Superior Word Daily Devotional on the Book of Acts

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:12
Sunday, 20 February 2022



And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Acts 5:12




The matter of Ananias and Sapphira is complete. With that out of the way, the last verse said, “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” That thought now ties in with what is next given by Luke, beginning with, “And through the hands of the apostles.”



This is a somewhat idiomatic expression. Something done “through the hand” means “by the power of,” or “under the authority of.” It does not necessarily mean that physical contact is required, even if that is often the case. For example, the death of Ananias and Sapphira could be said to have been done by the Lord through the hand of Peter.



Peter clearly didn’t strike them, but it was under the authority of the Lord, and by Peter’s spoken word, that the events took place. That authority and power is now stated to be not just with Peter, but through the hands of the other apostles as well. And this power was reflected in “many signs and wonders.”



As has been noted, the difference between a sign and a wonder comes down to whether the thing accomplished points to something else (a sign), or if it simply speaks for itself (a wonder).



The sign will authenticate the purposes of the Lord, pointing to what He is doing in the process of redemptive history. In this case, that is accomplished through the signs given by the apostles. The wonder is given to elicit a response of awe from those who behold it, but it does not necessarily speak of anything beyond itself. Luke notes that both of these “were done among the people.”



The early church was provided these, and indeed unbelievers beheld them as well, to convince and convict them of the truth of the apostles’ message concerning Jesus. Thus, these things were given to establish the early church, grounding it, and solidifying the faith of the people. The record here describes what occurred, it does so in relation to the apostles, and it prescribes nothing for anyone else in future times.



As for the ongoing events, Luke next notes, “And they were all with one accord.” Who “all” is referring to is debated. The subject of the previous sentence was the apostles. However, the nearest antecedent is “the people.” The next verse seems to indicate that it is referring to the apostles, but even that can be debated.



Due to the ambiguity, Luke’s intent may just be “And they all – apostles and those who came to hear them – were all in one accord.” Thus, it would be a general statement that when the people met, any who were free at the moment, were in a state of agreement and contentedly came together “in Solomon’s Porch.”



This is where the healing of the beggar in Acts 3:11 was highlighted. It is also where Jesus is said to have walked in John 10:23. Due to the size and layout of the area, it was a good place to gather, and so this is where the people would come to teach and be taught.



Life application: As has been noted, and as will certainly continue to be stated as the book of Acts continues to unfold, there were signs, wonders, miracles, and demonstrations of power in the early church. These served their purpose by establishing a reliable basis of authority for the apostles, and they stood as a witness to the people that the Lord was working through them.



In this, the people could then fully trust that what was done was true and that it was also approved by the Lord. These instances describe what occurred, and their record is now written down for us to accept or to reject. Either way, however, there is no longer a need for such demonstrations of power because the recorded testimony has been given. It now stands as the authority and witness to us. As such, there is no longer a need for such events to occur.



But more, there are no longer any apostles of Jesus to do such miracles. The word of God has been given, it testifies to what they have done, and that written testimony then testifies to the power of the Lord working through them. As we have this word, what more do we need? And more, what more should we expect? As Paul says in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”



The word is given, and it sufficiently provides all we need to make our decision concerning Christ. Therefore, we do not need – nor should we expect – anything beyond it. Let us be content in this knowledge. Let us accept the word as a suitable and sufficient witness. And then, let us go forward proclaiming the good news that is recorded there.



Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious and sacred word that You have given us. It is just what we need to lead us to You, it tells us all that we need to know about You, and it establishes and grounds our faith in You. It is sufficient, and we shall look to it for our guidance as we live our lives out before You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:13

Monday, 21 February 2022



Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. Acts 5:13




The previous verse noted that “they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.” This was probably a general statement that when the people met, any who were free at the moment were in a state of agreement and contentedly came together. Now, another difficult set of words is given by Luke, beginning with, “Yet none of the rest dared join them.”



Who this is referring to is not at all agreed upon. If “them” is referring to the apostles, then some think that the other disciples feared to be closely associated with them lest they should wind up like Ananias and Sapphira. But this would not align well with the fact that they are said to be in one accord elsewhere. That implies that they were all like-minded and without any sort of fear.



Vincent’s Word Studies says this refers to unbelievers and then aligns that with Ananias, thus indicating he was never a true believer. As such, the rest of the unbelievers would not join the church under false pretenses because they were scared they might suffer his fate. This is possible, but the vague nature of Luke’s words makes this view suspect. If this were the case, he could have stated it directly, leaving no room for such intense speculation.



