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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 26, 2022 22:10:39 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:24
Wednesday, January 26th, 2022
So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, Acts 4:24
Peter and John returned to their own group and reported to them everything that the council had said to them. With this noted, Luke now records the actions of the group, beginning with, “So when they heard that.”
This refers to the news concerning the words of the council. The reaction that happens next is based on hearing the report of the council’s rejection of Peter’s words concerning Jesus. This includes the explanation for how the sign that had been performed in the healing of the man had come about. Everything about the occasion called out that Jesus is alive, and He is Lord. And yet, their words had been rejected. With this understood, it next says, “they raised their voice to God.”
The idea here is that of an outwardly expressive voice. It is a Hebraism, corresponding to the word nasa (to lift, carry, or take) found throughout the Old Testament. One could lift his voice in mourning (Genesis 21:16) or in tears of joy (Genesis 29:11). One could lift his voice in distress (Genesis 27:38) or in terror (Isaiah 10:3). Entire groups could lift up a united voice for any such reason as well (2 Chronicles 5:13). In this case now in Acts, it says that this was done by the people “with one accord.”
It is a united lifting of the voice by the people. Thus, it is to be considered in the same light as the last example cited above from 2 Chronicles 5:13 –
indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”
that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud,
As the words of the next verse in Acts will be the citing of a portion of Psalm 2, it appears that the words of this verse now are actually sung out, just as the words of a psalm were lifted up in 2 Chronicles 5. If so, it would be done either in harmony or antiphonally. Further, if this is the case, it is the earliest singing of a hymn to the Lord in the church age that is recorded in Scripture. This appears to be likely, and it is a beautiful expression of the state of the people’s minds as they united their voices together “and said: ‘Lord, You are God.’”
Here, a particular word for “Lord,” despotés, signifying the Sovereign Lord, is used. It signifies an authority figure, like a master or even a husband who has complete authority and jurisdiction, and who wields total and unrestricted power in his realm. Being a reference to God, it signifies the Sovereign Lord who has complete and total authority over the universe, meaning temporally, spiritually, chronologically, and so on. Everything is within His power and ultimately under His rule.
The word was first used in Luke 2:29 when Simeon beheld God’s Messiah and uttered out a song of joy. This is its second of ten uses in Scripture. Both Peter and Jude will use the term and apply it to Jesus. In the Old Testament, it is used to refer to the Angel of the Lord and to the Lord directly as well. With this address stated, it next says, “who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them.”
It is a citation from Psalm 146 –
“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,” Psalm 146:5, 6
This psalm goes on to speak of “those who are bowed down” in verse 8. As such, it is an appropriate psalm to recite, even if only in part. The beggar who was raised up was the act that began the entire process, and he may very well have been there among the disciples at this time. Either way, the point of citing this psalm is to acknowledge the absolute sovereignty of the Lord.
The general thought expressed in the words is found again in Revelation 14 –
“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’” Revelation 14:6, 7
Life application: Paul says elsewhere –
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16, 17
He says this same general thought in Ephesians 5:19 as well. This is something that will turn our minds to higher things and away from the world around us. In having songs that exalt God nearby, we will be less likely to think on the immoral or perverse. It is a good way to stay in tune with God and His word.
Having said that, this can become a source of legalism with some. Anything can be taken to an unintended extreme. What starts out with good intent suddenly becomes a source of pride or personal exaltation. “How could you listen to that radio station? I only listen to Christian songs on my radio!” Suddenly what is a personal choice to stay in tune with the Lord becomes a way of accusing others of being “less spiritual.”
This can occur with types of dress, personal choices concerning things such as drinking alcohol, and so on. Anything can become a personal idol or a means of exalting oneself in the presence of others. So, let us live our lives to God, be examples to others of what we value in our relationship with Him, but not act as if our personal choices are the only way to express ourselves properly before the Lord.
Paul gave his exhortation, and it should be followed. But we also have freedom to do things not explicitly forbidden in Scripture. Let us be wise, circumspect, and gracious in our conduct around and toward others.
Gracious heavenly Father, how wonderful it is to praise You, to sing praises to You, and to hear others do so as well. You are God! You have created all things, and by Your hand all things exist and have their being. Be exalted in Your creation, O God. And hear the praises of Your people as we lift our voices to You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 27, 2022 22:20:57 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:25
Thursday, 27 January 2022
who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things? Acts 4:25
The previous verse began quoting the words of the group of disciples after having received Peter and John’s report about the events that occurred at the council. The quoting of their words continues now by saying, “who by the mouth.”
Rather than “by,” the Greek reads “who through the mouth.” It is an absolute confirmation of the doctrine of divine inspiration. God spoke through the mouth of another to convey His words, breathing out the very thoughts He chose to set forth. This goes along with Peter’s words from his second epistle where he said, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
In the case of the words to be quoted, they were through the mouth “of Your servant David.” David’s words fill the psalms. They are also found in the books of Samuel. The content David set forth in these songs and psalms is literally filled with anticipations of the coming Messiah.
God saw the life and actions of David and knew that how he conducted his affairs, how he expressed himself, and how the world around him responded to his actions would mirror how Christ Jesus would live and be treated. As such, God spoke through David to provide the world a snapshot of what was coming. This is why it is noted that David was a man after God’s own heart. That is seen in the psalm now to be quoted. Of them, those words of God “have said.”
The verb is singular. The Lord alone is noted as having said the following words, even though it is said to be through the mouth of David. With this note, the words of the psalm to be cited in this verse comprise Psalm 2:1. They begin with –
“Why did the nations rage.” An aorist verb is used. In the Hebrew, which is often deficient in tenses, it simply says something like, “Why rage nations?” However, the words are quoted from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, and the assumption is that the action has happened. Thus, the disciples are identifying the event with what occurred in Christ’s coming. He was raged against by the nations.
The word they use is an interesting one, found only here in the New Testament, phruassó. It signifies “to snort” or to neigh in a vehement manner as a horse would. Thus, the nations acted in a manner not unlike an uncontrolled, snorting horse.
As the council’s decision hasn’t changed anything, it can be lumped in with all that has previously happened. From there, the second clause of the verse is cited, saying, “And the people plot vain things?”
The word “people” is plural. Hence, it should say, “And the peoples plot vain things.” The idea is parallel to the previous clause placing the “nations” along with “peoples.” This is without regard to Jews and Gentiles. It is a way of expressing that there was a united effort by all to rage and to plot. One can see the actions of both Israel and Rome being united as a stand against the Person of Christ.
The “vain things” referred to are things that are foolish. Both in the Hebrew and in the Greek, the word signifies “empty.” Thus, in a moral way, it is ineffective, foolish, and so on. Despite raging and plotting, their actions fail. It is as if a wind is blowing against a stone wall. The wall remains unaffected by it. The question shows the futility of the actions of those who came against Christ. God’s purposes in Him were realized because nothing could thwart them.
Life application: When you read the Bible, how do you consider what you are reading? Is it a book that simply conveys morals from a Mideastern perspective? It is a book that simply contains the word of God as if His thoughts are satisfactorily expressed in it? Is it book about the things of God with ideas that are conveyed to detail what man thinks is expected of Him from God’s perspective? Do you view it in some other way that hints at such a notion? Or when you read the Bible, do you say to yourself, “This is the word of God”?
How you consider this book, and how you approach its contents, has all of the importance in the world as to how you will then respond to what it says. The Bible, right in its own words, claims to be uttered out by God, even if it is through men. As this is so, should we not consider it as sacred, holy, and even terrifying?
The Lord, through Isaiah, tells us who is pleasing to God in regard to His word –
“Thus says the Lord:
‘“Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
2 For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,”
Says the Lord.
“But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word.’” Isaiah 66:1, 2
The whole creation belongs to the Lord. Everything came from His hand, but the Lord favors the part of His creation that respects, honors, and exalts His word. The one who trembles while reading it is more pleasing to Him than any of the magnificent things that He has placed in the heavens and upon the earth. Be sure to consider this as you read and contemplate this sacred word that we have been given to illuminate the path upon which we tread.
Thank You, Lord God Almighty, for the precious and exalted word that You have allowed us to read and to enlighten our lives by if we choose to do so. You have allowed us to accept it or reject it without forcing it upon us. What will we do with it during this short life we live? Help us to consider it rightly and to cherish its every word. In it, we will find life, because in it we will find Jesus. Praise God for this wonderful word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 29, 2022 1:14:26 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:26
Friday, January 28th, 2022
The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ Acts 4:26
The words of the group, which are citing the 2nd Psalm, continue now with verse 2 of the psalm. This is a direct citing of the Greek translation of the psalm as well. As such, the words begin with, “The kings of the earth took their stand.”
At times, the word “kings” is used somewhat more freely than our modern sense of the word. Today we think of the sovereign over a nation, but the intent here can signify people in positions of power, especially when they represent another who is sovereign. Therefore, the thought of Pilate representing Caesar could fit into this thought. Further, there is Herod Antipas who was known as the “tetrarch of Galilee” in Luke 3:1, who is also known as a king in Mark 6:14.
As such, there is every reason to assume that this is considered fulfilled by past events in the eyes of the disciples, even if it continues to be true even to modern times. Kings of the earth continue to fight against the name of Jesus, but the disciples are looking at what occurred during Christ’s ministry and are noting that it is an absolute fulfillment of David’s words. What is also true is that the same ruling authorities would continue to do so, even as is recorded in Acts, such as in Acts 12 –
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.” Acts 12:1-4
Next, the words of the psalm read, “And the rulers were gathered together.” This is recorded again and again in the gospels, even right up until the time of Christ’s crucifixion. But more, and what probably brought the citing of the psalm to mind in the first place, is that they had continued to do so even after the resurrection.
The power of God in Christ is evident and on full display among the apostles, clearly demonstrating that He is both alive and in possession of the power of God, and yet the council had continued to stand against Him. That is seen in the third clause of the verse, saying, “Against the Lord and against His Christ.”
The original Hebrew reads, “Against Yehovah and against His Anointed.” The word “Anointed” is a translation from the Hebrew “Messiah,” and that is a direct equivalent to the Greek “Christ.” The meaning of this word does not necessarily have to refer to “THE MESSIAH,” but can refer to anyone who is anointed for a position.
Leviticus 4:3 speaks of the “anointed priest” with this word. David refers to the office of king, such as King Saul or himself, because they had been anointed to that position, for example –
“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: ‘Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?’” 1 Samuel 10:1
The title is given to Cyrus, King of Persia, in Isaiah 45:1. However, in the case of the psalm, it is speaking of a particular person who would come to fulfill a prophesied role. The Lord God anointed Jesus with His Spirit, and thus to come against Jesus, God’s Anointed, is to come against the Lord Himself. The people mentioned in this verse had directly butted heads with the God of the universe.
Life application: As noted, the rulers of the world (obviously!) continue to set themselves against the Lord Jesus. The rulers of Israel do as well. They reject Christ as Lord, and many in the rabbinic and religious circles go further, actively pursuing and attacking believers. There is an underlying enmity towards Jesus that permeates Jewish society.
But that is not unlike much of the world, even the once Christian world. To mention Jesus in public can cause major division in Germany, the UK, the US, and so on. And yet, these nations once openly allowed the open exercise of faith in Him to one degree or another. This will certainly only get worse until the coming of the Lord for His church.
Until that happens, however, the Great Commission remains in effect. We have a job to do, and we have good news to share. But the Lord has not left us without His presence. He is here with us, and He will not leave us nor forsake us. If we get attacked, or even killed, for talking about Jesus, such is life. We have a job to do, and we should be willing to expend ourselves in doing it.
Be ready and willing to speak out this great and exalted Name. It is what we have been called to do.
Lord God, thank You for allowing us to be Your messengers of the wonderful news of salvation, reconciliation, and peace that is found in the gospel of Jesus. May we be responsible to uphold our part of this process by being willing to speak. To Your glory. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 29, 2022 23:22:50 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:27
Saturday, January 29th, 2022
“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together Acts 4:27
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
The disciples have raised their collective voice and praised God while citing the psalms. With that complete, they now confirm that the 2nd Psalm was, in fact, fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. As they say, “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus.”
