|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 7, 2021 23:26:08 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 2:47
Tuesday, December 7th, 2021
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47
The words of this verse continue those of the previous verse. Taken together they read, “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” With this noted, we see that the early church was “praising God.”
This is a general statement that was noted by Luke at the very end of his gospel –
“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke 24:50-53
This attitude of praise concerning the crucified Lord, their Passover Lamb (Leviticus 23:14) and Atoning Sacrifice (Leviticus 23:26-32); and the risen Lord, the Firstfruits of God (Leviticus 23:9-15); continued on in an attitude of praise at the Lord who gave forth His Spirit to the people (Leviticus 24:15-22). The fulfillment of typology from Scripture was being realized before their eyes.
With each occurrence, the praises of the people must have grown greater and greater. The thought of Ecclesiastes 9 must have saturated their conduct –
“Go, eat your bread with joy,
And drink your wine with a merry heart;
For God has already accepted your works.
8 Let your garments always be white,
And let your head lack no oil.” Ecclesiastes 9:7, 8
The Lord had accepted them, and thus their works were now acceptable to the Lord. Along with this, it says of them, “and having favor with all the people.” This doesn’t mean the masses were being converted, nor that the leaders accepted their message as true. It is the same general sentiment found in Mark 12:37 where it says, “And the common people heard Him gladly.”
Those who heard the apostles speak would have nothing to hold against them, and – indeed – they would have been glad to listen to them and learn from them, even if they didn’t join the faith. People can go to a lecture by a person and learn from him, even if they don’t necessarily agree with him. We can watch a show on TV about something we don’t agree with, maybe evolution, and still enjoy the content.
As such, the apostles and disciples found favor with people in general. There was nothing worthy of calling for a good stoning in order to silence them. And so, they continued proclaiming their message. In this, it next says, “And the Lord added to the church daily.”
The verb is imperfect. It more rightly says, “And the Lord kept adding to the church daily.” Of those that heard from day to day, some were convinced, their hearts were touched, and they yielded to the call upon their hearts. Saying that “the Lord” did this does not in any way need to imply that the Lord actively reached into their hearts and converted them. This would be contrary to the notion of free will in man.
Rather, the apostles would have quoted directly from Scripture (as evidenced by Peter’s quoting of Scripture in Acts 2 and elsewhere, and also in the epistles). Along with that, they would explain how Christ fulfilled these things. In hearing, there would be a response. This is how salvation works. Paul states this directly in Romans 10:16, 17 –
“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
It is the Lord who gave Scripture, it is the Lord who fulfilled Scripture, it was the Lord who appointed His ambassadors, and thus it is the Lord who adds to the church. Luke finishes the verse with the thought that those who are so added are “those who were being saved.”
The KJV tragically renders these words, “such as should be saved.” This would compel the verb to be rendered in the future. But it is a present participle. Vincent’s Word Studies, citing Lightfoot, reveals the extent of the damage such an incorrect translation of these words means –
“Salvation is a thing of the present, as well as of the past and future. … ‘Godliness, righteousness, is life, is salvation. And it is hardly necessary to say that the divorce of morality and religion must be fostered and encouraged by failing to note this, and so laying the whole stress either on the past or on the future – on the first call, or on the final change. It is, therefore, important that the idea of salvation as a rescue from sin, through the knowledge of God in Christ, and therefore a progressive condition, a present state, should not be obscured, and we can but regret such a translation as Acts 2:47, “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” where the Greek implies a different idea’ (Lightfoot, ‘On a Fresh Revision of the New Testament’).”
The church was growing, and people were being saved. But the theology behind the words is important to understand, and it cannot be properly understood when a translation gives a faulty sense of what has occurred, is occurring, or will occur within the redemptive narrative.
Life application: There is a lot of theology that is to be found in this final verse of Acts 2. But Acts 2 is a chapter literally overflowing with information that is to be taken in the proper context and applied to our theology in the proper manner.
As for Acts 2:47, how one perceives the words here will be based on what one believes about salvation. Does man have free will? Does God actively choose some for salvation while condemning all others? Is salvation a “right now” event, or is it some concept that applies to the future in an obscure way? Paul tells us the importance of “right now” in his second letter to the Corinthians –
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:
‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2
What is your attitude concerning sharing the gospel? If people are predestined to be saved by God, then it doesn’t really matter, does it? Can God’s will be thwarted? And so, if there are those who “should be saved,” there would be no need to worry about telling them anything. There would be no need to send missionaries out to bring the message of Christ to the world.
Great errors in theology have arisen because of great errors in translations, in thinking, and in doctrine. Let us be aware of such errors and flee from them. Let us purpose in our hearts to get the saving message of Jesus Christ out to those around us.
Lord God, help us to be responsible with our time in Your word. Help us to reject faulty translations when we realize they are faulty, making notes to carefully correct the doctrinal errors that are presented in verses or passages that were incorrectly presented. We can be sure that most translators really cared about what they were doing, but we can also be sure that they were just fallible people translating Your word in a fallible way. Help us to see the error and to correct it in order to be right in our walk with You. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 8, 2021 23:37:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:1
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. Acts 3:1
Acts 3 opens with a great verse to demonstrate why the book of Acts is descriptive in nature and doesn’t prescribe doctrine. Because that is what some will suddenly claim concerning verses that will soon come up in Acts 3. Acts 2 ended with these words –
“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46, 47
The apostles and disciples would meet in the temple. That now continues to be seen with the words, “Now Peter and John.” These two (along with James) spent a great deal of intimate time with Jesus. While the other apostles were left behind, Jesus would take them to witness various events in His ministry, such as –
“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.” Mark 9:2-6
“But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.’ 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.’ 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.” Luke 8:50-53
Luke specifically notes the two preparing for Christ’s final Passover meal as well –
“Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.’
9 ‘So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?”’
10 And He said to them, ‘Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says to you, ‘Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’”” 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.’
13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.” Luke 22:7-13
Peter and John will also be seen together in Acts 4 and Acts 8. Of these two apostles Luke next says they “went up together to the temple.” This is where the believers were said to gather daily, and so it is the standard thing they would be expected to do. However, Luke adds in specific information to be considered, saying it was “at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.”
This would be at 3pm. It is the time of Israel’s evening sacrifice, and it is the hour that Christ died on the cross –
“Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, ‘Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ Having said this, He breathed His last.” Luke 23:44-46
This was a common time for the people to gather and pray, but it was also a time that other great events in Israel’s history are recorded to have occurred. One of these events is found in 1 Kings 18 –
“And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, ‘Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.’
38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!’” 1 Kings 18:36-39
Prayer was customarily made at this time and also at the time of the morning sacrifice. These were the times when the incense was presented in the temple as first specified to Moses in Exodus 30 –
“Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. 8 And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.” Exodus 30:7, 8
That this time of incense and sacrifice was also the time of prayer is then noted in Luke 1 –
“So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.” Luke 1:8-10
It is at this specific hour that Luke records the events that will follow.
Life application: In Acts 3, there will be a miraculous healing. It is not uncommon, especially for Pentecostals and Charismatics, to claim healing over another based on the recorded healings found in Acts. The logic is that these things occurred in Acts, and they can claim the same healing power now. Thus, they are taking such verses as prescribing healing power for believers in Christ.
The pick and choose nature of such things is found, quite clearly, in the fact that none of these same people specifically go to church at the ninth hour to pray. Nor do they follow a host of other things done by the apostles as recorded in Acts 3 or elsewhere. One can see that by selectively choosing verses from Acts, pulling them out of their intended context, and applying them to Christian life today, any number of aberrant doctrines can be conjured up.
But the record of these events in Acts was never intended to prescribe anything. They simply give us a historical account of what happened during the early establishment of the church.
Remember this as You read the Bible. Ask yourself: “Who is being addressed?”, “Why are the events recorded?”, “What dispensation is being referred to?”, and so on. In maintaining a proper perspective concerning the context, you will avoid great error in your doctrine.
Lord God, how wonderful it is to be in Your presence and to be able to pray to You anytime and anywhere we choose. In fact, Your word tells us to pray without ceasing. As this is so, we know that You are ever attentive to our prayers. Thank You for such comforting reassurance. All glory to You! Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 10, 2021 1:37:28 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:2
Thursday, December 9th, 2021
And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; Acts 3:2
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
As seen in the previous verse, Peter and John went together, up to the temple at the hour of prayer. It was at the ninth hour that this occurred. At this particular time, Luke next records, “And a certain man.”
Based on the surrounding words, it is apparent that this man was well known and easily identifiable to those who came and went. This is first certain because of the words that he was “lame from his mother’s womb.”
The verb is a present participle. It says he “was being lame.” Rendering this verb correctly is important because someone can be lame from his mother’s womb but be fixed by a doctor. “Craig was lame from his mother’s womb, but Dr. Voitenko was able to correct that.” In this case, the lameness continued on without correction, even until the time of this account. Of this man, it says he “was carried.”
Again, the verb needs correction. It is imperfect. He was “being carried.” This means that it was a regular event, from day to day without any end to the ordeal. It wasn’t just that he was carried there one particular day, but that it was a regular and ongoing thing. Both of these thoughts are especially noted by Luke to ensure that it is understood by the reader that what occurred was not a setup by the apostles. Rather, the man was lame, he remained lame, and he was being carried from day to day.
It is this particular man, in this particular situation, “whom they laid daily.” Now, for the third time, the verb needs correction. It is again imperfect. It reads, “whom they were laying daily.” Saying, “they laid daily,” could indicate 20 years ago. “Craig used to be laid daily at this spot.” That is not the intent at all. It had happened, and it was continuing on without any end in sight – “Craig is being laid daily at this spot… poor guy! His misery goes on and on.”
It is this ongoing action that occurred “at the gate of the temple.” The man is being continuously laid, from day to day, at a place where countless multitudes would pass by. At the pilgrim feasts, the numbers would be staggering. But even on regular days, the same people who were inclined to go to the temple would see him every day.
And, because it is the ninth hour, he was there at the hour of prayer when many who would come for this specific purpose would be going by. That was seen in the citation of Luke 1:10 in the previous commentary. This man would be a notable fixture that would be unmistakably recognizable when the coming events had taken place. In the case of the gate, of which there were many, he was daily laid at the gate “which is called Beautiful.”
The word “gate” literally signifies a “door.” The gates of the temple could be shut with a door anytime it was deemed necessary, both from a customary standpoint, or out of necessity, such as during an emergency. The latter is seen later in Acts 21–
“And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.” Acts 21:30
It is at the door of the temple that this man was customarily laid. Of the placement of this gate (door), Albert Barnes provides suitable information –
“In regard to this gate there have been two opinions, one of which supposes that it was the gate commonly called Nicanor, which led from the court of the Gentiles to the court of the women (see Plan in notes on Matthew 21:12), and the other that it was the gate at the eastern entrance of the temple, commonly called Susan. It is not easy to determine which is intended; though from the fact that what is here recorded occurred near Solomon’s porch (Acts 3:11; compare the Plan of the Temple, Matthew 21:12), it seems probable that the latter was intended. This gate was large and splendid. It was made of Corinthian brass, a most valuable metal, and made a magnificent appearance (Josephus, Jewish Wars, book 5, chapter 5, section 3).”
There at this spot, the man was laid in order “to ask alms.” This was a regular practice at the time, and it was also something that occurred elsewhere throughout the Roman empire. It is still seen today in areas of the world. People that are handicapped in one way or another are laid in public places where they will have the best opportunity to receive pity from those passing by. It was the regular daily occurrence in this man’s life. There he would be laid, and there he would anticipate something to be handed to him “from those who entered the temple.”
As they were entering the temple, it would be a time when they probably felt most inclined to be generous, especially because the Lord’s presence would be especially felt by them in this place. Everything about the verse gives us the sense that the man would have been well known, his condition would have been fully understood by many multitudes, and it was a state that had no anticipation of ever changing.
Life application: The wording in the verse certainly gives us the sense that the man’s state, and his placement at this location, was one that had been going on for a long time. As such, it is quite possible, even highly likely, that Jesus Himself had passed by this man during His ministry. He had only ascended recently, and the man was a regular at this particular spot. For all we know, Jesus may have stopped and talked to him. It is all speculation, but it is not at all improbable. And yet, He had not healed this man.
God works in His own timing and for His own purposes. If Jesus had previously healed this man, it would not have changed the hearts of those who had seen His countless other signs and wonders. But by allowing this sad state of the man to continue until after His crucifixion, it would add a great deal of credibility to the fact that His name had power, and that His ministry was being carried on by His apostles.
If you are personally struggling with something debilitating in your life, even something that has been ongoing for an extended period of time, it doesn’t mean God is uncaring. He may have you in that state to continue to bring Him glory. If you think of your pains, trials, woes, and afflictions in this light, you will be more responsible in how you respond to them. So be wise and be willing to allow the Lord to be glorified through your woes.
He has promised us so much more in the life to come. Do you believe that? If so, then allow Him to be glorified through your temporary afflictions in this one.
Lord God, may our lives be used to bring glory to You. Yes, be glorified in us, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 10, 2021 23:28:09 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:3
Friday, December 10th, 2021
who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. Acts 3:3
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
The verb is aorist. Rather than “seeing,” it reads “who, having seen Peter and John.” The idea is that he noticed them coming, but as will be seen in the coming verse, he really didn’t pay any special attention to them. Peter and John were going through the gate, and they were “about to go into the temple.”
The words “about to go” are correctly rendered. Luke is writing as if they are passing by as we read. There is a beggar, sitting at his place of begging, and he noticed two people coming. As they were passing through the gate (the door) and about to enter the temple complex, it says he “asked for alms.”
Now the verb is imperfect. More appropriately, it says, “he was asking for alms.” If one is reading it in the proper tenses, the scene is more alive, and the mental picture is that of a movie scene. Young’s Literal translation catches the sense –
“who, having seen Peter and John about to go into the temple, was begging to receive a kindness.” YLT
This poor beggar, unable to tend for himself, probably worn out from the degrading life he was assigned, is doing what he did from day to day. When someone passes by, he notices them and picks up his mournful call, “Alms… alms… can you spare a kindness? Alms… alms… it’s the Lord’s temple. Have mercy!”
