness here was not only practiced and allowed, but was consecrated by the worship of Venus; and no small part of the wealth and splendor of the city arose from the offerings made by licentious passion in the very temples of this goddess. No city of ancient times was more profligate. It was the Paris of antiquity; the seat of splendor, and show, and corruption. Yet even here, notwithstanding all the disadvantages of splendor, gaiety, and dissoluteness, Paul entered on the work of rearing a church; and here he was eminently successful. The two epistles which he afterward wrote to this church show the extent of his success; and the well-known character and propensities of the people will account for the general drift of the admonitions and arguments in those epistles. Corinth was destroyed by the Romans 146 years before Christ; and during the conflagration several metals in a fused state, running together, produced the composition known as Corinthian brass. It was afterward restored by Julius Caesar, who planted in it a Roman colony. It soon regained its ancient splendor, and relapsed into its former dissipation and licentiousness. Paul arrived there in 52 or 53 ad.”
As noted by Barnes, the church at Corinth will be the recipient of two epistles. The state of the city reflects the state of the church that sprang from it. There were many problems that had to be addressed and corrected, but Paul’s love for those at Corinth is perfectly evident in his words to them.
Life application: Paul tirelessly moved from one place to the next, understanding where he was needed or when he had accomplished his mission. For whatever reason, his time in Athens was short. On the other hand, he will spend a considerable time in Corinth. We may not leave our own area for evangelizing, but we can still look for opportunities in our area that will be fruitful. However, there is also nothing wrong with consistency.
Just because there is not a lot of fruit evident in a particular area, it does not mean you are not having an effect. Faithfully showing up on a regular schedule brings a familiarity of your face to those you interact with. Eventually, they are going to have the troubles and trials that all people run into. At those times, they are more likely to reach out for advice or help. This can take many months or even years, but it is likely to come.
From there, and depending on how things turn out, others will see the outcome and the ball can begin to roll. Growth in converts can increase quickly at such times. But it took faithful consistency for it to come about. If you are looking to minister to others, talk to the Lord about your efforts and ask Him to direct you. Be patient and yet be forward enough to ensure those you encounter are aware of why you are doing the things you are doing.
Nothing you do for the Lord will go unrewarded by Him. So just keep at it, remembering that if you are doing what He would expect of you, that He is pleased with your efforts.
Lord God, sometimes it may seem like our wheels are spinning and we are not getting any traction in our spiritual life. But if we are pursuing You and doing what You would approve of, then it must be acceptable to You. And so, Lord, help us to contentedly press on with our efforts. Direct our steps according to Your wisdom and be glorified in how we serve You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 27, 2023 0:51:20 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:2
Monday, June 26th, 2023
And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. Acts 18:2
In the previous verse, Paul departed Athens and went to Corinth. Now it says, “And he found a certain Jew.”
Rather, being an aorist participle, it reads, “And having found a certain Jew.” Luke is preparing the next thought through the use of the participle. With the knowledge that Paul has come across this individual, Luke next records, “named Aquila.”
Rather than a verb, the word is a noun and would more rightly read, “by name Aquila.” On the name, Ellicott says, “The name presents some interesting associations. Strictly speaking, the Greek form is Ahylas, but this is undoubtedly the transliterated form of the Latin Aquila (= Eagle). The name appears in a yet more altered form in Onkelos, the traditional writer of one of the Targums, or Paraphrases of the Law, then current among the Jews. In Aquila, one of the later translators of the Old Testament into Greek, himself also born in Pontus, and possibly … identical with Onkelos, we get the Greek form again.”
This individual, Aquila, is seen at other points in Paul’s writings as being his friend, such as in Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19; and 1 Corinthians 16:19. Aquila means Eagle. Despite being a Jew by birth, he became a convert to Christianity. It next says that he was “born in Pontus.”
Being an adjective and a noun, it would most closely be translated as a Pontian native. Pontus was mentioned in Acts 2:9 as one of the locations where the Jews had gathered from while in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Thus, it could be that he was a convert at that time. It was a province of Asia Minor, situated north of Cappadocia. It was bound on the west by Paphlagonia. Together, Pontus and Cappadocia constituted one Roman province. Peter directed one of his epistles to this area in 1 Peter 1:1.
Of Aquila, it next says, “who had recently come from Italy.” Here is an adverb found only this once in Scripture, prosphatós. That comes from the adjective, prosphatos, also found only once in Scripture. That word literally means “freshly killed.” Therefore, in Hebrews 10:20, it describes “‘the new road’ Christ has successfully inaugurated (the NT era) by the sacrifice of Himself.” (HELPS Word Studies). Therefore, this adverb signifies lately or recently.
The reason for his having left Italy will be explained in the next few words. For now, it continues by saying, “with his wife Priscilla.” The name Priscilla is a diminutive form of Prisca. She will be called Prisca in Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy. Prisca is a Latin name meaning Ancient or Longevity.
With these two noted, it next says, “because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome.” Literally, it says, “because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to be separated from Rome.” Of this, the Pulpit Commentary says, “Suetonius mentions the fact, but unfortunately does not say in what year of Claudius’s reign it took place. His account is that, in consequence of frequent disturbances and riots among the Jews at the instigation of Chrestus, Claudius drove them from Rome.”
With that note, scholars then assume that it was because of the spread of Christianity, taking Chrestus as a variant spelling of Christ. In other words, it was because of the new faith in Christ that was being proclaimed. The assumption then is that conflicts arose between the Jews and the Romans as well as between believers and nonbelievers. In order to regain control of the situation, the Jews were expelled from Rome.
This is defended by variant spellings of the name of Christ that has been found elsewhere. Because of this, lengthy commentaries are then written to defend this scenario. This is possible as Aquila and Priscilla were believing Jews. However, these commentaries ignore the words spoken to Paul in Acts 28 – at Rome – which tend to reveal a curiosity by the Jews about Christianity because they had heard about it but were not well-schooled in what it proclaimed.
It seems unlikely that those Jews, having returned to Rome at a later date, would be willing to entertain Paul’s words if they had been kicked out of Rome because of Christianity some years earlier.
What seems likely is that Chrestus was a Jew who stirred up the other Jews for some unknown reason, causing them to be separated from Rome. Regardless of the actual reason for the expulsion, it occurred. Having been expelled from Rome, Aquila and Priscilla left Italy together and Paul found them in Corinth where Luke next records, “and he came to them.
Having found them, he joined with them. The reason for this will be explained in the next verse. It is the start of a new friendship for Paul as he continues his missionary work, establishing the gospel and continuing to develop churches into places of sound doctrine and a right understanding of the work of Jesus Christ.