The translation is correct – “Your holy Servant.” The word translated as “Servant” can be rendered “Son,” or “Child,” but it is referring to Jesus in His ministry as the Christ, God’s suffering Servant. It is the same word translated as “servant” when speaking of David in verse 4:25. It is against the designated Servant of God that the people next say, “whom You anointed.”
The anointing is referring to the specific act of establishing Christ for His ministry. The word used is chrió, signifying to consecrate by anointing. It has so far only been seen in Luke 4–
“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’” Luke 4:16-19
Though the word literally means consecration by anointing, meaning rubbing the head with olive oil in order to signify divine authorization to perform a function, that only symbolically represents the empowering of the Holy Spirit. This word, chrió, is used five times, and all but one are directly tied to the anointing of Christ Jesus. With this understood, it next says, “both Herod and Pontius Pilate.”
The account of Herod’s involvement in the act of coming against Jesus is only found in Luke’s gospel, in Luke 23:6-12. He would be the connection to “kings” cited in verse 4:26. Pilate’s involvement in the crucifixion of Christ is noted in all four gospels, and he would be the connection to the “rulers” of that same verse, but more, Luke continues with the disciple’s words, saying, “with the Gentiles and the people of Israel.”
There are no articles in the Greek, and the word “people” is actually plural –
“with Gentiles and peoples of Israel.”
As such, it is a general statement that includes all who were participants in the torturous events of Christ’s passion and crucifixion. There were Roman and Jewish soldiers along with many peoples of Israel. People shouted for His death, people rose against Him, people mocked Him, and there were those who physically came against Him. It was a din of humanity, Jew and Gentile, that rose against Him and led to His cross and all that was associated with that event. All of these, as they note, “were gathered together.”
As just noted, it is a din of humanity, all with a united purpose that led to Christ’s cross. The words are most significant for several reasons. Such a mixing of the intent of both Jew and Gentile would normally be at odds with the state of things. But there was a sense of all conspiring together. Also, it shows that none can say, “We are guiltless in what occurred.”
Such a thought reigns true for all. It extends to every nation, culture, society, and person because it is an indictment on the hearts of all. A nation may not have even existed at the time of the event, just as countless people have been born since the event. However, all people issue from the same original father, and the collective heart of man is clearly what is on trial with these words. And so, ironically, the joy for humanity that comes from the resurrection is one that first had to be initiated by the healing which came from the shed blood at the cross.
Life application: Above, it was noted that the word chrió, is seen five times in the New Testament and that four of them are directed to the anointing of Christ. Did you curiously ask yourself, “What was the fifth use of the word?” If so, you receive ten merit points. The fifth use is found in Paul’s words of 2 Corinthians 1 –
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:20-22
In Christ is the Yes, and in Him is the Amen. It is Christ who is the fulfillment of the promises. When we call on Him, those promises, which were fulfilled in Him, now belong to us. Further, they are emphatically fulfilled in Him.
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Scripture and therefore the promises of God which were made to the people of God (to Abraham for example, explaining that in his seed all nations of the earth would be blessed) are realized in Him. Paul gives this thought in Romans 15 –
“Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy…” Romans 15:8, 9
And in the book of Hebrews, this is seen –
“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15
Every Messianic promise is realized in Him, and in Him is the Amen. In Him is the confirmation and establishment of those promises.
Understanding this, when a person calls on Christ, he is anointed in Christ. From that moment, he is established and continues to be established. God will no more reject Christ’s anointing of us than He would reject His anointing of Christ. And to assure us that this is so, and that it is an eternal decree of God (ETERNAL SALVATION), Paul’s words state that we are sealed with the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
The word translated as “guarantee” is arrabón. It signifies a pledge. It is given as an advance, as a security, that the final and full payment will be paid afterward. In other words, the onus and the payment are not on us. They are on God. It is the believer whose right it is to collect the final, full, and forever payment. The doctrine of eternal salvation stands, or our God is not God.
Lord God, You have given us the sealing of Your Spirit as a guarantee. We eagerly await collecting on that pledge. May that day of final payment come soon. We wish to be forever in Your glorious presence. Amen and amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 31, 2022 3:29:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:28
Sunday, January 30th, 2022
to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Acts 4:28
The sense of the words is much clearer when stated as a whole with the previous verse –
“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
As can be seen, the words now presented show us that a divine hand is guiding the ages. However, in evaluating the words, immense errors in thinking can (and often do) arise. The previous verse noted that these various groups of people “were gathered together.” This was a willing decision on the part of each.
Herod voluntarily took the actions he took. The same is true with Pilate. Likewise, the Gentiles and the people of Israel all willingly gathered together. As such, the next verse now begins with, “to do.”
It is a simple and common word in the Greek signifying “do,” “make,” “observe,” “perform,” and on and on. It has a great deal of significations. Comparing the actions of a person to a plant, it is translated as to “bring forth” fruit. It can be a voluntary thing, such as, “someone did as they were told.” It can be something done with purposeful intent, such as Jesus saying, “I will make you fishers of men.”
An action is described. In this case, the people gathered together “to do.” But Luke next records the words of the disciples as crediting the “doing” to God. This is seen in the words, “whatever Your hand.”
The hand is that which accomplishes a thing. For example, in Exodus, the Lord specified various things to be brought forward to erect a tabernacle. However, he did so through Moses. As such, Moses is the one to accomplish the action –
“The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the Lord, all the men and women whose hearts were willing to bring material for all kinds of work which the Lord, by the hand of Moses, had commanded to be done.” Exodus 35:29
Now, in Acts, the people have gathered together “to do,” but the action is by the Lord’s hand. Further, the account continues with, “and Your purpose.”
The Greek word comes from a root signifying “volition.” There is the sense of the act of a will that is driving the matter. The word itself signifies a purpose, counsel, plan, decision, and so on. It is the same word rendered in Acts 2:23 as “plan.” One can see a similar thought is given there that is stated here –
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” Acts 2:22-24
The men of Israel took an action that was set forth “by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” This is the same general idea again now presented. The various groups had gathered together, obviously voluntarily, and yet it is stated that it has been done at the hand of God and by His purpose which was – as it next says – an event “determined before to be done.”
This is a new word in Scripture, proorizó. It is found six times in the New Testament with five of them from the hand of Paul. It comes from the words pro, or “before,” and horizó, meaning “to establish boundaries.” Thus, it signifies to foreordain, predetermine, or mark out beforehand.
One can see the basis of our modern word “horizon” in it. There is a defined boundary, and that boundary was set in advance. As this is a boundary set forth by God, it is one that occurred even before creation. He set a boundary that is fixed and unchanging. The event will come to pass.
As such, the actions of those gathered against Jesus are voluntary (obviously) actions of the people, and yet they came about by the hand, purpose, and predestined decision of God. For this reason, many cannot comprehend how the “free will” of man could be a part of the equation. And yet, to ascribe the evil that occurred to God is something unthinkable.
Because of this, many incorrect doctrines have arisen concerning man’s state before God. Calvinism, for example, denies man has free will to choose Jesus Christ, but that God elects them, regenerates them, and then they choose Jesus. This is something Scripture does not even hint at.
In the case of the events of Acts 4, God had set up the time, location, and all of the details of the unfolding narrative so that He knew what would transpire. The outcome was logical and inescapable, and yet it was by the freewill of those who were involved. God’s foreknowledge does not, in any way, negate man’s free will choices. We are responsible for the choices we make, and we will be held accountable for them.
If a pastor sets up a church to meet at a certain time and all of the conditions are set forth in advance – seating, popcorn, particular movie, set time, and so on – then it is logical to know that a certain number of people will show up to view the movie he has selected for movie night. He may know that a particular person will sit in a particular seat, and so – in advance – he puts a note in that seat for the person.
Everything comes out as he figured it would. Does that mean they did not have free will? Of course not. If a man can predetermine certain things in advance, then how much more can God – who is infinite in knowledge – predetermine the setting for the crucifixion of Christ. And yet, free will is a clearly presented principle and an inescapable aspect of what the Bible teaches. In fact, it is plainly and evidently seen in both this account from Acts 4 as well as the account from Acts 2 which is cited above.
Life application: If it seems that the events of the world are following an exact and predetermined course of history, it is because they are. The book is written. The words of the prophets and the apostles have been recorded. History is catching up with what they state, and it will happen exactly as God has indicated in His word.
And yet, every single event that happens among man is based on his freewill choice. God, having created all things, and who knows the hearts and minds of man, knows every choice that will ever be made. And yet, He is not forcing man to make those choices any more than the pastor did not force the congregant to choose what seat he would sit in.
When the Bible speaks of the wisdom and knowledge of God, it is because He is infinitely wise and understanding. And yet, He has given us the right, the honor, and – indeed – the responsibility to freely choose Him or to willingly reject Him. This is the wonder of God’s hand as it works in the stream of human existence –
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:1-6
David didn’t understand the matter, but he accepted it as an axiom. God is not the author of evil, even if evil exists. God does not force our will, and yet God knows what our will is and what we will do with it. Great is our God! Let us carefully consider His ways.
Lord God, it is with the greatest awe and wonder that we stand before You, voluntarily having come to You, and yet You knew – before the first atom came into existence – that we would do so. We thank You for allowing us free will, but we are also sorry for having constantly used that will against You and in defiance of Your will. Thank You for Jesus who alone has made our reconciliation possible. Thank You for our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 31, 2022 4:17:08 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:29
Monday, January 31st, 2022
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, Acts 4:29
The prayer of the disciples continues. They had just noted the gathering of various groups in order to “do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” This gathering of disciples clearly saw the hand and purpose of God in the events that had taken place. Understanding that they too have a continued role in God’s unfolding plan (see Matthew 28:18-20, for example), they desire to do what God wills, both effectively and with boldness. As such, they continue with “Now, Lord, look on their threats.”
In verse 4:24, the address was made to Theos, God. At the same time, they used the title Despotés, or Sovereign Lord. They now say Kurios, signifying a master, sir, or lord, but which is used in the Greek Old Testament when referring to Yehovah. This is certainly what is on their mind as they speak forth to God. In citing the 2nd Psalm, they had said that the rulers were gathered together “Against the Lord [Yehovah] and His Christ.”
As such, they are acknowledging that God who is the Sovereign over all things has, along with His Christ, been attacked. It is therefore incumbent upon His followers to defend His name, title, and position – along with that of His Christ – as they continue on in the charge they had been given. Therefore, their petition is clearly made with the thought of defending the name of the Lord Yehovah and of the Lord Jesus. Because of this, they continue with, “and grant to Your servants.”
This clearly sets the disciples in contrast to ruling council. If the disciples are followers of the Lord, Yehovah, it means that those in the establishment are not. But Jesus had already said as much to the leaders during His ministry –
“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.’” John 8:42-44
This is not simply an earthly spat between two rival factions, but a spiritual war between the followers of the true God and followers of the devil. This is clearly understood by them. Therefore, the disciples’ petition is “that with all boldness they may speak Your word.”
In saying, “Your word,” they are clearly referring to the message of Christ, inclusive of the gospel itself. They are not referring to the Old Testament Scriptures, except as they point to Christ. In other words, they are not asking to boldly proclaim the Law of Moses, meaning the Old Covenant. That is clearly understood to be completed through Jesus’ work. He initiated a New Covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20), and – as the author of Hebrews says –
“In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13
In coming to Christ, the Mosaic Covenant is made obsolete. It was ineffectual to save, and it had served its intended purpose until the coming of the Messiah who would fulfill it and set it aside. As noted, this is a spiritual war. It pits man and his works against Christ and His works. But the problem with man’s self-righteousness is that it is already stained with sin. Christ’s perfection is what is needed to be pleasing to God. This is what the disciples are asking for boldness to proclaim.