Some see this as any who had not yet joined with the apostles, whether believers or unbelievers, having been shied away from any open union with them, especially while in the public area, because of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira. This is possible, and it would alleviate any contradiction in the next verses.



Another possibility is that this is referring to non-believing Jews in general who may have sympathized with the work and message of the apostles, but they were afraid of openly aligning with them – either because of the fate of Ananias and Sapphira, or because of fear of others who would then spurn them. If this final view is correct, it is not at all unlike what is said about this same type of individual in the book of John –



“Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42, 43



One of the two latter options seems to be more in line with the general tenor of the attitude of the people. There is also no contradictory sense to be found with the coming verses. Despite a group standing off from aligning with the apostles, Luke next notes that this didn’t mean they weren’t regarded in a most respectable light, saying, “but the people esteemed them highly.”



Here, the same term is used as in verse 5:12. Many signs and wonders were done among the people, and the people esteemed them highly. This refers to the population in general. There was nothing among them that said, “This is just a crazy cult,” or “These people are deviants and miscreants,” or any other such thing. Rather, there was an understanding that they were doing nothing wrong, and that they were – in fact – worthy of note and even high respect.



Life application: The words of this, and the surrounding verses, can be a bit challenging to determine exactly who Luke is referring to. But the overall idea is clear. The apostles and disciples were surrounded by people who held them in esteem, even if some of them were reticent to join with them for one of several possible reasons.



There is nothing contradictory in these two thoughts, and there are many modern parallels to consider what the ministry was like. One of the most obvious is that of the Billy Graham Crusades. Whether you agree with his method, style, doctrine, or other aspects of his ministry, it is quite clear that he was highly regarded by almost all the people.



He brought many to Christ through his ministry, and yet, there were many who respected him highly who would not dare to join him. This included Jews who were afraid of being shunned by their own synagogues and families, Muslims who had the same fears, and so on. There was a great respect for the man, and there was a great admiration for his message.



In looking at the parallels between Acts 5 and Billy Graham’s ministry, it helps us to maybe see a little more clearly the intent of Luke’s otherwise difficult words. The main point being that the word of the Lord, the gospel, was being preached and people were choosing to accept it or reject it, but those who conveyed it carried themselves in such a favorable light that it allowed the message to be the main deciding point. The messengers themselves did nothing to alienate the general populace from making a decision about the content of the message.



Let us apply this to our own lives by being above reproach in our conduct. Then, when we share the gospel, the decision to accept or reject the message will be based on the message itself and on the personal choice of the hearer. May our personal character not interfere with getting the message across.



Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to live our lives in such a manner that others will see our conduct and not find anything in it by which the name of Jesus is diminished in their eyes. Rather, may our lives be of the caliber that people will want to know why we possess the hope we profess and want to hear the wonderful story of what You have done in the giving of Jesus. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:14

Tuesday, 22 February 2022



And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, Acts 5:14


The previous verse noted that “none of the rest dared join them.” The words are debatable, but they were seen to possibly be referring to joining the apostles during their open, public speaking. People would hear and quietly listen, but not openly attach themselves to the group while among the multitudes.



However, this verse now does note that growth did continue. As Luke records, “And believers.” This is referring to people who have heard the gospel that Christ died for their sins, that He was buried, and that He had risen again. They believed this, accepting the words as true. Thus, they are reckoned among believers. It is to people of this group, believers, that they “were increasingly added.”



The verb is imperfect, signifying an ongoing process. They were increasingly (kept on being) added. It shows a continued growth that means people were truly converted, and they had been saved according to the words of the Lord that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).



The Lord’s work was finished, the people accepted Him as their Messiah, and they were saved. Thus, the next words, “to the Lord,” refer to Jesus. It is the Greek word kurios that can be used in a multitude of contexts to mean a variety of things. In this case, it speaks of Jesus who is the God/Man. He is the Master of the faith, and the One who saves those who come to Him.



Luke next records that this included “multitudes of both men and women.” Despite being a somewhat common word, the plural of the word “multitudes” is found only here. It reveals the great expansion in numbers that occurred, so much so that the exact numbers are no longer included as the narrative continues. Also, the inclusion of women is an expected thing for Luke to note. He was careful to include them in many narratives in his gospel account, and he continues with this in Acts.