As for the verse itself, based upon the evaluation of it, a more literal rendering of it would be, “And having found a certain Jew, by name Aquila, a Pontian native, recently having come from Italy, also Priscilla his wife – because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to be separated from Rome – he came to them.”
Life application: Like with the life of Joseph, for whatever reason the Jews were separated from Rome, good came out of what would have otherwise been considered evil to Aquila and Priscilla. Together with Paul, they were able to live and work as they developed their lives in Christ. They will travel to Ephesus with Paul and, as noted above, Paul will refer to them in his epistles, even as late as his second epistle to Timothy.
We may find events that arise in our lives troubling, but later we find out that what happened was actually for a good reason. As believers, this will always be the case, even if we never discover the reason for it in this life. We are sons of God through adoption. As this is so, we must believe that He always has the best in mind for us.
Therefore, when things seem completely upturned and contrary to what we think is best, let us place the matter in the Lord’s hands and faithfully acknowledge that we trust Him to do what is right. In this, we will be demonstrating faith in Him and His intentions for us. It may be difficult to do but let us strive to have this attitude at all times.
Lord God, we know that because of Jesus, You have the very best intention for us. Help us in times of weakness, trouble, and trial, to stand fast on this thought and to remain confident of Your presence in our lives. Thank You that we have a sure and eternal hope because of Jesus. Yes, thank You for Your loving hand upon us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 28, 2023 0:56:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:3
Tuesday, June 27th, 2023
Special floor medallion, Washington State Capitol.
Tuesday, 27 June 2023
So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. Acts 18:3
A more literal translation would be, “And because being of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade” (CG).
In the previous verse, Paul found Aquila and Priscilla. Now it records, “And because being of the same trade.”
It is a word found only once in Scripture, homotechnos. One can look at the word and get a sense of its meaning. It signifies being of the same trade or craft. Alfred Edersheim, in his commentary on Jewish social life, noted that Jewish guilds always kept together, whether on the street or in a synagogue. Because of this, he would have easily come upon Aquila and Priscilla. In meeting them, they obviously found each other agreeable, and so “he stayed with them and worked.”
Luke doesn’t dwell on the reason for this, but it is evident that this was their means of living. Paul didn’t sponge off of those he evangelized. Instead, he worked with his own hands. He says as much elsewhere –
“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:33-35
Also –
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 7-10
Paul also refers to his work in 1 Corinthians 4:12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:9. His work in this manner should not be surprising as a large number of Jews throughout history have had particular skills that they possessed and worked with. Jesus Himself is noted by the word tektōn, translated by most as a carpenter, but which very well may have indicated a stonemason. As for Paul and Aquila, it next says, “for they were tentmakers by trade.”
The word is skénopoios, and it is also only found here in the New Testament. It comes from skéné, tent, and poieó, to make. As for the work itself, Ellicott says –
“The calling was one which St. Paul had probably learnt and practised in his native city, which was noted then, as now, for the rough goat’s-hair fabrics known to the Romans, from the name of the province, as Cilicium (= sack-cloth). The material was one used for the sails of ships and for tents, and on the whole, though some have supposed that leather was used for the latter, it seems more probable that this was the material which St. Paul worked at. It may be added that Pontus, from which Aquila came, was also famous for the same manufacture, the material in each case being furnished by the goats which fed upon the slopes of the Taurus, and the mountain ranges of that province.”
Vincent’s Word Studies disagrees with this and says, “Not weavers of the goat’s-hair cloth of which tents were made, which could easily be procured at every large town in the Levant, but makers of tents used by shepherds and travellers. It was a trade lightly esteemed and poorly paid.” Even if the job was one looked down on, this did not appear to bother Paul in the least.
Life application: It is common in today’s churches that the pastor is paid entirely by the church. This includes his housing and many other fringe benefits. However, smaller churches may have pastors that might not live very well or who have to work other jobs to pay the bills. But there is nothing wrong with this. If one truly loves preaching, then having an extra job or two throughout the week should be considered a blessing and an honor. As Paul says –
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
The idea of working in a trade is not unique to the Christian faith, Maimonides says that “the wise generally practice some of the arts, lest they should be dependent on the charity of others.” Likewise, Vincent’s Word Studies notes, “It was a Rabbinical principle that whoever does not teach his son a trade is as if he brought him up to be a robber. All the Rabbinical authorities in Christ’s time, and later, were working at some trade. Hillel, Paul’s teacher, was a wood-cutter, and his rival, Shammai, a carpenter. It is recorded of one of the celebrated Rabbis that he was in the habit of discoursing to his students from the top of a cask of his own making, which he carried every day to the academy.”
The roots from which the church sprang did not feel it was abasing to do such menial tasks. If Paul could do it and still work tirelessly in the mission field, it should be a badge of honor for pastors, preachers, evangelists, and missionaries to work with their own hands as well.
Lord God, Your word says that in having food and clothing it should be a source of contentment. We may need a dose of this ourselves in a world where we have to have more and more all the time. Help us to be productive, not feeding off of others, and willing to toil to whatever extent is necessary for this to come about. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 29, 2023 0:05:45 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:4
Wednesday, June 28th, 2023
And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:4
The verse more literally reads, “And he was reasoning in the synagogue on every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks” (CG). The previous verse noted the fact that Paul and Aquila were tentmakers. It may seem a sudden diversion to go from that thought directly into this one, but it really isn’t.
Luke is conveying to his reader that Paul didn’t just lounge around all week waiting for the Sabbath. Rather, when he was not involved in telling people about Jesus, he faithfully worked with his hands to support himself. When he wasn’t working, however, Luke records, “And he was reasoning in the synagogue.”
The verb, being imperfect, reveals the ongoing nature of the matter. He made this his usual practice. He worked when it was time to work and then he went to the synagogue and reasoned with those there “on every Sabbath.”
The Sabbath is the Jewish day of rest. It is the end of the week, falling on Saturday. When Paul wasn’t making tents, he was taking the day off and going to the synagogue, reasoning with those there and “persuading both Jews and Greeks.”
As the synagogue was open on the Sabbath, that is the time when the Scriptures could be opened and searched out. It was the time when the Jews were gathered, along with any proselytes and even any Greeks Paul may have encountered and told about Jesus. The word used to describe the Greeks means any Greek speaking person, not just proselytes.
Nothing is said about this synagogue being like those in Berea. There, they were said to have “searched the Scriptures daily” to find out if what Paul was saying matched what the word of God said.
Despite this, at least in Corinth they reasoned once a week when the synagogue was opened.