Life application: It may seem almost contradictory to note in one sentence that God has purposed and determined before that certain things be accomplished, and then to ask for boldness to speak on behalf of God in the next. If God has purposed all things, why would people need to act at all?
In such things, we must always consider God’s sovereignty, something already considered by the disciples. Therefore, their prayers (and ours) should factor this in. “Lord, we are Your servants. Direct our steps according to Your will. May our actions be in accord with that.” The apostles have been given a specific charge to speak forth God’s word, so such an appeal is implied in their prayer.
If what we are doing is in accord with God’s will, it will happen. If it is not, it will not. This does not negate the need for prayer. Rather, it highlights it. We are demonstrating a reliance on God’s sovereignty when we lift our prayers to Him in such a manner.
In all things, let us remember that God is God. We are His subjects. What He determines is right, it is good, and it is what is best. Even if we do not understand that, we should take it as an axiom that it is true. From there, we simply need to get out and live our lives according to the manner which He has shown us is right, meaning as is recorded in His word.
Heavenly Father, Your word is written, and it provides guidance for our lives. Help us to live out our lives in accord with that word, and to glorify You as we do. May our lives be proper examples to others of how to live in a manner which pleases You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 1, 2022 4:56:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:30
Tuesday, February 1st, 2022
by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30
The verse now completes the prayer of the disciples, but to remember the context, it should be read along with the previous verse –
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
With this context understood, the words of this verse begin with, “by stretching out Your hand.” A more literal rendering would be, “in the stretching forth of Your hand.” It is as if the Lord’s hand is directly equated to the actions which will take place. As He stretches it forth, the intended event occurs. The implication is that the power of the Lord that filled Jesus is to be available now, after His ascension, that was with Him during His ministry. For example, and using the same word, Mark 1 says –
“Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.” Mark 1:41, 42
It is the power of the Lord that the apostles are asking to appropriate in order to glorify Him. This is then noted for several reasons. The first is “to heal.”
Charles Ellicott notes that the Greek word chosen by Luke is a play on words, and assonance, that corresponds to the Greek name translated as Jesus. It is the same word used in verse 4:22, but this time it is used directly in connection with the name –
Iasis – healing
Iésous – Jesus
As for the prayer, it continues with, “and that signs and wonders may be done.” The word “and” seems to show that this is still dependent on the stretching forth of the hand of the first clause –
“in the stretching forth of Your hand…that signs and wonders may be done.”
The stretching forth of the hand is an anthropomorphism where the hand accomplishes things. It is this hand of the Lord that is stretched forth to heal, and also to perform signs and wonders. Thus, the Source is the Lord for all that occurs. That then leads to the next words, “through the name.”
In this, the words connect the act to the Lord. In the stretching forth of the Lord’s hand, signs and wonders are accomplished through the name, meaning the name “Jesus” as seen in the coming words. In this, the connection of the name to the Lord’s hand is made. And the name that is connected to the hand of the Lord is next said to be “of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
Again, the idea of the Messiah being the Servant of the Lord is brought forth. The suffering Servant has become the Healer. As such, an implied connection is made in the play on words noted above. Through the suffering of Jesus (Iésous), healing (iasis) is brought about by the Lord. The importance of the connection of the healing being done as a consequence of the stretching out of the Lord’s hand can be more fully appreciated by looking at the account in Acts 19 –
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
These Jews were using the name of Jesus as a talisman, looking to gain from throwing it about. But the name is to be magnified, not treated as a cliché or a trinket that can be pulled out and used to suit a personal fancy or agenda. The name of the Lord is directly equated to the name Jesus.
Life application: How often it is that people toss around the name of Jesus, claiming things that they have no right to claim! It is used to claim healing when the one claiming only looks to benefit personally from the claim. It is used to claim sports cars or winning football games. It is used to pronounce a curse on someone that another person may not like.
On and on the abuse of the name continues. But we have been told otherwise –
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
Let us confess the name, hold the name as sacred, and not allow the name to be degraded through the whims of false teachers and false prophets. Reject this evil and be sure to honor the name JESUS!
Lord God Almighty, You have chosen to have all the power of the Godhead expressed in the exalted name of Jesus. It is in that name, and through that name, that we find our life, our hope, and our joy. Help us, Lord, to never diminish this exalted name through the frivolous use of it. Rather, may we exalt that great name, the name that is above every name – JESUS. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 2, 2022 23:00:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:31
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022
Wednesday, 2 February 2022
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31
With the prayer of the previous verses complete, we receive a description of what next occurred. Luke begins with, “And when they had prayed.” The idea behind these words is that of a connection to whatever follows. There was the prayer by this group, and then there was an event that resulted from the prayer. The two are tied together. As such, it is an acknowledgment that the prayer has been accepted. This is seen in the next words, saying, “the place where they were assembled together was shaken.”
The Greek word, translated as shaken, comes from another word, salos. That is used just one time, but its use may give a sense of what it was like in the place where they were –
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;” Luke 21:25
There may have been a rush of wind into their quarters that caused everything inside to fly about, or a mild earthquake may have hit the area at that exact moment. Whatever occurred, such an event was taken by them as a clear indication that the Lord was behind it. The presence of such trembling in conjunction with the coming of the Lord is seen elsewhere –
“The earth shook;
The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God;
Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.” Psalm 68:8
With that understood, Luke next says, “and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” The verb is passive. The prayer and praise to God allowed them to be opened up and filled. Just as wine cups are simply ready to receive a filling, this group had been prepared for the filling which then came upon them. As they were all believers, and because they had already received the Spirit, the meaning here is that of confidence, encouragement, and a renewal of determination to act boldly on behalf of the Lord and His gospel message.
That is clearly seen and understood as Luke next records, “and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” This is the result of the filling of the Spirit. It brings about a sense of joy, determination, renewed anticipation of what God has in store for His people, and so on. These believers understood from the shaking they experienced that the Lord had fully approved of the events that took place, that the threats to Peter and John were worth the cost, and that continuing on as they had been was the right thing to do.
Life application: Such passages in Acts are given as a descriptive account of what occurred during the early establishment of the church. They are not to be considered normative for all of the church age, nor do they prescribe anything at all.
If we keep reminding ourselves of this, we will find our own walk with the Lord much more grounded. These early believers did not have the New Testament writings, and so the Lord worked in a manner that should no longer be expected. When we read the Bible, we should be shaken in our souls at the majesty of what is recorded there. We have no need for outward displays of the Lord’s power to confirm we are on the right path.
The word itself reveals the power of God. Let us hold fast to this word, cherish this word, and be pleased in our hearts and souls that we have so much more than what the early believers had. We have the word of God! Let us rejoice in this.
Lord God, thank You for Your precious and sacred word. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 3, 2022 22:52:06 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:32
Thursday, February 3rd, 2022
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. Acts 4:32
With the ending of the event in the house where the disciples prayed, the story now changes its direction, beginning with, “Now the multitude of those who believed.”
Acts 4:4 said the number of men had arisen to five thousand. Adding in women and children, it would be a rather large number, and it was one that was surely growing quickly after the event with the healing. Of this large group, it next says, “were of one heart and one soul.”
The Greek uses the word “one” only once – “were of one heart and soul.” It is an idiomatic expression revealing a closeness as if they were literally one body. The blood pumping through them would be as if one. But more, because the heart reflects the seat of reasoning in the Bible, they also had a united purpose.
The animation of the soul is, likewise, as with one united purpose. That makes it the closest bond of all. The expression is seen in the love found between David and Jonathan –
“Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” 1 Samuel 18:1
In this state, they were like one living organism. Because of this, Luke next records “neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own.” Unlike the communist model where the state forcibly takes over the private property of the people, this is a completely voluntary thing. The people were pleased to say, “What’s mine is yours.”
This approach to the possessions of the people is an unsustainable one, as will be seen, but it was probably based on the thought that the Lord would be returning soon. If this was on their mind, it was a wonderful expression of hope in the event, but it would eventually lead these people to require charity themselves, as will be noted later and in the epistles.
Luke finishes the verse with, “but they had all things in common.” This is a close model to the modern kibbutz found in Israel. That has worked pretty well, but this is because the people work together and have a united purpose in making the kibbutz run properly. As for these early believers, their model was not as developed, and it would eventually not work out. However, with this, and with persecution of these believers ahead, it will be an impetus for the people to spread out and share the message beyond the area of Jerusalem.
Life application: Even if believers do not share all personal goods in common today, we can still attempt to be of one heart and soul. It is a difficult thing to do because sin fills our lives, but it should be the goal of the body to act in such a manner.
Obviously, doctrinal differences can be so great that it is simply impossible to fellowship with some who have called on Christ. As much as it is possible, however, we should do our best to be closely united with those who are the redeemed of the Lord –
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
Heavenly Father, while it isn’t always easy to be close and in a united mind with other believers, we know that this is what You would desire for us. Help us to live in this way, overlooking faults, forgiving disagreements, and loving others just as You have loved us. Help it to be so in our lives. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 4, 2022 21:55:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:33
Friday, February 4th, 2022
Friday, 4 February 2022
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33
The previous verse noted the state of the believers as all being of one heart and soul, and that they held all things in common. Luke next records, “And with great power.”
The word translated as “power” is often translated as “miracles,” “mighty works,” and so on. In this case the idea is probably to be taken as the preaching itself and not as any demonstrations that went along with it. The word was preached, and the power of the word is what is being referred to. That seems both reasonable and correct when considering the rest of the words of the verse, beginning with, “the apostles gave witness.”
The word, as it is translated “gave,” is insufficient for two reasons. First, it is an indefinite verb. Secondly, the word itself means more than “gave,” but it more rightly signifies “to return,” “restore,” “give back,” and so on. In other words, the seemingly abrupt change from the previous verse is only so because the faulty rendering of this word now –
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave [lit: were returning] witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.”
The people had decided to give up on claims to personal possessions, but what was to be gained from that? The answer is that they lived in such a way that they were the recipients of the preaching of the apostles. This wasn’t just a group of people benefitting off the converted masses, but there was a yielding of the people to the whole, and there was a returning by the apostles to the people, through the preaching of the word, a great and powerful understanding of what God had done in Christ, pointing “to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.”
This is the central point of everything that mattered. If Jesus was crucified and did not resurrect, that would be as common as raindrops in a monsoon. But the apostles had walked with the Lord, they had participated in His life and seen the power of His miracles. And then, they saw Him taken away under guard and they had seen Him crucified. And yet, they saw Him alive again.
They were able to bear witness to the resurrection because they had borne witness to it. With this knowledge, they could then tie all of Scripture into a book with meaning never even imagined before. Everything fits from the word when the resurrection of the Lord Jesus is properly understood. With that in mind, the verse finishes with, “And great grace was upon them all.”
The translation of these words is not complicated, but the meaning is somewhat difficult to determine. There can be one of several meanings, but the two most likely will be considered. The first is that the grace of God rested upon the disciples. If this is correct, it would be in accord with Luke 2:40 –
“And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40
The second possibility is that it speaks of the favor of the people resting upon the disciples. A parallel to this would be Acts 2 where the same Greek word is translated as “favor” –
“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46, 47
Either way, there was a state of grace which existed because of the situation.
Life application: The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the central point of our faith, because without these occurring there is nothing to have faith in. There have been innumerable spiritual leaders over the span of man’s existence, but their teachings are simply various aspects about what is right or wrong, what is morally acceptable or objectionable, and so on.
However, in the cross and resurrection of Jesus there is the indisputable evidence that God has favored His ministry, accepting it as the way to reconciliation with Him. Anyone can speak eloquently and with convincing arguments, but upon the death of that person, the stream of his knowledge and wisdom ends. This is not so with Christ Jesus. Rather, because of the resurrection, we know that His infinite knowledge continues on and will continue to do so for all eternity.
Let us hold fast to the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. May our lives be witnesses to others of what God has done, and what God is still doing, among the sons of men.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the surety we possess in our faith. It is backed up by the greatest event in all of human history, because You have so ordained it. May we be willing to share the knowledge of this wondrous story to any and all we encounter. To Your glory! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 5, 2022 21:07:31 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:34
Saturday, February 5th, 2022
Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, Acts 4:34
The past couple of verses have shown the state of how the believer’s lives were in the Jerusalem community that had arisen. The description now continues with, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked.”