There he sat from day to day with no hopes or expectations beyond the kindness, or maybe the pitied conscience, of whoever passed by. This man was not one to plan a vacation or even a weekend walk up the Mount of Olives. His life bore little meaning except maybe to a couple of people. He was afflicted, probably thought accursed of God by many, and one who was easily ignored as the healthy people passed him by without a care in the world.
Life application: It is true that there are people standing on the side of the road with signs that are there to scam those who drive by. Many make more than people who go to a full-time job. By handing them money, you also only increase their desire to continue begging, and you will spur others on to do the same. It is a problem. The desire may be to help people out, but our kindness may be taken advantage of.
However, this doesn’t mean we should turn a cold shoulder to those in need. Often, we have the opportunity to help people that are truly in need, and we should do so. But the most important thing we can do is share the good news of Christ with them. To meet someone’s physical needs, without tending to his spiritual needs, is a temporary bandage on a fully open and septic wound.
But this goes beyond us to the church or denomination we attend. Think of the Roman Catholic church for a moment. Regardless as to what you think about its theology, the world looks at it as the symbol of “Christianity.” They have certain organizations set up for tending to the needy, the outcasts, and so on. And yet, there is little or no sharing of the true gospel as presented in the Bible. Instead, there is an unceasing number of scandals that come forth from it – sexual abuse, perversion, even murdering of youth which is evidenced by unmarked graveyards filled with unknown children.
Along with that, the “pope” of the catholic church places himself into countless political entanglements, works to direct world events that will ultimately benefit him and the church, and now the current pope (2021) is a champion of social justice, redistribution of wealth, ecumenicalism, religious pluralism, and even climate change.
The pope regularly champions ridiculous clauses. These things are undeniable because they happen openly from day to day. And yet, knowing this, ask yourself if you have ever – even once – heard the pope give a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is outlined in Scripture. The answer is assuredly “No.”
Where are your priorities placed? There is nothing wrong with engaging in politics if it is intended to bolster the moral state of a society. However, there is a world of difference between that and what is carried out by the Roman Catholic Church.
Now extend that to the other large denominations you know of. How many of them have social programs galore, and yet how many of them present the gospel while engaging in these social programs? Be aware of your surroundings! If you are a part of a church or denomination that is presenting a social gospel, but which is failing to simply preach the gospel, you are a part of the problem. Evaluate yourself and determine to do right before the Lord. Your day to stand before Him is coming. Be about His business now.
Lord God, if we are not sharing the gospel in our churches and in our daily lives, we are not acting in accord with what You expect of us as Christians. Help us to correct this. To Your glory, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 11, 2021 20:47:17 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:4
Saturday, December 11th, 2021
And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” Acts 3:4
The lame man sitting at the gate called Beautiful had noticed Peter and John going into the temple. Upon noticing them, he asked for alms. In response to this, Luke records concerning Peter, “And fixing his eyes on him.” The Greek word, atenizó, gives the sense of the attention of the individual being completely fixed on what is before him. It is a word that is used fourteen times in the New Testament, and all but two are from Luke. The other two uses are by Paul in 2 Corinthians 3.
With this directed and steady stare upon the beggar, Luke adds in the words, “with John.” Peter is the one who is inspired to act, but John is there as well. As such, he is able to confirm the event as a second witness to what will take place. With this noted, the verse ends with, “Peter said, ‘Look at us.’”
Here, Luke uses the word blepó. It is not an uncommon word, but it gives the sense of looking attentively. The previous verse used another word when it said of the beggar, “who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple.” There, he saw, but he wasn’t attentive to what he was seeing. He just simply saw a couple of guys coming and was set to ask alms from them without really paying attention to who they were. He discerned their presence, but his attention was not fixed upon them. However, Peter now asks for full and undivided attention.
Life application: In your daily life, you will see many people and many things without really paying attention to them. This doesn’t mean you are uncaring. Rather, if we took the time to carefully observe everything we passed, we would never get anywhere.
When we drive down the road, we see trees, but we don’t see each tree. And even if we went slow enough to see each tree, we wouldn’t see each branch. But suppose we stopped and looked at each branch. We still probably wouldn’t continue by looking at every leaf or pine needle. Again, if we were attentive to every detail, we would never get anywhere.
However, there are things we should be more attentive to than others. The word of God, for example, is something we may read every day. But our level of attention to it may be more or less, depending on how careful we are with it.
As noted above, the word atenizó is used twice by Paul, both times in 2 Corinthians 3. The second time he uses it, he says –
“Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament because the veil is taken away in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 3:12-14
Paul compares the veiling of Moses’ face to the veil which blinds the eyes of the Jews to the truth of Christ. The same words of the Old Testament are read by Jew and Gentile alike, and yet, unbelieving Jews have no sense of discernment concerning how it all points to Jesus. The same is true with us before we are shown how it anticipates Him.
Have you ever read a passage and thought, “I wonder why that is included in the Bible?” And then, shortly after, a preacher does a sermon on exactly that passage. In his sermon, he carefully explains how it anticipates Christ. It is as if a light goes on. “Yes, of course! I see it. If only I had thought it through.”
When we read the Bible, we are reading the word of God. It is a book intended to show us what He has done, is doing, and will do in redemptive history. And every bit of it is centered on Jesus. If we keep that in mind, and if we are careful to think about what we are reading, we can often see things that are right there in plain sight, but which are veiled in how they are presented.
When reading the Bible, be careful not to insert what you are looking for into what you are reading. Rather, ask the Lord, “What are You showing us?” Then think on what you have read, considering it in relation to the rest of Scripture. In this, you may find types and pictures of what God is doing in the text right before you.
Fix your gaze attentively on this precious word, contemplate what it says, and cherish what it conveys. This word is what tells us of Jesus, and Jesus is the One who reveals the unseen Father to us. Yes, cherish this sacred word and this beautiful gift that God has given to reveal Himself to us.
Lord God, how wonderful it is to study Your word, to think on its precepts, and to consider its lessons. There are foundational truths recorded there. In it, we find a properly established moral base for our lives. And through it, we are directed to You – the Giver of all good blessings in Christ. Thank You for this precious word, O God. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 14, 2021 1:48:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:5
Sunday, December 12th, 2021
So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Acts 3:5
In the previous verse, Peter fixed his eyes on the beggar who had asked for alms and called out to him, “Look at us.” Now, in response to that, Luke records, “So he gave them his attention.”
The verb is imperfect and should say something like, “So he began to give them his attention.” The action began and is continuing into the present. This clearly shows that even though the beggar saw Peter and John as is recorded in verse 3:5, he didn’t really “see” them. He simply noticed that they were there and immediately did what beggars do. He asked for alms. His care was not on “who” in particular was going by, but that potential givers were going by, regardless as to who they were.
Now, with Peter calling for him to give them his attention, he began to notice them for “who” they were. This still doesn’t mean he has made a mental note of who they really were as people, but that he has gained their attention and so he was going to give them his attention. This is as common as Brits in the UK. When one stands to profit from another, more attention is given in hopes of securing the deal, or even for increasing the amount that may be offered. Luke’s use of the imperfect brings this to life. And the reason for his attention being given to the apostles is then explained with the words that he was “expecting to receive something from them.”
The verb is a present participle. He began to look at them because he was anticipating alms to be delivered to him. One can get the mental idea of what was going on in the man’s head. “I had better start directing my attention at these guys because they are about to hand me some silver.” A full gaze of attention from him may come if they handed him ten silver coins, but a quick look up and then back down may come if they handed him a small copper coin. The response of the beggar will now be fully brought forth by how the hand is filled.
Life application: When sharing the gospel, there are as many reactions to it as there are people who are willing to listen. And those who are willing to listen may only be doing so because they are too shy to tell the one sharing the message that they are not really interested. Once the message starts to be presented, the person hearing the message will give cues as to whether he is actually interested in hearing what is said or not.
What happened with this beggar is just what needs to happen with the person being given the gospel. His attention needs to be fixed. There should be no other distractions, and no more than two people should be there. And even if there are two people, only one should do the talking. If there are more than two people, the presentation will be intimidating. If more than one is talking, the message will be confused in the mind of the hearer.
Once the hearer has his attention directed to the one who is speaking, the speaker needs to be attentive to the body cues. The eyes, the feet, the arms… each part of the person will give cues as to his state of mind. Is he fidgeting? He is nervous. Is he backing up? He is scared. Are his arms crossed in front of him? He feels exposed and maybe threatened. Are the eyes darting around? He wants the conversation to just end so he can get away.
Ten thousand little cues will tell you if you are having an impact or not. If you are not, then you need to redirect your approach so that the person will feel comfortable, not threatened, welcomed, and so on. This is what Peter and John have done, and it is how we are to do such things as well. The attention must be focused, direct, caring, and of personal value to the hearer.
You have the greatest “alms” in the world to give to this person, if you can get him to understand that he is a beggar in need of them. Sin is the problem, we are desperately in need of the kind hand of the Lord to cure it, and the gospel is the gift that we cannot do without. Be ready with this message at all times. Pass on the gift of eternal life that was secured for the person standing before you through the shed blood of Christ.
Lord God, help us to be responsible with sharing the gospel message. None can do without it, and all who come must do so through it. So, Lord, give us wisdom in sharing this all-important message of life and hope. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 14, 2021 1:49:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:6
Monday, December 13th, 2021
Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:
Luke’s precisely worded account of the beggar at the gate called Beautiful has been detailed up to the point where the beggar has now given his full attention to the apostles standing before him. With that being the case, the narrative continues, saying, “Then Peter said.”
Again, it is Peter who speaks. He is the central focus of Acts during the first twelve chapters. Whatever else was going on with the other disciples, Luke’s focus is most especially on Peter, his words, and his actions. Noting John during this account provides adequate testimony for the events that take place. The words of Peter to the beggar are, “Silver and gold I do not have.”
As apostles, and as members of the society of disciples, they would have had access to the money distributed among believers as was noted in Acts 2:45. This distribution will be noted again, such as in Acts 6:1. Having access to this does not cause any conflict with what is stated here. The two were simply going to the temple. There is no reason to assume that they always carried money with them as they went out, nor should any such thought be inferred, as if Peter was somehow not being honest. His words are clear and precise. Peter was not carrying any silver or gold that he could pass on to the man. Despite this, he did have something of value that he could provide. That is seen in the words, “but what I do have I give you.”
The apostles had been given the authority to heal. That is explicitly stated in Mark 16 –
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Peter, knowing the words of Jesus, and having been a part of his ministry where those sent forth by Jesus throughout Israel had already accomplished such things (such as in Luke 10:9), was confident that he had the power and ability to continue to do what Jesus said. With this confidence, he next said to the man, “In the name.”
The words set forth the Source of the power and authority. To proclaim a name is to proclaim that person’s position and sphere of influence. To say, “I come in the name of Caesar,” is to proclaim the authority of Caesar. Peter now proclaims a name. As such, he is saying, “I proclaim under the authority of…” And the name he proclaims is that of “Jesus Christ.”
To a Jewish person, the name would mean, “Jesus the Messiah,” meaning, “Jesus the Anointed One.” Peter is proclaiming that the Person he is naming bears the authority and power of the Lord (Yehovah) because He had been anointed as such. This is noted in the prophetic writings of Isaiah, words which would have been well known to the people –
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3
The Lord God, Yehovah Elohim, had promised to anoint One to come who would bring healing and restoration to the people. This is the anticipated Messiah whom Peter now proclaims. But to further define who he is referring to, he adds in the words “of Nazareth.”
The name Yeshua, or Jesus, was a common name in Israel at the time. However, by adding the designation of the town from which He came, it set Him apart more clearly. The term “Jesus of Nazareth,” or the affixing of the location to His name, is used time and again in the gospels to specifically refer to the Lord, such as in Matthew 21:10, 11 –
“And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, ‘Who is this?’
11 So the multitudes said, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.’”
So notable is the name, that it was purposely placed upon the cross when He was crucified –
“And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:17-19
This would have been known by almost everyone at this point, and the title is purposefully used by Peter to ensure that there was no doubt about the exact Person he was referring to. So important is this designation, that Peter will again use it when speaking to Gentiles about Him in Acts 10 –
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.’” Acts 10:34-39
With the Name proclaimed, and thus having credited the One to whom the power issues from, Peter next says, “rise up and walk.” It is the same general command given by Jesus at times, such as in Matthew 9:6 and John 5:8. There was someone lame, and Jesus – by the power He possessed – healed the lame. Peter now proclaims that same power by proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Life application: Verses such as these in Acts have led Charismatics and Pentecostals to assume that they have the same power to heal as the apostles did. They claim healing over people and often perform false healings. Or they will claim healing power over someone, but the healing never comes to pass, thus destroying the faith and confidence of those they prayed over.
The first problem with this theology is that they are not apostles of Jesus. The office of apostle no longer exists because Jesus does not personally commission anyone anymore, a necessity for the office. But more, even the apostles – who healed at times – did not have the power to heal at all times. Paul had the power to heal in Acts 14:8-10 and elsewhere. However, he certainly could not heal his own affliction as is recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. It is said that he left Trophimus sick in Miletus in 2 Timothy 4:20. He also notes his inability to cure Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25-27. And Timothy, who was with Paul quite often, had an affliction of the stomach, along with other infirmities, that Paul never healed. That is noted in 1 Timothy 5:23.
Such examples are provided, right in the prescriptive epistles, to show us that the power and authority used by the apostles was something that was not to be abused, and it only came at certain times and for reasons set forth by the Lord. When the healing power was there, it may have been evident to them just as the words of prophecy were evident to the prophet. But prophets did not prophesy at all times. They only did so when the Lord spoke through them. Likewise, it is clear that the apostles did not heal at all times, but only when they were somehow prompted to do so by the Lord.