Life application: The early church expanded quickly, and this is not an unexpected thing. The people of Israel had heard Jesus speak throughout His ministry. The things that He did were brought into conversations throughout the land. The connection between their sacrificial system and His fulfillment of the typology would be easy to make and simple to understand.



They had the culture, the Scriptures, and the personal connection to what the anticipated Messiah would come to do. As these things were the case, many believed. However, the word “many” was still just a small portion in relation to the whole society. And further, until the leaders accepted Him, it could not be considered a national turning of the heart.



To this day, there has been no such turning. While nations have arisen and received the gospel message, even to its highest authorities, Israel has languished under the curses of Deuteronomy 28 for their failure to recognize Christ for who He is.



Be sure to pray for Israel’s collective eyes to be opened, and be ready to evangelize any who come your way, Jew or Gentile. But be sure to present your words to Jews in a manner that includes the thought that Jesus isn’t some Gentile person who is followed by Gentile nations, but that He is the fulfillment of their own Scriptures and the true Messiah of Israel. Many have no idea that this is so.



Once they realize He is a Jew who shares in the same culture as they do, they can more easily break through the barriers that have been erected around them by their religious leaders for so very long.



Heavenly Father, help us to get the word out about Jesus! Help us to present Him in a way that is understandable and relevant to each person we talk to. May we be about this most important task. Thank You that You allow us to share this precious message of life and restoration. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:15
Wednesday, 23 February 2022



so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Acts 5:15




The previous verse noted how believers were increasingly added to the Lord. With that stated, it now says, “so that they brought the sick out into the streets.” The words seem to logically connect to verse 5:12 –



“And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people…so that they brought the sick out into the streets.”



As such, the words “so that they” would then be speaking of the people. It is the populace who would bring any person who was sick out into the streets, probably at the time they knew Peter would be going to the temple (Solomon’s Porch, noted in verse 5:12) or returning from it. With this thought in mind, it next says, “and laid them on beds and couches.”



The words in Greek are klinōn and krabattōn. The words are suitably described by Albert Barnes –



klinōn. “This word denotes usually the ‘soft’ and ‘valuable’ beds on which the rich commonly lay.”



krabatōn. “The coarse and hard couches on which the poor used to lie.”



The meaning then is that people of every social class, from the rich to the poor, understood that Peter was able to heal. It signifies a hopeful belief that his passing might bring the person to restoration. That is seen in the next words, saying, “that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.”



The translation is deficient. Rather, it reads, “that at the coming of Peter, even his shadow might overshadow some one of them” (YLT).



It is not that Peter’s shadow would pass by, but that as Peter came by, his shadow might come upon them. It is possible that this means that they hoped his shadow passing over them might heal them, and this is how it is generally taken. In Acts 19, a similarly unusual type of healing is noted –



“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:11, 12



This more closely aligns with the thought of the people touching the hem of Jesus’ garment as is recorded in Matthew and Mark. There is physical contact.



As the physical contact is highlighted, and because of the way the words are written concerning Peter coming by, it very well may be a way of saying, “that at the coming of Peter, he might stop to heal them.” In the act of stopping, his shadow would thus be over them.



If this is the case, it is not the mere passing of the shadow, but the fact that Peter was willing to stop and be attentive to the sick. While he was there, his shadow (his presence) would be on them.



Whatever the actual meaning, the words do not in any way negate the notion of the other apostles also healing. The point is not that Peter is the only one who heals, but that the focus of the narrative is on him. As noted elsewhere, the focus is on Peter in the first twelve chapters of Acts, and then it moves to Paul in chapters 13-28.



In this, a point is being made about the transfer of the spiritual banner from Jew to Gentile, Peter being the apostle to the circumcision, and Paul being the apostle to the Gentiles. The accounts are given to show this movement away from Israel and to the Gentiles.



Life application: It is common for Pentecostals to claim all kinds of spiritual occurrences, including healings, by merely being around a particular area or person. Such a sensationalist approach is certainly based on verses from Acts, as if what happened through the apostles is still normative for the church today.



This is a poor way of arranging one’s theological position because the accounts in Acts prescribe nothing. They only describe what occurred, and when rightly considered, what is described is to make a point concerning what is going on in the greater picture of redemptive history.



In interpreting Acts already, many of the verses that describe various events are simply ignored by these same Pentecostals, as if the “good stuff” still applies today, but the “other things” don’t. This is a pick and choose theology that is not supported by the epistles.