The meaning is that there were no unfulfilled needs. Everyone had food enough, and all their other needs were met. This would have been a great time of abundance, and it would have been even overflowing because the apostles were there to tell of all that happened over the years of Jesus’ ministry.
Nothing is said of the people maintaining employment. If that had ended, which in many cases seems likely – because Israel was mostly an agrarian society where livelihood came from working one’s own field, this model would eventually become unsustainable. This begins to be seen in the next words, “for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them.”
The verbs should read that they “were selling them.” Also, the word “all” is incorrect. The Greek word, hosos, is indefinite. It signifies something closer to “those that” without specifically meaning “each and every.” This will be seen in the next chapter where Peter will say, “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?” (Acts 5:4).
To say “all” implies that this was an absolute, but such was not the case. To understand the laws concerning the land and its use, one would need to especially study Leviticus – Deuteronomy from the books of Moses. There, the parceling out of the land, the selling of land and houses, and so on, are all minutely detailed.
The land was never actually owned by the people, but they were the Lord’s stewards of it. Hence, certain intervals of time were set up for people to sell their land, and then it was automatically reacquired by that person or family upon the coming of the year of Jubilee.
The rest of Scripture is mostly silent on whether these practices from the law were actually followed at any time in Israel’s history. However, these were precepts of the law. As such, there was a possible remedy for the eventually financial train wreck that lay ahead, at least temporarily. Once the land was reacquired, it could be worked, rented, or even sold again.
In such a state, impending financial troubles could be pushed further down the line. But as the number of new people joined the movement, the more tenuous the ability to make ends meet for the whole would be.
The book of Acts doesn’t go into any detail concerning the employment of the people, or much of the other information needed to know exactly how they managed. And so, lining their situation up with the precepts of the law is difficult. For now, Luke next refers to what happened to the money once land or house was sold with the words, “and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold.”
Again, the verbs need to be corrected to read, “and were bringing the proceeds of that which is sold.” Luke is writing the account as if he is sitting there watching it happen. Thus, he was probably carefully writing down the words of someone like Peter who described to him what had taken place.
The money from the sales was being brought forth for use by the whole.
Life application: A model like this could only sustain itself if there was a way to place such money in a type of bank or other interest-bearing entity, and to allow it to grow along with the use of it. The larger the number of people who joined such a community, the more mouths there would be to feed.
Unless people were productively working, the dependence upon the top to take care of every need would become unsupportable. Communist countries have tried this, even while making their people work, and it has never succeeded. In a perfect society, without all of the problems of this fallen world, a perfect community could be realized, but people get sick, people get old, things get broken, and money is used up.
For today’s world, we have been given instructions directly from the word –
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
Voting for people who promise you ease while you sit around waiting on the Lord will not help anyone except those who are voted in. They will get fat off of what they have robbed from you. The Lord will be back in due time. Until then, do not vote for those on the left. They will promise ease and fairness, but only corruption of individuals and of the society will result.
Get up, get to work, and don’t expect others to carry your weight.
Lord God and Heavenly Father, how good it is that You tend to our needs. And surely one of the ways which You do this is to give us hands and feet to work for ourselves in the fields of life. We can earn as much as we are willing to expend our time earning. For those who are incapable of working, help us to be gracious and helpful according to our ability to do so. May our lives be productive and may our sharing for the needy be pleasing to You. Amen.
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Post by schwartzie on Feb 6, 2022 16:00:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:35
Sunday, February 6th, 2022
Sunday, 6 February 2022
and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. Acts 4:35
The previous verse showed the state of life among the disciples when there was the practice of selling lands or houses and bringing the proceeds of such things that were sold. This verse now will tell what becomes of that money, saying, “and laid them.”
The verb is imperfect and should read, “and were laying them.” Luke is giving the account as if it is ongoing. One can think of people, from time to time, coming forward and laying these things down. It is not just, “Oh, this happened and then it was done.” It is more like, “Well, from time to time they were coming, and they were laying them down.”
The word “them” is inserted for clarity, but it is an acceptable insertion that speaks of the proceeds themselves. One would assume this was in the common currency and minted, for the most part, in silver. Other metals were used, but silver was the standard at the time. So, one can think of a bag of silver – of whatever amount – being brought forward as an offering. In this manner, they are laid “at the apostles’ feet.”
The meaning of this is symbolic and figurative, but it probably still literally happened. One can think of royal subjects coming forward to make an offering to a king, of devotees coming forward to make an offering to a priest, of students making an offering to a teacher, or of a diplomatic procession coming forward to offer to a greater nation’s representative.
Each is coming to offer something to one in a higher position, and they will place the offering before the receiver, on the ground at his feet. In the case of the king or teacher, he is the final recipient. However, for the priest or the ambassador, they simply receive the offering on behalf of the one they represent. Thus, this is an offering to the Lord through their apostles, or “sent ones.”
The meaning of the act is that of authority. The place where the foot is represents that which is under the authority of the person. This is seen in Exodus 4 when Zipporah circumcised her son and touched the foreskin to the feet of the one standing there –
“and Zipporah takes a flint, and cuts off the foreskin of her son, and causes [it] to touch his feet, and says, ‘You [are] surely a bridegroom of blood to me.’” Exodus 4:25 (LST)
Although many translations insert Moses’s name, saying, “Moses’ feet,” this is not what is being conveyed. Rather, it was to the Lord’s feet that it was taken, demonstrating His authority over the matter. To get a fuller understanding of such symbology, a short (but limited) study will help you to see this. See Deuteronomy 11:24, Psalm 110:1, 2, and Revelation 10:2. Scripture, however, has a multitude of such examples.
With this beautiful imagery understood, it next says, “and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”
The authority of the proceeds was transferred from the previous owner to those who are the Lord’s designated representatives. From there, they were allowed to do with it as they saw fit. As needs arose, they would be evaluated and tended to.
Life application: Acts 4:34 and 4:35 are a good set of verses to, once again, highlight the need to understand proper context, and to remember and consider whether a verse is descriptive or prescriptive. For example, the same people who demand that you must be baptized in order to be saved and receive the Spirit would never say, “You must sell everything you have and put it at the feet of Mr. XYZ.”
And yet, we are dealing with the same group of people (Israel without a single Gentile yet introduced), the same context (early church as it develops and without any New Testament epistles), and the same figure of authority who has led to this point (Peter). The disconnect in thinking is astonishing.
When someone tells you that you must do some particular thing described in Acts, be ready to explain to him why his thinking is flawed. Explain what determining the context first means, and then explain why what is being claimed is based on a descriptive passage where nothing is prescribed.
If that person is still adamant about his stand, ignore him. Almost nobody lives in a communal society today, and of them, it is surely not the habit of the people to sell their possessions and lay them at the feet of the leader. If that is going on, you can bet it is an abusive cult that has swallowed up those who are involved in it.
Rather than everyone relying on everyone else to survive, we are to work with our hands, tend to those things the epistles tell us to, and live out our lives in anticipation of the life that is truly life, and which still lies ahead of us now.
Lord God, help us to think clearly concerning Your word. Give us instructors who will lead us in sound instruction, who will make us hungry for You and Your word, and who will not lead us down strange paths that do nothing to solidify our walk with You. To Your glory. Amen.
Acts 4:34
Charlie Garrett Acts, Acts (written), Daily Writing, Writings
Saturday, February 5th, 2022
The burial of Sgt. York. Rest well. Jesus will be back for you in due time.
Saturday, 5 February 2022
Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, Acts 4:34
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
The past couple of verses have shown the state of how the believer’s lives were in the Jerusalem community that had arisen. The description now continues with, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked.”
The meaning is that there were no unfulfilled needs. Everyone had food enough, and all their other needs were met. This would have been a great time of abundance, and it would have been even overflowing because the apostles were there to tell of all that happened over the years of Jesus’ ministry.
Nothing is said of the people maintaining employment. If that had ended, which in many cases seems likely – because Israel was mostly an agrarian society where livelihood came from working one’s own field, this model would eventually become unsustainable. This begins to be seen in the next words, “for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them.”
The verbs should read that they “were selling them.” Also, the word “all” is incorrect. The Greek word, hosos, is indefinite. It signifies something closer to “those that” without specifically meaning “each and every.” This will be seen in the next chapter where Peter will say, “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?” (Acts 5:4).
To say “all” implies that this was an absolute, but such was not the case. To understand the laws concerning the land and its use, one would need to especially study Leviticus – Deuteronomy from the books of Moses. There, the parceling out of the land, the selling of land and houses, and so on, are all minutely detailed.
The land was never actually owned by the people, but they were the Lord’s stewards of it. Hence, certain intervals of time were set up for people to sell their land, and then it was automatically reacquired by that person or family upon the coming of the year of Jubilee.
The rest of Scripture is mostly silent on whether these practices from the law were actually followed at any time in Israel’s history. However, these were precepts of the law. As such, there was a possible remedy for the eventually financial train wreck that lay ahead, at least temporarily. Once the land was reacquired, it could be worked, rented, or even sold again.
In such a state, impending financial troubles could be pushed further down the line. But as the number of new people joined the movement, the more tenuous the ability to make ends meet for the whole would be.
The book of Acts doesn’t go into any detail concerning the employment of the people, or much of the other information needed to know exactly how they managed. And so, lining their situation up with the precepts of the law is difficult. For now, Luke next refers to what happened to the money once land or house was sold with the words, “and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold.”
Again, the verbs need to be corrected to read, “and were bringing the proceeds of that which is sold.” Luke is writing the account as if he is sitting there watching it happen. Thus, he was probably carefully writing down the words of someone like Peter who described to him what had taken place.
The money from the sales was being brought forth for use by the whole.
Life application: A model like this could only sustain itself if there was a way to place such money in a type of bank or other interest-bearing entity, and to allow it to grow along with the use of it. The larger the number of people who joined such a community, the more mouths there would be to feed.
Unless people were productively working, the dependence upon the top to take care of every need would become unsupportable. Communist countries have tried this, even while making their people work, and it has never succeeded. In a perfect society, without all of the problems of this fallen world, a perfect community could be realized, but people get sick, people get old, things get broken, and money is used up.
For today’s world, we have been given instructions directly from the word –
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
Voting for people who promise you ease while you sit around waiting on the Lord will not help anyone except those who are voted in. They will get fat off of what they have robbed from you. The Lord will be back in due time. Until then, do not vote for those on the left. They will promise ease and fairness, but only corruption of individuals and of the society will result.
Get up, get to work, and don’t expect others to carry your weight.
Lord God and Heavenly Father, how good it is that You tend to our needs. And surely one of the ways which You do this is to give us hands and feet to work for ourselves in the fields of life. We can earn as much as we are willing to expend our time earning. For those who are incapable of working, help us to be gracious and helpful according to our ability to do so. May our lives be productive and may our sharing for the needy be pleasing to You. Amen.
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Post by schwartzie on Feb 7, 2022 17:40:55 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:36
Monday, February 7th, 2022
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, Acts 4:36
The previous paragraph revealed the state of the people and how they were supported from within as people gave of their own possessions to meet the needs of the community. With that stated, the words of Luke now introduce a new and significant character into the ongoing narrative. The way he will do this is by tying what this person does in with these same previously noted actions of the people. That begins now with the words, “And Joses.”
The name Joses is a variant of Joseph. In many Greek manuscripts, it reads Joseph as the name. The name Joseph is derived from the Hebrew name Yoseph, or “He shall add,” or “He increases.” From there, and which is not uncommon, a second name is provided for him. This is recorded by Luke next, saying, “who was also named Barnabas.”
The name literally indicates “Son of Prophecy,” coming from bar, an Aramaic term signifying “son,” and nevi, the Hebrew word for a prophet. This name was given to him “by the apostles.”