In whatever manner these things occurred, they are not normative for the church age. If we desire the healing of another, we are to pray for it. If the Lord heals, it is His prerogative alone. It is presumptuous and sinful to claim something over another when we have no right to do so. Let us not be found to act in this manner.
Lord God, Your word asks us to pray for the healing of others, but there is no guarantee that it will come to pass. Help us to understand this, and to leave such matters in Your capable hands as we pour out our desires to You. In the end, we know that You will do what is just, good, and right. All things will come out as You determine, and so help us to be satisfied with this knowledge. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 15, 2021 2:12:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:7
Tuesday, December 14th, 2021
And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Acts 3:7
Peter’s last words to the beggar on the street were, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” With that stated, it now says, “And he took him.” Peter, knowing that the man was crippled and did not have any experience at what it meant to rise in his own strength, was prepared to help him in his new walk of life. The word Luke uses, piazó, signifies “to squeeze.” In other words, Peter firmly seized his hand, demonstrating complete confidence in what was to occur.
In reaching out his hand, it was a sign to the man that he honestly believed the healing had been realized. It was also an encouragement to him to be confident as well. As a note of authenticity to what he is writing, Luke specifically next says, “by the right hand.”
In noting this, Luke is showing that he was fully aware of every detail and had carefully and meticulously investigated the account. As it was only Peter and John with the beggar, and yet by noting the right hand, it is seen that he went beyond the normal description of someone who would have been standing right there.
Most people would say, “Well, I grabbed him by the hand and raised him up.” Upon hearing that, the hearer would say, “Well, isn’t that amazing!” It appears that Luke, however, went a step further by specifically asking which hand he grabbed. Everything about the account is perfectly detailed to be that of an investigator who is determining the absolute accuracy and truth of what is being conveyed. Only after noting which hand, it then says, “and lifted him up.”
The man was probably so incredulous at what occurred that without Peter’s help, he might have spent a few minutes testing the waters before taking the plunge. But with Peter’s assistance, he was impelled to rise immediately and go all-in with utilizing his body in this new condition.
The words of the account so far are not unlike the manner in which Jesus treated others that He had healed. The account of the boy possessed by a demon in Mark 9 is given. After Jesus cast it out, he was so still that those around him thought he was dead. But Mark then records, “But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose” (Mark 9:27).
The care of the Healer for His patient is beautifully seen in Christ’s care of the boy. Peter learned from that and followed in like manner when he was given the power to perform his own healings. With this noted, Luke next records, “and immediately.”
There wasn’t any delay in what occurred. Peter spoke the words, reached out to take the man up, and with the instant power of the workings of God, there was a change in “his feet and ankle bones.”
In these words, the particular language of a physician is clearly evidenced. Luke’s knowledge of the human body led him to describe exactingly what occurred. So precise are his words that it is probable he personally interviewed the man who was healed. Peter and John probably would have said, “Well, he couldn’t walk, and then he could.” However, Luke not only describes what was wrong, but he uses specific terminology to report the change. It is something the beggar would probably have had to point at and say, “Well, it was this and this… these things that were healed.”
Both words are found only here in Scripture. The first is basis. It signifies “a pace.” It is the base step and thus, by implication the foot. It is the source of our modern word of the same spelling which came to us via Latin from the Greek, and it bears much the same sense. Vincent’s Word Studies describes its meaning –
“A peculiar, technical word, used by Luke only, and described by Galen as the part of the foot lying beneath the leg, upon which the leg directly rests, as distinguished from the ταρσὸς [tarsos], the flat of the foot between the toes and heel, and πεδίον [pedion], the part next the toes.”
The next word is sphudron. That is believed to be basically the same as the word sphaira, meaning a ball or sphere. As such, it signifies the ankle bone that is globular in nature. Luke’s medical knowledge of the event is carefully detailing the exact changes that took place in this man, crippled even from his mother’s womb.
With the description of the body parts complete, Luke then carefully notes that they “received strength.”
The Greek word is found only three times in Acts. The first two are in this account (3:7 & 3:16). The last is used when referring to the strengthening of the church in Acts 16:5. Paul uses the kindred noun in Colossians 2:5 when referring to the steadfastness of the Colossians’ faith in Christ. When used in medical language, it is especially applied to the bones.
Luke’s careful and thorough record of the events that took place gives us every reason to believe that the account took place, exactly as described.
Life application: When a person is given the gospel and he receives it, a complete change in that person occurs at that very moment. There is a new walk of life that is realized. But that person may not even notice the change has taken place. Yes, there was belief in what Christ did and the sealing of the Spirit. And yet, for each person who accepts the gospel, there will be a personal and individual reaction to it.
Because of this, it is incumbent on those who share the gospel to be willing to take them by the hand and help them stand on their new spiritual legs. At the same time, some people will simply spring up automatically and get going. But even this type may need assistance that he may not realize. Such a person can run ahead without knowledge and have a head-on crash in his theology.
If we are willing to share the gospel, we should also be willing to help those who receive it understand what to do with it. “Live for the Lord, read the word, grow in Christ, and walk as the Bible instructs us to.”
The more effort we put into those who receive the word, the better grounded they will be as they head into a church that is actually quite dysfunctional, filled with bad doctrine (or even heresy), and that is known to chew up and spit out those who are truly on fire for the new life they have come to know.
But there is another truth to convey. How grounded are we in our own walk? If we lead someone to Christ, and yet are not doing our own part to increase our spiritual maturity, we will be like a fish out of water trying to teach another fish out of water how to swim. Therefore, each of us needs to not only share the gospel, but to also be in the word, growing in it daily. May it be so, to the glory of God who first saved us so that we can then go out and tell others.
Lord God, help us to be responsible witnesses of Your wonderful gospel message and then help us to be reliable and responsible helpers to those who receive it. May it be so to Your glory. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 16, 2021 0:56:39 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:8
Wednesday, 15 December 2021
So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:8
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
Peter took the beggar by the right hand and lifted him up. As he did this, the feet and bones were healed, and they received strength. With this done, Luke’s words follow with the delight of the moment, saying, “So he, leaping up.”
Luke is referring to the beggar using a word found only here in Scripture exallomai. It is a compound verb signifying “out” and “springing up.” Hence, “leaping up” or “leaping forth” gives the sense. Vincent’s Word Studies notes of this word –
“Used in medical language of the sudden starting of a bone from the socket, of starting from sleep, or of the sudden bound of the pulse.”
Again, Luke’s knowledge of medical terminology defines the action in a technical sense. Peter lifted him up and then he simply leaped forth in incredulity, joy, or maybe sheer amazement. A form of the word is found in Isaiah 35, and it beautifully resembles what occurred at this moment –
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing.” Isaiah 35:5, 6
From there, it says he “stood and walked.” The first verb is aorist while the second is imperfect. The man stood and then he began walking. One gets the heightened sense of a person who has never done so in his life. He probably stood looking down at his strengthened legs – no longer twisted, wasted away, and useless – and then he… took a step, and then another, and then another.
His heart is racing, his blood is pulsing, his mind is considering the moment and everything that it signifies. Ten thousand thoughts of the past, of the present moment, and what the future held filled his mind. He continued walking… “and entered the temple.”
The man had been brought by others to the Beautiful gate, set down, and stayed in the same spot all day, day after day. Now, instead of remaining outside of the temple of the Lord, he could – under his own power – enter into the complex. The moment would have had a sense of absolute amazement attached to it.
As he walked over mosaics, walked past huge cut blocks, and passed by intricately carved columns and pillars, they would have looked new and vibrant to him. Everything would be seen from a new perspective because he would have to watch for obstacles as they came near. A lame man would have no need of such observances. Luke records next that the now-healed beggar wasn’t alone, but he entered the temple “with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”
The Greek includes “and” with each verb. He was “walking, and leaping, and praising.” Each is set off as an individual occurrence which together formed the first moment of a man restored to normalcy after over forty years of being lame, even from birth. In this state, Peter and John would have shared in the delight of the man’s exuberance.
The entire scene is alive with excitement, and the most poignant part of it all is that he was there in the temple “praising God.” As will be noted, the leaders will acknowledge that this could only have been a miracle, meaning an act of God –
“But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” Acts 4:15, 16
The man himself, more than any other, knew this to be the case. What occurred was personal and life changing. As such, he stood, walked, and leaped before God, praising Him for what had occurred.
Life application: What is it that we praise God for? Generally, we praise God when good things happen to us or to those we love. When things don’t go so well in life, we often exclude praises. However, we may start praying more. Why is it that we praise God when things are going well, and pray to Him when they aren’t?
Rather, we should do both at all times. Even in our affliction, we can find a reason to bless His name and praise Him. Job, a man “blameless and upright” was noted as such because this was his nature. In the time of his greatest affliction, he said –
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
Let us endeavor to not use God when we need Him and then ignore Him when we don’t. Instead, may our life attitude be to praise Him through our storms, and to pray to Him, even when we don’t have any pressing needs in our lives. He is worthy of our attention and our devotion at all times. And so may we give this to Him always.
Lord God, great are You and You are greatly to be praised! Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 16, 2021 21:35:10 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:8
Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:8
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
Peter took the beggar by the right hand and lifted him up. As he did this, the feet and bones were healed, and they received strength. With this done, Luke’s words follow with the delight of the moment, saying, “So he, leaping up.”
Luke is referring to the beggar using a word found only here in Scripture exallomai. It is a compound verb signifying “out” and “springing up.” Hence, “leaping up” or “leaping forth” gives the sense. Vincent’s Word Studies notes of this word –
“Used in medical language of the sudden starting of a bone from the socket, of starting from sleep, or of the sudden bound of the pulse.”
Again, Luke’s knowledge of medical terminology defines the action in a technical sense. Peter lifted him up and then he simply leaped forth in incredulity, joy, or maybe sheer amazement. A form of the word is found in Isaiah 35, and it beautifully resembles what occurred at this moment –
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing.” Isaiah 35:5, 6
From there, it says he “stood and walked.” The first verb is aorist while the second is imperfect. The man stood and then he began walking. One gets the heightened sense of a person who has never done so in his life. He probably stood looking down at his strengthened legs – no longer twisted, wasted away, and useless – and then he… took a step, and then another, and then another.
His heart is racing, his blood is pulsing, his mind is considering the moment and everything that it signifies. Ten thousand thoughts of the past, of the present moment, and what the future held filled his mind. He continued walking… “and entered the temple.”
The man had been brought by others to the Beautiful gate, set down, and stayed in the same spot all day, day after day. Now, instead of remaining outside of the temple of the Lord, he could – under his own power – enter into the complex. The moment would have had a sense of absolute amazement attached to it.
As he walked over mosaics, walked past huge cut blocks, and passed by intricately carved columns and pillars, they would have looked new and vibrant to him. Everything would be seen from a new perspective because he would have to watch for obstacles as they came near. A lame man would have no need of such observances. Luke records next that the now-healed beggar wasn’t alone, but he entered the temple “with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”
The Greek includes “and” with each verb. He was “walking, and leaping, and praising.” Each is set off as an individual occurrence which together formed the first moment of a man restored to normalcy after over forty years of being lame, even from birth. In this state, Peter and John would have shared in the delight of the man’s exuberance.
The entire scene is alive with excitement, and the most poignant part of it all is that he was there in the temple “praising God.” As will be noted, the leaders will acknowledge that this could only have been a miracle, meaning an act of God –
“But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” Acts 4:15, 16
The man himself, more than any other, knew this to be the case. What occurred was personal and life changing. As such, he stood, walked, and leaped before God, praising Him for what had occurred.
Life application: What is it that we praise God for? Generally, we praise God when good things happen to us or to those we love. When things don’t go so well in life, we often exclude praises. However, we may start praying more. Why is it that we praise God when things are going well, and pray to Him when they aren’t?
Rather, we should do both at all times. Even in our affliction, we can find a reason to bless His name and praise Him. Job, a man “blameless and upright” was noted as such because this was his nature. In the time of his greatest affliction, he said –
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
Let us endeavor to not use God when we need Him and then ignore Him when we don’t. Instead, may our life attitude be to praise Him through our storms, and to pray to Him, even when we don’t have any pressing needs in our lives. He is worthy of our attention and our devotion at all times. And so may we give this to Him always.
Lord God, great are You and You are greatly to be praised! Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 17, 2021 20:27:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:10
Friday, December 17th, 2021
Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:10
When the people saw the man joyously walking and praising God, Luke says, “Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms.” The word translated as “knew” signifies to recognize. Jesus used the word when saying, “you will know them by their fruits.” One sees, he recognizes, and an understanding is realized. So it is with this man.
But the verb is in the imperfect tense – “they “were knowing,” or “they were recognizing.” The use of the imperfect brings life to what is said. It wasn’t as if everyone knew, but that one realized it and then another and then another. Thus, the bewildering nature of the event becomes evident.
At times, it is hard to place someone that we see, “I am sure I know that guy.” But because of the context of where he is regularly seen has changed, his identity is just out of grasp. Once the mind remembers the context, then the understanding is realized – “Oh! That is John who works at the grocery store!”
This is how it was for the people. They each saw the man, the identity seemed familiar, but the context was missing. But all of a sudden, one after another began to realize that he…. this man! was the beggar “at the Beautiful Gate of the temple.”
One can sense the knowledge suddenly being realized and the overwhelming sense of bewilderment flooding over the crowd. “How can this be?” Luke masterfully brings us into the narrative to feel the experience. One can sense what may have been said. “That guy has been sitting at the temple gate for years and years. His legs were twisted and emaciated. In fact, I just saw him there as I passed fifteen minutes ago… and now this? What does this mean?” As such, Luke records, “and they were filled with wonder and amazement.”