As far as the epistles, they establish doctrine, they set the guidelines for conduct in the church, and the things they do not address (casting out demons, for example) means that those things are not to be considered as a part of Christian faith and practice. God has not left anything out of His word that we need to conduct affairs in the church, and He has not put things into His word that are superfluous. Rather, what is there is given for us to evaluate based on the context in which it is presented.



Be careful what you accept, be sure it is supported by the epistles (which are prescriptive for the church age), and be sound in your doctrine lest you get misdirected down many strange and unhealthy paths.



Heavenly Father, keep us from those who are unschooled in properly handling Your word. May we not get pulled down the wrong paths as we live out our lives. Instead, help us to think clearly on Your word, rightly applying its precepts to our lives. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:16
Thursday, 24 February 2022



Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Acts 5:16


The previous verse spoke of ailing people being brought into the streets in hopes that “the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.” From there, Luke records, “Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem.”



The word “gathered” is an imperfect verb. It should read something like, “Also a multitude were gathering.” The people came, and they just kept on coming. At this point, the ministry is limited to Jerusalem. This is still the beginning of the command of the Lord to the apostles that said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).



However, despite not yet going forth into the surrounding cities, the surrounding cities were coming to Jerusalem because of the message of hope which is based upon faith in Christ Jesus. And the gathering was no small group. Rather, Luke records it as a multitude. The word was going forth, and those who heard of it were passing it along so that the streets of Jerusalem were filling up as many were “bringing sick people.”



The word signifies “without strength,” and it indicates those who are feeble, frail, weak, sickly, and so on. It is a general word that is defined well by the simple word “sick.” Any who were generally ailing, for whatever reason, would be brought. Along with them were “those who were tormented by unclean spirits.”



Here, the verb is a present participle. It speaks of those “being tormented.” One can imagine people being brought forth who were actively going through the torments of possession, just as was seen of those brought to Jesus. They may be argumentative, foaming at the mouth, struck dumb, or whatever else. They were in an active state of possession, and there was no other hope but to bring them to Jerusalem where there were apostles of Jesus Christ, proclaiming healing in His name, “and they were all healed.”



It is interesting to note that the previous verse did not include this final statement of healing. People were anticipating the shadow of Peter passing by to fall on the sick. From this, it appears that the term may have been used to indicate a hope for Peter to stop and actually heal the people. In the act of stopping, his shadow would actually fall on the individual while he took the time to proclaim healing in Jesus’ name. It is speculation, but it appears to be a valid thought.



Life application: The word “all” does not always mean “all” in the Bible. Paul says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”



Because of the words of Paul, some immediately come to the conclusion that there is one judgement for all people. From that springboard, an incredibly confused theology arises. For example, the judgment spoken of by Jesus is suddenly lumped in with what Paul refers to –



“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” Matthew 25:31, 32



This is a giant problem with this. Actually several. First, Jesus was speaking to Israel about issues that were relevant to Israel. The synoptic gospels focus on His ministry under the law and in anticipation of the coming millennial kingdom. Paul, on the other hand, was writing to Gentiles in the church – a completely separate body in a completely different dispensation.



Secondly, even if that is misunderstood, Paul clearly states that those being judged are saved and their judgment has nothing to do with condemnation. On the other hand, those Jesus refers to will either be brought in to inherit the kingdom or they will be cast into the everlasting fire. And so on.



Thus, the word “all” used by Paul is clearly not speaking of the same group of people mentioned by Jesus. In other words, context must be maintained or a pretext will naturally be the result. Understanding this, the “all” mentioned in Acts 5:16 does not have to mean that everyone who was so afflicted was healed, but that all who met up with the apostles were.



It is not Jerusalem that brought about healing, nor is it Azusa Street that somehow has power to bring about healing, revival, and so forth. Likewise, it is not an individual – like Peter or Paul – that brought about healing. Rather, it is God who supernaturally healed in all instances. And there are those instances recorded in Scripture where healing by an apostle did not occur, such as 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Philippians 2:25-30, 1 Timothy 5:23, 2 Timothy 4:20, and so on.



With the Bible recorded and the epistles completed, we are to refer to those same epistles for our doctrine and our instruction. We are to pray for others, we are to ask for the Lord’s hand of healing upon us if it is His will, and we are to take the appropriate measures concerning physical healing that are developed by competent people in whatever field they are trained in.