The reason for calling him Barnabas isn’t clear when it is translated as “Son of Prophecy,” but Luke next provides an explanation saying, “which is translated Son of Encouragement.” The reason for the name is given in its explanation. The name defines the person. That will then be more fully revealed as the account progresses and as this person’s character becomes more evident.
The difference in the name from its original meaning (Son of Prophecy) still requires an explanation. Albert Barnes gives a suitable one concerning it, saying –
“The Greek word which is used to interpret this παράκλησις paraklēsis, translated ‘consolation,’ means properly exhortation, entreaty, petition, or advocacy. It also means ‘consolation’ or ‘solace’; and from this meaning the interpretation has been given to the word ‘Barnabas,’ but with evident impropriety.”
What may be the case is that Barnabas was well schooled in the prophets and was able to “encourage” or “comfort” others with his knowledge of these scriptures by directing them to Jesus, the fulfillment of them all. This may be how the two thoughts harmonize, but this is only speculation.
Concerning a reason for Luke’s explaining the name, it may be as simple as that his addressee, Theophilus (see Acts 1:1), was unschooled in Hebrew. For this, or some other reason, Luke felt it necessary to provide this additional note. Of Barnabas, Luke next notes that he was “a Levite.”
As this is the case, he was a member of the tribe set apart to the Lord for religious instruction. It is the tribe from which the priests (descended from Aaron) are from, but they were their own class within the tribe. As he is not noted as a priest, it means he was not of the line of Aaron. However, the other Levites were the ones designated to assist the priests in the service of the temple, and they performed other religious duties between the priests and the people.
Finally, Luke notes Barnabas was “of the country of Cyprus.” Again, Albert Barnes suitably explains the meaning and importance of including this –
“Cyprus is the largest island in the Mediterranean; an island extremely fertile, abounding in wine, honey, oil, wool, etc. It is mentioned in Acts 13:4; Acts 15:39. The island is near to Cicilia, and is not far from the Jewish coast. … Barnabas afterward became, with Paul, a distinguished preacher to the Gentiles. It is worthy of remark, that ‘both’ were born in pagan countries, though by descent Jews; and as they were trained in pagan lands, they were better suited for their special work.”
Life application: Luke’s inclusion of an explanation of the meaning of the name Barnabas is not without importance. Among Christians, there are innumerable claims concerning the origin of various things, the reliability of certain manuscripts over others, which Bible version is the “best,” and so on.
A little bit of logic is often all that is necessary to dispel many of the falsities that arise. One is that of what original language certain things were penned in. For example, there are several views concerning what language the New Testament was originally penned in. Some say Hebrew, others Aramaic, others Greek, and so on.
Quite often, there is absolutely no proof for a particular claim. Pride has a way of stepping in and forcing out any other option. Adherents condemn any other option as heretical, and they claim that they have the true “key” to enlightenment. Yes, it is ridiculous, but it is as common as leaves on a tree.
As far as the original language of Acts, Luke’s words of this verse clearly indicate that Greek is the original language. For him to translate the name as he did, by default, means that he is explaining to his recipient something that required an understanding in Greek. If the words are a part of the inspired text, as anyone who holds to the inspiration of Scripture will agree they are, then it means that the translation itself is inspired – in whatever translation was used. In this case, it is Greek.
This is true with all four of the gospels as well. Each of them has a similar note which logically brings the scholar to an understanding that the original language of them was Greek.
When presented with claims concerning things like this, think things through. It is not hard to find out when such a doctrine is based on a false claim.
Heavenly Father, help us to not get misdirected by aberrant doctrines and by things that only distract us from a sound and proper analysis of Your word. May we stay focused on what is important and be diligent in our study of that. Be with us in this, O God. Amen.
Acts 4:35
Charlie Garrett Acts, Acts (written), Daily Writing, Writings
Sunday, February 6th, 2022
Sgt York’s military dress, Bible, and etc.
Sunday, 6 February 2022
and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. Acts 4:35
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
The previous verse showed the state of life among the disciples when there was the practice of selling lands or houses and bringing the proceeds of such things that were sold. This verse now will tell what becomes of that money, saying, “and laid them.”
The verb is imperfect and should read, “and were laying them.” Luke is giving the account as if it is ongoing. One can think of people, from time to time, coming forward and laying these things down. It is not just, “Oh, this happened and then it was done.” It is more like, “Well, from time to time they were coming, and they were laying them down.”
The word “them” is inserted for clarity, but it is an acceptable insertion that speaks of the proceeds themselves. One would assume this was in the common currency and minted, for the most part, in silver. Other metals were used, but silver was the standard at the time. So, one can think of a bag of silver – of whatever amount – being brought forward as an offering. In this manner, they are laid “at the apostles’ feet.”
The meaning of this is symbolic and figurative, but it probably still literally happened. One can think of royal subjects coming forward to make an offering to a king, of devotees coming forward to make an offering to a priest, of students making an offering to a teacher, or of a diplomatic procession coming forward to offer to a greater nation’s representative.
Each is coming to offer something to one in a higher position, and they will place the offering before the receiver, on the ground at his feet. In the case of the king or teacher, he is the final recipient. However, for the priest or the ambassador, they simply receive the offering on behalf of the one they represent. Thus, this is an offering to the Lord through their apostles, or “sent ones.”
The meaning of the act is that of authority. The place where the foot is represents that which is under the authority of the person. This is seen in Exodus 4 when Zipporah circumcised her son and touched the foreskin to the feet of the one standing there –
“and Zipporah takes a flint, and cuts off the foreskin of her son, and causes [it] to touch his feet, and says, ‘You [are] surely a bridegroom of blood to me.’” Exodus 4:25 (LST)
Although many translations insert Moses’s name, saying, “Moses’ feet,” this is not what is being conveyed. Rather, it was to the Lord’s feet that it was taken, demonstrating His authority over the matter. To get a fuller understanding of such symbology, a short (but limited) study will help you to see this. See Deuteronomy 11:24, Psalm 110:1, 2, and Revelation 10:2. Scripture, however, has a multitude of such examples.
With this beautiful imagery understood, it next says, “and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”
The authority of the proceeds was transferred from the previous owner to those who are the Lord’s designated representatives. From there, they were allowed to do with it as they saw fit. As needs arose, they would be evaluated and tended to.
Life application: Acts 4:34 and 4:35 are a good set of verses to, once again, highlight the need to understand proper context, and to remember and consider whether a verse is descriptive or prescriptive. For example, the same people who demand that you must be baptized in order to be saved and receive the Spirit would never say, “You must sell everything you have and put it at the feet of Mr. XYZ.”
And yet, we are dealing with the same group of people (Israel without a single Gentile yet introduced), the same context (early church as it develops and without any New Testament epistles), and the same figure of authority who has led to this point (Peter). The disconnect in thinking is astonishing.
When someone tells you that you must do some particular thing described in Acts, be ready to explain to him why his thinking is flawed. Explain what determining the context first means, and then explain why what is being claimed is based on a descriptive passage where nothing is prescribed.
If that person is still adamant about his stand, ignore him. Almost nobody lives in a communal society today, and of them, it is surely not the habit of the people to sell their possessions and lay them at the feet of the leader. If that is going on, you can bet it is an abusive cult that has swallowed up those who are involved in it.
Rather than everyone relying on everyone else to survive, we are to work with our hands, tend to those things the epistles tell us to, and live out our lives in anticipation of the life that is truly life, and which still lies ahead of us now.
Lord God, help us to think clearly concerning Your word. Give us instructors who will lead us in sound instruction, who will make us hungry for You and Your word, and who will not lead us down strange paths that do nothing to solidify our walk with You. To Your glory. Amen.
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Post by schwartzie on Feb 8, 2022 13:00:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 4:37
Tuesday, February 8th, 2022
having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:37
This is now the final verse of Chapter 4. The previous verse introduced Joses, also named Barnabas. It noted he was a Levite from Cyprus. Of him, it next says, “having land, sold it.” The word translated as “land” signifies a field, particularly a field that produces a crop.
Of this event, Bengel notes, “This must have been outside of the land of Israel, in which the Levites had no portion.” This is incorrect. He is basing this on this provision of the law –
“The priests, the Levites—all the tribe of Levi—shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and His portion. 2 Therefore they shall have no inheritance among their brethren; the Lord is their inheritance, as He said to them.” Deuteronomy 18:1, 2
This is stated several times and in various ways within the law. Its meaning is not that Levites would own no property within Israel, but that the tribe of Levi would have no allocation of land within Israel. The land was divided up among the other tribes, and then Levitical cities were interspersed throughout those divisions.
However, the provisions of the law allowed for anyone to buy and sell the land. It was just not to pass between tribes permanently. An example of those of Levi (specifically the priests) owning their own land is found in Jeremiah –
“And Jeremiah said, ‘The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 7 ‘Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you, saying, “Buy my field which is in Anathoth, for the right of redemption is yours to buy it.”’ 8 Then Hanamel my uncle’s son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the Lord, and said to me, ‘Please buy my field that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin; for the right of inheritance is yours, and the redemption yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord.” Jeremiah 32:6-8
Anathoth was one of the Levitical cities of Israel. There were such provisions found for buying and selling land and houses, but the main point was that the borders of each tribe were to remain fixed, not transferring between tribes based on inheritances and the like. As for the land sold by Barnabas, it next says, “and brought the money.”
It was his right to own the land, it was his right to sell the land, and when it was sold, it was his right to do as he wished with it. There is nothing compulsory in this event. This is a completely voluntary occurrence in all ways. With this being the case, it tells what he chose to do with it, saying, “and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
This is in accord with what is said in verses 34 and 35. It appears that Barnabas was chosen as an example simply because his life will be highlighted in Acts as the church expands and moves into Gentile areas. He will become a traveling companion of Paul, and together they will set out with the message of hope that began in Israel and then spread outward from there. This account is a way of introducing him into the ongoing narrative.
Life application: As far as giving within the church, there is very little to prescribe what should be given or how it should be given. The two main verses that are to be considered are –
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Galatians 6:6
That is pretty much it. There are no other prescriptions that apply to all of the church concerning the matter. If you have been told, or if you are being told, that you should tithe, you are being misled in doctrine. Tithing is a precept of the Mosaic Law. It is not mentioned as a precept under the New Covenant. To mandate tithing would actually violate Paul’s prescription of 2 Corinthians 9:7.
In the church, you are admonished to give cheerfully – without consideration of amount. There is freedom in the church, not the bondage of the law.
Thank You for the freedoms we possess in Christ, O God. You allow us to come to You without the heavy and burdensome constraints of the law. In this, we can worship You freely and with a grateful heart for all You have done for us. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Praise God for this pure state of fellowship and reconciliation. Amen.
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Post by schwartzie on Feb 10, 2022 9:34:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:1
Wednesday, February 9th, 2022
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. Acts 5:1
Acts 5 now records a rather negative incident in the development of the early church. It is an event that somewhat contrasts that of the account of Barnabas. Introducing such a negative incident at an early point like this was also not uncommon to the giving of the Mosaic Covenant. Two specific instances, that of a Sabbath breaker and that of a blasphemer, are recorded (see Leviticus 24:10-23 and Numbers 15:32-36).
Even before looking into the coming account, it should be remembered that it is descriptive in nature. It prescribes nothing concerning the handling of such matters. Further, what occurs is obviously not normative. We cannot expect that the same outcome will occur every time a comparable event happens.
One of the most common questions concerning the two that are about to be introduced is, “Were these saved believers?” Although it is impossible to say because the Lord alone reads the hearts of man. The answer leans very heavily in the direction of “Yes, they were saved believers.” The account would have little reason to be included otherwise. Instead of the outcome, one would think the matter would have been handled in a different way.
The point isn’t that unbelievers had wormed their way into the church, but that the heart of man, which is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), can work against the purposes of the church when it is not focused on what is right and proper. The epistles are well marked with such people or with warnings of such attitudes. Their words refer to, or serve as warnings to, saved believers who walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit.