The word translated as “wonder” is unique to Luke’s writings, being seen now for the last of three times. It signifies astonishment that is allied with terror or awe. One could think of being stunned or dumbfounded. What is witnessed is just beyond the ability of the mind to grasp. The word translated as “amazement,” ekstasis, is obviously the root to our modern word “ecstasy.” Its direct meaning is “to completely remove.” As such, it means to confuse the mind so that it reaches out beyond ordinary perception. In this case, the minds of the people verge on a sense of overwhelming delight that something incomprehensible has taken place “at what had happened to him.”
The miracle that occurred wasn’t something that was far off. It was something in their midst. And it wasn’t something that occurred to someone they didn’t know, as if it could be the word of a charlatan. Rather, it happened to someone almost every single person would have seen at one time or another. Nothing could be more striking to imagine. The effects of seeing the man could not have made a greater impact upon those who now stood beholding him.
Life application: There are many people with great afflictions of the body around us. We know of blind people, crippled people, and people with various chronic diseases or maladies. This is a part of the human condition. We will pray for those we know, and there are times where it is heard that a true miracle occurs, and they are healed. But for many, the malady continues throughout the person’s entire life, and then he or she dies.
If such people are believers in Christ, it will only make what is coming next for them even more wonderful. They spent a lifetime in pain, being incapacitated, being shunned, or whatever. But when they are called forth from the grave at the rapture, there will be an instantaneous change. The body they will possess will be incorruptible, and it will be perfectly suited for an eternity in the presence of God.
For those who were pretty healthy when they died (or are raptured), the change will be no less incredible. Our bodies, even when in pretty great shape, have times of sickness, overwhelming tiredness, sadness, and so on. Such things will be forever behind us when we are off to meet the Lord. Hold fast to this truth. The life we live now is temporary and it is passing away. Fix your eyes on what lies ahead and be ready for glory that you cannot even imagine when Christ comes for His people. The day will be like none other!
Lord God, we are hoping Jesus will be back soon to deliver us from this body of corruption into our eternal home. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 19, 2021 0:38:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:11
Saturday, December 18th, 2021
Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. Acts 3:11
Luke continues to describe the excitement of the healing of the beggar which took place, saying, “Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John.” The idea here is not of needing support from them. He has already been shown to walk around and even leap. Luke is saying that he, now being swarmed by the multitude, does not want to get separated from Peter and John. And so, in order for that to not occur, he literally seizes them and clings onto them. The verb is a present participle. He “is clinging” to them.
The need for this becomes more evident with the next words, which read, “all the people ran together to them.” There is an excited fever of awe and wonder, and as one draws nearer so does another and another. Everyone wanted to be able to participate in the event surrounding them.
The same thing was seen when Jesus was active in His ministry. In Luke 8, for example, it says twice that the multitudes thronged Him. He was so pressed in by them that when someone purposefully touched him for healing, He was unaware of who it was. Here, likewise, the crowds are thronging these three. The beggar did not want to be separated from them, and so he steadfastly clung to them. This was “in the porch which is called Solomon’s.”
The word translated as “porch” is stoa. It refers to a portico. It is a covered colonnade, normally open on one side, where people would gather. This particular portico is known as “Solomon’s.” Charles Ellicott describes it –
“The porch—or better, portico or cloister—was outside the Temple, on the eastern side. It consisted, in the Herodian Temple, of a double row of Corinthian columns, about thirty-seven feet high, and received its name as having been in part constructed, when the Temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel, with the fragments of the older edifice. The people tried to persuade Herod Agrippa the First to pull it down and rebuild it, but he shrank from the risk and cost of such an undertaking (Jos. Ant. xx. 9, § 7). It was, like the porticos in all Greek cities, a favourite place of resort, especially as facing the morning sun in winter.”
There, in this gathering place, it says the people who thronged these three were “greatly amazed.” The words are translated from a single Greek word found only here in Scripture, ekthambos. It goes beyond astonishment to a sense of bewilderment. Most of them were fully aware of who the beggar was. All of them were now apprised of the matter, even if they were previously unaware of him.
The name Solomon is derived from the word shalom, or “peace,” “wholeness,” or “soundness.” The giving of the name is explained in 1 Chronicles 22 –
“Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the Lord God of Israel. 7 And David said to Solomon: ‘My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord my God; 8 but the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. 9 Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.’” 1 Chronicles 22:6-9
In one way, there was anything but “peace,” meaning quietude, in the portico that day. And yet, for the beggar who is now healed, there is a sense of completeness and peace that had never existed before. His body was formed into a state of shalom that he had never previously known.
It is with the crowd, in the state of bewildered excitement because of the miracle performed on him, that Peter will seize the opportunity to address the crowd and explain the marvel of what God had done in Christ.
Life application: The physical healing of this man is actually nothing in comparison to the healing that occurs in a sinner who has been reconciled to God through Christ. The gulf between the two was an infinite one. But God can span the infinite in Christ – the God/Man. His humanity can remove the stain of sin from the soul worn down by it. And His deity can then reach out to His Father to span the gap and form a bridge between the two.
The same sense of astonishment that filled the people of Israel at the healing of the beggar should be experienced by all who know the miracle that has occurred in each of the redeemed of the Lord. But too often, we miss the spiritual, focusing too heavily on the physical. Let us consider the glory of what God has done in our lives, and let us never fail to wonder at the majesty of the cross of Christ. Through it, there is perfect healing and total restoration for the weary soul.
Lord God, thank You for what You have done in Christ to reconcile us back to Yourself. We were sinners in need of a Savior, and through His cross we are restored. Thank You for the great things You have done for us in our lives. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 19, 2021 21:55:55 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:12
Sunday, December 19th, 2021
So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? Acts 3:12
It was just seen how the people ran together in amazement at what had taken place. Now, their attitude concerning this miracle becomes clear. They have misunderstood what the Source of the miracle actually is. It is something Peter will correct in his words ahead. As such, he begins with, “So when Peter saw it.”
This refers to the previous words, “all the people ran together to them.” The implication is that they think that what happened was because of the miraculous power of Peter and John. Running to them may have included words like, “Explain how you did it,” or “Let us see more of this.” Whatever it was, something clued Peter into the fact that the multitude thinks it was the apostles who are behind the healing. As such, it says, “he responded to the people.”
The Greek more literally reads, “he answered to the people.” However, saying this, the Bible’s use of “answering” someone is not the way we use the term today. It can mean to answer, as in a response, but it also means “to take up a conversation.”
It also can be an answer based on an inferred, but unstated question. This is probably the case here. Even if the questions speculated on a moment ago were not actually asked, the expression of the people alone would be sufficient to elicit such an answer. With that in mind, Peter begins his discourse with, “Men of Israel.”
The Greek reads, “men, Israelites.” This is their defining clan and culture. Today, the term “Jew” is applied in the same manner, coming from the predominant tribe of Judah. However, before that became the customary identification, being an Israelite was the first and most important designation. It is to this group of people, descended from Jacob – who is Israel – that the next words are spoken, “why do you marvel at this?”
This is the same word used to describe the state of the people in Acts 2:7 –
“Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?’”
Peter could look at the faces and tell what was on their minds. There was the same sense of confused wonder that he had seen among the people when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost. At that time, Peter seized the opportunity to tell the people about the marvelous workings of God in Christ. Such will be the case again now. But to continue to settle their minds first, he asks again, “Or why look so intently at us.”
The verb is the same as in Acts 3:4. The beggar fixed his eyes on Peter and John when he thought he would receive alms from them. Now, the people have intently fixed their gaze upon them, looking for an answer to what now so greatly perplexed them. With these questions carefully directed to the multitude, Peter is able to begin to redirect their attention to the One who is the Healer of the crippled beggar. He does this by asking, “as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”
Peter implicitly denies their having performed the miracle under either their own “power” or “godliness.” The word translated as “power” signifies might, strength, ability, and so on. They lacked the medical skills to heal the man, they lacked the power to heal him, and so on. There was nothing in them that could account for the healing.
The word translated as “godliness” is introduced into Scripture, eusebeia. Other than this one use in Acts, it is seen only where it is used heavily by Paul in the pastoral epistles, and then four times by Peter in his second epistle. The word “godliness” is probably the best possible translation. It signifies piety or a right-hearted response towards God.
By asking in the manner he has, denying such power is their own, Peter is clearly indicating that the healing was not something connected to these traits in either he or John. Rather, an explanation of where the miracle stemmed from must be provided.
Life application: Peter and John could have immediately seized upon the moment and drawn attention to themselves. But before that is even hinted at, they rightly redirect the people’s attention away from themselves.
Who is it that deserves the attention, praise, and acclamation for the things that have been done through you? If you are a faithful follower of Christ, it is always right to redirect compliments given to you about your abilities and capabilities to the Lord. It is He who fashioned humanity, and you are a human being. It is He who knows you would be born when you were, what your DNA makeup would be, that you would receive His offer of Jesus, and so on.
As such, everything ultimately stems from Him, and He should be given the credit for all good things that stem from your life. It can be hard to not accept praise, especially when you put a lot of effort into the things you do. And you can be complimented at a time when it catches you off guard. At such a time, you may accept the compliment without even thinking about it.
But if we can be of the mind to continuously redirect praises and the like to the Lord, we do well. Let us endeavor to do this. And by doing so, it would be hoped that those who hear our words will truly want to know why we are so willing to give credit to Him. One never knows where the first opportunity to share the gospel will arise. And this attitude may be just the place.
Heavenly Father, help us to live our lives in a manner that will ultimately be pleasing to You and glorifying of You in the sight of others. This is good and right, so help our minds to be always tuned into this attitude. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 20, 2021 23:33:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:13
Monday, December 20th, 2021
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. Acts 3:13
Peter now explains the source of the healing power that brought the beggar to full health of his legs. He had just noted that it was not by their own power or godliness that he was made to walk. Rather, his words will point to the power of God in Christ, beginning with, “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
By introducing the patriarchs, Peter is clearly identifying the accomplishment of the miracle with the same God who had been faithfully followed by the fathers of the “men of Israel” whom he began to address in the previous verse. There has been an unbroken line of His power being displayed in this line, and Peter acknowledges that it continues at their present time. Having noted these three patriarchs by name, he next says that he is “the God of our fathers.”
The selection of this line was carefully recorded each step of the way. Abraham was called, he was directed by the Lord to follow a certain course of life, he was given promises and the covenant of faith was made with him. He was given the sign of circumcision. He was tested and the surety of the promise was restated because of his faithfulness.
From him, the line was carefully detailed to continue through Isaac, the son of promise. And from Isaac, the line continued through Jacob, who is Israel. The same God who had directed the course of events of their lives, and who had carefully detailed the continued course of events through the specified chosen line, is the same God who “glorified His Servant Jesus.”
By noting the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Peter is carefully ensuring that he is proclaiming the works and power as belonging to that same God. He is not introducing a new god, nor is he introducing an aberrant way of worshipping this same God. Rather, as he continues, he will clearly demonstrate that “His Servant Jesus” is the fulfillment of the Scriptures.
As yet, Peter has not called their God by His name Lord (YHVH). Rather, he has only used the term “God” and affixed His identity to the patriarchs. What will be implied in his continued words is that the Lord their God is, in fact, the Lord Jesus. For now, however, he is acknowledging that Jesus is the One Scripture testifies to.
In this verse, some translations say “Son” or “Child” here instead of “Servant.” The word can be translated either way, but Peter is clearly identifying Christ in His role as the “Servant of the Lord” who was prophesied of in their Scriptures. More specifically, he is surely tying Him to the “Servant” of Isaiah 52/53 –
“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently;
He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.” Isaiah 52:13
That this is what is on Peter’s mind is to be inferred beginning with the next words which say, “whom you delivered up and denied.”
“He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” Isaiah 53:3
The rejection of the Servant is prophesied in these words. Peter is calling them to mind and telling the people before Him that it is they who fulfilled this prophecy. There is no need to directly cite the words as they would have been familiar to all of the people before him. They would be able to clearly tie the prophecy together with the event, if they were mentally willing to do so. Peter then adds salt into the wound of the event by saying, “in the presence of Pilate.”
Not only did they reject the Servant of the God of their fathers who was glorified by Him, but they had done it in the presence of a Gentile ruler. They called out for a guilty sentence upon the One who was clearly innocent in God’s eyes, but who was also clearly innocent in the eyes of this Gentile placed over them. Peter avows this poignantly by saying, “when he was determined to let Him go.”
The words of Pilate would have rushed back into the mind of any of the people who had been present at the time –
Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”
5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”
8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” John 19:4-12
Pilate clearly saw the innocence of the Man, and he attempted to have him released several times. But more, the account shows that Pilate was aware that Jesus was more than just another “Man.” He may not have understood the truth of who Jesus was, but he understood that God’s hand was certainly upon Him and thus it made the contrast to the angry calls of the Jews all the more striking.
This is clearly seen in the structure of Peter’s words. As Vincent’s Word Studies notes –
“He is ἐκείνου [ekeinou], the pronoun of more definite and emphatic reference, the latter, Pilate, ‘in order to make the contrast felt between what Pilate judged and what they did.’ This is further emphasized in the next verse.”
Peter is setting the actions of Israel against the decision of Pilate, bringing the guilt of their conduct squarely back on them. And this is before even acknowledging that it is Christ Jesus who is the One who healed the man. That will not be specifically stated until verse 3:16. Peter is applying lashes upon the people before telling them of the healing balm that can bring restoration to their souls. For now, he is simply acknowledging that they bear guilt for the sin which they committed.
Life application: Peter’s words reveal an effective way of reaching some people with the gospel. Some people already know that they are guilty of sin. They wear it on their shoulders for all the world to see, and they are scared of the day they have to meet their Maker. For these, the simple gospel that tells them Christ died for their sins is all they need to hear. When presented to them, the wonderful words of release flow over them like a flood of cool water while in a dry and barren land.
Others, however, feel just fine with themselves. They may compare themselves to others, as if God grades on a bell curve. “Well, I’m a lot better than most people. God understands my faults. All is good.” They have no idea that “others” are not a valid standard, but rather absolute perfection is.
