Superior Word Daily Devotional on the Book of Acts

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:43
Thursday, 30 May 2024

But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, Acts 27:43


More literally, “And the centurion, desiring to save Paul, prevented their intent. And he commanded those being able to swim, having jumped away first, to depart to the land” (CG).

In the previous verse, Luke noted that it was the soldiers’ intent to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away. However, he now notes, “And the centurion.”

The centurion is Julius who was mentioned in Acts 27:1. He had grown to respect Paul and probably even more. At this point, they may even have been on the way to a friendship on some level. Along with that, after the events of the previous night, admiration may be a better word to describe how he viewed him. Therefore, it says that he was “desiring to save Paul.”

The word want, as used by the NKJV, doesn’t really convey the intent of the word boulomai. HELPS Word Studies says, “… (‘resolutely plan’) is a strong term that underlines the predetermined (and determined) intention driving the planning (wishing, resolving).” He earnestly desired to save Paul. In so desiring, he “prevented their intent.”

Here is a new word, closely connected to the word boulomai that Luke just used, bouléma. It signifies a preset and fully resolved plan. Julius is shown to have a sound head. He was first able to stop the soldiers from doing what they desired, assuming full responsibility for what might occur if any prisoners were to have escaped. Even in the confusion, he was able to continue to keep charge of them and to have them adhere to his commands.

Next, he logically divides those on the ship into two categories, as Luke next notes, “And he commanded those being able to swim, having jumped away first, to depart to the land.”

Now Luke uses a word found only here in the New Testament, aporiptó. It comes from apo, away, and rhiptó, to throw, toss, or cast. Thus, it literally means “to cast away.” Obviously, however, one doesn’t pick himself up and toss, so “jump away” gives the proper sense of the word.

The centurion wanted anyone who could get to the shore under his own power to go first. They were to dive in and swim to land, but they could logically also be able to help anyone who couldn’t swim and who had to dive in next. The way would be cleared for those who needed assistance to be methodically helped in order to get everyone safely to the shore.

But more, by preventing the soldiers from killing the prisoners, Julius became an active part in causing Paul’s prophecy to be realized –

“Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship.” Acts 27:34-37

Good job Julius.

Life application: There are natural leaders and there are followers. There are also those who are appointed to lead and those who are assigned to follow. Each has his own time and set purpose in how things will unfold. And yet, there are those who are appointed to follow who suddenly get thrown into a position where they must make leadership decisions.

This goes on all the time and the metal is tested when stressful or important moments arise. Those who lead may be removed for incompetence. Those who follow may suddenly rise to save the day. Each of us should be aware of those around us and try to figure out what their capabilities are.

In Judges 11, Jephthah was driven out of his home and away from his land. And yet, when a time of national crisis arose, he was called back to lead in the battle against Ammon. Likewise, Jesus was driven out by his people and rejected from what was his rightful due. However, He will be called back to save Israel in their time of great distress.

Let us consider how things are structured in the world of God’s redemption and look to understand why He has done things the way He has. In the end, by understanding what He has done and is doing, we will get an amazingly insightful look into His mind, His heart, and His desire for the people of the world.

And more, we can learn about His faithfulness. He has covenanted with Israel. Despite their rejection of Him, He has remained faithful to His word. As this is so with Israel and based on a covenant cut with the blood of bulls and goats, how much more faithful do you suppose He will be to the covenant that has been cut with the blood of Jesus Christ.

If you struggle with the doctrine of eternal salvation, it may be because you are not seeing the bigger picture of what God has done and is doing. Trust Him! He is faithful and He will bring you to Himself. We serve the great God.

Lord God, how good it is to know the surety of our salvation because of Your faithfulness. Despite our many failings, we have a sure and grounded hope of eternal life because of the full, final, finished, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:44
Friday, 31 May 2024

and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. Acts 27:44

A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “and the rest, indeed, some upon boards, and some upon anything from the ship. And thus it was all were saved upon the land” (CG).

In the previous verse, the centurion commanded that those who could swim should jump in and swim to land. Now, and still coming as a command from Julius, it says, “and the rest, indeed, some upon boards, and some upon anything from the ship.”

Those who couldn’t swim grabbed up whatever planks or boards were loose, or whatever else would float that was freely obtainable, and they then dove in with those who could swim. The scene must have been quite chaotic as the remaining who supervised the effort stayed on the ship.

When it was determined that all had jumped in, the final people who had braved the oversight of the effort would have then jumped in and headed for shore. With that accomplished, it next says, “And thus it was all were saved upon the land.”

The distance to shore at this spot is not too great and with effort, all made it ashore in fulfillment of Paul’s words from verse 22. The Pulpit Commentary cites the following to tie the Greek name of the island (Melita) in with Malta –

“And thus ended the eventful voyage of about four hundred and eighty miles (as laid down in the charts) from Clauda to the Point of Koura on the north coast of Malta. It is one of the striking proofs of the identity of Melita with Malta, that the rate at which it is calculated that a large ship laying to in a gale would drift in twenty-four hours, viz. thirty-six miles, multiplied by thirteen and a half (the number of days occupied by the voyage), gives four hundred and eighty-six miles as the whole distance. (36X13.5 = 486) Smith thinks that the coincidence between ‘the actual bearing of St. Paul’s Bay from Clauda, and the direction in which the ship must have driven, with the wind blowing in the quarter we know it did,’ is, if possible, still more striking (pp. 127, 128).”

To close out this marvelous chapter, Matthew Henry states the following –

“The ship that had weathered the storm in the open sea, where it had room, is dashed to pieces when it sticks fast. Thus, if the heart fixes in the world in affection, and cleaving to it, it is lost. Satan’s temptations beat against it, and it is gone; but as long as it keeps above the world, though tossed with cares and tumults, there is hope for it. They had the shore in view, yet suffered shipwreck in the harbour; thus we are taught never to be secure. Though there is great difficulty in the way of the promised salvation, it shall, without fail, be brought to pass. It will come to pass that whatever the trials and dangers may be, in due time all believers will get safely to heaven. Lord Jesus, thou hast assured us that none of thine shall perish. Thou wilt bring them all safe to the heavenly shore. And what a pleasing landing will that be! Thou wilt present them to thy Father, and give thy Holy Spirit full possession of them for ever.”

Life application: When Paul prophesied that all on the ship would be saved, Luke then recorded the exact number. With the ship wrecked and coming apart, it was abandoned, and all aboard swam to shore. Every soul was saved, exactingly fulfilling the words of Paul.

This is what the Bible does. It states things will come to pass, and then those things occur. This is possible because God, who created time, dwells outside of time. Because of this, He has a knowledge of all things immediately and intuitively. Nothing is hidden from Him.

As we have seen in human history, the Bible foretells and what it speaks of comes to pass. Because of this, why do we constantly doubt what the Bible promises but which lies yet ahead in time? Why do we feel it necessary to make excuses as to why Israel has been replaced by the church, thus nullifying in our doctrine the promises made to them of a future kingdom?

Why do we question God’s salvation of us when it occurred now that time has passed by? Is our salvation any less sure than the moment we first believed? Is God somehow competent to save, but not competent to keep on saving?

Let us trust the word, even if we haven’t completely sorted it out in our minds. As we learn more and see how the word is laid out, we can find more and more confidence in it. And so let us trust now and then continue to read and solidify our doctrine all the days of our lives. All the time, let us continue to fixedly trust our initial salvation. God saved. It is done. Hallelujah to God!

Heavenly Father, may we hold fast to the promise of salvation that we first received, knowing from that moment that we were saved and that we shall always continue to be saved. Jesus did not endure the cross to provide us with eternal insecurity. No! Rather, we have been saved, we are saved, and we shall be saved unto the ages of ages. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse - Acts 28:1
Saturday, 1 June 2024

Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. Acts 28:1

A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And, having been saved, then they knew that the island is called Malta.” (CG).

The last verse of the previous chapter noted that all had come to shore safely. With that, Chapter 28 begins with, “And, having been saved.”

The same word that was used to end Chapter 27 is again used here, diasózó. In that verse, it was an aorist verb, now it is an aorist participle –

And thus it was all were saved upon the land.
And, having been saved…

The task is complete, all having been brought safely and securely to the shores of the island. With that now complete, it next says, “then they knew that the island is called Malta.”

The Alexandrian text (NIV e.g.) says “we” rather than “they.” At the end of the previous chapter, the NIV says “everyone” instead of “they.” As Luke was present and he obviously survived, one would think that he would include himself in this and say “we.” However, he may be making himself an outside evaluator of the events at this time. Or he may still be referring to Julius and the other soldiers who were in charge of ensuring that all came to the island safely.

Either way, and regardless of this, all made it ashore and came safely to what they found out was the island of Malta. Although it is evident this is the true spot of landing, there is one other claim to the location of the wreck. In order to give all of the details, the lengthy commentary of Charles Ellicott is provided –

“There is no ground for questioning the current belief that this was the modern Malta, It was the only island known as Melita by the Greeks and Romans. The gale, which had been blowing for fourteen days since the ship left Crete, would drive her in that direction. The local features of St. Paul’s Bay agree closely, as has been seen, with the narrative in the Acts. There has from a very early date been a local tradition in favour of the belief. The Bay bears St. Paul’s name. A cave is pointed out as having given him shelter. There has, however, been a rival claimant. In the Gulf of Venice, off the coast of Illyria, there is a small island, Meleta (now Meleda), which has been identified by some writers with the scene of St. Paul’s shipwreck. The view is first mentioned by Constantino Porphyrogenitus, a Greek writer of the tenth century, and was revived in the last century by Padre Georgi, an ecclesiastic of the island. There is, however, not a shadow of evidence in its favour, beyond the similarity (riot [not?] identity) of name, and the mention of Adria in Acts 27:27. It has been shown, however, that that term was used with far too wide a range to be decisive on such a question; and against the view there are the facts (1) that it would almost have required a miracle to get the ship, with a north-east gale blowing strongly, up to the Illyrian coast of the Gulf of Venice; (2) that a ship would not naturally have wintered on that coast on its way from Alexandria to Puteoli (Acts 28:11); (3) that there has been no local tradition in its favour, as at Malta. The island of Malta was originally a Phoenician colony. It came under the power of Carthage in B.C. 402, and was ceded to Rome in B.C. 242. Its temple, dedicated to Juno, was rich enough to be an object of plunder to Verres, the Prætor of Sicily (Cic. In Verr. vv. 46).”

Life application: People naturally want things to apply to themselves if they are notable in some manner. It is certain that Malta is where the ship ran aground and there are few who would question this. And yet, there is a challenge to this because someone wanted to appear to have discovered something others didn’t know, or maybe because there was pride in those in a different location that they were the focus of the biblical narrative.

This happens all the time. People in various cultures claim that they are the true Israelites who were exiled from the land. This is claimed by Mormons. It is claimed by British Israelism. It is claimed by various sects of the Church of God. And so forth. None of these are even close to reality, and yet the claims are made.

Also, it is often argued, even vehemently, that the New Testament was originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic despite there being no sound reason to claim this. And more, internal clues abound that it is not so.

These and ten thousand other such claims are made because people want to identify with one thing or another that they want to be true. This is unsound. It causes real problems with doctrine, and it causes divisions that should not exist.

We should be willing to objectively evaluate such things and come to reasonable conclusions concerning them. If we do, for sure our doctrine will be more properly aligned with God’s intent, and we will not grow into the cult-like mentality that so easily permeates our minds, our lives, and even controls our destinies.

Be wise and discerning and check out the things you hear, lest you get caught up into the strange doctrines that are warned against in the word (see Hebrews 13:9).

Heavenly Father, may we not be led astray by odd, goofy, and irregular teachings that have no bearing on reality. Rather, may we be guided by Your Spirit and willing also to check all things and test them for accuracy. May it be so to Your glory! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:2
Sunday, 2 June 2024

And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. Acts 28:2

A more literal translation, even if a tad clunky, is, “And the barbarians offered not the ordinary philanthropy to us. For having kindled a pyre, they received all of us through the rain that had come and through the cold.” (CG).

The previous verse, which began the chapter, noted that those shipwrecked discovered that they had come to an island called Malta. Now, the words continue with, “And the barbarians.” The word is barbaros, barbarians. It doesn’t mean the same thing we think of today, meaning an uncivilized group of people or a backward culture.

Rather it indicates a foreigner who speaks neither Greek nor Latin. The NKJV “natives” is technically correct, but that is because they are on an island belonging to these people and translating it “foreigners” wouldn’t make sense. Rather, those who are shipwrecked are the foreigners. Therefore, to keep the idea literal while not being confusing, simply translating this as barbarians is a sound option.