Life application: It is not uncommon for Jews and Judaizers to point at verses like this one and say, “See, Paul always kept the Sabbath and so should you.” That is not a well-thought-out argument and it does not pass the smell test. First, the place where the scrolls of Scripture were kept was at the synagogue. Therefore, it was necessary to meet there on the Sabbath. But Paul would also have met there any other days when they were open, as was evidenced already with the synagogue in Berea.
Second, the Book of Acts is a descriptive account of what occurred. It does not prescribe anything. As this is so, it is an illegal move in hermeneutics to impose a standard on believers based on what is recorded there. It is true that one can determine from some accounts what is normative and likely to be continued apart from Acts, but going to the synagogue on the Sabbath, though recorded time and again, cannot be considered a normative practice if that is the only day that the Scriptures can be reasoned over.
Third, and most importantly, Paul clearly refutes this inane argument numerous times in his prescriptive epistles. He does this in Romans 14:5, throughout the book of Galatians, Colossians 2:16-19, etc. If you want proper instruction on what is prescriptive, go to the epistles. If you don’t want to get drawn away into the cult of works, know what is said in those epistles and stay away from Judaizers and Hebrew Roots Movement adherents, along with any others who would impose mandates from the Old Testament Scriptures.
Heavenly Father, You have given us freedom to worship You in spirit and in truth. Please keep us far from those who would put us back under the bondage of legalism and false worship. Thank You that we have an intimate connection with You, anytime and in any place, because we are in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 29, 2023 11:02:30 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18: 5
Thursday, June 29th, 2023
When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 18:5
The words of this verse should read, “And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, fully testifying to the Jews: Jesus is the Christ” (CG). The previous verse noted Paul having reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks. With that stated, Luke now records, “And when both Silas and Timothy came down.”
Paul was in Corinth, living with Aquila and Priscilla. He had gone to the synagogue and reasoned with those who attended each Sabbath. However, with the coming of Silas and Timothy, there is a notable change in the dynamics of what takes place. These two had come down “from Macedonia.”
The actual movement of Silas and Timothy is a bit hard to follow. Although unlikely, they may have met Paul and returned to Macedonia or they may have remained in Macedonia. The last time the two of them were mentioned were in Acts 17:14, 15 while they were in Berea. It is probable that both remained in that area until this point. Once they found that Paul had gone to Corinth, they went there to meet him.
It is believed that 1 Thessalonians was probably written around this time and was then carried back to Thessalonica with whoever accompanied Silas and Timothy. The letter would have been spurred on by the report received by Paul from these two. It is of note that there are some similar thoughts presented in 1 Corinthians 15 and in 1 Thessalonians 4 concerning the return of the Lord and the glorification of the saints. Similarities concerning spiritual gifts are also notable between the two epistles.
With the arrival of these two, it next says that “Paul was pressed in the Spirit.” This seems to indicate that the arrival of Silas and Timothy is what urged Paul to a more direct approach concerning his words about Jesus. He had been in the synagogues reasoning from Scripture, but now with his two companions at hand, he became more emboldened than ever to simply proclaim Christ.
It seems that up to this point, he had tried to reason with his audience, but now he felt that they simply needed to hear the proclamation. Enough reasoning from Scripture had taken place and it may have devolved into an academic study rather than a gospel presentation. Their arrival seems to have changed this. This is probably because of the words of Silas and Timothy about the state of the believers in Macedonia.
In other words, those in Macedonia had readily accepted the words of Paul and they had also remained strong in their faith after his departure. Paul was pressed in his spirit to have the same zeal grow within this congregation as well. The word used to describe this is sunechó. It signifies to press together, confine, compel, afflict, etc. The actual meaning will depend on the context. However, it conveys a very strong emotion or feeling.
In this state, it next says he was “fully testifying to the Jews.” The word diamarturomai means more than to testify, but to testify all the way through. Paul bore witness and fully defended his stand on the matter that “Jesus is the Christ.”
Some translations, such as the KJV and others, unfortunately read “Jesus was Christ.” Jesus was, is, and ever will be. Saying “was” completely eradicates the idea of the eternal nature of what is presented. The verb is present tense in the Greek and should be rendered as such. And more, various translations, the KJV included, leave off the article by saying, “Jesus was Christ.”
The definite nature of the proclamation by Paul indicates that Jesus wasn’t just a Christ, but the Christ. He is the fulfillment of the messianic expectations and the One who had fulfilled them all. He continued in that position at the time of Paul’s words, and He continues in that position to this day.
Life application: The subtleties of the word require careful study. Although most translations get the point across about what is being conveyed, they can easily be twisted if someone really wanted to press a matter. Saying “was” in this verse can lead someone to make a faulty statement about the nature of Christ. This is especially so when it is claimed that the translation is perfect and exactly as God intended (as claimed by KJV adherents).
The thought can be rectified by reading other statements in the Bible, but not everyone is going to be so diligent to study the word. This is why there are so many aberrant cults and sects out there. People trust without verifying. When this happens, anything can be injected into their minds concerning what the word is conveying. Read the word! Study the word! Be willing to spend your time researching things from the word that catch your eye.
Don’t implicitly trust. Instead, verify! Show yourself approved. With this, the Lord will be pleased.
Great and awesome God, Your word is so very precious. Help us to seek it out and contemplate it day and night. Even when we are working or on a vacation, we can still think about what Your word told us during our morning study. There is always time to think about what You are telling us. Thank You, O God, for Your precious word. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 30, 2023 22:56:06 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:6
Friday, June 30th, 2023
But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Acts 18:6
The verbs are in the wrong tense in the NKJV. The verse reads, “And they opposing and blaspheming, having shaken out the garments, he said to them, ‘Your blood upon your head. I am clean. From now, to the Gentiles I will go’” (CG).
In the previous verse, it noted that Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and so he testified to the Jews about Jesus being the Christ. Now Luke continues saying, “And they opposing and blaspheming.”
The word translated as opposing signifies strong opposition such as opposing the entire makeup of something, organized resistance such as a particular battle array during warfare, people being opposed to something in both principle and in practice, etc. Because the verb is plural, it reveals that this was not an isolated instance. Rather, it was a concerted effort that was brought against him.
The word translated as blaspheming, blasphémeó, signifies the refusal to acknowledge good or to speak profanely of sacred things. In this case, they opposed Paul’s message by treating his word about Jesus with contempt. TheJews took Jesus’ sacred name and the gospel and vilified them. Because of this, Paul’s response was, “having shaken out the garments.”
To understand the meaning of this act, a short passage from Nehemiah will explain –
“Then I said, ‘What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? 10 I also, with my brethren and my servants, am lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury! 11 Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also a hundredth of the money and the grain, the new wine and the oil, that you have charged them.’