For such people, they need to be presented with their (many) imperfections in light of the absolute perfection of the Lord. “You have done this in the presence of God, even a criminal can know that. Why can’t you see this?” Eventually, when the sin is presented as an infinite crime against God, the person will then realize how terrible his state before God actually is. From that understanding, a presentation of the gospel will bring peace to the now-troubled soul.
Each person must be evaluated to understand what is going on in his or her mind. Once that is done, the proper approach to evangelizing is then to be pursued. Peter knew the guilt of the people before him, but because a miracle had been done in their presence, they sure thought that they were right with God. “We are Israel, and God is doing great things among us!”
To avoid any such notion that God approved of them because of what had been done, Peter gave them the bad news first. Let us use this tool when necessary.
Lord God, help us to be effective at telling others about Your wonderful workings in Christ on our behalf. Each person is an individual, and so help us to carefully understand what he needs to know in order to be saved. From there, may we then present it in a way that will be effective in his life. To Your glory we pray. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 22, 2021 0:19:58 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:14
Tuesday, December 21st, 2021
But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, Acts 3:14
Peter just noted to those gathered before him. They, men of Israel who should have known better, had delivered up Jesus when even a Gentile, Pilate, was determined to let Him go. To continue describing the guilt that rested upon them, he next says, “But you denied the Holy One.”
When considered, the irony is palpable. Israel denied the Holy One, something even the demons acknowledged –
Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” Mark 1:23, 24
Despite even the demons knowing who Christ was, the men of Israel rejected him and denied His position as their Messiah – a title which includes the thought of kingship –
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”
15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”
Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away. John 19:13-16
Peter is standing before them and is defending who Christ Jesus is, preparing to explicitly state that it is He who healed the beggar. But before he does this, he wants them to understand the guilt they bear. What he has said so far cannot be denied. He was there, they were there, and they had called out the words rejecting Jesus. Peter next adds in another set of words to increase the accusation. Not only is He the Holy One, but Peter next says, “and the Just.”
The word signifies “righteous” or “just in the sight of God.” A righteous person is one who conforms to the will of God and meets His standards of uprightness. Peter claims that Jesus fits this description. But more, and again showing the irony of the matter, both Pilate and his wife recognized this quality in Him –
While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” Matthew 27:19
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.” Matthew 27:24, 25
But even worse than this obvious fact is that Israel went a step further. Not only did they deny Christ who is both the Holy One and the Just, but they added to their guilt by violating the Law of Moses in an open and direct way. Peter explicitly states this by saying, “and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.”
The Greek reads, “and asked for a man, a murderer, to be granted to you.” In this, there is a hint of Christ’s deity being conveyed by Peter without explicitly stating it. The Scriptures implicitly reveal the deity of the coming Messiah. Without getting into a long theological discussion about the matter, Peter sets Barabbas – a mere man – against the Holy One and the Just. But along with this contrast, Peter identifies Barabbas as a murderer. This fact, along with the request for his return, is recorded in Mark 15 –
Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. 7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. 8 Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. 9 But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. 12 Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
13 So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”
14 Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”
15 So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified. Mark 15:6-15
Israel had called out for a murderer to be released to them while calling out for One who was clearly innocent to be led away for crucifixion. This is in direct violation of their own law –
“Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death.” Numbers 35:31
And again –
‘Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person.’
“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ Deuteronomy 27:25
Those guilty of murder were not to be allowed to live, and those who were innocent were not to be slain for the price of a bribe, which is essentially what occurred when they took Barabbas over Jesus. A bribe is a type of inducement which is given, normally illegally or through dishonesty, in order to act favorably towards one party over another. Israel looked for the favor (which is the meaning of the word used) of ridding them of this Man in exchange for a known criminal.
The testimony is recorded for the world to see, but while Peter stood before the men of Israel it was clearly evident that it was true. The events had only happened a short time earlier. There could be no denying what had transpired. The burden of guilt rested (and continues to rest) upon the nation who betrayed its Messiah.
Life application: Today, something unexpected has come upon the world. Within the past generation, the nation of Israel has been reestablished. This is an amazing miracle that confirms the words of Scripture which stated this would come about. Only a short time ago in relation to their time of exile, it would never have even been imagined possible.
Because this has occurred, many churches and individuals take this as a sign of God’s divine favor upon them and that their time of punishment is over. This is incorrect. The national guilt of Israel remains, and it will not be cleansed until they acknowledge Jesus as their rightful Messiah. That is explicitly stated by the Lord –
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Luke 13:34, 35
God has returned the people to the land in preparation for this event, and it is right that Christians support this and pray for their restoration. But this does not mean that Israel is to be given a blanket approval for their actions. They, like all of the nations, are immersed in approving immorality. Their abortion laws are more liberal than most nations and they are working to make them even looser. As a nation, they do not acknowledge the hand of the Lord in their restoration, nor in their continued existence. They are filled with pride and self-righteousness, just like all of the nations of the world.
This must all be purged from them before they are a people prepared for their God. Let us take a balanced look at Israel and understand that what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do the miraculous in and through them. And yet, they continue to reject Him and act indecently before Him. To this day, the words of Ezekiel 36 remain true of this peculiar nation –
“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.” Ezekiel 36:22, 23
Let us consider Israel in the light in which God does, just as any sinner. We evangelize the lost while condemning their actions. We hope for restoration and new life to be found in them, and we pray for their healing. So it should be in our attitude towards this wayward nation. Remember to pray for Israel.
Lord God, help us to have a right and proper understanding of the events unfolding in the world today. A people under sentence for their past actions are being prepared for a time where their guilt will be atoned for, and they will stand purified in Your presence. May that day be soon. Until then, we pray for Israel the people and for each within the nation. May Your Spirit continue to call them to Yourself through the cleansing power of the shed blood of Christ. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 22, 2021 21:38:35 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:15 Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. Acts 3:15
The previous verse should be cited together with this to see the contrast and to better understand the paradox that is presented –
“But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.”
The immediate contrast –
“asked for a murderer” / “killed the Prince of life.”
The paradox –
The Prince of life was killed.
The broader contrast –
“But you denied the Holy One and the Just” / “whom God raised from the dead.”
Peter sets the actions of Israel in complete contrast one to another. Whereas they asked for Barabbas, a man who purposefully ended another’s life, they also killed the One who grants it. The word archégos is introduced here. It will be seen again in Acts 5 and then twice in Hebrews. It comes from arché, meaning “beginning” or “origin,” and agó, “to lead” or “to guide.” Hence, it is one who is a file-leader. He sets the way for others to follow.
Some translations use the term “author.” Though this is a close thought, it is not exact. It more closely would signify an originator or founder that continues to lead. Its other uses will help understand the significance of the word –
Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Christ is the “file-Leader” of life, of restoring others to God, of salvation itself, and of the faith possessed by those who look to Him. The question of what “life” is being referred to is appropriate. It could be referring to life itself, that which animates humans (and indeed all life), or it could refer to the “life” which is obtained through restoration with God, meaning the spiritual restoration to God that was lost at the fall.
The immediate context is surely referring to the latter because Peter will next speak of the resurrection that makes this life possible. But the former is true as well. Jesus is clearly revealed as the Lord (YHVH) of the Old Testament Scriptures. It is He who breathed life into Adam at the first (Genesis 2:7), but He is also the one who indicated He would breathe the new life, the Holy Spirit, into those who would come to Him by faith (John 20:22). In Him is life (John 1:4), both the initial giving of it, and the restoration of that spiritual life through His completed work.
It is this One that Israel killed, revealing the great paradox. How could the file-Leader of life die? And yet, He had to die to bring about life in those who killed Him. One necessitated the other. It reveals the wisdom and the immensity of God’s plans. And in their killing of Christ came the victory over death, as Peter notes, saying, “but whom God raised from the dead.”
Peter has already said in Acts 2:24 that “it was not possible that He should be held” by death. This is because “the wages of sin is death.” But Christ, the Prince of life, had no sin. As such, death could not hold Him. He had done nothing to earn death, and He therefore was resurrected by the power of God.
Life was found in Him who is the life. The enormity of the event, and the piercing nature of the words, must have been terrifying to those who realized what they meant. And to make certain that the words could be trusted, Peter next says, “of which we are witnesses.”
It is debated what Peter is referring to:
“the Prince of life…of whom we are witnesses.”
“God raised from the dead…of which we are witnesses.”
Either way, the fact is that Peter and John are witnesses, thus establishing the truth of the matter as required by law. They did witness the life and deeds of Christ, and they did witness Christ in His resurrection. Both testify to the fact that He was, and still remained, the Messiah. Israel is being presented with information that they cannot live without. Likewise, each individual was being presented with that same information. The choice is both an individual one and it is a collective one. Each person standing there had to individually choose to believe, and the nation as a whole – who was under the terms of the Mosaic Covenant – had to do so as well.
Life application: What God has done in Christ is incredible in the extreme. But it is not impossible to believe. If the story of Jesus was just one made up in the minds of a group of people at a given time, it could easily be ignored.
However, the books of the Bible span about fifteen hundred years of time. And more, not only are they written over that span of time, but they encompass details that go from the very beginning of time until the end of time as we currently understand it – telling of things that would happen well into the future, and which continue to be realized even at the current time.
They are comprised of the writings of about forty different people. They are written in various locations throughout the Middle East. They are written in several different languages, and they are written to various groups of people.
Despite all of these things, the message found in these sixty-six books is a single, unified whole. It carries one overall theme while also carrying – very consistently – many individual themes that form it into a single body of literature that defines the very purpose of man’s existence on earth.
The main theme, the Subject, of this compilation is God working in Christ in order to have an eternal relationship exist between the two. The Person of Jesus, who is Christ, is that Subject. It is He who is the Prince of life, and it is He to whom we are responsible.
Let us never forget this, and may we spend our time and energy – above all else – focused on this. Let us praise God, exalt Him, and magnify His glorious name for all the world to see and understand His goodness towards us in the giving of His Son. May this be how we direct our lives, all the days of our lives.
Lord God, thank You for what You have done in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 24, 2021 0:24:56 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:16
Thursday, December 23rd, 2021
And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16
Peter has conveyed to the people their denial and killing of Jesus, but God’s approval of Him through the resurrection. With that stated, he now immediately turns to the power that comes with this fact. The Greek reads in a different order than the NKJV cited above –
And His name, through faith in His name… (NKJV)
And upon the faith of the name of Him… (CG)
In this, the Greek does not say dia, or “through.” It says epi, or “upon.” It is an important distinction. There is also an article which must be translated, “the faith.” The account from Luke is precise. This man had not heard any word concerning Christ Jesus. Peter simply brought him from being a cripple to being healed –
And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Acts 3:2-7
It was not the man’s faith, but “the faith” which is found in Jesus Christ. One might say, “The church is established upon the faith found in (as the basis of) the name of Jesus.” This is the thought being expressed by Peter. The corresponding account of Paul healing a cripple is completely different –
And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. Acts 14:8-10
There, it refers to the man’s faith. He had faith (there is no preceding article in the Greek) to be healed after hearing the gospel and Paul commanded him to stand. As for Peter, he healed the man based upon the faith found in (based upon) the name of Jesus. It is this faith which Peter says, “has made this man strong.”
Faith in the man was not a requirement for this healing for exactly the reason that Peter had been explaining. Israel was guilty of crucifying their Messiah, but to demonstrate that God had, in fact, raised Christ, the power of His name was used to prove the matter. This is to contrast what Peter said in verse 3:12
“…why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (3:12)
“And upon the faith of the name of Him has made this man strong.” (3:16).
This is the proof of what Peter carefully explained in the intervening verses. The miracle had been wrought by power which is upon (based on) the faith of the name. As an additional note of the undeniable surety of the matter, Peter next says, “whom you see and know.”
So surely is this a valid miracle that Acts 4 will detail a trial held by the leaders concerning what happened. There it says –
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. Acts 4:20-22
The people knew the man, they had seen the miraculous change in his physical body, and they had no excuse to not believe what their eyes beheld. Peter’s words, as recorded by Luke, are precise and exacting. This includes what he next says to the people, “Yes, the faith which comes through Him.”
This time, the translation is correct. The word dia, or “through,” is used when speaking of Christ. Again, it is not speaking of the man’s faith. It is speaking of “the faith,” meaning the basis of the faith, which comes through the resurrected Messiah. It is this new formulation in the ongoing redemptive narrative that has been presented to Israel.
In times past, miracles were done in the name of the Lord, Yehovah. But now, it is power in the name of Jesus (Yeshua – Salvation) that such miracles are proclaimed, and which then occur. As such, Peter notes that the faith which comes through Jesus “has given him this perfect soundness.”
Here, Peter uses a word found only this one time in the Bible, holokléria. Souter says that it pertains to “the condition of wholeness, where all the parts work together for ‘unimpaired health.’” The miracle was wrought, and there was nothing lacking in it. The man went from a total cripple from his mother’s womb to a man that could walk and leap about without even needing to be trained to do so once his body was healed. Everything worked as if it had been working all his life. With that stated, Peter finishes with a note that it was done “in the presence of you all.”
Even if the people didn’t actually see the healing happen, many had come through the same gate just before it happened. The man lay there, broken and helpless, begging alms. Some may have handed him a coin. Some may have pointed at him and mocked. Some may have said to their children, “This is the curse of God.” Whatever they thought or did as they passed, they had seen him laying there, understanding his condition was hopeless. And yet, he was now before them completely healed. The testimony to all of the people concerning the faith in the name could not be denied.
Life application: Just a few incorrectly translated prepositions and missing articles can change the entire meaning of a verse. And with the change in meaning, there is seen to be an entirely different purpose for what was said than would otherwise have been known. Israel is being given instruction on a miracle that occurred among them. But with the faulty translation of the KJV, which is then repeated in the NKJV, people will have a complete misunderstanding of what is being conveyed.
In Acts 14, in the comparable healing passage which refers to Paul, there will be a different design and purpose for what is said. In noticing these differences, one’s theology will be strengthened and more perfectly aligned with what the Bible is telling us. But without noticing these things, we will remain deficient in our thinking.