The term itself, barbaros, is of uncertain origin, but it is probably onomatopoeic for “unintelligible sounds.” As they didn’t speak one of the common languages, those who heard them speak might say it sounds like “bar bar.” Of these oddly speaking people, it next says that they “offered not the ordinary philanthropy to us.”

The Greek word translated as philanthropy is a transliteration of the Greek philanthrópia. It is derived from philos, an experience-based love, and anthrópos, man. Thus, it signifies love of mankind and, hence, benevolence. It is used here and one more time in Titus 3:4 when speaking of the love of Christ for mankind. This extra kindness they showed those shipwrecked is noted by Luke, saying, “For having kindled a fire, they received all of us.”

Here is a new word, pura. It signifies a fire or a pile of burning fuel. Hence, it is a fire. It will be used in this and the next verse. One can see the etymological connection to our modern word pyre. The natives saw that the people were wet and probably quite chilled to the bone. And so, they got a fire going and began to tend to their needs accordingly. This tending to them was “through the rain that had come and through the cold.”

The word dia literally means through, as in the diameter of a circle being a line through it. Hence, it can be paraphrased as “because of” or “on account of.” As for the rain itself, the verb is a perfect participle. It had started to rain and that continued on as Luke’s description is presented. This continuous rain, along with the cold, would have made the soaked shipwreckees very cold, even to the point of hypothermia.

Some commentaries, probably to take up space or for some other strange reason, focus on the rain. As it wasn’t mentioned before, it is claimed that the rain must have just started. However, being a perfect participle, this is not a sound analysis. But more, anyone who has been in a hurricane or similar type of storm is fully aware that the rains come and go continually.

The fact is that the people were wet, and they were cold. With the continued rain, that wouldn’t change. There is no reason to go beyond this. The natives were hospitable, and they took care of the needs of their fellow men.

A little more history about the Malta of our current day is that it was colonized by the ancient Phoenicians/Canaanites who spoke a variation of the ancient Canaanite/Semitic tongue. There is a relation between today’s Maltese and the Lebanese dialect of Arabic.

Maltese is unique in that it is a Semitic tongue written with a Latin alphabet. It is the only Semitic-speaking nation in the European Union. It is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic. It was temporarily conquered by the Muslims, but soon re-conquered by the Crusaders.

The language and the people are related to the Phoenicians of Hiram, friend of David. Those Phoenicians who remained in Lebanon became the Maronite Catholics, who were the only Arab group friendly toward the Jews. Hiram was a friend of David. Likewise, the Maltese remained Christian, though speaking a cognate of Arabic. The closeness of the island to North Africa would have helped the continuance of speaking in this tongue.

Several key historical points are – Eighty-eight percent of Maltese speak English, as well as their native tongue. The Crusaders were the ones to drive off the Muslims. The Turks were destroyed on Malta. Napoleon besieged the place. Though they resisted British rule, they refused to surrender to the Nazis.

Life application: Malta is an island that identifies with Roman Catholicism. However, like the majority of adherents to this denomination, they have no personal relationship with Jesus. They have been deluded into the belief that by adhering to Roman Catholicism, they are heaven bound.

The same sentiment is found wherever this aberrant doctrine is taught. Like the belief of most Jews, Catholics live for this world and let their religious leaders worry about their afterlife, trusting that what they have been taught is all they need.

However, without a personal belief in the gospel, there will be no salvation for them. The pope himself mentions the words “the gospel” continuously. It is hard to find a formal or informal speech by him that does not include those words. And yet, it is likely he has no idea what the gospel of Jesus Christ is. His “gospel” is doing good works in order to somehow make God happy.

If the pope has not trusted the simple gospel of Jesus as it is laid out in Scripture, he is no closer to God than the most pagan person on the planet. Malta needs the good news in a desperate way. Be sure to include them in your prayers today, asking the Lord to direct faithful Christians who are excited about sharing the gospel to do so on Malta.

Lord God Almighty, today we lift up the people of Malta who have been deceived that they are secure and heaven bound because of adherence to the Roman Catholic Church. May their hearts be softened and may their eyes be opened to their need for Jesus. And may an explosion of desiring to know You and Your word come about among them. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:3
Monday, 3 June 2024

But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. Acts 28:3


The Greek more closely reads, “And Paul, having bundled a multitude of kindling, and having laid upon the pyre, a viper – having come from the heat – seized his hand” (CG).

In the previous verse, the people on the island made a fire for the shipwrecked people because of the rain and cold. Now, Luke begins a short description of an unusual event concerning Paul. He begins with, “And Paul, having bundled a multitude of kindling.”

A couple of rare words are used here. The first is sustrephó, to gather or roll. It was seen in Matthew 17:22. This is the second and last use. Also, the word translated as kindling is found only here, phruganon. It signifies a dry stick for burning. Thus, a word like kindling, tinder, touchwood, etc. will suffice.

Those who argue for the other location being the spot of the shipwreck, as reviewed in the previous verse, note that there is no wood that grows on Malta. However, the word doesn’t specifically imply wood from a tree.

Rather, in the area of the shipwreck, there are shrubs which are used for this very purpose. There is no reason at all to assume that Paul wasn’t out gathering exactly this type of material or even driftwood that shows up on beaches all over the world.

Paul was making a bundle out of dried sticks he had found, gathering them together to bring for the fire. With that complete, Luke next says, “and having laid upon the pyre.”

It is the same word found in the previous verse, pura. It signifies a pile of burning fuel. This is its second and last use in the New Testament. Paul has bundled up a pile of sticks and brought them back, laying them on this bonfire. With that, Luke next records that “a viper – having come from the heat – seized his hand.”

This is the fifth and last use of echidna, or viper, in the New Testament. The other four verses were all quotes of John the Baptist or Jesus calling those who had come near them a “brood of vipers.” The word signifies a venomous snake of some sort. This viper is said to have seized Paul’s hand.

It is another unique word, kathaptó. It signifies to lay hold of, fasten onto, seize, etc. The snake probably felt the heat of the fire and darted to get away from it. As it did, it seized Paul’s hand and would have immediately started pumping its venom into him.

These words bring in another complication. There are no indigenous vipers on Malta. Therefore, the claim is that this is not the true spot of the shipwreck. However, Malta was sparsely populated then. It is heavily populated now.

On the barrier island of Siesta Key, Florida, until the 1970s, there were poisonous snakes everywhere. However, as the population grew, they were eradicated. It is now very rare to see them on the island. Where there were once rattlers in abundance, none remain. Where water moccasins once hung from mangroves in almost every location, they are rarely seen anymore.

As far as the words noting that the viper seized his hand, it never says he was bitten by the viper, but it is implied, especially by the words of the next verse.

Life application: There are snake handling churches throughout the southern US. Deadly rattlers are brought out and passed around the congregation. At times, someone will get bit. Sometimes a person will die from the bite.

This practice is based on the words of Mark 16:17, 18 –

“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.”

This is not sound practice. To actively drink poison or handle poisonous snakes is to test God in a way that is unnecessary. This account in Acts is the only time a snake is referred to in this manner in the Bible. There is never a time that it is recorded that someone drinks poison.

Until the Lord comes for His people, every person who has lived since His first coming has died or will die. There are innumerable ways to die. To assume that God is going to protect a person every time he picks up a poisonous snake or drinks something poisonous is, therefore, ridiculous. There is no need to test God in such ways. Instead, live your life safely, carefully, and with clear thinking. This will generally increase your lifespan. Snake handling… not so much.

Lord God, help us to think clearly about how we conduct our lives in Your presence. There are things that we can do that may not be so smart. Rather, just because we can drive a car really fast, it doesn’t mean that we should do so. Instead, may we live our lives circumspectly, doing things that are reasonable and prudent all our days. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:4
Tuesday, 4 June 2024

So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” Acts 28:4

A literal translation is, “And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘This man is altogether a murderer, whom, having been saved from the sea, the justice has not permitted to live’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul went out gathering sticks to add to the bonfire. When he laid them on the fire, a viper came out and fastened on his hand. With that recorded, Luke next adds, “And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand.”

As is normally the case, it is a shocking sight to see a venomous snake. How much more when its fangs are embedded in the hand of someone? It is a sure sign that a great deal of misery and maybe even death lies ahead.

This is especially so because a snake may quickly bite, giving a small dose of poison, but a viper that latches onto someone will have time to pump all of its venom into its foe. This is the case with Paul. Therefore, “they said to one another, ‘This man is altogether a murderer.’”

As is common to most people of the world, when something bad happens, it is ascribed to karma or some other type of cosmic justice that keeps things in check. The Book of Job is a great study on this. In this case, the people saw the viper hanging from his hand, knew it was a poisonous snake that would kill him, and jumped to the conclusion that he must have deserved what had happened to him.

In this case, they made the illogical jump to the conclusion that he was a murderer. As such, they then said, “whom, having been saved from the sea, this justice has not permitted to live.”

Accepting that this was divine justice, though the sea failed to kill him, which was obviously (what else would one expect!) what should have been the case, the serpent was sent to complete the task. Of course, this was so! The tense of the verb, being aorist, states it as an accomplished fact. Literally “the justice to live not has permitted him,” or more directly, “he is dead.”

In their words, Justice, diké (deekay), is personified. Justice to these pagans was represented as a goddess, the daughter of Jupiter. It was her office to take vengeance or to inflict punishment for crimes. As such, they believed that the goddess, Justice, had rendered judgment and executed the criminal.

Life application: Though it may seem a bit superstitious to accept that the snake was a retributive punishment for some supposed crime of Paul, Jesus let those of Israel know that this thought is not entirely unfounded. In Matthew 5, while speaking to the people of Israel, we read His words, saying –

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21, 22

And again –

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27, 28

One of the points of Jesus’ words is that God’s standard of measurement includes the thoughts and intents of the heart. If we are honest with ourselves, there isn’t one of us who has been perfect in such matters. Therefore, the standard of justice that God demands because of His own personal perfection has been violated. Because of this, we all are under a death sentence.

This doesn’t mean that we can expect a viper to come out and bite us, but it does mean that we can expect to be eternally separated from God for the corruption that exists within us. And more, we should accept that because of our corrupt state, we will have the resulting corruption of the world that surrounds us to afflict us at any given time.

Paul speaks of this in Romans. The perfect creation that God made was marred when man sinned. Now, the very forces of nature and the creatures in the world work against us at times. Time, along with the decay within us, also works against us, wearing us down. Our golden years are really not so golden, and death is only a heartbeat away.

Though we do not have to look at every catastrophe or accident as the hand of God actively working against us, looking to bring justice upon us, we can still know that this world is constructed in the way it is because of sin. And, therefore, we can expect bad things to happen at any given time.

Let us remember, however, that for those who are redeemed through Jesus, we have the expectation of a life that will be far more glorious than we can ever imagine. When we are removed once and forever from the presence of sin, things will be restored to a state that we cannot even conceive at this time. This is our great hope, and it has all been provided because of the goodness of God that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord God, may we hold fast to the hope set before us. Even in this terrible world of chaos and disaster, we see enough of the beauty and harmony of Your loving hand to assure us that something far better lies ahead for Your people. We know this is so and we long for that glorious day. Until then, may we never fail to praise You for Your goodness! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:5
Wednesday, 5 June 2024

But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. Acts 28:5

A literal rendering of the Greek is, “He indeed then, having shaken off the beast into the fire suffered nothing evil” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul had a viper latch onto his hand, and because of this, the people accused him of being a murderer whom justice had not allowed to live. However, Luke next records, “But he shook off the creature into the fire.”

Here is a word found for the second and last time, apotinassó. It signifies to brush away or shake away. The only other use was in Luke 9 –

“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off [apotinassó] the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:4, 5

Luke’s words concerning Paul seem almost casual as if he was shaking the dust off his garments after a long walk in the wilderness. Despite it having been a viper and the people being sure he would keel over from the poison, he not only shook it off, but Luke next says, “and suffered no harm.”

The words here again imply that the snake was poisonous. Were it not so, there would be no need to give the details as they are recorded. As noted previously, these words are certainly given as a fulfillment of Mark 16:18.

Those words, as recorded in Mark, were spoken to those present with Christ. There is no reason to assume that they go any further than them. Snake-handling churches, poison-drinking churches, and the bizarre antics in charismatic churches have mistakenly and inappropriately taken such things out of context.

As a witness to this fact, one can take a bottle of poison into a snake handling church, and they won’t drink it. One can take a snake into a poison drinking church, and they won’t handle it. And one can take either into a charismatic church, and the people will quickly exit the building. This is all hubbub involving terrible theology. The Bible bears witness to the miracles promised to the apostles. There is no need to go beyond that.