At times, the same people who refuse medical treatment of one kind or another (or all medical treatment) because of some inane religious reasoning will still put on warm clothes when it gets cold, wash their hands with soap, use disinfectants (natural or otherwise), and so on. The disconnect in thinking is astonishing.



Taking preventative measures and not taking curative measures is about as smart as buying a gun and not buying bullets for it. Or maybe the same person will buy both a gun and bullets, but never put the bullets in the gun. Such would indicate a very unclear thinker indeed.



Think things through, use reason, and remember to take everything in context. In failing to do so, there will always be faulty doctrine in your life.



Heavenly Father, help us to reasonably consider Your word and to take what it says in the proper context at all times. In this, we will avoid many pitfalls that come before us in order to trip us up. Yes, Lord, help us to be sound in our thinking and theology. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:17
Friday, 25 February 2022



Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, Acts 5:17


The previous verses spoke of the multitudes who were bringing the sick out into the streets and others coming from surrounding cities, all to be healed. In this, healings were taking place, and it signifies that people were believing that healing was possible. When it came about, the message of the good news would be more readily accepted as well. As such, it would obviously cause consternation to the leaders. This verse now shows that is exactly what occurred, beginning with, “Then the high priest rose up.”



The word “Then” is probably better rendered as “But.” This is given in contrast to the healings. Many people came for healing, but that led to a negative effect on the high priest and other authorities. It seems as if Luke is purposefully stating this directly after the healings which would have caused the people to “rise up” from their beds (for example, see Mark 9:27 where the same word is used) upon being healed. And so, a sort of negative pun is being given. In their healing, the people were “rising up,” but this caused a rising up in anger by the jealous leaders of the people.



But more, the same word is also used of rebels in Acts 5:36, 37. And so another contrast is probably being inferred between the true leadership of the Lord and the rebellious leadership of the high priest against the Lord. Depending on when this occurred, this high priest could be Caiaphas, noted in John 11:49. He was already opposed to Christ and His message. If he is still the high priest, his rebelliousness against the Lord continues on now. Further, Luke next says, “and all those who were with him.”



When one understands that this is a rising up against the purposes of the Lord, which is exactly what is being described, the expression unites these people with the high priest as if they are a bunch of thugs thronging together in order to work their mischief. Of this group, Luke specifically notes it “is the sect of the Sadducees.”



Here is a new word in Scripture, hairesis, translated as “sect.” It is where our modern word “heresy” is derived from. It signifies a philosophical division of adherents. The word especially stresses the personal choice of those who adhere to the particular belief.



Today, the word heresy is used in a manner that is not seen in the New Testament. Rather, because the truth of Jesus Christ is fully expressed in the New Testament, a more definite meaning has arisen. There is the truth of God in Christ, and there are all other incorrect religious philosophies, defined as “heresies,” because they are opposed to God’s truth.



As far as the sect itself, it is those of the Sadducees. This was a group whose philosophies included a belief that there is no resurrection and that there are no angels or spirits (Acts 23:8). This group would find the work of the apostles especially troublesome because of this. The apostles’ main message was that they were sent on behalf of Jesus, who had risen from the dead. Further, they were specifically said to be healing people who had unclean spirits in verse 5:16. These Sadducees will be even more upset when an angel clearly works on behalf of the apostles in verse 5:19.



For now, it states that the high priest, along with these obviously frustrated Sadducees, “were filled with indignation.” The word is zelos. It signifies zeal, eagerness, enthusiasm, and also jealousy. It is this last word, jealousy, that drives them to be zealous against the message of the apostles.



They see the expansion of the church. They see the multitudes surely praising God for the healings they have personally experienced or witnessed, and so on. In this, their jealousy at their own inability to have the same effect on the people would lead to them enthusiastically wanting to end what they perceived as a great threat to their authority, and also to their obviously faulty doctrine.



Life application: Today, heresies need to be identified, and aberrant cults and unsound doctrines need to be highlighted. We are shown this by example (for example, see Galatians 2:11-21), and we are told this explicitly as well (such as in Ephesians 4:14 and elsewhere).



Therefore, it is not wrong – and indeed it is exactly correct – to call out those who are teaching unsound doctrines. But it is also true that when this occurs, those who are teaching these lies and distortions will not sit idly by and take it. They will be just like the high priest and the Sadducees, and they will rise in jealousy against those who speak the truth.