12 So they said, ‘We will restore it, and will require nothing from them; we will do as you say.’
Then I called the priests, and required an oath from them that they would do according to this promise. 13 Then I shook out the fold of my garment and said, ‘So may God shake out each man from his house, and from his property, who does not perform this promise. Even thus may he be shaken out and emptied.’” Nehemiah 5:9-13
The act by Paul would have been perfectly understood by them. He was symbolically asking the Lord to shake them out of their offered inheritance among the saints. This act is not unlike that directed by Jesus in the synoptic gospels. When the message was rejected in a particular city, He told His disciple to shake the dust off their feet and move on. They were symbolically indicating they would have nothing further to do with such a group of people. Along with Paul’s symbolic act, “he said to them, ‘Your blood upon your head.’”
This would also have been perfectly understood by his hearers. In Matthew 27, at the crucifixion of Jesus, it said –
“Then the governor said, ‘Why, what evil has He done?’
But they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Let Him be crucified!’
24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.’
25 And all the people answered and said, ‘His blood be on us and on our children.’
26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.” Matthew 27:23-26
The idea then is that of blood guilt. The Jews who condoned the crucifixion of Jesus had His blood guilt upon them. Those in Corinth had their own blood guilt upon them because of sin. By rejecting the offering of God through the giving of Jesus, their blood guilt remained. This is what Jesus was referring to in John 8 –
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.’
22 So the Jews said, ‘Will He kill Himself, because He says, “Where I go you cannot come”?’
23 And He said to them, ‘You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.’” John 8:21-24
Understanding this, Paul next proclaimed, “I am clean.” The meaning is, he did not bear any responsibility for their blood guilt. It was his task to share the message of Jesus. He did that but they rejected the offer of reconciliation. He could not force the matter upon them. As such, their guilt remained while Paul was clean in regard to their coming torment. This is not unlike the word of the Lord to Ezekiel –
“Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 30:20, 21
With his proclamation of being clean stated, he then turned to the most degrading thing that could alight upon their ears, saying, “From now, to the Gentiles I will go.” The words are similar to those of Acts 13 –
“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:
“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”’” Acts 13:46, 47
The Jews had counted themselves unworthy of eternal life through acceptance of God’s offer of reconciliation. Paul, still adamant that this was the true message, said he would now carry it to the Gentiles. The implication is that the Gentiles who received the word would be accepted by God while these Jews would be rejected. The word would be unconscionable to them. But it was already a word spoken out by Jesus concerning Gentiles –
“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’
7 And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’
8 The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.’ And his servant was healed that same hour.” Matthew 8:5-13
As for Paul’s words now, they don’t mean that he wouldn’t go to the Jews at all anymore. Rather, he would no longer go to them in Corinth. He had proclaimed, they had rejected, and he was through with them.
Life application: The opposing and blaspheming of Jesus by the Jews continues to this day. His name is generally held in contempt by Jewish society and especially so among the more religious sects. However, this does not mean that we shouldn’t at least attempt to evangelize them.
As will be seen in the coming verses, just because the Jews of Corinth rejected the message of Jesus, this was not a universal rejection. Some will hear and heed. So be sure to tell the good news to any person that may come across your path. The Lord will deal with those who reject Him. There is no need to feel the guilt of not at least trying on that day.
Precious Lord God, so many are opposed to the wonderfully good news of Jesus. Sometimes, it seems like it isn’t worth the effort to engage a certain group or family because of their resistance to You, but we don’t know if there is a tender heart among them unless we step forward and speak. So, Lord, help us to do this. It is never a wasted effort. Yes Lord, embolden us for the task. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 1, 2023 22:18:47 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:7
Saturday, July 1st, 2023
And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. Acts 18:7
The translation is more correctly rendered, “And having departed thence, he came to the house of someone by name Justus, worshiping God, whose house was adjoining the synagogue” (CG).
Paul had just notified the Jews that he would henceforth go to the Gentiles. True to his word, it next says, “And having departed thence.”
He left their presence, knowing that he had done his duty by going to his Jewish brethren first, and also knowing that he was wasting his time by staying with them any longer. Therefore, in having departed from there, “he came to the house of someone by name Justus.”
The name Justus is Latin for Just (or Upright, as in being or straight). The name is used by Jews in Acts 1:23 and Colossians 4:11. Some manuscripts say, Titus Justus. It is then said that he is the same person referred to in 2 Corinthians and/or Galatians. There is no reason to make this leap as both names were not uncommon at that time. Regardless of that, it notes of him that he was “worshiping God.”
It is the same word used five times already in Acts, including of devout women such as Lydia in Acts 16. The meaning is that Justus was either a proselyte or he was a convert to Christianity. The main point concerning him is that he is a Gentile. Paul had gone straight from the Jews to engaging the Gentiles, including entering a Gentile house.
In this, he was clearly demonstrating his convictions that the Gentiles were not to be considered “common or unclean” (Acts 10:28). Concerning the location of the house of Justus, it next says, “whose house was adjoining the synagogue.”
It is a word found only here in the Bible or any other ancient Greek literature, sunomoreó.
It signifies to border on or be next door to. What is probably the case is that the ministry was moved to the house of Justus, but Paul continued to live with Aquila and Priscilla. There would be no need for Paul to cut himself off from them just to make a point about going to the Gentiles. Rather, he was simply moving his ministry to a location where the Jews could see his freedom each time they went to the synagogue.
It is a purposeful act on the part of Paul that his teaching would continue within earshot of them, but in a place that they would have been loath to enter because of their attitude concerning Gentiles.
Life application: Despite his statement that he would go henceforth to the Gentiles, he still left the door open to evangelizing the Jews, even in the area of Corinth. He will continue to engage the Jews, having both positive and negative interactions with them. He knew that he could not beat his faith into someone else. He had said what he had to say. They were belligerent against his words, and so he moved on.
This is a good lesson for us as well. We may be extremely passionate about a family member or a friend that we want to see come to Christ. If they have been told the gospel and turned it down, you have done your job. In continuing to harp on someone about their need for Christ, it is not unlikely that you will alienate the very person you hope will convert.
State your words, offer to be there to answer questions in the future, and then be a proper example to them of what you have told them about by living as a faithful Christian, praying for them as it comes to mind. You cannot beat your faith into them, but you can act in a manner that may – someday – remind them of their need for Jesus. When their lives hit a bump or a brick wall, you can reengage them in a manner that may be just what they need at that moment. If you had alienated them through constant nagging, that would not come about. So be patient and be a positive representative of Jesus in the meantime.