Life application: Why anyone feels the need to force the speaking of tongues is beyond comprehension. And yet, this is the standard in churches that supposedly speak in tongues. People have to be coaxed into doing what they would normally not do.

Does the Spirit need to be forced? Rather, the Spirit of God will overshadow, clothe, or come upon people in Scripture, guiding them without being forced to do so. As previously mentioned, snake handlers in churches die from time to time. The Spirit obviously wasn’t condoning their actions if He allowed the people to die from what was, supposedly, a demonstration of His presence.

It is unreasonable to expect God to do things simply for show. There is no need to “prove” that God is among His people. If they are being obedient to His word and living rightly in His presence, He is there among them.

Be reasonable in your thinking, be diligent in your studies, and be ready to share the gospel with others at all times. Such things will be pleasing to God. But forcing yourself to speak in gibberish is not only ridiculous, it is unscriptural. Don’t get caught up in unsound theology. Rather, get caught up in the wonder of God’s precious word!

Lord God, may our conduct before You be sound, reasonable, and honoring of You. Help us to think rightly and clearly about You at all times, bringing honor to You and leading others to a desire to pursue You more and more all their days. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:6
Thursday, 6 June 2024

However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Acts 28:6

More literally, it reads, “And they expected him about to be inflamed or to fall down dead suddenly. And they, upon much anticipating, and seeing nothing unusual happening to him, having turned about, they declared him to be a god” (CG).

Paul was just bitten by a viper, which he shook off into the fire and suffered no harm. Now, Luke continues with, “And they expected him about to be inflamed.”

It is a unique word in Scripture, pimpremi. It is the usual medical word for inflammation in ancient Greek. It literally signified “to fire,” and thus a burning inflammation which includes swelling. They were sure Paul was a goner, so they watched, expecting him to be inflamed “or to fall down dead suddenly.”

This is the third and last use of katapiptó, to fall down, in the New Testament. All three uses come from Luke’s writings. Those on the island were aware of this particular viper and knew its effects. Hence, they fully expected Paul to keel over and die.

Luke uses the word aphnó, suddenly, to describe their expectation. This is the third and last time it is used. It referred to the sudden coming of the Spirit in Acts 2:2 which was accompanied by sound and wind. It also referred to a sudden earthquake in Acts 16:26 when Paul and Silas were in prison and their chains were loosed.

The islanders were expecting something just as sudden with Paul, however, Luke next records, “And they, upon much anticipating.”

The word translated as “anticipating” was a word known in Greek medical writings. It signifies to watch in expectation where mental direction is employed. The people were keeping an eye on Paul, fully expecting him to have one of these symptoms. But Luke continues the thought with, “and seeing nothing unusual happening to him.”

Here, the words translated as “nothing unusual” were also used by physicians to indicate unusual symptoms of a disease, including something fatal or deadly. The use of these medical terms gives a good indication of the authenticity of Luke’s authorship.

He was a carefully observant man who was able to see the same traits in others as they watched for such symptoms as well. Because nothing untoward came upon Paul, Luke next records of the people, “having turned about, they declared him to be a god.”

These words include another word unique in Scripture, metaballó. As a paraphrase, it signifies to change one’s mind, but a literal translation is “to turn round” or “to turn about.” Just as a person will turn around to face another direction, so a person turns about in his mind when he changes his mind.

Instead of thinking of Paul as a murderer, they suddenly realized that he was instead rather extraordinary. Taking things a bit too far, however, they ascribed deity to him. It could be that they may have been thinking of the Greek deities like Apollo or Aesculapius who are depicted as subduing serpents.

Their minds surely raced, looking for a suitable conclusion. How could any mortal be bitten by a poisonous serpent and show no signs of it harming him?

Life application: This verse shows the fickle nature of the people which is found in all people everywhere. It is highlighted in Acts 14 as well but in the opposite sense. There, it said –

“Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’ 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, ‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.’ 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” Acts 14:11-19

In the eyes of those at Lystra, he went from being a god to being a dead man. On Malta, he went from being a dead man to being a god. In the case of their suddenly exclaiming Paul a god, their superstitions cannot be considered uncommon even in today’s world. We simply package them up differently.

It is human nature to want to deify things we don’t understand. But as Christians, we need to remember that there is one God. All else is a part of creation. We are never to ascribe deity to any created thing, we are to refrain from idolatry, and we are to promote God to His rightful position in our words to others.

In doing these things, we will be acting properly in the presence of our Creator.

Lord God Almighty, You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You are magnificent in Your being and You are caring for Your creatures. May we respond to You accordingly, giving You alone our heartfelt worship and adoration. Yes, glory to You, O God, in the highest! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:7
Friday, 7 June 2024

In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. Acts 28:7

The Greek more literally reads, “And in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region], were parcels of the first of the island by name Publius, who having received us three days, lodged us hospitably” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul was seen to have not swollen up or keeled over from the snake bite. Because of this, the fickle islanders of Malta said he was a god. Now, Luke begins a new portion of the narrative, saying, “And in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region].”

By God’s providence, they were shipwrecked in a particular place that would bring comfortable times to those who had been cast ashore. Despite the great trials and losses that were suffered by those who were shipwrecked, there would be a season of blessing to come upon them. This is first starting to be realized now because in that surrounding area, there “were parcels of the first of the island.”

The meaning of “first” is the principal man of the island. The adjective used to describe the person is protos. It means the first, or chief, and thus he is “the first man.” Ellicott notes –

“The term is found both in Greek and Latin inscriptions, at Malta, of the time of Augustus, as an official title.”

Score another point for Luke’s accuracy. He is the chief ruler or magistrate appointed to oversee the population. Luke then notes, “by name Publius.”

This man’s name is a Latin one, literally: Poplios. It is known that Malta was rendered under the province of Sicily and so he would have been over the island, but under the Sicilian proconsul.

What we see in him then is a person who has received his job through appointment and not through a family line. This is indicated even more poignantly by the fact (as will be seen) that his father is there. He would not be the chief man if the position was based on family. This man is said to have “received us three days.”

It is a new word in Scripture, anadechomai. It comes from ana, up or upwards, and dechomai, to receive or welcome. Thus, HELPS Word Studies says it signifies to “receive up to the limit” and thus “to welcome with gladness.”

They were whole-heartedly and enthusiastically received up by the chief man of the island. It is agreed that this did not mean the entire host from the ship, but rather a select few.

Despite being a prisoner, Paul was a Roman citizen and stood in high favor with Julius. Luke was a physician and, thus, a man of respect. It is probably these three and maybe a limited number of others who were brought in as guests for those three days until other arrangements could be made. . this time, Luke notes that he “lodged us hospitably”

The word translated as “hospitably,” philophronós, is an adverb found only here. It literally means, “acting from a mind-set of personal affection” HELPS Word Studies. In other words, this was not a formal thing that was required by custom, but an invitation because of truly having come to like them. It was probably brought on by the words of Julius to Publius about the exceptional character of Paul and Luke.

Life application: Luke writes in the first-person plural concerning this visit. Thus, he was there, and it is absolutely certain that Paul, as will be seen, was there as well. Because Paul was there, Julius would have been there also, being the lead soldier and personally responsible for Paul.

Nothing is said here, or anywhere else, about Julius being converted to the Christian faith. However, it is unlikely that he was not fully aware of every nuance of what it meant to be a Christian by the time his supervision of Paul was ended. He personally saw prophecies uttered and fulfilled. He will see miracles of healing in the verses ahead. If anyone ever knew it, certainly Julius did, since Paul would not have been silenced over his proclamation of the gospel, etc.

Because of this, either Julius was converted and that is purposefully left out of the narrative for whatever reason Luke deemed necessary, or the heart of Julius was soft towards Paul and hard toward the message Paul proclaimed.

The latter is not unusual. There are people who have remained friends for years, even friends of pastors and preachers, who find the faith of their good friend curious and maybe even a bit comical. And yet, they stay fast friends through it. And how many times has there been an effect on the stout unbeliever later in life?

We cannot know what effect we will have on others by giving the gospel and then simply sharing our lives together with those we know whether they readily accept our words at the start or wait decades to yield. We don’t need to beat our faith into others. We simply need to share it and then let our lives be a testimony to those we know.

Let us never tire of living out the gospel that we have received. When the ball drops in the life of others, and it always does, they will know who to turn to if they are willing to once again hear the good news in their time of need.

Lord God, may our faith be on display at all times for others to see and remember what we believe. But we need to first let them know what our faith entails. So, Lord, give us boldness to first share the message, and then to live it out from day to day from that point on. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:8

Saturday, June 8th, 2024




And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8

The Greek, even if a tad clunky, more literally reads, “And it was, the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery – who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him” (CG).



In the previous verse, Luke noted that there was a portion of land where the first of the island, Publius, lived. He invited Paul and others to stay with him for three days. Remembering that, it now says, “And it was.”



The Greek word egeneto is used to show the transition from one thing to another. In this, we can see that the divine hand is guiding the events of the matter. This transitional thought is then explained by Luke with the words, “the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery.”



Publius has brought Paul, Luke, and whoever else was with them into his house. At some point, it was relayed to them that Publius’ father was sick. The word translated as “fever” is in the plural. This plural use of “fevers” is believed to indicate a recurrent fever.



As such, it was a malady that afflicted him regularly. Along with his fevers, he had a case of dysentery. It is a word found only here in the New Testament, dusenterion. Luke is giving a precise medical diagnosis of the situation.



Ellicott notes that the plural “fevers” in “combination with dysentery would, according to Hippocrates, who also uses the plural form (Aph. vi. 3), make the case more than usually critical.” In his situation, the verse uses multiple participles which makes the narrative quite exciting, “who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.”



It is carefully noted that as soon as Paul entered, he prayed. At the same time, he laid hands on the sick man. All of this was done in a carefully recorded way to show an absolute connection between Paul’s actions and the man’s healing.



This is especially noted by Luke to show that Paul had subordinated himself to the Lord. It is likely that this was stated here to show the contrast to the initial claim of the locals, noted in the previous account just a couple of verses earlier, that he was called a god.



This verse parallels the account of Peter in Acts 9:32-35. For further insights concerning this, refer to James 5:14, 15. Also, notice the very close sequence of events in this account of Paul’s snake bite and then healing of this man in comparison to Mark 16:18.



In the previous verse, Publius was first noted in the Bible. Now, he is seen for the second and last time. This is actually noteworthy because, in just a couple of verses, it will say that the duration of their time on Malta is a full three months.



Life application: We are told here that Paul prayed, laid hands on the sick man, and he was healed. The next verse will speak about more healings. By incorrectly taking these verses in a prescriptive manner, many have assumed that we too have been given such powers without any limits at all.



They claim healing over others as if they have a right to demand things from the Lord, or as if they are divine conduits for the powers of healing to flow through them. This is completely contrary to what is actually the case. It is presumptuous and it is a sinful attitude.



Paul was unable to heal himself and several others as is clearly indicated in his epistles. And more, Scripture never indicates that we have been given the apostolic powers of healing.



Rather, we have been given the intelligence to produce medicines. Also, societies have developed institutions to educate people to be doctors and nurses. We have likewise been given the honor to pray for the healing of others. If it is in the Lord’s will to respond favorably, He will. But we should never claim such things as if we have the authority to tell the Spirit how and when to heal.



Use reason and intelligence when you pray for yourself and others. And, if you really want to be a part of the healing of others, go to school and learn how to do so. You can have a lifetime of positive effects on others, both physically and spiritually, if you are willing to put forth the effort.



Lord God, thank You for our doctors, nurses, and others who are in the business of healing others. And thank You that we can also come to You for healing when it is in Your will to respond. May we never accuse You in our hearts when others get sick and die, knowing that this is a fallen world. In Christ, however, we have an eternal hope of life and health ahead of us! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:9

Sunday, June 9th, 2024


So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. Acts 28:9


More exactingly, it reads, “This, therefore, having occurred, also the others having infirmities in the island approached and were healed” (CG).



In the previous verse, Paul went into the sick father of Publius, prayed, and laid hands on him. With that, he was healed. Because of this, Luke continues, beginning with, “This, therefore, having occurred.”



He is showing a consequence based on an action. Because of Paul’s healing of the sick man, the word got out. This was the father of the leading citizen of the island and what occurred could not be hidden from the ears of the people. Once they realized Paul had the gift of healing, therefore, it next says, “also the others having infirmities in the island approached.”



The article before others is necessary for the intent of what is being said. Some translations simply say, “others also.” The inclusion of the article gives the sense that there was a rush upon Paul once the word had gotten out. In their coming to Paul with their infirmities, it then says, “and were healed.”