With that, the verse and the chapter begin with, “But a certain man.” The Greek word de is a conjunction that is added to statements opposed to a preceding statement. It can be translated as “and,” “but,” “now,” and so on. Regardless of the translation, it is a way of setting this account as a contrast to the previous one. Of this certain man, it says he was “named Ananias.”
This is a transliteration of a common Hebrew name, Khananyah. That comes from khanan, meaning to show favor, or be gracious, and Yah, which is a contracted form of Yehovah, the Lord. Thus, the name means, “Yah has been gracious.” He is noted along “with Sapphira his wife.”
Her name is derived from the Hebrew word sappir, a sapphire. That is derived from saphar, to count or recount. The reason for this may be that the sapphire is an especially hard stone that may have been used to scratch other substances. As such, a tally could be made when counting. As she is the wife of Ananias, the account demonstrates that deceit of the heart can be something that spreads to others. It is not something isolated when it has its influencing effects. As such, it says that they, husband and wife, together “sold a possession.”
The word signifies something belonging to the individual, as if landed property, a personal possession, and so on. It will be noted as land in verses 3 and 7. The point is that it was under their authority, and they had the right to do with it whatever they wished. In this case, they wished to sell it, and so that is what they did.
Life application: Whether Ananias and Sapphira were saved or not can be argued over until the second coming, but what should not be at all debatable is whether this account is to be taken in a prescriptive manner or not. If it were, the number of dead bodies of those in the church would fill every generation, even to overflowing. In fact, the church would never get anywhere if the Spirit took out every person whose heart went astray.
The point isn’t that we can expect to keel over if we have deceit well up in our hearts. Rather, the point is that the Lord is aware of our hearts. He knows the motives behind our actions, and He is there with His people in their struggles of this life. David was guilty of no less a crime than what these two will be seen to have done. He coveted another man’s wife, he took her, and he then had that man killed to cover over his actions.
The Bible doesn’t hide the faults and failings of the people it highlights. Rather, it highlights those faults and failings along with them. In this, we should see our own shortcomings and recalibrate our lives and actions to work in accord with, not opposed to, the will of the Lord. Accepting the premise that these two were probably saved brings the account into a much more personal nature for those who are willing to admit their own failings.
Heavenly Father, Your word is like a mirror on our own lives. The faults and failings of each of us are highlighted through those we read about, because they share in the same human limitations that we do. Thank You that we can see our own weaknesses, and then see how to rise above them by applying the lessons You have provided. And above all, thank You for the grace and mercy we receive, even when we fail You. Amen.
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Post by schwartzie on Feb 10, 2022 9:35:37 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:2
Thursday, February 10th, 2022
And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:2
The previous verse introduced Ananias and Sapphira, noting that they sold a possession. The narrative concerning them continues now, beginning with, “And he.”
It first focuses on Ananias, apart from his wife. This actually highlights the events of the narrative in a more pronounced way. As they unfold, the united nature of their deed, despite the order in which the events unfold, is brought to the forefront of the account. As for Ananias at this time, he “kept back part of the proceeds.”
The Greek word, translated as “kept back,” is nosphizó. It is found here in verses 2 & 3, and only again in Titus 2:10 –
“Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2:9, 10
It signifies purloining, pilfering, or embezzling. It is the clearly wrong action of setting apart something for oneself. In this case, the setting apart is not what is wrong. The disposition of the money would be up to them. However, what accompanies the setting apart of the money is what makes their actions inappropriate.
It is clearly to be understood that their actions imply that the entire amount is supposedly being offered to God. Thus, it is the lie that accompanies the offering that is being focused on. Ananias has looked to find favor in the eyes of the people through a dishonest display of charity. But the guilt of the act extends beyond him because of “his wife also being aware of it.”
They are both complicit in the deceitful act, and thus both bear guilt before the Lord. It is in this state of trickery that it next says, “and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
The account gives the basic details and says nothing further about how it was presented, meaning what was said, what kind of a cheerful response came from those who received it, or any other such things. One can easily speculate about how esteemed the act would have been in the eyes of others, and how these two would suddenly be moved up a couple of notches in the rungs of whatever perceived hierarchy there was among the people.
And this would have been the exact intent of making such a claim. With everyone’s attention focused on them, they would be the heroes of the day. But such a state has no value in the eyes of God. Rather, He looks upon deceitfulness and a faithless heart in a completely different light. When King Saul did something that followed in a similar fashion, he was directly addressed concerning it by Samuel –
“So Samuel said:
‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He also has rejected you from being king.’” 1 Samuel 15:22, 23
Saul looked for esteem in the eyes of his men as of more importance than a heart that was set on pleasing the Lord. It cost him the kingship. Ananias and Sapphira followed a similar path, and they will not go unscathed.
Life application: In our society today, people have become almost totally consumed with seeing themselves and being recognized on social media. All kinds of filters are used to enhance photos, and once photos have been taken, they are manipulated further to hide imperfections.
As this is so, what is being seen is nothing more than a cheap lie. Even though we know this is being done, it is ignored as an acceptable part of being in the public eye. Such deceitfulness then harms everything else around us because our view of people becomes skewed. We see the actual flaws of others and decide they need to be “corrected” before we can truly accept them.
And so, people rush off to have plastic surgery, Botox fillers, and so on. Life is cheapened with each such thing we allow. And all the while, God is evaluating what is going on inside of us. The externals mean nothing. He is looking to see if our hearts are directed to Him and to His word.
Let us not worry about the shallow, temporary, and completely vain things that do not profit. Instead, we should be concerned with building up our spiritual lives through hearts that are more in love with the Lord every day. May it be so.
Lord God, help us to forget the vain and temporary things that this world focuses on, and help us to cultivate hearts that are pleasing to You. May we be acceptable in Your sight despite all of our outward bumps and scars that will be forever removed when we receive new bodies of glory and holiness some wonderful day. Amen.
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Post by schwartzie on Feb 11, 2022 12:18:09 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:3
Friday, February 11th, 2022
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? Acts 5:3
The previous verse revealed Ananias having kept back a part of the proceeds from what he had sold, and yet placing a certain part of it at the feet of the apostles. With that done, the account continues with, “But Peter said.”
The attention of the narrative continues on with Peter. This is not an indication that Peter is the leader of the people, nor is it a note that such notable things only occurred to Peter. Rather, the narrative is recording the events surrounding Peter because he is the main apostle at this time, and he is also the one – between Peter and Paul, who Acts is mainly centered around – whose ministry is focused more especially on the Jews.
When Paul arrives on the scene, the narrative will begin to focus on him more and more because the spiritual banner of Israel will begin to transfer from Peter to Paul, and from the Jew to the Gentile. As the narrative is on Peter at this time, Luke continues with the words of Peter, saying, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart.”
This is one of two times Satan is spoken of by name in Acts. The other being in Acts 26:18. It is a clear indication that he is alive and active in the world after the time of the cross. In this case, it was to fill the heart of Ananias. The heart is reflective of the seat of reason and understanding. Ananias’ thought process was clearly afflicted so that he would presume to be deceitful with the money that was intended for the aid of the church.
It is an egregious offense because the apostles represented the leadership of the church, and they were those who demonstrated the power of God working through them. However, the words here no more indicate an unsaved person than they did when Jesus essentially said the same thing to Peter –
“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’” Luke 22:31, 32
Likewise, Paul’s epistles clearly show that Satan is working within the church and is active in that work, even among and against believers –
“Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 1 Corinthians 7:5
Paul gives a comparable note of warning again in 2 Corinthians 2:11 and elsewhere. As for now with Ananias, the filling of his heart by Satan was “to lie to the Holy Spirit.” The offense is especially said to be directed toward the Holy Spirit as opposed to “the Lord” or “God” in a more general sense. Albert Barnes gives a long, detailed, and specific analysis of this, but the key point of his thoughts center on these words –
“Peter intended, doubtless, to designate an offence as committed particularly against the person, or influence, by which he and the other apostles were inspired. Ananias supposed that he could escape detection, and the offence was one, therefore, against the Inspirer of the apostles. Yet that was the Holy Spirit as “distinct from the Father.” See John 14:16-17, John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; John 20:22. Compare Acts 5:32. The offence, therefore, being against him who was “sent” by the Father, and who was appointed to a particular work, clearly supposes that the Holy Spirit is distinct from the Father.”
Barnes also equates what happened here to the “blasphemy of the Spirit” noted in Matthew 12 and Mark 3. The presence of the working of the Spirit in and through Jesus can be equated to that now working through the apostles, but the magnitude of the offense does not appear to be the same. The people accused Jesus of being filled with Satan when it was the Holy Spirit. Ananias has not done this.
And more, Jesus didn’t call for those who blasphemed the Spirit to suddenly keel over and die. He simply told them that what they had done was an unpardonable offence. The very fact that punishment will come so swiftly upon Ananias is a better indication that he was saved than it would be that he is unsaved. However, it is not a proof of the matter and only a general inference can be made. Regardless of that debatable issue, Peter explains why this is lying to the Holy Spirit, saying, “and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?”
The spiritual aspect of the ministry was plainly evident through the work of the apostles. They were carrying on the ministry of Christ, and they were responsible for the development of the church. As His “sent ones,” they bore His authority and their decisions were on His behalf. In lying to them, it was taken as a lie against the Holy Spirit who empowered them. Ananias and his wife will be given as object lessons to the people concerning this truth. What occurs to them will be a means of establishing the apostles’ authority to conduct the affairs of the church during this period of its establishment.
Life application: Things like what is occurring with Ananias no longer occur in the church today. The lesson has been recorded, and we have this descriptive account to read and accept or reject. But the Bible is a testament to it having occurred. To not believe it is not much different than what Ananias has done.
The Bible claims that it has come under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It claims to be the word of God, including that of Him working through the apostles. How is it different, then, to ignore the prescriptions found in Scripture than it is to do what Ananias did? In other words, Paul (an apostle of Jesus Christ) clearly states that a woman is not to teach or have authority over a man.
And yet, there are female teachers, preachers, and pastors that fill churches throughout the world. It is no less lying to the Holy Spirit. This same logic can be used in countless other doctrines that are recorded by the apostles in the pages of the epistles. The word of God must be held as sacred, and it must be treated with the same respect and honor that we give to the Holy Spirit who authored it. It is a reflection of who He is.
If we are willing to consider the word in this light, our treatment of it will be as it should be. Let us not fail to hold the word in the highest of esteem, being obedient to its precepts, lest our hearts be guilty of lying to the One who breathed it out for us as a moral guide in a darkened world.
Glorious God, how can we say we love You, and yet ignore what Your word says? And how can we know what Your word says unless we take time to read it and to know it? We have a great disconnect in our thinking when we say we love You and want to be pleasing to You, and yet we don’t spend the time getting to know who You are and what You expect! Help us to correct this by learning and applying this sacred treasure to our lives. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 13, 2022 23:36:30 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:4
Saturday, February 12th, 2022
“While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:4
The account of Ananias and his deceitfulness continues. Peter has poignantly told him that what has happened is a result of Satan filling his heart and causing him to lie to the Holy Spirit. He was looking for attention and accolades while making a claim that was untrue. Now, to show how ridiculous what he has done truly is, Peter continues to address him, saying, “While it remained, was it not your own?”
The Greek bears a play on words which is also a common Hebraism. In essence, it says, “Remaining, did it not remain to you?” It is an emphatic way of stating a truth, by repeating while also changing the form of the verb.
In this, Peter was telling Ananias that what he possessed was his and he alone had charge over it. Therefore, if he gave one quarter, one half, three quarters, or all of it, the amount was solely up to him. Because of this, to lie about the amount could only be a perverse display of pride. It had nothing to do with necessity. And more, Peter continued with, “And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?”
It is the same basic thought, repeated once again. It was his, and even after selling it, the money was his. There was no need to lie about his own possession. And so, the repetition is an emphatic way of showing Ananias how stupid and deceitful what he had done truly was. There was no threat to his financial security, there was no compulsion to give even one penny, and what he did give was solely up to him. The sin of pride had stepped in and made him long for an undeserved recognition. Because of this, Peter asks, “Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?”