Lord God, help us to be wise in our evangelism of others, including those close to us. Help us to faithfully proclaim the gospel and then allow those who hear to make up their minds accordingly. Give us the wisdom to understand that it is not up to us to convert their hearts. It is our job to present the gospel that can. From there, they have a choice to make. Give us wisdom in this regard. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 3, 2023 1:35:53 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:8
Sunday, July 2nd, 2023
Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8
In the previous verse, Paul moved his teaching to the house of Justus who lived directly next to the synagogue. With that remembered, it now continues with, “Then Crispus.”
The name Crispus means Crisp in its original sense which is Curly or Bent. Abarim explains –
“The name Crispus is identical to the Latin adjective crispus, curled (of hair), or uneven and wrinkled. From this adjective comes the verb crispo, to curl or to cause to swing — hence our English word crisp for curly potato slices; a crispy leaf is not a leaf that crunches and crackles but a leaf that’s curled up on the edges. Our adjective, in turn, comes from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘s)ker-’, to bend or turn, from which also stems the verb κειρω (keiro), to shear or shave off (as ostensibly used in ACTS 18:18).”
A pun is likely being made by Luke. In the previous verse, Paul entered the house of Justus (Just or Upright as in being straight). Now, Curly is being noted. He is next noted as “the ruler of the synagogue.” Despite having the article before “ruler,” it does not mean he was the only ruler. Synagogues have more than one at times, as is seen in the gospels where the same word is used, such as –
“Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.’ 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.” Mark 5:21-24
Therefore, he may have been one of several rulers or he could have been the only ruler. If one of several, the use of the article would be to distinguish him from any other person who had the same name. Of him, the NKJV says that he “believed on the Lord.”
It is incorrect. Most translations say something similar to this, but there is no preposition in the Greek. It simply says, “he believed the Lord.” What may be the case is that he had heard the word about Jesus and he, like a Berean, checked the word directly. This seems like a sound conclusion because his conversion is specifically mentioned after the note concerning Paul’s entrance into the house of Justus. If he had heard directly from the Lord, Luke would certainly have included that. Rather, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). He heard, he verified, and he believed the Lord who gave the word.
Therefore, the pun continues. Next door was Justus who was straight. Now, Curly has been made just, having been straightened out. Isaiah prophesied of such things –
“Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough places smooth;
5 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
And all flesh shall see it together;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:4, 5
Along with Crispus, it also says, “with all his household.” As in Acts 10 and Acts 16, the whole house has believed. This does not mean that everyone is saved through one, nor can that be inferred. It means any who believed were saved. It is the belief that is highlighted and which is then responded to: belief = salvation. Because of this new faith in the household of Crispus, it next says, “And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed.”
This is a testimony to the fact that one conversion can lead to many. It does not mean that the belief was in the faith of Crispus. However, it does indicate that the faith of Crispus led to belief in what had been proclaimed concerning the gospel. In other words, seeing the faith of another, especially one who would otherwise be diametrically opposed to what was presented – as indicated by the opposition and blaspheming of the Jews of verse 18:6 – led these people to consider and accept the gospel.
How this happened is not stated, but one possibility is that Crispus was a known figure. Upon his conversion, he took time to explain to those Corinthians who knew him that he had checked his own Scriptures and realized that they foretold exactly what Paul proclaimed. His faith led to the trust of those Corinthians in the truth of the matter and thus to their conversion as well. From there, it says, “and were baptized.”
This means first Crispus and his household who believed and then also those Corinthians who also believed. This is recorded in 1 Corinthians 1 –
“I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:14-17
Paul personally baptized Crispus and Gaius along with the household of Stephanas. What can be inferred is that Crispus may have then had the honor of baptizing his own household.
Life application: The ridiculously inane teaching of hyperdispensationalists is that Christians today do not need to be baptized. 1 Corinthians 14:17 is used as one of their crazy “proofs” that this is so. Twisting Paul’s words, they say that Paul was not sent to baptize, stopping right there and using those words as validation of their nutty theology.
Paul’s point was not that believers did not need to be baptized. Throughout Acts, Paul baptizes people as do others. Conversion after conversion, when someone believes, he or she is then noted as being baptized. It sets up a normative affirmation that baptism is something that was both practiced and accepted as proper because it is in accord with Jesus’ words of Matthew 28:18-20.
Paul’s baptism of Crispus, Gaius, and others demonstrates that baptism was appropriate, but that was not his main line of work. His job was that of an apostle. Someone had to baptize the first converts. Being several in number, Paul did some and it is likely that those who traveled with him did others. From there, the now-converted and baptized Crispus could baptize others. This would leave Paul free to continue his apostolic ministry without interruption.
A problem with the thinking of the hyperdispensational heretics is that it clearly says that the Corinthians who believed were baptized. As this is so, and as they are Gentiles, then there is no logical point in Scripture or in church history where this was no longer the case. In other words, who is the decider of when the practice of baptizing was to end. There is no point for it to be so and there is no instruction in Scripture to override the clear words of Jesus in Matthew 28. The thinking is crass and illogical.
Don’t get duped into ridiculously presented arguments like those of hyperdispensationalists. They take verses out of their intended context, form pretexts, and then run with them. This is similar to those who use Jesus’ words concerning the law and claim we are still required to observe Moses when He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets” (Matthew 5:17).
“See! You must observe the law and the prophets!” No! Rather, Jesus continued speaking, “I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” And fulfill it He did. Now, His work can be imputed to anyone who will believe and accept that fulfillment on his behalf. For those who do not, they will not be saved. They can wallow in their own mire of law observance and be rejected by God for their insolent pride against His offer of grace.
Lord God, help us to think clearly on issues of such great importance as those presented in this commentary. May we never be duped by those who wish to pull us away from either salvation by grace through faith or from obediently following the Lord Jesus via the rite of believer’s baptism. These things are not hard to discern, but they are easily twisted by those who hate what You have set before them. May we not be included with such people. May our hearts be directed toward You in faithful obedience. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 4, 2023 2:46:20 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:9
Monday, July 3rd, 2023
Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; Acts 18:9
In the last verse, Paul spoke, people believed, and then they were baptized. With that, it next says, “Now the Lord spoke to Paul.”
This is something that has occurred and will continue to occur in Acts. Sometimes it is the Lord personally appearing, and sometimes it is through a messenger. It has happened to others, such as Stephen, Peter, and Cornelius. At the time of his conversion in Acts 9, the Lord appeared to Paul. In Acts 16:9, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for them to come and help them. Now, it specifically says that the Lord spoke to Paul “in the night.”