This is, therefore, a tie back to Luke 5 where the word went out about Jesus’ miracles to the point that everyone came to Him to be healed –



“Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He charged him to tell no one, ‘But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.’

15 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:13-16



Luke is making a direct connection between the healing powers of Jesus and those of Paul, demonstrating that the same power that was upon Jesus now rested upon Paul. The Spirit of God was confirming the message of Jesus to those on the island of Malta.



Of the words of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “Although Paul was a captive, yet the power of God was not captive.”



Life application: The people of Malta came to Paul for healing of their physical bodies. But the point of such healing is to lead people to understand their need for spiritual healing. Paul and Luke would have made this perfectly clear to those on the island. This is the point of having such healing powers.



Today, those miracles are recorded in the Bible. There is no longer a need for such demonstrable proofs. The New Testament tells believers to trust in what the word says, having faith that the message about Jesus contained there is true.



Of all of the writings throughout the world, the Bible alone tells the complete message of how we got into the mess we are in, what God has been doing to get us out of it, and what He will do for those who accept that message.



It is written in such a way that it is self-validating and can be trusted. And so, why do we need miracles, signs, and wonders to choose or reject Jesus? We don’t! This doesn’t mean God cannot or will not heal people today, but such healing will come as He chooses, without the explicit necessity of miracles that were needed before the Bible was complete.



To expect such things actually demonstrates a lack of faith, not the other way around. As it says, for example, in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”



We are expected to pick up the word, read it, test it to see if it is what it claims to be and then have faith in what it says. Don’t be captivated by those who claim to do miraculous things. They are a distraction from what God expects of His people. Evidence of this is that there are such supposed healers in other religions as well.



Is God working through them? No, He isn’t. Be careful what you believe and what you will accept. The word is reliable. Check it out and have faith in what it proclaims. Everything else is unnecessary eyewash.



Lord God, may we not be led down wayward paths by false teachers. Help us to be attentive to Your word, ready to test what we are exposed to, and to reject those things that have no basis in what You would intend for us in our walk before You. May Your Spirit rest upon us and guide us. Yes, Lord, may it be so. Amen.























Acts 28:8

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

Saturday, June 8th, 2024





Stairway. Wyoming Capitol.



Saturday, 8 June 2024



And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8



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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).



The Greek, even if a tad clunky, more literally reads, “And it was, the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery – who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him” (CG).



In the previous verse, Luke noted that there was a portion of land where the first of the island, Publius, lived. He invited Paul and others to stay with him for three days. Remembering that, it now says, “And it was.”



The Greek word egeneto is used to show the transition from one thing to another. In this, we can see that the divine hand is guiding the events of the matter. This transitional thought is then explained by Luke with the words, “the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery.”



Publius has brought Paul, Luke, and whoever else was with them into his house. At some point, it was relayed to them that Publius’ father was sick. The word translated as “fever” is in the plural. This plural use of “fevers” is believed to indicate a recurrent fever.



As such, it was a malady that afflicted him regularly. Along with his fevers, he had a case of dysentery. It is a word found only here in the New Testament, dusenterion. Luke is giving a precise medical diagnosis of the situation.



Ellicott notes that the plural “fevers” in “combination with dysentery would, according to Hippocrates, who also uses the plural form (Aph. vi. 3), make the case more than usually critical.” In his situation, the verse uses multiple participles which makes the narrative quite exciting, “who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.”



It is carefully noted that as soon as Paul entered, he prayed. At the same time, he laid hands on the sick man. All of this was done in a carefully recorded way to show an absolute connection between Paul’s actions and the man’s healing.



This is especially noted by Luke to show that Paul had subordinated himself to the Lord. It is likely that this was stated here to show the contrast to the initial claim of the locals, noted in the previous account just a couple of verses earlier, that he was called a god.



This verse parallels the account of Peter in Acts 9:32-35. For further insights concerning this, refer to James 5:14, 15. Also, notice the very close sequence of events in this account of Paul’s snake bite and then healing of this man in comparison to Mark 16:18.



In the previous verse, Publius was first noted in the Bible. Now, he is seen for the second and last time. This is actually noteworthy because, in just a couple of verses, it will say that the duration of their time on Malta is a full three months.



Life application: We are told here that Paul prayed, laid hands on the sick man, and he was healed. The next verse will speak about more healings. By incorrectly taking these verses in a prescriptive manner, many have assumed that we too have been given such powers without any limits at all.



They claim healing over others as if they have a right to demand things from the Lord, or as if they are divine conduits for the powers of healing to flow through them. This is completely contrary to what is actually the case. It is presumptuous and it is a sinful attitude.



Paul was unable to heal himself and several others as is clearly indicated in his epistles. And more, Scripture never indicates that we have been given the apostolic powers of healing.



Rather, we have been given the intelligence to produce medicines. Also, societies have developed institutions to educate people to be doctors and nurses. We have likewise been given the honor to pray for the healing of others. If it is in the Lord’s will to respond favorably, He will. But we should never claim such things as if we have the authority to tell the Spirit how and when to heal.



Use reason and intelligence when you pray for yourself and others. And, if you really want to be a part of the healing of others, go to school and learn how to do so. You can have a lifetime of positive effects on others, both physically and spiritually, if you are willing to put forth the effort.



Lord God, thank You for our doctors, nurses, and others who are in the business of healing others. And thank You that we can also come to You for healing when it is in Your will to respond. May we never accuse You in our hearts when others get sick and die, knowing that this is a fallen world. In Christ, however, we have an eternal hope of life and health ahead of us! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:10

Monday, June 10th, 2024


They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. Acts 28:10


The words are much sparser in the Greek, and much must be inferred, “And who honored us many honors, and going up they laid upon for the necessity.” (CG).



The previous verse noted that the others on the island, having heard Paul healed Publius’ father, came to him with their diseases and were healed. Because of this, it next says, “And who honored us many honors.”



In other words, because Paul was able to heal them, and because he spent his time doing so, the kindness of Paul and Luke was rewarded by the people. The word translated as honor indicates a price. Vincent’s Word Studies says –



“The word was applied to payments for professional services, and that fact may have influenced Luke in selecting it; but it is evidently not used in that sense here.”



Whether it was payment or gifts, honors of some tangible nature were bestowed upon them for their efforts. However, other scholars disagree. Some of them show concern that accepting compensation for their work would be a violation of Matthew 10 –



“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.’” Matthew 10:5-10



There is absolutely no reason to accept that. Those words of Jesus were to the disciples, in Israel, under the time of the law, and for a specific purpose. If those words applied to the situation now, everything that Paul and Luke had done would be a violation of Jesus’ words because He said, “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles.” But this is the main focus of Paul’s ministry.



Such an evaluation is not a proper handling of Scripture. And more, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:3-12 concerning the rights of accepting payment for such work. He also notes it to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:18 concerning receiving compensation.



It is stated explicitly and implicitly elsewhere as well. If those on the island felt that they should pay for the help they had received, and they freely offered it to those who had lost everything, then there is no reason to assume that Paul and Luke should not receive it – whether merely as a gift or as a sort of payment. Understanding this, it next says, “and going up they laid upon for the necessity.”



As noted above, the words are sparse. The meaning is that upon sailing (because to sail from land is considered going up), the same people from the island heaped everything necessary for the travel upon Paul and Luke.



This means that two separate things occurred. They were first rewarded for their efforts of healing the people, and then they were assisted in their continued traveling to Rome. Of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “God does well to strangers for his children’s sake.”



Life application: When reading the Bible, the context of what is being said must be maintained. For example, we cannot force the words of Jesus in the synoptic gospels into what is going on in the book of Acts and the epistles. Jesus was speaking to Israel, under the law, about matters of the law and of the kingdom to come.



Care must be taken to ensure that if something is cited from the gospels, that it actually applies to whatever point is being made. To not do so can form a logical contradiction in one’s theology. For example, Jesus said –



“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36



People in the church will often cite these words, applying them to the life of believers today. Jesus’ words in this passage are not intended for those of the church. He is speaking to the people of Israel who were under the law and in anticipation of the tribulation period which comes after the church age.



Those in the church during this dispensation do not need to pray that they will be counted worthy to escape those things. They will be taken out at the rapture before those days transpire. We also do not need to pray that we will be worthy to stand before the Son of Man. Rather –



“…giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14



Mixing matters between dispensations will always result in poor theology. Normally, it will result in a complete contradiction in what is said in Scripture. We are qualified to be partakers. We have been delivered! Read and apply the words of the Bible in their intended context and your doctrine will be sound.



Almighty God, help us to rightly divide Your word. May our evaluation of it be based on what You are doing in history according to the dispensation in which events are being referred. In this, our understanding of what is being said will be proper. Help us always to remember the proper context as we seek out what is being conveyed. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:11

Tuesday, June 11th, 2024




After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. Acts 28:11


The words are more literally translated, “And after three months, we went up in a ship having been wintered in the island, Alexandrian, figure-headed Dioscuri” (CG).



In the previous verse, Luke noted that the islanders honored Paul and him in many ways, noting that when they departed, they were provided things that were necessary. Now, Luke speaks of the actual departure, saying, “And after three months.”



This means that it was likely about early to mid-February. Some speculate it was as early as the month of January, others date it as late as March. The point is that they waited through the dangerous winter months while sailing was too hazardous.



The ship remained over the winter on the island until the time when it was safe to once again engage in commerce on the high seas. With the winter ending, the sailing would again be favorable. Therefore, Luke next notes, “we went up in a ship having been wintered in the island.”



Being a perfect participle, it means that the ship was wintered there, and it continued to winter there until the time that it could again go up to the high seas. This ship was heading in the right direction for the continued travel to Rome, and so it was employed for the next leg of the journey. Of this ship, Luke notes it was “Alexandrian, figure-headed Dioscuri.”



These words continue to show that Melita is, in fact, Malta. Malta would fall on the course from Alexandria to Italy, and so the identification of the ship as Alexandrian gives a good indication of the fact that the island was most likely Malta.



The word translated as figure-headed is parasémos. It comes from para, beside or by the side of, and séma, a sign or mark. Thus, a most literal translation would be “side-marked.” However, the intent is that of a figurehead.



Some ancient ships were side-marked with paintings, such as large eyes or other symbols like fighter jets display today. Others had carved images on them. Being the Dioscuri, it would seem likely these were carvings which then may have been highlighted with paint.



The word used to describe them is Dioskouroi, a word found only here in Scripture. It is derived from Dios which refers to Zeus, and the plural of kouros, boy. Thus, it means the two sons of Zeus and Leda, Castor and Pollux. They were the patrons of sailors.



Due to the nature of the word, the translation can be literal, Dioscuri, or any suitable translation that conveys the message, such as “twin gods,” “twin brothers,” “Castor and Pollux,” “the Castors,” “the sign of the Twins,” “the Heavenly Twins,” etc.



Each gives an acceptable description intended to convey what Luke meant with the single word Dioskouroi. Of these guardian deities of sailors, Ellicott notes –



“In Greek mythology, Zeus had rewarded their brotherly devotion by placing them among the stars as the Gemini, which were connected with the month of May in the signs of the Zodiac, and Poseidon (= Neptune) had given them power over the winds and waves that they might assist the shipwrecked. So in the Helena of Euripides they appear, in 1550–60, as promising a fair wind and a safe voyage. The figure-heads of the Greek and Roman ships were commonly placed both at the prow and the stern.”



What is unusual is that Luke has never noted the figurehead on any ship that they had sailed on in his previous accounts. And the number of ships would not have been small. For example, he notes that sometimes they changed ships while in a harbor, taking another to get to their intended destination. This would have been quite common, changing ships from one harbor to the next.



Despite this, the account now – when leaving Malta – is the only time a figurehead is described. Of this, Benson says, “And yet, in a ship having such an idolatrous image, Paul did not refuse to sail, considering it as being only the name of the ship.”



Paul was a prisoner being conducted to Rome, he had no choice in what ship he traveled, and it is certain that the majority, if not all, of the ships they had traveled on had figureheads. Therefore, it is irrelevant that it was an idolatrous image.



What seems likely is that Luke included this to show a contrast to what had occurred upon their arrival. As that ship certainly had a figurehead, and maybe even the same one as the ship they were now departing on (being the patron of sailors), such figureheads were irrelevant in providing protection to a ship.



The Lord had been with Paul, He had assured the safety of every person on the ship, He had followed through with that, and He had demonstrated His hand upon Paul when the viper bit him. He also continued to be with Paul as he laid hands upon the sick and healed them. And more, this journey to Rome is the fulfillment of the words of the Lord that Paul would bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).



Luke has, therefore, set a contrast to the effective workings of the Lord and the ineffective protection of false idols made by man’s hands.