Peter asks the question, but James later provides the answer –
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:12-15
Ananias was drawn away by his own desires, and his actions have formed a lesson for the church to consider. The evil in him was not from God, but was formed from the lies of Satan. It then sprang from the flesh of his own self, and he proceeded down the perverse path from there. With that set forth for him to consider, Peter finishes with, “You have not lied to men but to God.”
In just the previous verse, Peter said that he had lied to the Holy Spirit. Now he says that he has lied to God. Unless Peter is theologically confused, which he is not, he is stating that the Holy Spirit is – in fact – God.
The restating of this from “Holy Spirit” to “God” also appears to be another evidence that Ananias was probably a saved believer. It appears to be implied that he had received the Holy Spirit and had misunderstood the significance of that event. Peter is schooling him on the fact that in receiving the Holy Spirit, one has received the Spirit of God, who is God.
The working of the Godhead is realized in each person that comes to a saving knowledge of Christ, and from there, care needs to be taken to conduct one’s life properly in that sanctified state henceforth. Ananias had not done so and had discredited that glorious name by which he was sanctified.
Life application: One mark that is often evident among cults is that of the leaders exacting huge sums of money from those who follow. It may be that they are required to give up everything to join.
Within the church, there are ten thousand permutations of what it means to give. Some churches have annual sermons on tithing. Some mention tithing at the end of almost every sermon, just before the plate is passed.
Pressure to give may come in a variety of ways, or subtle hints of people not doing enough may be spoken out in order to shame people into giving more. Peter’s words dispel any idea that the property of an individual belongs to the church. Until it is given, it belongs to the person alone.
Paul’s words in the epistles then give the directions for proper giving. This is it, so if you can remember these two verses, you will satisfactorily handle your financial affairs in relation to giving to the church you attend –
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Galatians 6:6
“Not grudgingly or of necessity” means giving is to be an act of the freewill that makes the person happy. If he isn’t happy in giving, he should not give. And it should only be what he purposes in his heart. “All good things” does not necessarily mean money. It simply means to share in what is good with one’s teacher. Whether that means a compliment, a cookie, or an invite over for dinner is solely up to the individual.
That is it. Beyond that, no person should ever feel pressured into giving. It should be from a willing heart, and it should be because it blesses the giver.
Lord God, thank You for Jesus who has done all things for us. Help us to decide what we can do in return for the grace we have been granted, and then let us live out our lives in that manner, glorifying You with our deeds and actions. May it be so. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 13, 2022 23:37:27 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:5
Sunday, February 13th, 2022
Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. Acts 5:5
Peter has just accosted Ananias with his deceitfulness, telling him that what he has done is to lie to God and not to men. With that stated, Luke next records the punishment that immediately follows, beginning with, “Then Ananias.”
There is a sense of separation from Peter by saying this. It doesn’t say, “Then Peter reached out and…” or any such thing. What occurs is only to Ananias. It has nothing to do with anything Peter either initiated or that he was subsequently involved in. The effects are upon Ananias, and they came upon “hearing these words.”
Again, this is still indicating a separation from Peter and from anyone else. Ananias is the only one involved, and the event occurs simply upon hearing. He heard the charges and, Luke records, he “fell down and breathed his last.”
The meaning is plain and obvious. Apart from any action by Peter or anyone else, Ananias simply keeled over and was dead. In his description of the event, Luke uses a rare word, ekpsuchó. It is found for the first of only three times, all in Acts. It is also found in the Greek translation of the OT and also in ancient Greek medical writers. It comes from ek, meaning “out,” and psuchó, meaning “to breathe out,” but with the sense of blowing to make cool.
One can think of him collapsing to the floor, and out comes his final breath. There was no appeal, there wasn’t even time for him to beg forgiveness. Instead, he was laid low, and his breath was extinguished. Whether he was a saved believer or not, the judgment upon him was given as an example of what any one of us deserves for such an offense. Even if immediate judgment isn’t forthcoming, that is a demonstration of mercy, not that the Lord isn’t aware of the offense.
As for those who heard of such things, Luke records, “So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.” This was one of the reasons for the swift, strict, and sudden event. It was to instill in the minds of the people the terrifying nature of just how close the judgment of the Lord can be at any time. It is not as if God is far off and unconcerned. He is right among His people, and He is perfectly aware of the things that we do – be they right or wrong.
It is a common practice among Charismatics and Pentecostals to claim to be “slain in the Spirit.” They fall down and roll around on the ground in supposedly ecstatic states. This type of religion is not found in the epistles, and it does damage to the beauty of the Christian experience, sensationalizing what should be a dignified approach to the holiness of God. When Ananias was slain in the Spirit, it was a permanent effect, and it was because he deserved what happened to him.
If believers were punished for treating the holiness of God with such contempt every time they did so, there would very quickly be a lot fewer people filling the halls of churches.
Life application: Paul says the following in his epistles –
“‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10
And again –
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13,14
We hear the word, we believe, and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. And yet, for many, the rest of their lives is a walk with the Lord that is one of doubt and uncertainty. “I know that I believe the gospel, but how do I know I’m really (really, really) saved?”
It is as if they want an outward confirmation that what happened to them really took hold. Ananias got a confirmation that what he did really was known to God. It was a costly lesson. God is under no obligation to give us any outward sign that we have been saved, nor should any such sign ever be expected.
But this is just what charismatics claim is the case. It is as common as sand on the beach to hear them teach that speaking in tongues is a sign of having the Spirit. Such a false teaching completely damages the purpose and intent of the word “faith.” It nullifies it in the believer, and for the rest of his life, he is looking for the next sensational proof of his holiness.
The Bible never teaches such a thing, nor does it teach that we should doubt that the Lord has saved us once we have believed the gospel. What the word does teach us is to ensure the gospel we have accepted is the true gospel, and to be certain that the Jesus we have received is the true Jesus. If we are certain of this, let us accept that we have been saved, and let us live lives of gratitude – not doubt – for that salvation. This is certainly something that is pleasing to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, give us wisdom in Your word so that we live faithful lives that are properly balanced in our doctrine. Help us to stay away from strange, unbiblical doctrines. And keep us from those who would misdirect us in our walk with You. You are pleased with our faith. And so, may we be people of faith as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 14, 2022 22:09:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:6
Monday, February 14th, 2022
And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Acts 5:6
In the previous verse, the demise of Ananias was recorded. Down he went and out went his breath. With that, Luke now records, “And the young men arose.” The word is literally “younger” men. Much speculation is given over these words, but what seems likely is that they are simply being contrasted to elder men. They are youthful, they are not in any leadership position. Also, they are asked to do a job that would be expected of someone young. And so, Luke notes that the “younger men arose” to do what was necessary, which is that they “wrapped him up.”
This is common in the Middle East to this day. A shroud or blanket was laid out, and then the body is placed on it, wrapped up, and taken for internment. The verb itself gives the sense of drawing together or drawing in, as if it is a sail being shortened. Hence, the shroud is drawn into the body, and that is how it is carried to where it is deposited.
Along with that, it was not uncommon for spices to be added into this burial cloth as it was being drawn in. That is noted of Jesus’ body in John 19:40, saying it was “the custom of the Jews.” Next, Luke specifically notes that they “carried him out.”
There were places appointed for burial outside of the city. Quite often, such places were already prepared so that the body was simply placed into the chamber and a stone was then rolled over the entrance. In this, the body would decompose to the point where its bones could be later gathered together into a stone box known as an ossuary. From there, the gravesite could be used again, as it stood ready to receive its next body. As this was a customary way of quickly and efficiently disposing of a corpse, this is probably the process by which they “buried him.”
This was a quick and efficient way of getting the job done, and it avoided a lot of the drama we go through in today’s world. Rather, the place would be noted, and from there, mourners would come and go as they saw fit. This is seen, for example, in John 11 in relation to the grave of Lazarus.
Life application: The body of Ananias was handled in accord with the custom of the Jews. This prescribes nothing. It simply describes what occurred. It is an error in thinking to then come to the conclusion that all bodies must be buried. If the practice of the Jews was to be followed, we wouldn’t be using caskets. Further, we would later be gathering up the bones of the dead and placing them in ossuaries. And etc. On and on, the thinking concerning what to do with a body would go.
The Bible is silent on this issue. There are no prescriptions at all concerning the matter. As this is so, it is a matter that is left solely up to the discretion of the family or society to handle. Whether a person is vaporized in a nuclear detonation, devoured by sharks, or slowly consumed by worms, the result is pretty much the same. The body returns to its basic elements, and nothing is left of it.
The body is not what the Bible focuses on in such matters. It is the soul of the man that it is concerned with. If Christians spent less time worrying about what is going to happen to their corruptible bodies and more on what will happen to their eternal souls, things would be in a much better perspective. Unfortunately, such is normally not the case.
Jesus is the Christ of the nations. The way those nations dispose of their bodies is up to them. The way that the state of the eternal soul of man is addressed should be where the focus is. Let us consider this and get about the business of sharing the gospel.
Glorious God, You have fashioned us to live out our lives in bodies that are marvelously pieced together. But they also degrade and tire out. If there is such majesty in these frail, temporary bodies, what will it be like when we are united with our eternal dwellings? How wonderful it is to hope for that day. May it be soon! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 15, 2022 23:46:12 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:7
Tuesday, February 15th, 2022
Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Acts 5:7
Ananias has died and been wrapped up, carried out, and buried. With that recorded, Luke now turns to the second person to be involved in the devious matter, saying, “Now it was about three hours later.” The Greek bears an idiomatic expression commonly found in the gospels. It more literally reads, “And it came to pass, about three hours later.”
It is a way of conveying that the events were not preplanned by Peter. The first thing occurred, and, eventually, the next event began to unfold as well. In this instance, the event surrounds the wife of Ananias, saying, “when his wife came in.” This is Sapphira, noted by name in verse 5:1, and of whom it said “his wife also being aware of it” in verse 5:2.
She is complicit in the lie concerning the money obtained from the sale of the land, but she is clueless as to the events that occurred concerning Ananias. As it says, “not knowing what had happened.” With this, she is given an opportunity to set the course of her future, for good or for ill.
Life application: The book of Proverbs provides wisdom to those who are willing to accept what it says. If the discourses and pithy sayings that are given there are mulled over and meditated upon, a lot of woes that otherwise occur might be eliminated from our lives. In Proverbs 4, Solomon says –
“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27
In those few lines are several admonitions that would help Sapphira decide what course of action to take when she is questioned about the affair of the sale of land. We’ll see if she stayed awake during Sabbath school when Solomon was read.
Take time to read through Proverbs. If you read one chapter a day, it will take you a month to go through it. If you read three a day… well, you do the math. Just be sure to review the wisdom recorded there. You will often find that from day to day what you read will be applicable to events of that same day.
Lord God, Your word is precious. Thank You that it is there, waiting for us to give our attention to it. Now, Lord, give us the desire and the wisdom to search it out and to then apply its precepts to our walk before You. Thank You for this word that can safely guide the steps of our lives. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 16, 2022 21:18:56 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:8
Wednesday, 16 February 2022
And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.” Acts 5:8
The previous verse noted that Sapphira had come in without knowing any of the details concerning the death of Ananias. With that being the context, Peter is obviously prompted in his spirit to find out if the matter extended to her as well. With that in mind, it says, “And Peter answered her.”
In the Bible, the word “answered” is frequently used to indicate “asked,” even if it is the beginning of a conversation. There is a matter that is waiting for a resolution and so it is “answered” to. Hence, the word “answered” responds to the as-yet unstated issue and not necessarily to someone’s query. Understanding this, Peter introduces the issue, saying, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
The issue is the sale of the land for a certain amount of money. It may be that the bag of money was still there where it had been left as a witness to the deceit of Ananias. The arrival of Sapphira was like its own discourse to open the matter up for a resolution. As such, Peter answers by asking.