This is the same as the vision from the man of Macedonia. It was specifically recorded as being at night. Likewise, this time it is also “by a vision,” or more literally, “through a vision.” It can only be speculated just what is being conveyed here, but it is the same word used several times already in Acts. Strong’s defines it as “something gazed at, i.e. A spectacle (especially supernatural).”
The Lord appeared to Paul in a recognizable way where he knew it was Him. In His appearing, He then said, “Do not be afraid.” The deduction is that the Lord said this because Paul was afraid and he needed to be reassured that he would bring about the effect the Lord intended. This is answered in the next verse: Do not be afraid / for I am with you.
The obvious question would be, “Afraid of what?” The answer is addressed in the next words where the Lord says, “but speak.” The word is a present imperative. It is a command to speak. Translations vary, but the intent is understood – be speaking, continue speaking, speak out, etc. Paul may have thought that the converts he had were all that would come about and from this point on, there would be little fruit.
The city was pagan and filled with idolatry and immorality. He might have thought he was insufficient to the task of any further evangelization. However, the Lord is instructing him to speak. This is also answered in the next verse: Speak / for I have many people in this city. Paul is being reassured that his words will meet the Lord’s intended effect. This appears to be what Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians –
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Paul admits his weakness, fear, and trembling. He obviously felt insufficient to carry on the task set before him. He again admits that this is the case in his second letter to them, asking the question for all to consider –
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
In those words, Paul asks the question rhetorically as a way of showing the immense responsibility laid upon the one who shares the gospel message. It is a two-edged sword that will lead some to life and some to death. The words when transmitted will lead to either eternal life or eternal damnation.
Who would take such a responsibility lightly? Who would even be willing to speak such words, knowing what the result could be? Paul implies here that it is the grace of God alone which enabled him to pronounce the eternal destiny-deciding words. He felt insufficient, but the Lord bolstered his confidence with this night vision. Continuing His words, He says to Paul, “and do not keep silent.”
Not only was he commanded to speak but he is exhorted to not be silent. One can speak and then take a break, but the Lord tells Paul to do otherwise. He is to both speak and not stop speaking. His words will be effective and the Lord will be with him in the process.
Life application: Today, we do not need such a vision from the Lord. The Bible is complete. The trepidation Paul experienced is something that others may experience. A missionary goes off to Thailand, for example. Upon arrival, the question may be, “How can I be effective in the task set before me?” If that person has read the account of Paul in Acts, he will know that if the Lord is with him, exactly what is intended by Him will come about.
The very words recorded in Acts and the epistles are given to remind us that such fear is unfounded. It is because these things are recorded there that we should not expect visions from the Lord. He has sufficiently demonstrated that His plans are being worked out. Because we have the Bible, we can know that even in our insufficiency, the Lord’s guiding hand is with us and it is fully sufficient to get the job done.
Lord God, because we have Your word, everything we need to proceed in life is documented and available to us. Nothing is lacking for us to accomplish what is set before us except to read and know what the word says. If we apply its contents to our own walk before You, we will be set for every challenge. Thank You for Your precious word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 4, 2023 20:48:29 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:10
Tuesday, July 4th, 2023
“for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:10
The Lord has come to Paul in a vision at night and told him to not be afraid, but to speak and not keep silent. His words now continue with, “for I am with you.”
The words are especially emphatic, “For I AM with you.” There is absolute assurance that Jesus is with Paul and will be with him. As noted in the previous verse, this is said in support of what was said there: Do not be afraid / for I am with you. The Lord acknowledges that he is with Paul and that his efforts will not lead to disappointment or harm. The Lord next explains to Paul how he knows he will be safe, saying, “and no one will attack you to hurt you.”
The meaning is correct, but it more literally says, “and no one will set upon you to harm you.” The Lord already knows, in advance, that Paul will not be molested while evangelizing and teaching. With this understood, the Lord next says, “for I have many people in this city.”
The Greek literally reads, “for people are to me many.” This then is not an explanation of how Paul knows he will be safe, as if those people will protect him. Rather, they are words supporting the words of the previous verse: Speak / for I have many people in this city.
In other words, these are not only people who have been saved, but people that the Lord knows will be saved. Paul is not to be disheartened over having a minimal effect in his evangelistic efforts, especially toward his Jewish brethren. Instead, he is to be certain that his words will be welcomed by the Gentiles and there will be a great harvest.
Concerning these words, Albert Barnes rightly contrasts Paul’s efforts in Athens with those in Corinth. He also gives several other well-thought-out points to consider –
We may learn from this:
(1) That God has a purpose in regard to the salvation of sinners.
(2) that that purpose is so fixed in the mind of God that he can say that those in relation to whom it is formed are his.
(3) this is the ground of encouragement to the ministers of the gospel. Had God no purpose to save sinners, they could have no hope in their work.
(4) this plan may have reference to the most frivolous, the most guilty, and the most abandoned, and ministers should not be deterred by the amount or the degree of wickedness from attempting to save them.
(5) there may be more hope of success among a dissolute and profligate population, than among proud, cold, and skeptical philosophers. Paul had little success in philosophic Athens; he had great success in dissolute Corinth. There is often more hope of converting a man openly dissolute and abandoned, than one who prides himself on his philosophy, and is confident in his own wisdom.
Life application: Looking at the first ten verses of the chapter, the despondency of Paul, leading to the need for the vision of the Lord, can be seen.
Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.
He stayed with Aquila and Priscilla and worked, thus he had to support himself.
He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. Unlike in Berea, there was only a weekly, not a daily, interest in searching Scripture.
Only when Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia was Paul finally compelled to testify that Jesus is the Christ.
They opposed him and blasphemed.
Paul set up next to the synagogue, and Crispus and his household believed, but with the opposition to the message, the synagogue would remain unavailable to him.
A harvest among the Greeks was coming about, but Paul certainly mourned over his “countrymen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:1-3).
Jesus came and informed him that there was a great harvest to be expected in the city. The implication is that the transition from Jew to Gentile was increasing and this was to be expected. It would be the direction of the church henceforth.
Paul was expending himself in a city of pagans after having left a city filled with idolatry and empty philosophy. His own people of the flesh had all but rejected his efforts of evangelism. Those few converts from his class and ethnic group were slow in coming. But he had himself required a divine visitation in order to be converted and so he shouldn’t be surprised by the lack of converts. He must have been concerned about the direction of how things were going. But the Lord came and assured him that what was taking place was exactly as he should expect.
Even though Jesus had told him he was to go to the nations (the Gentiles), Paul always went to the synagogues first, but the increasing disdain for his message surely affected him. However, knowing Jesus’ words, he was discovering that what was transpiring was the new norm. God’s plan extended beyond anything he had anticipated.