Life application: Despite Benson’s comments not fitting the narrative, his words are correct that the images on the ship were idolatrous. People were putting their trust in something that is a part of creation rather than in the Creator.



The Bible mentions several constellations, acknowledging that they are as real as the planets. If God uses the constellations to tell a story, that is not the same thing as God allowing those things to be objects of worship or luck.



In Judges 9, Jotham uses the trees as an allegory. The Lord does this elsewhere as well. However, this doesn’t mean that the trees have any power in and of themselves. They are simply used to convey a story or prophecy. We must be careful to distinguish between such things.



Also, it would be ludicrous to refuse to travel on a ship or airplane that has figureheads on it. Paul addresses such notions when dealing with foods sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians. Those things are nothing. As long as we remember that and have our hearts and minds directed to the Lord, we don’t need to worry about what the world is doing.



Our hope is not in a carving, a painting, or a constellation. Rather, our hope is in the One who created all things and who has revealed Himself in Scripture and in the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord.



Heavenly Father, we know that an idol is nothing at all. It cannot help and it cannot harm. When our eyes look to the stars and constellations, we see Your hand of creation, not deities that can help us with our problems or direct our futures. May we always remember these things and focus our hearts and attention on You alone. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:12

Wednesday, June 12th, 2024


And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. Acts 28:12


The verb is an aorist participle, “And having brought down at Syracuse, we stayed three days” (CG).



In the previous verse, Paul and those with him departed Malta after having been there for three months. Luke continues this next leg of the journey, beginning with, “And having brought down.”



Departing on a ship is to go up to the high seas. When arriving at a new destination, one comes down again. The ship was brought down from the sea “at Syracuse.”



Syracuse, or Surakousai in Greek, is a city noted only here in the Bible. It is a city which was made famous during the Peloponnesian war. It was, and still is, a flourishing town of Sicily. It is 92 miles as the crow flies from Malta, but a bit more by boat because it is on the southeast corner of the coast of Sicily.



It can be reached in a bit over a day by boat. Ships bound from Alexandria on their way to Italy frequently put in there. It was one of the major ports of the Mediterranean world at this time. They probably stopped there to sell and offload wares and then pick up any other things or travelers for their continued voyage. Today Syracuse has a population of about 125,000.



Once the ship arrived there, Luke next notes that “we stayed three days.” The ship they were on had been at Malta over the winter. If the men were on the same ship when leaving Syracuse, it may be that it took three days to offload cargo and load on other things.



Or it may be that they switched ships to continue their journey to Rome and the first one departing took three days to get a booking on. Luke does not explain the matter either way but simply gives the duration of time they were in Syracuse. After three months on Malta, three days at this location would have flown by.



Life application: Speaking of flying by, the NKJV says the ship was “landing at Syracuse.” Not only is the tense of the verb wrong, but that can have more than one meaning. Landing at Syracuse may mean on the other side of the Atlantic!



Hancock International Airport is jointly owned by the military and the city. It is about five miles northeast of downtown Syracuse, in Onondaga County, New York.



The airport is off Interstate 81 near Mattydale, New York. Wikipedia says that “n 1927 Syracuse mayor Charles Hanna felt his city needed an airport. A location at Amboy in the town of Camillus, New York was purchased for $50,000, and by 1928, the ‘Syracuse City Airport at Amboy’ was handling airmail.”



At the end of World War II, the United States Army Air Corps leased their bomber base near Mattydale, New York to the city. On September 17, 1949, the Clarence E. Hancock Airport opened to the public using a renovated machine shop as a terminal, and replaced the airport at Amboy. To learn more about this airport at Syracuse, refer to their website on the internet.



This might sound like a pointless diversion concerning another location named Syracuse, but it is given to highlight the fact that there are innumerable locations in the United States that are named based on other locations, many are right out of the Bible.



The movement of people from one location to another, where there had not yet been a name given for the place necessitated those new locations be given names. Some are obvious, such as New York being named based on the movement of people from York in the UK. Others are obvious because of the connection to famous biblical sights, such as cities named Bethlehem in New York and Pennsylvania, and Canaan in Connecticut.



However, many other areas also have biblical names that may not be as famous. In Connecticut, there is Sharon, Gilead, Hebron, Mount Carmel, and so forth. This trend continues in many states throughout the US. A rich biblical heritage permeates the nation’s founding. However, those traditions are quickly fading away. The prosperity of the people, and the movement to a non-biblical worldview, have erased much of the Christian heritage of the land.



If you are familiar with biblical names of people and places, you can use that familiarity to start conversations with people and form a connection between the name and its source. From there, you can then bring in the overall message of the Bible, that it is the story of God’s plan of redemption of man from the power of sin and the devil to one focused on Jesus.



When they see a connection between their name or the name of their city with the Bible, they may want to know more. Be ready at all times to think of innovative ways to get people interested in knowing more about the word! It is the message that can change the eternal destiny of people from a not-so-happy ending to an eternity of delight.



Lord God, help us to always be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. May our words bring them to want to know more and to become interested in reading Your word. People need Jesus and the Bible tells us about Him. So, Lord, help us in this! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:13

Thursday, June 13th, 2024


From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, Acts 28:13




A more literal translation is, “From where, having gone around, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, having come upon an Auster, the second day we came to Puteoli” (CG).



Luke just noted that they had landed at Syracuse and stayed three days. Now, the journey to Rome continues with, “From where, having gone around.”



The words “from where” refer to Syracuse which is on the southeast corner of Sicily. Leaving that port, they had to make a bit of a sweeping motion. Of the words, “having gone around,” the KJV says, “And from thence we fetched a compass.” The Berean Study Bible says, “From there we weighed anchor.”



It is generally accepted that the Greek term is speaking of making a circuitous route around Sicily. As Syracuse is on the southeast corner of the island, and they need to head northward to the Italian peninsula, they set sail and worked off the coast of Sicily to reach their destination.



It was probably a west or a northwest wind at this time and this caused them to head out to sea in order to catch the winds while traveling north. Thus, one gets the idea of circling around, or going around, instead of traveling straight to their destination. From there, it next says, “we arrived at Rhegium.”



Rhegium, now known as Reggio, is on the southwest extremity of the toe of Italy. According to Wikipedia, Reggio “commonly and officially referred to as Reggio Calabria, or simply Reggio by its inhabitants, is the largest city in Calabria as well as the seat of the Regional Council of Calabria. It has an estimated population between 150,000 and 200,000 and is the twenty-first most populous city in Italy, after Modena and other Italian cities, and the 100th most populated city in Europe. Reggio Calabria is located near the center of the Mediterranean and is known for its climate, ethnic and cultural diversity. It is the third economic centre of mainland Southern Italy. About 560,000 people live in the metropolitan area, recognised in 2015 by Italy as a metropolitan city.”



The city is right at the southern opening of the Straits of Messina. These straits pass between Sicily and Italy. They connect the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north with the Ionian Sea to the south. At its narrowest point, it measures 1.9 miles in width. However, near the town of Messina the width is some 3.2 miles. It has a maximum depth of 830 feet.



Certainly because of the narrowness of the straits and the contrary wind, they stopped at Rhegium. However, Luke next records, “And after one day, having come upon an Auster.”



The words “having come upon” are from a word found only here in Scripture, epiginomai. It is derived from two words signifying “upon” and “to come about.” The word translated as Auster is the same word as in Acts 27:13, notos. It signifies the South and thus a south wind. A single English word which corresponds to this is Auster, a south wind. Once this favorable wind came upon them, it next says, “the second day we came to Puteoli.”



Here is another word unique to Scripture, deuteraios. It is derived from deuteros, second, and signifies the second day. With the favorable wind that came from the south, it allowed them to pass through the straits. Once through the straits, they were able to sail all the way to Puteoli.



This is the modern city known as Pozzuoli. It is located very near Naples and was once a port city. Today, however, it is too shallow for large ships to arrive at. Its name means “The wells.” Being known for its warm baths, it is supposed that is how it got its name. Some relevant information from the era that these men arrived there is found in Wikipedia –



“Puteoli became the great emporium for the Alexandrian grain ships and other ships from all over the Roman world. It also was the main hub for goods exported from Campania, including blown glass, mosaics, wrought iron, and marble. Lucilius wrote in about 125 BC that it was second only to Delos in importance, then the greatest harbour of the ancient world. Many inscriptions show that a polyglot population established companies (stationes) for trade and transport and formed professional guilds for arts, crafts and religious associations for foreign cults; they included Greeks from the islands and the coast of Asia, Jews and later Christians. Under the Roman Empire, it was the greatest emporium of foreign trade in all of Italy. Trade with Tyre was so important that the Tyrians established a factory there in 174.”



Life application: In one verse, travel has gone from Syracuse to Rhegium to Puteoli. The population of these three cities totals about four hundred thousand people. Think of how many of them may have never heard of Jesus. Now imagine that you encounter people just like them throughout the week or even every day. They may never have heard of Jesus. Who is going to tell them? If not you, then who?



If you are saved, hooray for Jesus in your life. But be sure to now tell others about what He has done for you, and indeed for all the people of the world. Without hearing about Him, people cannot be saved. Hopefully, you will be affected enough about their plight to at least try to share what you know.



Lord God, help us to be responsible in sharing our faith in Jesus. We have family, friends, and acquaintances that need to hear the good news. We go to restaurants and are served by people that may have never been told the simple message of Your goodness to us in sending Jesus. Help us, O God, to faithfully proclaim what we know. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:14

Friday, June 14th, 2024




where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. Acts 28:14


The NKJV needs to be tweaked, “Where, having found brothers, we were called upon them to remain seven days. And so, to Rome, we came” (CG).



The previous verse revealed the travel from Rhegium to Puteoli. The narrative in Puteoli now begins with, “Where, having found brothers.”



Some scholars dismiss these brothers as being only brothers of Paul, meaning Jews. However, Luke is the author of this letter and the “we” clearly indicates that this is inclusive of himself.



Therefore, these were Christians who had already spread out as far as this city of Italy. In Hebrews 13:24, we read, “Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.”



If this was speaking of the church at Rome, it probably would have said so. In other words, “Those from Rome greet you.” For this reason, it is more than likely that these are merely believers in Italy in general who are being referred to.



Further, it only says “brothers,” not “the brothers.” In other words, it appears that upon their arrival, they didn’t know that there were Christians there. Having found them, it next says, “we were called upon them to remain seven days.”



Somehow Paul and the others found out that these were fellow believers. They were greeted by them, and then they were called upon to stay a full week with them. This is the same length of time that they stayed at both Troas (20:6) and Tyre (21:4).



It appears that Julius the centurion had no problem allowing the additional time which was probably intended to allow at least one and maybe two Sunday gatherings with these Christians. It also may be that, as previously speculated, Julius himself may have been a convert.



With a week of fellowshipping with them, it next says, “And so, to Rome, we came.”



Some translations, along with the NKJV, say that they went toward Rome. Most versions, however, say that they came to Rome. The word can mean either, but the stress in the Greek is on the word came – “And so, to Rome, we came.” The entire 140-mile trip is summarized in this one sentence. Verse 15 merely explains the occurrence upon their arrival.



Life application: We don’t know how many people lived in Puteoli at the time, but it was a city with many people. And yet, these men found believers. It is unlikely this happened while sitting in a restaurant. It appears that Paul went to a synagogue and asked if there were any known Christians in the city.



It is hard to see how else they could have found them unless cities had boards with various people or activities listed which people could read and then contact those with similar interests. However they found these believers, they certainly made a concerted effort to do so.



When you are traveling, do you take time to attend church somewhere? Is meeting other Christians and sharing in the faith something that is important to you at all times, or is it just something you do in your local area because you are familiar with the people you attend with?



It is true that today we can attend church online or listen to podcasts at any time, even while on vacation, but are you even doing that? In other words, is taking a weekend off with the wife or family a time to ignore church? The two hours you spend on Sunday morning, even if just attending your church online, shouldn’t be ignored.



Be sure to include the Lord in your routine. In fact, with podcasts – tens of thousands of them available at your fingertips – you can attend church all day every day. Great preachers of the past, and those who are still alive today, are available for free online, including all of their sermons and studies.



Be sure to take full advantage of this marvelous time in which we live to get closer and closer to the Lord through whatever means are available to you. How blessed we are to have the ability to do so.



Lord God, there are ten jillion things that come at us all day every day, vying for our attention. And yet, if we are wise, we will spend our time focusing on You, on Your word, and on fellowship with those who will keep us on the right path as we proceed. May we do this, to Your glory, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:15

Saturday, June 15th, 2024


And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15


The Greek is much more literally translated as, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us, came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns – whom, Paul having seen, having thanked God, took courage” (CG).