In this, the matter is set forth and the evidence is either openly present, or the amount was asked by Peter, even if unrecorded by Luke. Either way, the amount was made manifest to her, and Peter then asked about it. With this precise line of presenting evidence and then questioning the details, Luke next records that “She said, ‘Yes, for so much.’”
The question from Peter was not, “Is this the amount you and your husband decided to present to us?” Rather, it was whether the land was sold for the amount presented. As such, her answer is false.
Life application: Although we should not expect that every person who lies about such a matter will suddenly keel over and expire, the purpose of including this story is surely to instruct us in our own responsibilities in running matters of the church.
First, it is an indication that the Lord is aware of even the smallest details of our daily lives. This is evident from the parable He gave concerning the unjust steward in Luke 16:1-13. Secondly, it is to be remembered that that church at this time did not have a New Testament to conduct its affairs by. And so, the Lord directed the early church, through the apostles, and He did it – at times – by having things come about that are not to be considered normative once the epistles were written.
With the epistles now available, a matter such as this one can now be evaluated based on what is written there, and decisions can be rendered based on that guidance. Thus, it is incumbent on those who find error within the church to go to the word, ensure that the matter is evaluated based on what the word says, and then a decision is rendered based on that evaluation.
Let us be sure to consult the word. To not do so defeats the purpose of having it in the first place. Keep reminding yourself as you go through Acts that it is a descriptive account. It is not prescribing anything in matters such as this one, and what occurs is certainly not to be considered normative for the rest of the church age.
Glorious God, what a gift You have given to us in the pages of the Bible. If we are willing to adhere to it as the guiding rule for our lives, then our lives will certainly be better off for it. You are the Creator, and we are the work of Your hands. Certainly, what You have given us in the word is a reflection of the care You have for us. Thank You for this word! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 17, 2022 21:51:30 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:9
Thursday, 17 February 2022
Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Acts 5:9
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
Peter had just questioned Sapphira as to whether the land was sold for the amount Peter had indicated. Her answer was a lie, saying it was. With that, it now says, “Then Peter said to her.” Peter has information that is as yet unknown by Sapphira concerning Ananias. He also knows that she has lied, just as he did. With that knowledge, he questions her directly, asking, “How is it that you have agreed together?”
Rather than “agreed together,” the verb is passive, being rightly translated, “How was it agreed by you?” The word Peter uses, sumphóneó, is the etymological root for our modern word “symphony.” It originally signified a harmony of voices, thus being in agreement. A cunning idea was brought forth, and it was agreed to by both “to test the Spirit of the Lord?”
In verse 5:3, Peter had told Ananias that Satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. Then in 5:4, he said that Ananias had lied to God. Now, the same action is described as testing the Spirit of the Lord. One can see how the concept of the Godhead is somewhat revealed by how Peter has made the three statements. His wording is not unlike that found in 2 Corinthians 3 where Paul refers to “Christ,” “the Spirit of the living God,” “God,” “the Spirit,” “the Lord,” “the Lord is the Spirit,” and “the Spirit of the Lord.”
Each member has His own role, but the role and the terminology are also seen to overlap as their workings are displayed in the stream of time. In Peter’s use of “the Spirit of the Lord” in this verse of Acts, he is certainly using the term synonymously with “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” as is seen, for example, in Philippians 1:19. And yet, Peter also used the term Holy Spirit as noted before in verse 5:3. As such, the act is one that has come before the Godhead and Peter understands the consequences of their actions by declaring, “Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door.”
Sapphira may have heard the words and not even really understood what was being said. The sentencing is so abrupt and direct that her mind may not have had time to process what he meant. But they were stated clearly enough to tell her that some sort of disaster had taken place in regard to Ananias, and that meant disaster was certainly coming upon her as well. And without a break in his words, Peter then conveys what that disaster would be, saying, “and they will carry you out.”
The span of time would have been very short between the two intervals, especially if a tomb was already set to receive Ananias’ body. Just as the feet of the young men who had put him in his grave had returned, the sentence upon Sapphira was being spoken and executed. She would be joining him in burial within moments.
Life application: If one slowly reads through the epistles and notes every use of the names and designations – God, Jesus, the Spirit, and so on – a round and rich tapestry of the workings of God is revealed. The amount of overlap in the terminology makes it utterly inexcusable that people deny the concept of a Godhead where the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are each a member.
This is unquestionable. As such, only a few options are available concerning the matter. One can say, “I simply don’t believe this is the word of God.” In this, the indication is that the person does not accept the Bible as a revelation of who God is. But if the person is honest, he will at least admit that the Bible does convey the notion that the God presented in it is triune in nature.
If a person says, “I believe the Bible is the word of God,” then there is a true disconnect in his thinking if he also says, “I do not believe in a Trinity.” The evidence is right there for anyone who is willing to simply open his eyes. Such a person is deluded and has not sought out the truth of the God who is revealed in those same Scriptures.
And, of course, there are those who accept the Bible as the true revelation of God, and they are willing to accept what it says at face value concerning how God has revealed Himself. “Yes, I accept that the Bible teaches the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. I may not understand this, and I may have some of the nuances wrong in my thinking, but this is what the Bible clearly teaches.”
If you are struggling with the concept of the Trinity, take the time to do your own study. The epistles and Revelation are not that long. In a short amount of time, you can have every instance of how God has revealed Himself written down. From there, you can consider them. If you are honest with what is there before you, you will agree that the Bible teaches a Triune Godhead.
Lord God, You greatly reward those who diligently seek You through Your word. This is certain. And so, help us to be wise and to spend our time wisely through reading it, studying it, contemplating it, and meditating upon it. What could be more important than knowing You and growing closer to You? Help us in this, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 18, 2022 19:53:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:10
Friday, 18 February 2022
Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. Acts 5:10
The previous verse had Peter proclaim judgment upon Sapphira for her having tested the Spirit of the Lord. He proclaimed that the same young men who carried out her husband would likewise carry her out, meaning that she would die. With that spoken, Luke records next that exactly that happened, saying, “Then immediately she fell down at his feet.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, she punched her ticket and fell down dead. The note of her falling at his feet is a nice touch. The very place where the money had been left by Ananias, meaning at the apostles’ feet (as noted in verse 5:2), is the same place where she wound up. The spot where the money testified against her is the same spot where she lay dead.
In this, she (like her husband) became an immediate object lesson to any who would dare to be deceitful in this manner again. As the word is now written, it stands as a testimony to the nature of the act, and to what is rightly deserved by those who do such things.
However, this does not mean that such an action is to be expected with every incident that arises. The example was set to show what is rightly deserved, but it is not prescribing that this will be normative in every instance. Hence, we can find the mercy of God in every such instance we find ourselves in during our walk before the Lord. As for Sapphira, after keeling over, it says, “and breathed her last.”
It is the same word introduced in verse 5:5 when Ananias was said to have breathed his last. Within just a short time, the same thing happened to Sapphira, and the matter was settled as a recorded testimony for all time. In her expiring, Luke next records, “And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.”
The verbs of this sentence are not well translated by the NKJV. Here, instead of “came in,” it is an aorist participle, “having come in.” Likewise, the words, “carrying her out,” are also an aorist participle, “having carried her out.”
Hence, it should read something like, “And the young men, having come in, found her dead, and having carried her out, they buried her by her husband.” Luke’s description is alive with the actions that occurred in order to convey that the same young men, who had just picked up the dead body of Ananias and transported him to a grave, likewise had come in and found Sapphira in the same state as he had been.
After “having carried her out” they took her to the same location as he had been carried, and “they buried her by her husband.” In this, the tragic story of Ananias and Sapphira comes to its end. They had neglected to consider the words of Scripture, they had failed to apply the knowledge of the Lord to their understanding, and they had tested the Lord.
Life application: The 94th Psalm gives insights into the nature of the Lord in such an instance as that which came about with Ananias and Sapphira –
“Yet they say, ‘The Lord does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand.’
8 Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.” Psalm 94:7-11
The Lord is aware of those things we think we have kept secret, and He will act in accord with His wisdom in each and every such case. Let us consider this and take it to heart. And let us also be grateful that we do not always get what we deserve. If we did, the church would be a lot emptier come Sunday morning. Thank God that He mercifully does not act against our every transgression!
Lord God, You are gracious and merciful. You return to us less than our sins deserve, and You are abundantly good to us in so many ways. Help us to remember this and to always be grateful to You for Your kind hand of discipline when it is brought upon us. Great are You, O God, and greatly are You to be praised. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 19, 2022 20:27:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:11
Saturday, 19 February 2022
So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. Acts 5:11
The previous verse found Sapphira keeling over and breathing her last, right at the feet of Peter. With her sudden demise, the young men who had carried out Ananias arrived and carried her out for burial by him. With that recorded, Luke next writes, “So great fear came upon all the church.”
Here, the word ekklésia is used and translated as “church.” It was used by Jesus in Matthew 16:18 and again twice in Matthew 18:17. It signifies a called-out assembly. It will be used many times as Acts continues, and it will then fill Paul’s epistles. It will also be used in Hebrews, James, 3 John, and Revelation.
The word refers to the people who comprise the faith, meaning the faith that leads to an individual’s inclusion in the body of Christ. Faith in what Jesus has accomplished is the key to inclusion. When faith is demonstrated before God, that person is sealed with the Holy Spirit and becomes a member of the ekklésia, or “called out assembly.”
HELPS Word Studies provides a more important meaning for the student of Scripture to remember, saying, “The English word ‘church’ comes from the Greek word kyriakos, ‘belonging to the Lord’ (kyrios). 1577 /ekklēsía (‘church’) is the root of the terms ‘ecclesiology’ and ‘ecclesiastical.’”
This called-out body is who Luke is referring to now. They, meaning all of the believers in Christ, are the church, and it is said that great fear came upon them because of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira. They have now come to understand one of the traits of the Lord. He is not just merciful and forgiving, but He is also holy. He is to be treated as such. It is reminiscent of what was said in 1 Samuel 6 when the people realized the sternness of the Lord in judgment –
“And the men of Beth Shemesh said, ‘Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? And to whom shall it go up from us?’” 1 Samuel 6:20
The church has been given a stern example of what it means to not treat the Lord as holy. This doesn’t mean that this is what will happen at all times, but it is what is deserved at all times. As every infraction will be judged, all believers can expect their times of treating the Lord in a less than holy manner will be presented to them when they stand before Him at the bema seat judgment that Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 3 and 2 Corinthians 5.
Along with the church, Luke also notes, “and upon all who heard these things.” Not only did those within the church hear of the matter, but non-believers did as well. This was probably a convincing proof to many that the Lord was, in fact, among the church. As such, the act may have led to more conversions to the faith. Verse 5:14 refers to the expansion of the church, and this demonstration of the Lord’s power and holiness, through His apostle, may have been one of the reasons for this.
Life application: A study of the use of the word ekklésia in Acts clearly shows that it refers to one united body of Jew and Gentile, not two separate bodies based on two separate gospels. Further, the use of it shows that the church is not an organization based on a centralized building or location, such as one might think while considering Roman Catholicism.
The church is shown to be the people who are saved believers in Jesus Christ. Too often, the word “church” is used when referring to a building. Even abandoned buildings are often referred to in this way, such as, “That is an old church.” What would be more appropriate would be to say, “That is an old building where the church used to meet.”
This would then help both believers and non-believers to understand that the church is comprised of those people who are followers of Jesus. Further, those who are true followers of Jesus are also known as “saints.” That is clearly seen in Paul’s letters, such as in his first letter to the Corinthians –
“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:” 1 Corinthians 1:2
Remember these things and, to the extent possible, try to be precise concerning them. In this, those who misunderstand the terminology can be corrected. The church (the called-out assembly) refers to believers in Jesus Christ, and those believers are all saints.
Thank You, Lord God, for allowing us to be members of Your called-out assembly when we have faith in the gospel concerning what Jesus Christ has done. As Your saints, help us to be responsible and remember to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of this high calling. May our lives be lived to Your glory. Amen.
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