In learning this lesson, it should teach us for our own spiritual lives. Let us endeavor to always be precise in how we present the gospel. Including various words not laid out in Scripture concerning the gospel, we can easily present a false gospel. The beauty of being saved by faith alone through Christ alone can be obliterated by saying something as innocuous as “repent and be baptized.”
Acts 2:38 says this, but Acts 2:38 must be taken in its proper context (as noted then) or a false impression of what Peter was saying (and to whom he is speaking) will arise. Learn the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), and then proclaim that by believing that message salvation will be realized. Yes, let us be precise concerning such important matters.
O God, help us to be faithful in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ to others. And when we do, help us to faithfully present it. May our words be words approved by You in Your word so that no errors in thinking arise in those we speak to. To Your glory we pray, Amen
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 24, 2021 19:08:13 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:17
Friday, December 24th, 2021
“Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. Acts 3:17
Peter has scathingly rebuked the “Men of Israel” (verse 3:12), and then he provided the explanation for his rebuke in the previous verse. With that stated, he changes his address, saying, “Yet now, brethren.”
He spoke to them as countrymen in an equal but general manner when he called them, “Men of Israel.” It was clearly a way of identifying himself with them as being of the same people who committed the crime of killing their Messiah without sharing directly in the guilt. Now, his address draws them into a closer bond, as if the past deeds are forgivable, and by which a restored closeness within the nation is readily possible. With this stated, he next says, “I know that you did it in ignorance.”
They are still men of Israel, and they still – both individually and collectively – bear the guilt for what occurred, even if done in ignorance. This is clearly laid out in their own law –
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the Lord in anything which ought not to be done, and does any of them, 3 if the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, then let him offer to the Lord for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without blemish as a sin offering.” Leviticus 4:2, 3 (Individual sin).
&
“Now if the whole congregation of Israel sins unintentionally, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done something against any of the commandments of the Lord in anything which should not be done, and are guilty; 14 when the sin which they have committed becomes known, then the assembly shall offer a young bull for the sin, and bring it before the tabernacle of meeting.” Leviticus 4:13, 14 (The entire congregation).
Because of their guilt, each person must make the appropriate sacrifice for what he has done. And because the entire nation bears guilt, there must be a national sacrifice for what they have collectively done. But Peter will not direct them to make those sacrifices demanded by the Law of Moses, which are only types and shadows of the coming Messiah. Rather, he will call for them to “repent” and be converted, as will be noted in verse 3:19.
A new order of things has come, and a new means of satisfying God through the atonement process has been realized. The church is only at the very beginning of understanding this. It will take all of the New Testament epistles to fully realize the magnitude of what Christ did through His sacrificial work. For now, Peter simply points out that their guilt exists, even if it was done in ignorance. And this extends beyond the common people who may be standing before him. This is seen in his final words of the verse, “as did also your rulers.”
The rulers were responsible for the killing of Jesus, even if they too did it in ignorance. They bore the guilt of the act. But more, as leaders, their guilt must be admitted before the nation can find its promised redemption. That is seen, again, in the Levitical law –
‘When a ruler has sinned, and done something unintentionally against any of the commandments of the Lord his God in anything which should not be done, and is guilty, … So the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.” Leviticus 4:22 & 4:26
Israel bears guilt in various ways for what they have done. The Law of Moses can no longer purge their guilt. This is clearly laid out in the book of Hebrews, explaining that everything that happened under the law was only anticipatory of the coming of Christ. When Christ came, He fulfilled that law. In His fulfillment of it, it is annulled (Hebrews 7:18), it is obsolete (Hebrews 8:13), and it is set aside (Hebrews 10:9).
The Law of Moses is done. It is nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). In saying the law is nailed to the cross, it means that Christ embodied it. He fulfilled it. And in His death, it died with Him. When He came out of the grave, it was under the establishment of a new and better covenant.
Paul’s words to Timothy clearly understood the guilt he bore, even when his actions were in ignorance, but the forgiveness he had received was absolute when it came through the finished, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ –
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” 1 Timothy 1:12, 13
Life application: The nation of Israel continues to bear the guilt for what it did in rejecting Christ, even two thousand years later. Nothing can atone for their guilt apart from repenting of their actions, calling out to Christ, and being restored through the New Covenant. The Tribulation period that lies ahead will be the seven final years of the Mosaic Law being worked out in order for them to figure this out (Daniel 9:24-27).
The incredible thing to consider isn’t that the nation of Israel hasn’t figured this out, but that innumerable people who should know better – because they have the New Testament right there before them – cannot seem to figure it out.
There is a constant returning to the Law of Moses, in part or in whole, as they try to earn what God has already granted. They try to work through what God has already accomplished. And they will never find rest nor peace in the Lord through doing so.
Grace is grace. It cannot be earned. One must simply trust in what Christ has done, and then live out his life with this continued understanding. Be sure to run from the Hebrew Roots Movement, Seventh Day Adventism, and any other church that reinstates precepts from a fulfilled and now-obsolete law. And stay away from those who say that Jews have either a different gospel (hyperdispensationalism) or can be saved through adherence to the Law of Moses (dual-covenantalism).
There is one gospel, it is the only way to reconciliation with God. What happens in Acts is merely a descriptive account of how the church developed while its theology was in the process of being laid out by the apostles. Their epistles explain how all things find their fulfillment and completion in Christ.
Lord God, thank You that Christ is the fulfillment and the end of the law that stood against us. Yes, praise God for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 25, 2021 18:49:39 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:18
Saturday, December 25th, 2021
But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Acts 3:18
Peter, after having clearly identified the men of Israel as having been those who killed their Messiah, then noted that they did it in ignorance. A sin of ignorance, as was seen in the previous commentary, could be forgiven with the appropriate sacrifices. But now, Peter doesn’t say to them, “You must observe the rituals laid down by Moses for the atonement of your sins.” Rather, he immediately turns to explain what those sacrifices only anticipated. He does this by beginning with, “But those things.”
This is referring to what he had just said in the previous verses –
But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
What Peter is saying is that what occurred in the betrayal and crucifixion of Christ Jesus had a set purpose. Despite the fact that Israel did these things, thus bearing guilt for their actions, the very things they did actually served as the means of making their own forgiveness possible. This continues to be seen with the words, “which God foretold.”
In other words, the things that happened to Jesus were actually prophesied in advance, meaning that God knew what would occur. Despite this, two things are to be taken as axioms: 1) God did not cause the events. His foreknowledge does not mean active participation in the event. And 2) the people bore guilt for their actions. God’s foreknowledge does not negate personal culpability in the things that they participated in.
God, knowing all things and understanding the hearts of the people of Israel, foresaw their rejection of Christ and allowed them to continue through with His crucifixion, knowing that it would be the means by which the world could be saved. What should have occurred came about. God’s plans and purposes were fulfilled exactly as spoken “by the mouth of all His prophets.”
This is clearly evidenced throughout Scripture, especially it is seen in typology, but it is also directly prophesied to have occurred at times. Jesus indicated this after the resurrection –
Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:25-27
The word of God reveals Jesus. From beginning to end, He is the main subject of what God is doing in the span of redemptive history. The word of God is given to show this. And the word of God clearly revealed the sacrifice of Christ for the sins of man. Of all of the words of the prophets, this is most explicitly seen in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Take the time to read that short passage today, thinking about how they point to the Person of Jesus. In those words, as elsewhere in Scripture, it clearly indicates “that the Christ would suffer.”
By saying this, Peter is plainly and unambiguously saying that the sufferings of Christ were prophesied in advance, and that what happened to Him was in fulfillment of Scripture. As this is so, and as all of the sacrificial system pointed to what He would do, Scripture – meaning the Law of Moses – is fulfilled in Him. As such, it is now set aside (made obsolete and annulled) in Him.
With this understanding, Peter is indicating that Jesus – not the sacrificial system of the law – is the only Sacrifice acceptable to atone for what they had done. Depending on our knowledge of the Old Testament, we may or may not get this. But the men standing before Peter would have. They had heard that God foretold these things, that Christ was the fulfillment of what was spoken forth, and that there was intent and purpose behind those events. Everything added up, and they would have fully grasped this, whether they believed it or not.
This is perfectly evident from discussions with Jews today. Any Jew who is even remotely versed in Scripture, and who understands who Jesus is, knows fully well that Christians believe this to be true. They grasp the theology mentally, but they do not believe it to be so. They also know it because, throughout the centuries, a remnant of believing Jews has always existed. There are Jews who have not only grasped what is said, but they have believed it. Of these things concerning the sufferings of Christ that were prophesied in advance, Peter – still speaking of God in Christ – says, “He has thus fulfilled.”
As before, this does not mean that God actively caused these things to happen. And further, God could have actively stopped them from happening. This is evidenced by Jesus’ words prior to His crucifixion –
But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” Matthew 26:52-54
God allowed the events to take their course because He knew that what Christ would do was necessary for restoration between Him and man to take place. But the guilt of what took place rests squarely upon Israel for their actions, the denial they professed, and the rejection that occurred among them. Peter has stated it is so, he has shown that Scripture confirms his words, and he will next explain what they need to do in order to be forgiven for their actions. He will also explain to them what a failure to do what is necessary will mean for them.
Life application: When thought through, this verse is a good one to understand other important issues that arise in theology, such as the process of salvation. For example, many people believe that because God knows in advance what will transpire, it necessarily follows that man does not actually have free will. This is nonsense, and that becomes perfectly evident from evaluating this verse.
If that were so, then there would be no culpability for Israel’s actions in having crucified their Messiah. Peter clearly told them that Scripture foretold what would happen. And yet, he also unmistakably has told them that they are guilty before God because of it, and they must do something in order to be absolved of their guilt. God’s foreknowledge in no way negates man’s free will, nor the guilt that comes from exercising it.
Further, God’s foreknowledge in no way negates man’s responsibility toward the gospel. As an example, Calvinism teaches that man does not have free will in choosing Christ. It says that man is incapable of calling out to God because he is totally depraved. But total depravity can have various meanings. Just two of the many examples of total depravity are:
Man is completely fallen and cannot choose what is good. The image of God in him is erased.
Man is fallen and can do nothing pleasing to God because he bears a sin nature. But man still bears the image of God, even if it is marred. He still has a knowledge of what is right and wrong. He can see the good and choose it.
The first is wrong on the surface. James 3:9 clearly indicates that the image of God in man remains. And more, Genesis 3:22 plainly indicates that, in the fall of man, he obtained the knowledge of good and evil. He can know the difference and choose what is good and what is evil (see Genesis 4:7).
With the incorrect view of man in relation to God, Calvinism says that man cannot receive Christ without God imposing the decision on him. As such, it teaches that God chooses who will be saved, He regenerates their spirit (they are born again), they then can choose what is good by calling on Christ, and they are then saved. In essence, a person is saved before he is saved. It is confused thinking and poor theology.
Calvinists cling to John 6:44 as evidence of their view –
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Using this verse as a stand-alone rejects the entire context of what Jesus is saying. In John 5, Jesus distinctly indicates that God uses Scripture for this very purpose. God the Father IS DRAWING man through the word of God. The word of God speaks of Christ, and Christ came to fulfill Scripture. As such, Jesus later says in John 12:32 –
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”
In every numbering system ever devised, except that used by Calvinists, 12:32 comes after 6:44. There is a reason why Jesus’ words are placed there. It is because Scripture is used to draw man to God. Jesus fulfills and thus embodies Scripture. Therefore, when He is crucified, He will become the principal means for God to draw men to Himself. This is just one of the many points where Calvinism incorrectly uses Scripture to come to erroneous conclusions concerning key theological points of doctrine.
Conclusion to life application: Calvinism is a failed theological system.
Lord God, thank You for the offer of Jesus Christ that has been presented to all people. It is by personal faith, through free will, that we are allowed to believe or reject Your offer. This demonstrates a great care for Your creatures. You allow us, without forcing us, to simply believe and be saved. Thank You for this offer of peace and reconciliation. Yes, thank You for the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 27, 2021 2:04:17 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:19
Sunday, December 26th, 2021
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, Acts 3:19
The words of verse 17 just said, “I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.” It is based on those words that we next read of Peter saying, “Repent therefore.” The Greek word is metanoeó. It means “to change one’s mind or purpose,” “to think differently after,” and so on. It does not mean actually doing any work at all. It is simply a changing of the heart (the heart signifying the reasoning process of a person in the Bible).
Just as in Acts 2:38, Peter is telling the people (it is second person plural, and thus he is speaking to each person as much as to all of the people gathered before him) to change their minds. The question is, “About what?” The answer is, “About Jesus, the Messiah, and their rejection of Him.” Though they did it in ignorance, they had rejected and killed Him. As such, they had to repent of this. Their mind was, “Crucify Him. He is not our King.” Their change in mind must correspond to that: “We believe! He is our Messiah!”
The word “repent” is prescriptive for Israel who had crucified Jesus. It is not prescriptive for anyone else who has not first rejected Jesus. In other words, the same two examples that were used in Acts 2:38 (below) will help remind what the intent here is –
John walks up to Tom and tells him about Jesus. Tom had never heard of Jesus. Tom does not need to repent of anything. He needs to simply believe the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) and he will be sealed with the Holy Spirit, and he will be saved (Ephesians 1:13, 14).
Tom has heard the gospel. Tom has rejected the gospel. Tom must “repent” of his former rejection (change his mind), believe the gospel, and Tom will be saved.