In the previous verse, Paul and his companions stayed in Puteoli for seven days and then came to Rome. Now, in explanation of that, it says, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us.”



Apparently, notification had been sent during their stay at Puteoli about the coming of Paul with details as to when he would arrive. In what is obviously eager anticipation, the church at Rome came out en masse as if welcoming a great hero of battle or government. Paul and those with him arrived in the outskirts of Rome and those awaiting him “came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns.”



The reason why they would have gone no further than this is that he could have arrived by either canal or by road. Without being certain, this would be the point where the two parties could meet and they were sure to find with him.



This spot is said to be around 50 miles from Rome and is called this because of Appius Claudius who made the route from Rome to there. Hence, it is called the Appian Way. At that spot, there was a statue set up in his honor.



Such a place which had a statue set in this manner would be called, by the Romans, a fora. Hence, we use the term Appii Forum. Others came as far as the Three Inns, or the Three Taverns.



This was a bit closer to Rome, about 33 miles from it. It could be that these came to the lesser distance because of age, because of work, or because of some other reason. However, all of them came a full day’s travel to welcome the man who had written to them the “Constitution of Christianity” about three years earlier. Because of this reception, Luke next records, “whom, Paul having seen, having thanked God, took courage.”



Paul probably had no idea that such a greeting would meet him. In their appearance so far from Rome, it indicated that they felt a fraternal bonda of love for him which was in no way diminished by his chains. The flock was there to welcome this shepherd of the faith without regard to any of the lies he had been subjected to by his false accusers.



A word found only here in Scripture is seen, tharsos. It signifies confidence or courage. It is derived from thrasus, bold. Luke continues to fill the pages of Scripture with rare or unique words.



Life application: Imagine the happiness that Paul must have felt at the reception he received. He was still a day’s travel from where the congregation lived within the city, and yet they had made the extraordinary measure of coming a full day’s journey out to receive him.



He and those with him had been on an exceptionally long and difficult journey. To have a reception such as was given him would have given him even more confidence than he could have imagined. Luke, too, would have been completely encouraged by this gesture.



Should you have the opportunity to welcome others in such a manner, or tend to them in an unusual way, your kindness will not go unnoticed, both with those you are tending to and to the Lord Himself. Think of ways you can extend yourself to others.



If someone is in the hospital, be sure to visit. If someone is ailing, check on him through a phone call or email. Letting people know you are thinking of them is letting them know you care about them. So, take the time to reach out to them.



Lord God, thank You for those who are especially aware of the needy state of others and who extend themselves in various ways to tend to them. Help us to be more like this as well. May we be willing to show that others are important to us through the things we do and the assistance we provide. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:16

Sunday, June 16th, 2024


Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. Acts 28:16


The NKJV is just a tad off in the tense of the final verb: “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army. And Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him” (CG).



In the previous verse, those in the church at Rome came out a day’s journey to meet him as he was entering the city. Now, the narrative continues with, “And when we came to Rome.”



The promise and prophecy of the Lord found in Acts 27:11 has been realized –



“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”



With him having safely arrived, even if as a prisoner, Luke next notes that “the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army.”



Here is another word found only once in Scripture, stratopedarches. It is derived from stratopedon, an encamped army, and archo, to reign or rule.



Of note is that the name Julius was only mentioned in Acts 27:1 and 27:3. Other than that, he is called the centurion. The reason may be that this book may have been written for the purpose of being an official record of the establishment of Christianity within the parameters of Judaism.



As Judaism was officially sanctioned by Rome, then if Christianity was considered under the umbrella of Judaism, it would also be considered a religion sanctioned by Rome. In order to keep any hint of impropriety away from the actions of Julius, such as giving too much favoritism or privilege to Paul, his name is carefully left out of the record.



It could even be that after such a long time together with Paul, he became a believer himself. If so, then that could possibly cast a negative light on his dealings with Paul. As an officer, he would be required to execute his duties to Rome in an impartial manner. This is exactly how Luke details his conduct.



He is not mentioned by name even though a strong bond of respect had grown between him and his travel companion Paul. And so, it merely records now that it was “the centurion” who delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard. No special note is made concerning Paul. Luke lumps him in with all the others for the official handover to their new keeper.



With that complete, it next says, “And Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.”



Even before the sentence ends, Paul’s status is brought back into the narrative, showing that he was considered a prisoner, even if he had certain privileges extended to him. For this, no reason is given.



If a letter accompanied him from Festus to allow this, it would probably have been stated as such. If it was because he was a Roman citizen, Luke may have said this as well. If it was because of him being a better class of prisoner, Luke would have certainly expressed it. However, the reason is left unstated.



Luke’s silence on why the treatment is granted to Paul speaks out loudly, allowing us room to speculate. Many scholars have stated their guesses. It could be that Julius himself noted Paul’s situation, his status, and his character to the captain of the guard.



If his time with Paul was fraught with grief, he would have said, “Watch this fellow, he’s as slippery as an eel.” If so, no such freedoms would have been forthcoming. Instead, it appears that a good word concerning Paul was passed on.



Whatever the truth of the matter, Julius had certainly heard the gospel numerous times in the months he had spent with Paul. He had seen the snake bite him on the night they were shipwrecked. He had seen the healings of the people on Malta, he had personally known the high and noteworthy character of Paul, and he had seen how Paul had held fast to the Lord he claimed to honor.



If Julius became a believer during his time with Paul, he must have been one whose faith was well grounded in the same hope of Christ that Paul had expressed. If he never came to faith in Christ, it would be hard to think of a person more worthy of condemnation on that great Day of Judgment than him.



He had been exposed to the Christian faith like few others ever had. He had accompanied the Lord’s personal choice to carry this wondrous message to the Gentile world. We can look to see if his name is on the rolls of the redeemed shortly after we arrive there.



In Paul’s confinement, he is given pretty much the same type of treatment that he had during his time in Caesarea. He would be chained directly to the soldier appointed to guard him. Together, they lived in their own dwelling as they awaited Paul’s continued trial before the Roman government.



Life application: We are asked to accept the gospel by faith. We have the fully complete word of God to help us reason out our faith. It is not a blind step into darkness, but a bold step into God’s revealed light. What more do we need?



We should not be anticipating signs to accompany our doubts or to help us make a decision for accepting or rejecting the gospel. Everything we need to make a reasonable conclusion about what God has done is available to us. In the pages of the Bible, may you find the hope that God has accomplished everything necessary to return you to Himself. And then may you make the wise decision to accept the simple gospel of your salvation.



Christ died for your sins according to Scripture. He was buried. He rose again on the third day, according to Scripture. Believe, to the saving of your soul!



Lord God, within Your word is the simple message that You have done everything necessary to restore us to Yourself. Even if the Bible is a big and complicated book, the overall message is not. Jesus! We need Jesus who has done it all for us. Help us to have faith that it is so and to be saved through the good news found in Your word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:17

Monday, June 17th, 2024




And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, Acts 28:17


The Greek more closely reads, “And it was, after three days, Paul called together those being leaders of the Jews. And they, having come together, he said to them ‘I – men, brothers – having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans’” (CG).



In the previous verse, it noted that Paul was delivered with the prisoners to the captain of the guard. From there, he was permitted to dwell by himself with a soldier guarding him. Now that he is in his accommodations but in bonds and guarded, it next says, “And it was, after three days.”



This is probably stated to show that he gave full attention to the Christians who so honorably greeted him before calling together the Jews. He spent enough time with them to get to know them, talk about all that had happened, and to answer any questions that they may have had. Now it was time to address his brothers according to the flesh. And so, it next says, “Paul called together those being leaders of the Jews.”



It was shown in Acts 18:2 that Claudius had expelled the Jews from Rome, but that order had been allowed to lapse and the Jews had returned. Those who were the leaders were specified to come and meet with him.



The reason was certainly at least twofold. First, he would present them with the gospel, and he would also defend this stand for his faith as a believing Jew which resulted in his chains. Therefore, Luke next records, “And they, having come together, he said to them ‘I – men, brothers – having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers.”



He begins with an emphatic “I.” He is ensuring right off the bat that they understand that any word that may have arrived against him was untrue. In order to make his defense, he then notes that everything he had done was in accord with both his life as a Jew and the heritage that made him a Jew.



There is a definite article before the word people. It is not “our people,” but literally, “the people.” It is the special mark that he fully identifies them as the chosen people and that he is among them. He was careful to be respectful of the people and their customs. Despite this, he next says, “I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.”



Paul acknowledges that it is his own people who handed him over, as indicated in the words

“from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.” It is an implication that he was betrayed by the leaders of “the people” despite his innocence concerning those things he had been accused of.



Life application: The people of any given nation are under the authority of those who are in charge. Therefore, whether they have done anything wrong individually, they bear the consequences of the decisions of the leaders.



There were probably many Germans before WWII who didn’t know much about what was going on. They were living their lives like any normal people. Suddenly, a family would receive a note that the oldest son had been drafted into the army. A few months later, they receive a note that he had died in battle.



The decisions of the leaders have negatively impacted the lives of a family who really had no idea why their son was taken from them. In Israel, the people hailed Jesus as their Messiah on Palm Sunday. However, the leadership – those who stood for the nation – rejected Him. Despite many individuals heralding Jesus, He spoke to Jerusalem, meaning the leaders of the nation who represented the nation as a whole, saying –



“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 chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37-39



The leaders of the nation had Jesus crucified. Even after His resurrection, they continued to reject Him. In fulfillment of Jesus’ words concerning the sign of Jonah (forty days representing forty years), the nation was destroyed, and the people were exiled.



The point is that in some nations, we can choose our leaders. We must choose wisely. If we put our fists in God’s face and elect those who will not honor the Lord, negative consequences will result. If we elect leaders that are always getting the nation into wars, our sons and daughters may die in battle because of it.



Think through what you will do on election day. The leaders represent your nation before God. Choosing a bad leader may lead you to find yourself in bad circumstances.



Glorious Lord God, as Christians, Jesus is our Head and Leader. However, we still have to live in this world until the day our placement changes. Help us to make wise decisions concerning our lives and the circumstances in which we find ourselves. May each of our decisions include You in the process. In this, we can hope for peace and tranquility through the days of our lives. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:18

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024


“who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. Acts 28:18


A more literal rendering would be, “Who, having examined me, wanted to release, because nota reason of death being in me” (CG).



In the previous verse, Paul began his personal defense concerning his situation with the Jews in Jerusalem in his conversation with the Jews in Rome, noting that he was delivered into the hands of the Romans. Having said that, he now continues with, “Who, having examined me.”



This is a brief summary of a line of examinations, one leading to another, over the course of two years. But even without all of the details, it would be obvious that the Romans would have done a thorough job checking out the facts of the matter. However, even after this, the Romans “wanted to release.”



Immediately following the words of his betrayal by his own countrymen, Paul acknowledges that the Romans had nothing worthy of charging him and releasing him would be the appropriate thing to do.



This again shows that what was found worthy of punishment by Jerusalem, meaning a matter of Jewish law, was not considered as such by Rome. Rome found his actions in accord with the freedom of religious expression granted to the Jews. In short, his faith was considered a subsect of Judaism and was religio licita.



In review, this included Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. All had interrogated him, and all had been in agreement concerning his status. His innocence before Rome, while being hounded by the Jews, parallels that of Jesus, such as in Luke 23:4 & 14. Paul next says that their wanting to release him was “because nota reason of death being in me.”



The word translated as “nota” literally means “not one.” Therefore, nota is a single word to match the intent. There was not a single charge made against him that was sufficient for him to receive capital punishment, even if the Jews demanded that it should be so. Paul’s use of a present verb indicates that not only was he innocent, but he continued in that state even now. However, in the next verse, he will explain the reason why he remains in chains, despite his state of innocence.



Life application: The book of Acts has included a continuous stream of occasions where the Jews tried to disassociate the Christian faith from their religious system of belief. This has been countered, time and again, by the Roman government that God allowed to be the judge of such matters over Israel at the time.



One cannot rightfully say that because these were Romans making the decisions they are invalid. That would be to usurp what God had ordained. Israel is his people. It is the Lord who decided who would rule over them, be it their own king, the Babylonians, the Romans, or even Jesus of the future.



The Jews cannot have it both ways and say, “Yes, this, but not this.” Their very existence and continued existence are at the will of the Lord. How He determines it will be is up to Him. As the Roman government, who ruled over Israel at the time, determined that Christianity was an acceptable extension of the Jewish religion, it was so.