The influx of Gentiles was now understood to be a long-term proposition. With this knowledge becoming solidified in him, he will continue to become more effective and much bolder in his ministry. The church being built was according to the Lord’s plan and therefore his efforts were worthwhile and not a waste of time or energy.
Lord God, we can learn so much from studying and contemplating Your word. When we may feel ineffective and our efforts for You seem to be gathering little attention or bearing little fruit, You are there, using them according to Your wisdom. Help us to continue with our tasks, even if they seem small or unimportant. If they are done for You, we know that You will use them in the most effective way. Thank You that Your word reveals this. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 5, 2023 23:41:17 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:11
Wednesday, July 5th, 2023
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:11
The last two verses detailed Paul’s vision of the Lord. He was informed that he was to keep on speaking and he was given reassurance that all would be ok. With that, it now says, “And he continued there.” The word is kathizó. It literally means “to sit down.” Figuratively then, it gives the sense of dwelling, remaining, abiding, etc. It corresponds to the Hebrew word yashav which carries the same general meanings.
It is as if he sat in the overseer’s chair, monitoring, leading, and teaching the church. The Geneva Bible says that in former times the bishop’s seat was named from this. It shows that Paul not only dwelt there, but he ‘rested’ there. Instead of being depressed, anxious, or fearful, he was now in a relaxed state.
He understood that God was working in a new direction that did not have to be either exclusively Jewish or even have a majority of Jews. Rather, he was now accustomed to the fact that Gentiles were taking the predominant role in the church. This content state of “sitting down” is next said to be for “a year and six months.”
A year and a half allowed for the church to get established and for doctrine to begin to set in. This also allowed for the establishment of sister churches in the area. There is another church close by, in Cenchrea, that is mentioned in Romans 16 where it says –
“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” Romans 16:1, 2
It is also implied in 2 Corinthians 1:1 as well, where it says, “To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia.” Cenchrea is in Achaia. It is during his time in Greece that Paul wrote his epistles to those in Thessalonica as well. Thus, they are the earliest dated letters found in the New Testament.
This year-and-a-half lasted until the next verse where things were no longer so restful. That will be described in verses 12-17. Then, in verse 18 it will say, “So Paul still remained a good while.” In other words, Paul’s total time at Corinth was actually longer than a year and six months. The only place that he is recorded as staying at longer is in Ephesus which Acts 20:31 says was for a period of three years.
During this first year and a half, it next says that he was “teaching the word of God among them.” Paul not only evangelized and started churches in the area, but he took careful time to instruct the new believers in the word of God. He also had Crispus, the synagogue ruler, which surely would have been a real help for the long-term health of the church.
Life application: The church at Corinth became a highly dysfunctional church after Paul’s departure. There was a lot of division along with many other problems. It’s hard to imagine that not being the case without the epistles to refer to. They help remind, correct, admonish, and encourage us today.
Without those, it would be easy to divide up over pet peeves, misremember what was said, etc. Now, however, we have the epistles. When problems arise, it is generally because the epistles are either ignored or they are misinterpreted or intentionally misused. All members of the church should be familiar with them. Reading from Romans to Philemon, which are Paul’s named epistles, only takes a very short time. Even a slow reader can read them in no time at all.
From there, they should be read again at least a couple of times a year. If the pastor is competent, he should be referring to them constantly in his writings or in his Bible studies and sermons. The more they are referred to, the more familiar the congregants will be with what is in them. When conflicts in doctrine arise, they should be referred to and any disputes should be laid out for consideration.
The problem with such things is not that there is insufficient information in the word to direct the church. The problem is that the word is neglected or mishandled. Keep studying the word, keep referring to it, and be aware of what it says. God has given it to us to keep the church healthy and away from those who would take the church down unfriendly avenues.
Glorious Lord God, may we make the Bible a priority in our lives. In holding it close to our daily lives, referring to it, considering it, carefully analyzing it, and cherishing it, we will avoid many pitfalls in our walk with You. Help us to be diligent in our pursuit of Your precious and sacred word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 7, 2023 0:47:36 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:12
Thursday, July 6th, 2023
When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, Acts 18:12
The previous verse noted that Paul continued in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among the people. Now, it says, “When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia.”
Rather, the verb is a present participle, “And Gallio being proconsul of Achaia.” Gallio is described by Albert Barnes –
“Gallio, who was now deputy of it, was brother to L. Annaeus Seneca, the famous philosopher, who was preceptor to Nero; his name at first was M. Annaeus Novatus, but being adopted by L. Junius Gallio, he took the name of the family. According to his brother’s account of him (s), he was a very modest man, of a sweet disposition, and greatly beloved; and Statius (t) calls him Dulcem Gallionem, “the sweet Gallio”, mild and gentle in his speech, as Quintilian says.”
Luke notes that at this time he was the proconsul of Achaia. This is the first mention of Achaia in Scripture. It was a Roman province that contained almost all of Greece. Ellicott says, “This word, in its largest sense, comprehended the whole of Greece. Achaia proper, however, was a province of which Corinth was the capital. It embraced that part of Greece lying between Thessaly and the southern part of the Peloponnesus.”
During Gallio’s time as proconsul, Luke notes that “the Jews with one accord rose up.” The action described is from a word found only here in Scripture, katephistemi. It is a word that is also not found in the Greek Old Testament nor in any ancient Greek writers. It gives the sense of standing against another. Older Bibles incorrectly say “insurrection.” However, an insurrection is against a ruling body, not a guy you disagree with. As it next notes, “against Paul.”
As has been the case several times in Acts, the Jews’ jealousy at Paul’s success, and their inability to refute his words concerning the coming of Messiah, had them all steamed up. A similar event occurred in Daniel 6 where the governors and satraps rose up against Daniel, thronging king Darius. As for Paul, remembering that his letters to those in Thessalonica were written during his time in Greece, one can see the bitterness that had arisen between the two parties in his first letter to them –
“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.” 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 20
The greater number of Jews had rejected the message of Jesus being the Messiah while the Gentiles had openly embraced it in ever-increasing numbers. What the Jews had been unable to do for many years with established synagogues, Paul had done in a short amount of time. And more, Paul did not mandate any type of conversion to Judaism. Rather he openly preached against it. This infuriated them. Because of this, they stood against him “and brought him to the judgment seat.”
The meaning is to the bema seat of Gallio. They probably did this because he was new and hoped that his inexperience in this position would work on their behalf. They had surely concocted a charge against him concerning his diversion from Jewish law. Where their teaching was accepted as a legitimate expression of the Roman-approved religions, they wanted what Paul was teaching to be cut off as illegitimate.