This is the context of Peter’s words. The men of Israel, and Israel collectively, must repent of what they had previously thought concerning Jesus. For those who will do so, Peter then says, “and be converted.” The Greek word is epistrephó. It signifies to turn or return. It corresponds to the Hebrew word shuv, which bears basically the same meaning, and which is used in the same manner time and again towards Israel –
“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations. 7 For anyone of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who separates himself from Me and sets up his idols in his heart and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity, then comes to a prophet to inquire of him concerning Me, I the Lord will answer him by Myself. 8 I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 14:6-8
In essence, Peter’s words say, “Change your mind and turn back.” Israel had denied Christ, they had asked for a murderer in His place, and they had then killed Him (Acts 3:14, 15). Peter is asking them to “undeny” the Lord and to return to right thinking concerning Him, turning back to the path that God had purposed in Christ Jesus. Peter then says, “that your sins may be blotted out.”
The guilt of the sin was carefully laid out by Peter. The guilt remained unatoned for and was clearly written upon them for God to see. But Peter says that those sins could be “blotted out.” It is a new word in Scripture, exaleiphó. It signifies complete removal, as in wiping away or being erased. This word will be found in Colossians 2:14 concerning the ending of the Law of Moses because of Christ’s work –
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:13-15
In Christ, the law is fulfilled and ended. But without Christ, the guilt of the law stands against those who will be judged by it. In coming to Christ, the sin is atoned for and there is no longer the imputation of future sin.
This is exactly what Peter is referring to. The sin of those who had crucified Christ will be atoned for by simply changing their mind and turning back to the proper path. Ezekiel spoke of the “idols of the heart,” and law observance had become exactly that to the people. Instead of coming to Christ, the embodiment of the law, they wanted Him crucified and thought to do things their own way. No atonement, apart from Christ, could cover such a sin (see Hebrews 6:4). But in returning to Christ, the sins could be blotted out “so that times of refreshing may come.”
The word translated as “times” signifies a season or a fitting moment, such as the timing of the harvest. The right times for “refreshing” would come upon the turning of the people. This word, translated as “refreshing,” is found only here in Scripture. It signifies “to breathe easily.” As such, it is the state of being revived with fresh air. One can think of stagnation and oppression until that time. But when the time comes, there will be deep breaths of cooling. And Peter finishes up noting that these will be “from the presence of the Lord.”
The Greek word is prosópon. It comes from two words signifying “towards the eye.” Thus, it refers to the face or the countenance, corresponding to the Hebrew word panim, or face. The idea then is the favorable countenance of the Lord looking toward people.
In Leviticus 26, the Lord told the people that if they were not obedient that His face would be against them –
I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Leviticus 26:17
In their rejection of Christ, the Lord had set His face against the people. He would pursue them and destroy them. Only in calling out to Christ will this time end and will the times of the Lord turning His face to them in favor come to pass.
Life application: What Peter says to Israel now is never used by those who insist on baptism as a necessary part of being saved. Instead, they cite Acts 2:38 and leave it at that. But look at the two verses side by side –
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
What happened in Acts 2? The believers were baptized into the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, the people were told to repent and be baptized (most assuredly speaking of the baptism of the Spirit – one being the result of the other). What happened in Acts 3? A man was healed of his infirmity. The people are told to repent and be converted (the changing of the mind results in the action of turning back to the Lord). In both, the sins are forgiven (remission/blotting out). In one, the gift of the Holy Spirit is promised. In the other, refreshing from the favorable face of the Lord, instead of oppression which comes from the face of the Lord being turned against them, is the result.
The man is being used as an object lesson (a sign) concerning the state of Israel, just as the event of speaking in tongues was used as a sign to Israel. It is as clear as the nose on one’s face that the ONLY thing that Israel is being instructed to do in order to be forgiven is to “repent,” or “change the mind.” This is perfectly in accord with all other instances of salvation in Scripture.
If one has been given the gospel and rejected it, he must – by default – repent of that state of mind. If a person has never been given the gospel and he then accepts it, only his faith – and nothing more – saves him. At that moment, he is sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 14), and he is saved.
Doctrine falls into individual categories. When the categories are mixed, faulty theology is the result. If anyone ever tells you that you must be baptized (water baptism) in order to be saved, be sure to explain to him what is actually being conveyed in Acts 2:38 and Acts 3:19. If he continues in his faulty theology, separate yourself from him. He is teaching a false gospel.
And remember, Acts is a descriptive account of what is happening. Read it, understand what the purpose of each event is given for, and then consider it as a historical record of what happened. But to obtain right doctrine, go to the epistles and study them, applying their precepts to your walk before the Lord.
Lord God, thank You for the consistent message of Scripture. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone. Anything else is a false gospel. May we proclaim the simple path to salvation that came at the high cost of Christ’s work on our behalf. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 27, 2021 23:58:50 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:20
Monday, December 27th, 2021
and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, Acts 3:20
The words now continue the thought of Peter that is being expressed to the men of Israel. As they are a continuation of the previous verse, it is right to restate them together –
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,
The context demands that attention is paid to who is being addressed. It is specifically Israel. They had killed their Messiah, and they are being asked to repent of this. Like Peter’s words of Acts 2, the matter has absolutely nothing to do with Gentiles. The “times of refreshing” are a certain reference to what we now know as the millennial kingdom. To Israel, it was a time anticipated in the prophets concerning a coming messianic kingdom where the Lord’s Messiah would reign among them.
This is then more fully confirmed with the words of verse 3:30, which say, “and that He.” This is referring to “the Lord” who was just noted in the previous words, “so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” The times of refreshing will come from the Lord, and Peter notes that it is He who then “may send Jesus Christ.”
The Jews standing there have been told that their Messiah had been glorified (verse 2:13). In the coming verse, Peter will explain that this means He is currently in heaven. Thus, Jesus is not among them, nor will He be among them until a set time and after a specific event has taken place.
This is an obvious conclusion when Peter has already noted that what happened to Jesus at the hand of the Jews was “foretold by the mouth of all His prophets,” as noted in verse 3:18. Those hearing Jesus’ words would more clearly understand that there is a set purpose and a set time for all things to occur, including the absence and then return of their Messiah.
As noted several times already, Jesus has clearly and unambiguously told the people when He would return –
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Luke 13:34, 35
Jerusalem is the seat of power and authority. It is from where Israel’s rulers direct the affairs of the nation. At the time of Jesus’ words, it was anticipated that they would reject Him. This came to pass, and Peter is again telling them that what they did to their Messiah required that they repent of it as individuals, but also on a national scale. Until the leaders of Israel acknowledge Christ Jesus as their Messiah, He will not return. When they do, He will. And when He does, the times of refreshing – the messianic age – will come to pass. All Scripture will be fulfilled, and not a word of the Lord shall fail.
It is this scenario, concerning this Jesus, that Peter next notes, “who was preached to you before.” This is certainly referring to the words he conveyed to the people in this same location on the day of Pentecost and who he again stood and proclaimed now after the healing of the beggar.
They had seen the coming of the Spirit, they had seen the healing of the man, and they had choices to make. And those choices must be rendered both individually and collectively. Again, the passage before us has absolutely nothing to do with Gentiles. They have not ever been mentioned in any of what is occurring in the narrative. Israel must be first presented with the opportunity to receive her King. As that fails to come to pass, the message will begin to go out to those who would gladly receive the good news of salvation by faith in His completed work.
Having said that, nothing is said – here or elsewhere – that if the Jews rejected their Messiah, they would be rejected as the people of the Lord. In fact, the opposite is explicitly stated in both testaments of Scripture, including the verse now being considered. It is up to the Jews for them to be restored. When they do what is expected of them, it will come to pass.
Life application: Two particular points should be considered from the verse that is being looked at. The first is that it is never said in Scripture that the Lord is returning to His church so that times of refreshing may result. The church isn’t under punishment and in need of refreshing.
Instead, it has been a part of the nations of the world. Anyone who calls out to God through the gospel of Jesus becomes a part of the church. The idea of “refreshing” implies that such is needed. Israel would be judged for the rejection of Christ, and the resulting punishments of the curses – laid out in the Law of Moses – would be realized. It is from that state that refreshing would be needed. Jesus will return to Israel when they first return, that is repent and acknowledge Him.
However, Jesus never returns to the church because He never left the church. Jesus will gather His church together in the air, exactly as Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians 4. It is not a return at all; it is a rapturous event.
The second point is that just because it says that the Lord (implying Yehovah of the Old Testament Scriptures) will send Jesus Christ, it in no way negates that Jesus is the God/Man. This cannot be used as a verse to deny the deity of Christ. In the Old Testament, there are times where one verse will speak of God and another of the Lord. Both are clearly presented as God.
At times, the Angel of the Lord is sent by God, and yet – when He is – He is clearly identified as the Lord (Yehovah). This is the same with Jesus in the New Testament. The Lord (the divine God) will send Jesus Christ (the Man who is the Messiah) to the people of Israel. But He does it by sending Himself in the form of a Man, just as occurs so many times in the Old Testament. There is no contradiction at all here. Rather, the Person of Jesus is the full, final, and forever expression of who this “Angel of the Lord” is who is found in the Old Testament.
We now know and more fully understand what Israel could not even guess at. If they did, they would not have crucified their Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:8). But in rejecting Him, they rejected the Lord God. The two are One. He is the God/Man. He is JESUS.
Heavenly Father, how great it is to know that You have expressed Yourself in the Person of Jesus so that we can understand who You are. We can also appreciate all that You were willing to do in order to reconcile us to Yourself. Thank You for the story of redemption and love that is so beautifully expressed in the coming of Jesus. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 29, 2021 0:31:36 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:21
Tuesday, December 28th, 2021
whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:21
Peter has asked the men of Israel to repent and be converted so that “times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Further, he told them that the Lord would send Jesus Christ. Now he explains when this will happen, beginning with the words, “whom heaven must receive.”
The Greek word is dechomai. Helps word studies notes that “The personal element is emphasized … which accounts for it always being in the Greek middle voice. This stresses the high level of self-involvement (interest) involved with the ‘welcoming-receiving.’” Further, Charles Ellicott says, “The words have a pregnant force: ‘must receive and keep.’”
Christ Jesus has been received into heaven, welcomed from His time of service on the earth. And He will remain there “until the times of restoration of all things.”
The Greek word translated as “restoration” refers not only to the rule of the Lord in a true theocracy, but in a condition suitable for that rule. This means that even the physical earth will be restored to a more perfect condition.
Some say it will be like the earth before the fall. This may be true to some extent, but there will still be a problem with man’s relationship with God, and those born at that time will still be susceptible to death. This is found in various Old Testament passages. Three will be cited of this thousand-year epoch to get the idea of where things are marvelous, but are still not perfect –
“No more shall an infant from there live but a few days,
Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days;
For the child shall die one hundred years old,
But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
They shall not plant and another eat;
For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people,
And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain,
Nor bring forth children for trouble;
For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord,
And their offspring with them.” Isaiah 65:20-23
Despite men living to extremely old ages (as the days of a tree), something seen before the flood of Noah, Isaiah notes that there will still be death. Further…
“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18 If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.” Zechariah 14:16-19
Zechariah’s words show that there is anticipated rebellion by the nations, refusing to honor the King, the Lord of hosts. And more…
“Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:7-10
Revelation shows that there will be the desire for rebellion and war in the hearts of men. Eventually, a large-scale rebellion against the Lord and His people will occur. These show us that the “restoration of all things” is more in line with the pre-flood world than it is with the pre-fall world.
Unlike the pre-flood world, though, its defining character is that righteousness will be more prevalent than sin. Genesis 6 shows how desperately wicked man on earth became. On the other hand, with the messianic rule, man will be guided to (for the most part) make right moral choices and to live in a manner honoring of the Lord. Peter, citing Isaiah, will refer to this epoch of time later in his second epistle –
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:10-13
It will be this time of long life and one dominant ruling government under the Lord that Peter speaks of now to the men of Israel. Of this, he next says, “which God has spoken.”
The words signify divine inspiration. It is what Peter will also refer to in his second epistle –
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
God speaks, His words foretell, and what He says will come to pass. But His words are conveyed through men. Israel understood this because they were the people who kept these oracles of God. As such, Peter continues with, “by the mouth of all His holy prophets.”
This does not mean that all of the prophets spoke of this future period. Rather, it means that there is a united message from God that is conveyed by His true prophets. Their message is one because God is One. What God speaks through His many prophets is, therefore, a reliable testimony of what He has done, is doing, and will continue to do throughout all of redemptive history. And that message is ultimately given for one overarching purpose which is to reveal Himself through the Person of Jesus Christ.
This consistent message of prophecy has occurred “since the world began.” The Greek reads “from the age.” It signifies from the earliest point. God spoke the universe into existence, and yet John 1 says that the Word was there at the beginning with God. It says that all things were made through Him. Thus, even though those words were penned long after they occurred, both Moses and John spoke of things concerning the very beginning.
Everything about the creation account ultimately points to God’s work in Christ. When evaluated from that perspective, the words come alive as to why the Lord had them recorded in His word. Further, Moses records the words of the Lord in Genesis 3:15, the first explicit prophecy concerning the coming of Christ known as the protoevangelium –
“And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”
Everything in the word is given through God’s prophets to lead us to this wonderful understanding of God’s workings in and through His Messiah, Jesus.
Life application: When reading the Bible, we should continuously ask ourselves why God used the specific words and stories. In our asking, we should question how these things point to Christ. When we discover the answer, the narrative comes alive in an entirely new way.
However, we have to be extremely careful to never insert our ideas into the Bible. It is very easy to decide a passage means what we want it to mean. That is not a healthy way of reviewing Scripture. Rather let us evaluate what is presented and compare it with the rest of Scripture in order to form a sound picture of the typology that God is presenting. Otherwise, we can find ourselves making anything say anything. This is not honoring of God and of His precious word.
Lord God, thank You for the wonderful gift You have presented to us in the pages of Scripture. It is a wonder, a marvel, and a treasure. Prompt us, O God, to open it and seek out its secrets all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your majestic and superior word! Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 29, 2021 23:53:55 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:22
Wednesday, December 29th, 2021
For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. Acts 3:22
Peter had just mentioned “all His holy prophets.” Speaking of one of them in particular, Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, he next says, “For Moses truly said to the fathers.”