Hence, we have the written record of the growth of this valid extension of Judaism, the one that God determined should be in order to carry His message concerning Jesus to the nations. Anyone who argues against the doctrines of Paul or the other apostles is, therefore, arguing against what God had determined.



Be careful to not get swayed by the modern Judaizers who attack the gospel of salvation which is by grace through faith. Works are not included because God has done everything necessary to secure our salvation. We simply accept that, believe, and we are saved.



Along with the Judaizers, though, are those who add works after being saved in order to keep being saved. Judaizers front load the gospel, these back load it and say that we must “do” in order to continue in God’s favor. Even if people use a term like “easy believism” as a pejorative, this is exactly what God has ordained. We believe and are saved, and it is once and done.



Having said that, belief is actually not that easy. We have to put ourselves aside and trust in God alone to carry us back to Himself. Letting go of self is a hard thing to do. Despite this, the gospel truly is easy believism. There are no other strings attached. Thank God for the simplicity of being saved once we remove ourselves from the equation.



Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord who has done everything necessary to restore us to You forever. Yes! Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:19

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024


“But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation…” Acts 28:19


A bit more literally, “And the Jews, contradicting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar – not as having something charged against my nation.” (CG).



Paul, speaking to his countrymen in Rome, just noted that the Romans found nothing to charge Paul with and wanted to let him go. Now, his words continue, saying, “And the Jews, contradicting.”



Still sticking to the main facts only, Paul gives the reason why he was in Rome bound in chains and facing a trial before Caesar. It is because the Jews, meaning the leaders of the Jews, spoke against the proclamation of innocence which had been rendered by the Roman authorities.



This caused a problem for the governor who wanted to have harmony with those under his jurisdiction. This exchange was recorded in Acts 25 –



“But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?’

10 So Paul said, ‘I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.’

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, ‘You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!’” Acts 25:9-12



Paul now recalls these facts for the ears of those in Rome, saying, “I was compelled to appeal to Caesar.”



The request of the Jews left him with no choice but to appeal to Rome. He doesn’t explain the details at this time, but the brevity is all that is needed for the purpose of the meeting. His delicacy concerning this matter becomes evident though, as he continues by saying, “not as having something charged against my nation.”



Instead of defending himself against those who wished him harm, he showed himself a patriotic Jew in the highest sense. Whether they knew he was a Pharisee or not isn’t stated, but it is probable. His speech and demeanor would show he was also well educated.



And yet, he shows that he never put his Roman citizenship above his ties to his Jewish brothers. Despite having been unfairly treated by his own countrymen, he waited until necessity demanded it before appealing to Rome. As the Pulpit Commentary notes –



“Undazzled by the splendor of Rome and the power of the Roman people, his heart is with his own despised nation, ‘that they might be saved.’ He wishes it to be well with them; he wants them to understand his position; he speaks to them as a kinsman and a brother. His appeal to Caesar had been of necessity – to save his life. But he was not going to accuse his brethren before the dominant race. His first desire was that they should be his friends, and share with him the hope of the gospel of Christ.”



Life application: Paul was clearly wronged by the leaders of his nation, and it was for the sake of the gospel. The Jews hated the thought that he was telling Gentiles that they had the same rights and benefits to the Lord God of Israel that they possessed.



And yet, they had spent not only their entire lives serving under the Law of Moses, but their nation, since its inception as the people of the Lord at Mount Sinai, had struggled under the law. Despite this, Paul was telling people who never had the law, who didn’t even know what the law demanded, that they were on equal footing with those who officiated at the temple on behalf of Israel.



This was, to them, intolerable. How dare a rogue Jew proclaim that their law was not binding on the nations because one of their people had died under that law and supposedly resurrected! It was incomprehensible, and to them, it was the epitome of blasphemy.



This same attitude permeates the Jewish mind and culture to this day. They alone believe that they are in God’s favor and that all others are a separate category. There are Jews, and there is everything else.



But Paul clearly shows that this is not the case. In fact, it is quite the opposite –



“For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Romans 2:25-29



The time of the law served its purpose. That time ended when Christ died in fulfillment of it. Now, something new has been ushered in. Be sure to live for God apart from personal merit. If you inject yourself into the equation, you are saying that what He has done wasn’t enough. Don’t be so deluded as that. Think rightly. Praise God in Christ for having done it all!



Lord God, we don’t need to worry about how we can be pleasing to You. Your word tells us the simple means by which it comes about. When we trust in the all-sufficient work of Jesus, You are satisfied with that. Thank You for the simplicity of the gospel, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:20

Thursday, June 20th, 2024


“For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” Acts 28:20


A literal reading says, “For this cause, therefore, I called you – to see and to speak – because for the hope of Israel, this chain surrounds me” (CG).



Paul had just told the Jews visiting him in his confinement that he was compelled to appeal to Caesar even though he had no accusation against his nation. Now, he continues, saying, “For this cause, therefore, I called you.”



This is based on verse 17 where it says he called the leaders of the Jews. A message would have been sent to the local synagogue(s) imploring them to come and consult with him. That is seen in the next words which are briefly stated, “to see and to speak.”



The words are certainly to be taken as personal. He didn’t want to send a letter or have a messenger convey his words to them. Rather, he wanted to look them in the eyes, see their faces, and carry on a dialogue with them.



What he had to say was something that would naturally elicit questions from his listeners. To , a letter or a messenger who would speak out the substance of Paul’s word, would only lead to many back-and-forth trips. Instead, by meeting with them, he would cut all of that out. He would also remove any chance of misperception of his words. When a question arose, he could answer it right then and there.



And so, he tells them the substance of why he called them in this manner, saying, “because for the hope of Israel, this chain surrounds me.”



Paul explicitly states the reason for having called them together. He had been sent to Rome as an innocent man who appealed for his right to exercise his faith which was recognized by Rome, but not by his own countrymen.



In order to reveal the substance of his faith, he speaks of the hope of Israel. It is a term explicitly stated twice by Jeremiah, in Jeremiah 14:8 and 17:13. In both instances, the term is ascribed to the Lord, Yehovah. The Hebrew word is miqveh, something waited for. The coming of the Messiah was always understood to be that hope.



Paul was telling them that the Lord’s Messiah had arrived, and it was the reason for the chain surrounding him. The word chain is in the singular. It indicates that there was a Roman guard right there with him to whom one of his hands, probably his right, was chained.



What is rather interesting is the structure of the Greek used to describe the type of punishment noted. The same word is used in both Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2 to indicate a millstone hung around the neck. However, here the subject and object are reversed.



It is Paul who is said to be bound in the chain. This same structure is also found in Hebrews 5:2 when speaking of the high priest –



“He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness [literally: weakness surrounds him].”



The Pulpit Commentary thus paraphrases this verse as, “I have asked you to come to me because this chain which binds me is not a token of a renegade Israelite who has come to Rome to accuse his nation before the heathen master, but of a faithful Israelite, who has endured bondage rather than forsake the hope of his fathers.”



Life application: Paul’s approach to conversing with these Jews is one that we should do our best to emulate when sharing the gospel. It is fine to hand out tracts, and sometimes that is the best way to act. Likewise, an email or a personal letter may be what the situation calls for.



However, if you can personally talk to a person about the gospel, or about a doctrinal matter that needs to be addressed, doing so face-to-face is the preferred option. When questions arise, you can see the facial expression, hear the tone of the voice, and so forth. In this, you can sense whether the person is scared, tense, frustrated, angry, etc. From there, you can adjust your conversation to make them less apprehensive.



And more, you can then avoid misperceptions of what is being said. An email carries no emotion, and it can easily be misunderstood because of this. It is also frustrating to ask a question and then have to wait. Therefore, the more you can communicate personally, the more likely you are to avoid such troubles that easily arise. John understood this –



“Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.” 2 John 1:12



Lord God, may our time discussing You with others be fruitful and productive. Help us to wisely use the resources available to us to share the good news and to provide sound instruction. And help us to not exclude the personal touch of face-to-face communication if possible. A lot can get done when we are willing to spend our time just opening up to others in a friendly conversation. Help us in this, O God. Amen.















































Acts 28:19

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

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024





Not sure what room this is… Wyoming Capitol.



Wednesday, 19 June 2024



“But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation…” Acts 28:19



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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).



A bit more literally, “And the Jews, contradicting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar – not as having something charged against my nation.” (CG).



Paul, speaking to his countrymen in Rome, just noted that the Romans found nothing to charge Paul with and wanted to let him go. Now, his words continue, saying, “And the Jews, contradicting.”



Still sticking to the main facts only, Paul gives the reason why he was in Rome bound in chains and facing a trial before Caesar. It is because the Jews, meaning the leaders of the Jews, spoke against the proclamation of innocence which had been rendered by the Roman authorities.



This caused a problem for the governor who wanted to have harmony with those under his jurisdiction. This exchange was recorded in Acts 25 –



“But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?’

10 So Paul said, ‘I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.’

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, ‘You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!’” Acts 25:9-12



Paul now recalls these facts for the ears of those in Rome, saying, “I was compelled to appeal to Caesar.”



The request of the Jews left him with no choice but to appeal to Rome. He doesn’t explain the details at this time, but the brevity is all that is needed for the purpose of the meeting. His delicacy concerning this matter becomes evident though, as he continues by saying, “not as having something charged against my nation.”



Instead of defending himself against those who wished him harm, he showed himself a patriotic Jew in the highest sense. Whether they knew he was a Pharisee or not isn’t stated, but it is probable. His speech and demeanor would show he was also well educated.



And yet, he shows that he never put his Roman citizenship above his ties to his Jewish brothers. Despite having been unfairly treated by his own countrymen, he waited until necessity demanded it before appealing to Rome. As the Pulpit Commentary notes –



“Undazzled by the splendor of Rome and the power of the Roman people, his heart is with his own despised nation, ‘that they might be saved.’ He wishes it to be well with them; he wants them to understand his position; he speaks to them as a kinsman and a brother. His appeal to Caesar had been of necessity – to save his life. But he was not going to accuse his brethren before the dominant race. His first desire was that they should be his friends, and share with him the hope of the gospel of Christ.”



Life application: Paul was clearly wronged by the leaders of his nation, and it was for the sake of the gospel. The Jews hated the thought that he was telling Gentiles that they had the same rights and benefits to the Lord God of Israel that they possessed.



And yet, they had spent not only their entire lives serving under the Law of Moses, but their nation, since its inception as the people of the Lord at Mount Sinai, had struggled under the law. Despite this, Paul was telling people who never had the law, who didn’t even know what the law demanded, that they were on equal footing with those who officiated at the temple on behalf of Israel.



This was, to them, intolerable. How dare a rogue Jew proclaim that their law was not binding on the nations because one of their people had died under that law and supposedly resurrected! It was incomprehensible, and to them, it was the epitome of blasphemy.



This same attitude permeates the Jewish mind and culture to this day. They alone believe that they are in God’s favor and that all others are a separate category. There are Jews, and there is everything else.



But Paul clearly shows that this is not the case. In fact, it is quite the opposite –



“For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Romans 2:25-29



The time of the law served its purpose. That time ended when Christ died in fulfillment of it. Now, something new has been ushered in. Be sure to live for God apart from personal merit. If you inject yourself into the equation, you are saying that what He has done wasn’t enough. Don’t be so deluded as that. Think rightly. Praise God in Christ for having done it all!



Lord God, we don’t need to worry about how we can be pleasing to You. Your word tells us the simple means by which it comes about. When we trust in the all-sufficient work of Jesus, You are satisfied with that. Thank You for the simplicity of the gospel, O God. Amen.







































Acts 28:18

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

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024





Alcove. One each. Wyoming Capitol.



Tuesday, 18 June 2024



“who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. Acts 28:18



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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).



A more literal rendering would be, “Who, having examined me, wanted to release, because nota reason of death being in me” (CG).



In the previous verse, Paul began his personal defense concerning his situation with the Jews in Jerusalem in his conversation with the Jews in Rome, noting that he was delivered into the hands of the Romans. Having said that, he now continues with, “Who, having examined me.”



This is a brief summary of a line of examinations, one leading to another, over the course of two years. But even without all of the details, it would be obvious that the Romans would have done a thorough job checking out the facts of the matter. However, even after this, the Romans “wanted to release.”



Immediately following the words of his betrayal by his own countrymen, Paul acknowledges that the Romans had nothing worthy of charging him and releasing him would be the appropriate thing to do.



This again shows that what was found worthy of punishment by Jerusalem, meaning a matter of Jewish law, was not considered as such by Rome. Rome found his actions in accord with the freedom of religious expression granted to the Jews. In short, his faith was considered a subsect of Judaism and was religio licita.