Life application: What happened to Paul in his day is what is coming about again in our own time. The proper expression of worship concerning Jesus is derived from obedience to Scripture. However, churches around the world are actually of the attitude that those who hold to Scripture are the problem.
For example, everything homosexual and perverted is becoming the norm in major denominations. And yet, there is no provision for such things in Scripture. Despite this, these apostate bodies are actively accusing those who hold to Scripture of being the ones who are intolerant and aberrant concerning proper Christian values.
Eventually, this will become so pervasive that these greater bodies will openly come against those who faithfully adhere to the word and attempt to have them cut off from being considered Christian entities. The unholy tide is rushing in their favor, and so this is not mere speculation, but rather a logical conclusion concerning what lies ahead. Be prepared to stand on your faith from a biblical perspective. It may cost you dearly, but heck, it is well worth it in the long run.
Heavenly Father, the time has arrived when what You have set forth in Your word concerning our conduct is no longer being tolerated. It seems inevitable that those who hold to what You expect of us will be increasingly persecuted for their faith. So, Lord, be with us and give us the strength to endure whatever comes against us. Help us in our weak state to be strong in You. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 8, 2023 1:44:50 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:13
Friday, July 7th, 2023
saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” Acts 18:13
In the previous verse, the Jews had stood against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat of Gallio. Their words are now given, “saying, ‘This fellow persuades men.’”
The word translated as persuades is found only here in Scripture, anapeitho. It gives the sense of inciting, as if Paul is forming his own insurrection by teaching something that stirs up others. That incitement is then defined by them as “to worship God.”
This is the main subject of the incitement. It is not the worship of God itself, however, that they are up in arms about. Rather, it is the manner of doctrine by which Paul taught others to worship God. To fully define his supposed inappropriate worship, they next say, “contrary to the law.”
This is not directly speaking of the Law of Moses. Rather, Gallio is a Roman proconsul. Thus, the Jews are trying to say that Paul’s doctrine is not in accord with Roman law. The worship of God through the Law of Moses was accepted as religio licita by Rome; it was considered acceptable under Roman Law.
The Jews, however, are saying that what Paul is teaching is not in accord with their law and therefore it is not in accord with Roman law. Hence, it must be religio illicita, meaning an illegitimate religious expression.
In other words, Judaism is the overall umbrella for worship by the Jews. Under that umbrella, there were many sects, such as the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, etc. However, Paul was a Christian – a Christ follower. The Jews were attempting to disassociate this sect from the protection of the overall umbrella approved for the Jews. In doing so, the faith would be considered an unapproved form of worship by Rome, and thus “contrary to the law.”
Life application: What does it mean to be a true Jew? Paul explains it in Romans 2 –
“For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Romans 2:25-29
A true Jew is a Jew who is not merely circumcised in the flesh, but who is also circumcised in the heart, by the Spirit, through faith in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, replacement theologians take Paul’s words and say, “We are circumcised in the heart and therefore we are true Jews.” This is a fallacy known as a category mistake.
A Gentile who believes rightly in Jesus is, in fact, circumcised in the heart. But this does not make him a Jew. He remains a Gentile. Paul never speaks of Gentiles as anything but Gentiles. He refers to Jews as Jews. This goes back to Romans 2:17 where he specifically begins to address the Jews. Paul is making a theological point about what it means to be a true Jew, not what it means for a Gentile to become a Jew through faith in Jesus.
Keep the categorical boxes straight. In so doing, you will not look ridiculous when making an absurd claim that you are something you are not. If you are a Gentile, you are a Gentile. Live with it.
Glorious God, thank You that because of faith in Jesus, each of us is precious in Your sight, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, men or women, rich or poor, or any other such earthly division. If we have called out by faith, accepting the gospel of Jesus, we are pleasing to You. What an honor and a blessing to be Your children because of that. Thank You, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jul 9, 2023 1:06:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 18:14
Saturday, July 8th, 2023
And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. Acts 18:14
Paul has been taken before the judgment seat of Gallio and has been accused of persuading men to worship God contrary to the law. With their accusation stated, it next says, “And when Paul was about to open his mouth.”
It is a present participle, more correctly reading, “And Paul, being about to open the mouth.” The meaning is that Paul was just about to speak in defense of himself. However, without even being given the opportunity to get a word out, it next says, “Gallio said to the Jews.”
The obvious meaning is that what they have stated to him either first needs clarification, more information, that he is uninterested in what has been presented, or some other similar idea. The charge against Paul is insufficiently addressed for him to even allow Paul to speak. With that initial address complete, he next says to them, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews.”
There is a stress that is left out of the translation. It more rightly says, “If, indeed, it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews.” It isn’t that he doesn’t care about being thorough in his job, and it isn’t that he doesn’t care about their complaint because they are Jews. Rather, he doesn’t care about their complaint because it has nothing to do with his jurisdiction.
The word translated as “wrongdoing,” adikéma, is introduced here. It speaks of a matter doing evil, committing iniquity, doing wrong, etc. This wrongdoing can be a crime in a society or it can be an offense against God, such as in Revelation 18:5 where Babylon’s iniquities are remembered by God.
The second word, translated as “crimes,” is found only here in Scripture as well as in classical Greek, rhadiourgéma. It comes from rhadios, meaning easy or reckless, and ergon, work or a deed. Thus, it is to work recklessly. Added to it is the word wicked. Hence, it would be an action of wickedness that is recklessly worked out. One can think of thugs on the street who are skilled at doing wrong.
Gallio has noted that such things are within his purview. He then bolsters that by saying, “there would be reason why I should bear with you.” One gets the sense of Gallio being impatient with the Jews over such a petty matter, and it is probable that this was not his first encounter with their whining. They had made themselves intolerable to him and he was fed up with it. This seems likely based on what lies ahead in the narrative.
Life application: Gallio rightly placed the matter back on the Jews where it belonged. They were bringing a matter forward that was obviously between them and Paul and had no bearing on civil matters.
In the church, such things are to be handled by the church. This is explicitly stated in Scripture. If a matter arises between believers that needs mediation, it is to be handled by a body of believers. This extends even to civil matters. Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 6:1-7. Take time to read those verses and consider what they say.
If you are wronged by a fellow believer, Paul says that it would be better to accept the wrong or let yourself be cheated than to take such matters before unbelievers. Before doing anything rashly, consider the words of Scripture and take your actions in accord with what is recorded there.
Lord God, give us wisdom in how we handle our interactions with other believers. May we do our very best to faithfully uphold the sanctity and sacredness of Your word at all times. May our actions not bring the name of Jesus into disrepute. Help us with this. May our actions always glorify You. Amen.
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