Peter will cite words from Deuteronomy 18, words given to Israel by Moses as instruction and guidance concerning their future conduct. They are words of law, and what they say are binding upon the nation. To fail to heed them will result in whatever penalty is given to accompany them.
In other words, at times Moses might direct that the offender be stoned to death. At others, that he is to be beaten a certain number of times. In the coming verse, the penalty will be mentioned. But first, Peter cites the mandate, beginning with, “The Lord your God.”
In the Hebrew of Deuteronomy 18:15, it says, Yehovah Elohekha – “Yehovah your God.” It is the name of the God of Israel. Moses prophesied that the Lord God would be the initiator of the action that is to come about. With that understanding, Peter next says, “will raise up for you.”
The words, whether in Hebrew or Greek, speak of the Lord raising up or causing to stand. The Lord is the initiator of the action. The sense is that at some point in Israel’s history, what Moses says will come about according to the set plan of the Lord. And what He will raise up, according to Moses, is “a Prophet like me.”
Moses was a prophet of the Lord, and after him came many more prophets whose words were often carefully recorded and maintained, becoming the basis for Israel’s Scriptures. However, none of these were “like” Moses, apart from the fact that they were prophets. The difference between Moses and all others was that the words of Moses formed the basis of the law. He was the one who initiated the covenant.
But more, not only did he initiate the covenant, he also performed the priestly role in its initiation, serving at the altar and ministering the blood. Though he was not to continue in the role of priest, he did serve in this function initially.
And further, not only did he serve in these ways, but he also served as the legislator of the covenant. No other prophet would be like Moses in all of these ways. His position in Israel was unique and distinct from all other prophets.
As Moses said that the Lord would raise up a Prophet like him, it meant that this prophet would – by default – be the Initiator, Priest, and Legislator of a New Covenant. This is carefully and minutely explained to Israel in the book of Hebrews where Jesus is said to be “greater than” Moses and Aaron in all ways.
With this understood, because it came from the unbreakable words of law issued forth from Moses, Peter next says that this Prophet would come “from your brethren.”
The meaning of this was clearly understood by every single person in Israel. The One God would raise up will be an Israelite, not a foreigner. When John the Baptist came, the people wondered if he was this coming Prophet –
“Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’
20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’
21 And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’
He said, ‘I am not.’
“Are you the Prophet?”
And he answered, ‘No.’
22 Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’
23 He said: “I am
‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Make straight the way of the Lord,’”
as the prophet Isaiah said.” John 1:19-23
John denied he was the coming Prophet. Others immediately recognized Jesus as such –
“We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45
Saying “of whom Moses” wrote about, it is clearly referring specifically to the coming Prophet. Likewise, Peter is now building his case before the men of Israel that Jesus is, in fact, the One Moses spoke of. The importance of this is that Moses clearly commanded the people concerning this coming One, saying, “Him you shall hear.”
In the Hebrew of the referenced verse from Moses, there is an added stress in the word translated as “you shall hear.” This is indicated by the structure. It says, elav tishmaun – “Him you shall certainly hear.” Further, the sense of the word “hear” is not just to listen to the audible sounds, but to heed them and to obey them.
As such, there will be no excuse for the rejecting of this Prophet. The people must heed the words He speaks. It is a command of Moses, and it is a provision specifically directed by the Lord. Further, the people were to heed him, as Peter says, “in all things, whatever He says to you.”
The basis for these words is found also in Deuteronomy 18 –
“And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. 18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.’” Deuteronomy 18:17, 18
The words of the Prophet are equated directly to the words of the Lord. Therefore, to reject the Prophet’s words is to reject both Moses and the Lord. What is said by Him is to be heard and complied with.
Because this is clearly to be understood from the law itself, no person of Israel – to whom the Law of Moses was given – could (or can) say that he was being obedient to Moses if he rejected this Prophet Moses spoke of and that Peter now refers to. To reject Jesus is to reject Moses. Jesus said this explicitly to them –
“Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:45-47
In rejecting Moses, the people would reject the Lord who commissioned Moses. The logical progression of thought is that only condemnation could result from a rejection of Jesus. To ensure this is understood, Peter will continue this thought in the next verse.
Life application: Jews, and heretical sects of Christianity, will claim that salvation can be obtained through adherence to the Law of Moses. But this is a false teaching. The Law of Moses, from both the words of Moses and those of the Lord, clearly indicated that to not comply with Jesus’ words is to reject Moses.
And Jesus’ words establish a New Covenant –
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” Luke 22:19-22
This is explicit and it is clear. The author of Hebrews then explains what this means –
“In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13
The Mosaic code is obsolete. It has served its purpose and it is no longer in effect. Therefore, to fall back on it for salvation means that salvation will never be realized. Be sure to stay away from the damaging teachings of such people. One must either come to Christ, fully and completely, setting aside attempts at self-righteousness through the law, or he will never find salvation. Come to Jesus by faith alone and you will be in the sweet spot.
Lord God, thank You for the surety we possess through faith in Christ. May Your glorious name ever be praised for what You have done for us through Him. May we never set aside this grace by attempting to be justified through our own righteousness. Instead, may we find our hope and rest in Christ alone. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 31, 2021 1:27:45 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:23
Thursday, December 30th, 2021
And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Acts 3:23
Peter, quoting Deuteronomy, has been referring to the Prophet who would come and who would be like Moses. The command in Deuteronomy was spoken from the Lord to Moses. From there, it was to be communicated to the people through the law. This command was that the Prophet to come was to be heard in all things. Peter now speaks of the consequences of disobeying this command, saying, “And it shall be.”
The words speak of a state of being that must exist. In essence, “The people are to do what I command. And what I command includes…” With that in mind, Peter continues, saying, “that every soul who will not hear that Prophet.”
As the Prophet to come was promised by the Lord, and as He had the words of the Lord in His mouth, speaking everything commanded by Him, then to not hear Him would be to ignore the Lord. In this, one can see that the word of the Lord is a reflection of who He is. When He speaks, He is revealing the substance of who He is to us. To not hear Him, as revealed through this Prophet sent by Him, that person “shall be utterly destroyed.”
Peter does not cite Moses exactly here. In Deuteronomy, it says, “I will require it of him.” Despite the change in wording, Peter’s words surely paraphrase the intent. When the Lord seeks out why He was ignored, it is a way for Him to reveal to the person the error of his way and to understand the judgment he deserves.
The person failed to believe, and to fail to believe the Lord means that person will be destroyed. The word Peter uses to convey this is found only here in Scripture, exolethreuó. It is a compound verb, coming from ek, or “out,” and olothreuó, or “destroy.” Thus, it signifies complete destruction. Peter finishes his thought by saying that such a person was to be so destroyed “from among the people.”
What this means isn’t just being destroyed for sins committed in the flesh, but that there is no hope of being saved from eternal condemnation. Further, this signifies that the person will be utterly cut off from the people of God as well. It means to die apart from the atonement of sin. The reason this would occur comes down to one simple word: faith.
The Day of Atonement in Israel was a day of faith. It was a day of acknowledging one’s sins before God. To not have faith in the atonement process meant that the person did not believe it was effective – for whatever reason. But Scripture, meaning the words of the Lord, said that this was how atonement was to be received.
In the same manner, to not believe the words of the Prophet, who had the words of the Lord in His mouth, was to not believe the words of the Lord. In the end, one is saved or condemned by what he believes or fails to believe.
Life application: Though spoken to Israel under the law, the words of Jesus teach us that our words have power. But words are a reflection of what is in the heart –
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37
This remains true in the church age. The words we speak will either bring salvation or condemnation. First, the gospel is given –
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4
This is what Christ did for us. Paul then tells us in Romans how that is appropriated –
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
The mouth speaks forth what the heart believes. This doesn’t mean that one is saved by simply speaking forth just anything then. Rather, it means that a person whose words speak forth what his heart believes, when that belief is in accord with the gospel message, will be saved. When the heart and the word are in one accord, the message is accepted by God.
This is because, unlike God whose words always reflect who He is, man’s words are often not truthful. It is the Lord who searches the hearts and minds. It is He who discerns what is true and what is false. Only a true confession, which is an open profession of the state of the heart, will be pleasing to God.
In the end, everything about our relationship with God must come down to faith. When our faith is properly directed, our words will express that. And in our profession of faith, we will be justified before God. Good stuff from our marvelously gracious Creator!
Lord God, thank You for the simplicity of the gospel. Thank You also that all You ask for us to do is to believe that simple gospel message in order to be saved. You have done all that is necessary to bring us back to You. Thank You that our faith in this is pleasing in Your eyes. Amen.
|
|
|
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Dec 31, 2021 20:15:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 3:24
Friday, December 31st, 2021
Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. Acts 3:24
In the previous two verses, Peter has spoken out the words of Moses concerning the “Prophet like me” that he had mentioned in Deuteronomy 18. But the word concerning Christ didn’t begin there, as noted in verse 3:21 where Peter referenced “all His holy prophets since the world began.” Nor did it end with Moses either. Rather, Moses spoke of prophets that would arise in Deuteronomy 18 as well –
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:20-22
The implication of Moses’ words is not that there will only be false prophets, but there will be true prophets, but that the false prophets must be identified and weeded out. With this understanding, Peter begins this verse with, “Yes, and all the prophets.”
In Scripture, the word “all” does not necessarily have to mean “all” in the absolute sense. For example, in Matthew 3, it says –
“Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:4-6
However, in Luke 7, it says –
“And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.” Luke 7:29, 30
Thus, not every prophet is necessarily referred to here. It simply speaks of a unified message from the office of a true prophet. And that includes “from Samuel and those who follow.”
Peter specifically mentions Samuel, and yet prophets were noted between the time of Moses and Samuel, such as in Judges 4:4 and 6:8. In 1 Samuel 2:27-36, a person – though not specifically called a prophet – carried the word of the Lord to Eli the high priest. It can even be inferred that Eli the high priest heard and knew the word of the Lord from 1 Samuel 3:9.
However, the office of prophets took on a rather distinct nature at the time of Samuel where groups of prophets are recorded together. Further, the distinct nature of Samuel’s prophetic office is noted in Psalm 99 –
“Moses and Aaron were among His priests,
And Samuel was among those who called upon His name;
They called upon the Lord, and He answered them.” Psalm 99:6
Of this office of prophet, of which Samuel is noted as the chief example, Peter next says,
“as many as have spoken.”
These words have to be considered in a limited sense. First, not all of the words of a prophet were words of prophecy. Some prophets only spoke a limited number of words of prophecy from the Lord in their lives, such as King Saul (1 Samuel 10:11). Some prophets spoke the word of the Lord, but only the substance of their words – without any specifics – are recorded in Scripture (see Jeremiah 26:20-23).
Therefore, what Peter is saying is that there is a general tenor of the prophetic word of the Lord that is conveyed which ultimately points to something specific, and that is that they “have also foretold these days.”
This is speaking of the promise of the coming Christ and of that which is involved in His coming – a New Covenant, the rejection of Him by His people, the inclusion of Gentiles in the work of the Messiah, the regathering of His people to the land of Israel, a future tribulation, a glorious messianic kingdom, and so on. The prophets spoke forth words of the events surrounding the coming of Christ, sometimes in typology, sometimes in veiled terms, sometimes in generalities, and sometimes in explicit words. Jesus referred to this after His resurrection –
“Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:25-27
As far as Samuel and Moses being given as the chief examples of this class of people, it should be noted that even his mother spoke forth words of prophecy at the time she dedicated him to the Lord. In her words, she specifically notes the coming of Israel’s king at a time when there were no kings, and then refers to the Lord’s Messiah (anointed) –
“The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces;
From heaven He will thunder against them.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
‘He will give strength to His king,
And exalt the horn of His anointed.’” 1 Samuel 2:10
Likewise, though not through Samuel directly, the words of the book ascribed to him explicitly speak of the establishment and eternal nature of the Davidic line of kings, an obvious reference to the coming of Christ –
“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.” 2 Samuel 7:12-14
Thus, Peter’s words to the men of Israel were clearly understood and carried with them the note of certainty that the prophetic utterances given to the people of Israel were intended to lead them to the times in which Christ would come. He is the central point and intent of prophecy, whether it directly speaks of Him or not. As it says in Revelation 19:10, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Life application: In the main commentary, Jeremiah 26:20-23 was referenced –
“Now there was also a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath Jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah. 21 And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid and fled, and went to Egypt. 22 Then Jehoiakim the king sent men to Egypt: Elnathan the son of Achbor, and other men who went with him to Egypt. 23 And they brought Urijah from Egypt and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him with the sword and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.”
Though seemingly unnecessary to the biblical narrative, the words are actually key in understanding exactly what Peter is referring to in his words. Israel is being told that they have been guided by the warnings of the prophets all along. And it isn’t just the spoken words that were recorded in Scripture that were guiding them. Rather, prophets – both true and false – were speaking to the people.
The true were to be heeded; the false were to be destroyed. But the testimony in Scripture is that quite often the false were exalted and the true were destroyed. As such, the very existence of these people – whether recorded in Scripture or not – was a guiding factor in the nation as it led towards punishment, exile, return to the land, and so on.
And all of these things were leading the nation to the time when Messiah would come. Everything about the nation of Israel was being geared for this one main purpose. Therefore, when we read the history leading up to Israel, in the nation of Israel, or even of the alignment of nations that align with or come against Israel, we are seeing the unfolding of God’s workings within humanity in order to bring about the fulfillment of His plan for humanity.
As such, when we read Scripture, let us consider this. This book lays down the outline of everything that is needed for us to understand everything God wants us to know concerning His redemptive process within the stream of time and human existence. In our hands, we are holding the precious and sacred treasure which is THE WORD OF GOD.
Let us handle it wisely and never fail to be careful with its sacred contents.
Lord God, help us to be responsible with our time, vigilant in our walk before You, and ever-so careful with how we treat the precious words of life that are revealed in Your Holy Bible. May we seek out its treasures all the days of our lives. Give us wisdom in Your word, O God. Amen.
|
|