In review, this included Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. All had interrogated him, and all had been in agreement concerning his status. His innocence before Rome, while being hounded by the Jews, parallels that of Jesus, such as in Luke 23:4 & 14. Paul next says that their wanting to release him was “because nota reason of death being in me.”



The word translated as “nota” literally means “not one.” Therefore, nota is a single word to match the intent. There was not a single charge made against him that was sufficient for him to receive capital punishment, even if the Jews demanded that it should be so. Paul’s use of a present verb indicates that not only was he innocent, but he continued in that state even now. However, in the next verse, he will explain the reason why he remains in chains, despite his state of innocence.



Life application: The book of Acts has included a continuous stream of occasions where the Jews tried to disassociate the Christian faith from their religious system of belief. This has been countered, time and again, by the Roman government that God allowed to be the judge of such matters over Israel at the time.



One cannot rightfully say that because these were Romans making the decisions they are invalid. That would be to usurp what God had ordained. Israel is his people. It is the Lord who decided who would rule over them, be it their own king, the Babylonians, the Romans, or even Jesus of the future.



The Jews cannot have it both ways and say, “Yes, this, but not this.” Their very existence and continued existence are at the will of the Lord. How He determines it will be is up to Him. As the Roman government, who ruled over Israel at the time, determined that Christianity was an acceptable extension of the Jewish religion, it was so.



Hence, we have the written record of the growth of this valid extension of Judaism, the one that God determined should be in order to carry His message concerning Jesus to the nations. Anyone who argues against the doctrines of Paul or the other apostles is, therefore, arguing against what God had determined.



Be careful to not get swayed by the modern Judaizers who attack the gospel of salvation which is by grace through faith. Works are not included because God has done everything necessary to secure our salvation. We simply accept that, believe, and we are saved.



Along with the Judaizers, though, are those who add works after being saved in order to keep being saved. Judaizers front load the gospel, these back load it and say that we must “do” in order to continue in God’s favor. Even if people use a term like “easy believism” as a pejorative, this is exactly what God has ordained. We believe and are saved, and it is once and done.



Having said that, belief is actually not that easy. We have to put ourselves aside and trust in God alone to carry us back to Himself. Letting go of self is a hard thing to do. Despite this, the gospel truly is easy believism. There are no other strings attached. Thank God for the simplicity of being saved once we remove ourselves from the equation.



Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord who has done everything necessary to restore us to You forever. Yes! Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:21

Friday, June 21st, 2024




Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. Acts 28:21


A literal reading says, “And they said to him, ‘We neither received letters concerning you from Judea nor any of the brothers having come reported or said anything evil concerning you’” (CG).



Paul just finished explaining why he had called the Jews to meet with him. During that time, he noted that the Jews spoke against him and his message. In response to this, Luke records, “And they said to him, ‘We neither received letters concerning you from Judea.’”



It may seem surprising that it appears from their words that the leaders in Jerusalem simply gave up on the attempt to kill him. However, it would be contrary to their existence to be caught attempting to have a Roman citizen killed in Rome itself, especially over a religious matter.



Further, they may never have expected Paul to even call upon the Jews in Rome. As he was bound as a prisoner, they may have assumed that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to even make a case among the Jews of the dispersion.



No matter what, they were more concerned about their own dealings in Israel and in Jerusalem than they were with what went on in the nations. This is evident because these Jews continue, saying, “nor any of the brothers having come reported or said anything evil concerning you.”



It would be hard to imagine no Jews had arrived from Jerusalem over the past months, and yet nobody showed up at the synagogue to speak badly about Paul or the Christian message that was being carried to the nations.



But their words seem to mean that, apparently, Jews had arrived since Paul’s voyage began, and it may be that they had even talked about Paul, but not in a negative way. About him, there was no word of either caution or concern, even if there was talk about his faith. It is this to which these Jews will next comment.



Life application: It is evident from the words of this verse that the Jewish leaders who were so against Paul’s message concerning Jesus were more interested in keeping their local position and power than they were in dealing with real transgressions. If Paul was a murderer, it is certain they would have sent out letters telling the Roman authorities to find this guy and deal with him.



However, the matter that bothered them about Paul was that he was telling the Gentiles a message of a personal relationship with God apart from going through the law that they administered. To pursue Paul outside of Israel would have brought in many questions concerning the “exclusivity” of their faith that would then put them at further odds with the rulers of the Roman empire.



And so, they simply dropped the matter about Paul in order to keep themselves from controversy. But being leaders of the people, they spoke for the people. Like during the times of the kings, when there was a good king, the people were blessed by the Lord. When there was an evil king, the people faced the Lord’s wrath.



Israel rejected Jesus because the leaders first rejected Him. This is what brought their condemnation upon them, and it is what continues to keep them at enmity with God even to this day. Until they (those in the leadership positions of Israel) acknowledge Jesus as Lord, they will continue to suffer. The book is written. The outcome is certain. And the pattern is set.



Even though the nations of the world are not in the same covenant relationship with the Lord as Israel is, it is evident that the Lord is judging nations based on the actions of their leaders. Be sure when you vote, not to choose a leader who is a pervert, degenerate, etc. Things cannot go well for a nation when the leader is doing what is contrary to what God would have that nation doing.



Lord God, may our lives as citizens of the nations in which we live be honoring of You. If the leaders we choose are godly, we can expect things will go better for the nation than if we choose someone who is morally corrupt. Help us wake up to this truth and to appoint over us leaders who will act rightly before You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:22

Saturday, June 22nd, 2024


“But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” Acts 28:22




A bit more literally, “And we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think, indeed, for concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is contradicted” (CG).



In the previous verse, the Jews let Paul know that they had not received any letters from Judea nor any bad reports from those who traveled from there. Now, they next show their curiosity about Paul’s message, saying, “And we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think.”



These leaders had heard about the message of Christianity and they wanted to hear it explained by the person who seemed to be the main voice behind it. This was probably more interesting to them now that they had heard the Jews in Jerusalem were after him.



Seeing the chain around him and a guard standing right there made it a true point of curiosity that they wanted to see satisfactorily resolved in their own minds. And so they continue, saying, “indeed, for concerning this sect.”



They especially deem it worthy to hear what Paul thinks because they use the same term, hairesis, as was used by the lawyer Tertullus during Paul’s trial. It is the root of the modern word heresy, but this is not the intent at Paul’s time. It deals with the matter of a personal choice within the confines of the overall religion. Hence, there were sects of Pharisees and sects of Sadducees, etc.



In Paul’s case, he was of the sect known as the Christians, specifically followers of Jesus. The term Christian comes from the Greek word signifying Christ which bears the same meaning as the Hebrew word Messiah. Both mean Anointed One.



In Israel, there were many “messiahs,” over their history. Therefore, one needed to know specifically who was being heralded as the Messiah. Paul proclaimed Jesus. Of Paul’s sect, the Jews next say, “it is known to us that everywhere it is contradicted.”



These words are a fulfillment of Luke 2 which was prophesied by Simeon –



“Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” Luke 2:34, 35



Wherever Jews went, or whoever had come to them from elsewhere, they had been speaking against this sect of Jews, and apparently Gentiles, who were proclaiming its teachings. This is evident throughout the book of Acts. Paul, from the start, was considered a pariah because of his proclamation that God had done all the work and that anyone who simply believed could be saved based on that faith.



Life application: Nothing has changed to this day. In some ways, it is becoming more like it was at the beginning. Anyone who proclaims the risen Christ is demeaned and spoken against. The days when the gospel was proclaimed freely and without intimidation seem forever behind us.



This is because man simply cannot accept that grace means grace. It is deeply rooted in us that we must do something to be right with God. When a person finds out that the things he has done do not merit God’s favor, it puts up a wall of frustration and enmity. “How could God not see what great things I have done! I am worthy of His attention! How dare someone tell me that I am not good enough and will never be good enough to merit His favor!”



But this is what the Bible teaches. What we cannot merit on our own, God has accomplished for us. He has set the path that leads back to Him, and that path is found in accepting the message of Jesus Christ through faith. We follow Jesus because He is God. To say that what Jesus did isn’t enough is to say that God Himself has not done enough. It is an act of replacing God with self.



Don’t be caught up in such lies of the devil. They have been used since the very beginning of man’s time on earth, and they are what brought us all this trouble. Trust God! He has done it! Trust Jesus who is the Lord God!



Lord God Almighty, You have done what we can never do. You merit what we can never merit on our own. To You alone, we give our praise, adoration, and glory. You have brought us back to Yourself through Jesus. Hallelujah for Jesus! Hallelujah and Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 28:23

Sunday, June 23rd, 2024


So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23




A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And, having appointed him a day, they came – many – to him, to the accommodation, to whom he set forth, fully testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets from morning until evening” (CG).



In the previous verse, the Jews told Paul that they wanted to hear from him about his sect, knowing that it was spoken against everywhere. Having requested this, it next says, “And, having appointed him a day, they came.”



Paul probably happily agreed to have a chance to tell of his faith. In fact, he was probably overjoyed at the prospect of it. Instead of just telling people to come by at will though, a day was appointed for them to meet and to bring any who would be willing to listen. On that day, it says “many” came.



The word translated as many is pleión. It is a comparative form that, in English, would be typified by the use of “er” on a word. If one said, “they were great in number,” it would mean they were “greater in number.”



In essence, it means that more than was anticipated actually showed up. It is the same thing as has been seen at other times. When Paul was to talk about the coming of Christ, the halls would be filled for the first gathering. A good example of this is the account in Acts 13:42-48. Of this multitude in Rome, it says they came “to him, to the accommodation.”



This is a new word, xenia. It is found only here and in Philemon 1:22. It is derived from xenos, signifying foreign or a stranger. Thus, xenia signifies hospitality which then gives the sense of an accommodation. When this great number had arrived, Paul then began to convey his message. As Luke says, “to whom he set forth, fully testifying the kingdom of God.”



Paul proclaimed Christ, His kingdom, and all that this entailed. Having already written Galatians, Romans, and his letters to the Corinthians, he would be well prepared to speak through the most detailed of theological matters concerning Christ.



And just as he did even in those letters, he gave New Covenant theology as he had received from Jesus and from what he knew from his own training. Therefore, he was speaking to them “and persuading them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.”



In other words, he simply went to their own writings in order to demonstrate that what he was saying was both plausible and fully supportable from Scripture, all of it. From both the law and from the prophets, meaning the entire body of Scripture, Jesus is on prominent display. Paul was able to show them this. Therefore, if God gave them these writings, and if they testified to the work of Jesus, then there could be no doubt that they at least had to consider the plausibility that Paul was correct.



This is one of the obvious reasons that Paul was selected for the position he was given. Jesus instructed him directly through revelation –



“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11, 12



However, Paul would be asked things during his ministry that Jesus probably did not talk to him about personally. But because of his great wealth of knowledge from Scripture, being a Pharisee, along with inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he could then convey things that were carefully reasoned out. The synergistic working together of Paul, the word, and the Spirit would be evident, just as it is when we read his epistles today.



Once those gathered got to that point, having heard the words of Paul and seen how they match what their own writings stated, they would then need to turn the head knowledge into an active faith. The end of the verse shows the length to which Paul was ready to go to make his point. They met “from morning until evening.”



Paul was willing to speak fully, completely, and at length concerning his beliefs in the Messiah who had come. The Messiah’s name is Jesus.



Life application: As with Paul, it must still be the same with us today. We cannot expect revelation from Scripture to be directly infused into our heads. We need to first read and know what Scripture says.



Paul had known the writings and yet he didn’t know Jesus. He was supernaturally called to be an apostle for a specific purpose. Once he realized, however, that Jesus was the Lord, he was then able to take his giant wealth of knowledge and reexplain the coming of Jesus in accord with the Scriptures.



Today, we are told about Jesus, and by faith in what we hear, we are saved. What happens after that is up to us. How deep do we want to dive into the knowledge of God in Christ? The more we read and learn the Bible, the more we will be able to then unpackage what God is telling us.



However, we can come to erroneous conclusions concerning what is being conveyed. And so, in our study of the word, we need to pray to God that His Spirit will direct us and keep us from what is incorrect. We should also pray that if we are incorrect, that He will alert us to this. From there, we should then drop any pride and accept that we were wrong, correcting our doctrine accordingly.



The study of the knowledge of God through understanding Scripture is a lifelong task. Let us get about it. Our days are numbered and they are few. Let us spend them wisely.



Heavenly Father, be with us as we read and contemplate Your word. Help us to be logical and precise in how we interpret it. Should we come to wrong conclusions, please send us correction so that we will not be at fault in regard to Your precious and sacred word. It speaks of Jesus, and we desire to know Him correctly, intimately, and completely. To Your glory. Amen.