As this is so, those who see this occurring must decide who has the valid argument and the proper doctrine. How are they going to do this? Will it be by casting lots? Should they do it by deciding who is wearing the best clothes? Does a title (such as Dr., Rev., Apostle, and so on) indicate right doctrine? Is a person’s culture (such as being Jewish) an identifier that he knows more than someone of another culture?



What is it that will allow the one being presented with varying doctrines to decide which is wrong and which is right, or if both are wrong? The answer is, “Unless you already know the Bible and what it says on that particular issue, you cannot properly evaluate what is presented.”



Hence, you are directed to read this word, meditate on it, contemplate it, and then defend it. This is what God, in his word, asks you to do. He wants you to be prepared because Satan already is. And Satan has many followers who would gladly steal you away from what is proper. Be in the word! The Sadducees arose against the Lord’s designated apostles. Today, there are innumerable sects that are there to do the same against the truth of the word. Be prepared!



Lord God Almighty, please be with us as we face the many troubling characters who come stealthily into the church and present that which is false so that they can direct attention to themselves. Help us to be responsible and to know Your word, reading it and meditating on it constantly. Give us wisdom in this, O God. May it be so. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:17

Friday, 25 February 2022



Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, Acts 5:17


The previous verses spoke of the multitudes who were bringing the sick out into the streets and others coming from surrounding cities, all to be healed. In this, healings were taking place, and it signifies that people were believing that healing was possible. When it came about, the message of the good news would be more readily accepted as well. As such, it would obviously cause consternation to the leaders. This verse now shows that is exactly what occurred, beginning with, “Then the high priest rose up.”



The word “Then” is probably better rendered as “But.” This is given in contrast to the healings. Many people came for healing, but that led to a negative effect on the high priest and other authorities. It seems as if Luke is purposefully stating this directly after the healings which would have caused the people to “rise up” from their beds (for example, see Mark 9:27 where the same word is used) upon being healed. And so, a sort of negative pun is being given. In their healing, the people were “rising up,” but this caused a rising up in anger by the jealous leaders of the people.



But more, the same word is also used of rebels in Acts 5:36, 37. And so another contrast is probably being inferred between the true leadership of the Lord and the rebellious leadership of the high priest against the Lord. Depending on when this occurred, this high priest could be Caiaphas, noted in John 11:49. He was already opposed to Christ and His message. If he is still the high priest, his rebelliousness against the Lord continues on now. Further, Luke next says, “and all those who were with him.”



When one understands that this is a rising up against the purposes of the Lord, which is exactly what is being described, the expression unites these people with the high priest as if they are a bunch of thugs thronging together in order to work their mischief. Of this group, Luke specifically notes it “is the sect of the Sadducees.”



Here is a new word in Scripture, hairesis, translated as “sect.” It is where our modern word “heresy” is derived from. It signifies a philosophical division of adherents. The word especially stresses the personal choice of those who adhere to the particular belief.



Today, the word heresy is used in a manner that is not seen in the New Testament. Rather, because the truth of Jesus Christ is fully expressed in the New Testament, a more definite meaning has arisen. There is the truth of God in Christ, and there are all other incorrect religious philosophies, defined as “heresies,” because they are opposed to God’s truth.



As far as the sect itself, it is those of the Sadducees. This was a group whose philosophies included a belief that there is no resurrection and that there are no angels or spirits (Acts 23:8). This group would find the work of the apostles especially troublesome because of this. The apostles’ main message was that they were sent on behalf of Jesus, who had risen from the dead. Further, they were specifically said to be healing people who had unclean spirits in verse 5:16. These Sadducees will be even more upset when an angel clearly works on behalf of the apostles in verse 5:19.



For now, it states that the high priest, along with these obviously frustrated Sadducees, “were filled with indignation.” The word is zelos. It signifies zeal, eagerness, enthusiasm, and also jealousy. It is this last word, jealousy, that drives them to be zealous against the message of the apostles.



They see the expansion of the church. They see the multitudes surely praising God for the healings they have personally experienced or witnessed, and so on. In this, their jealousy at their own inability to have the same effect on the people would lead to them enthusiastically wanting to end what they perceived as a great threat to their authority, and also to their obviously faulty doctrine.



Life application: Today, heresies need to be identified, and aberrant cults and unsound doctrines need to be highlighted. We are shown this by example (for example, see Galatians 2:11-21), and we are told this explicitly as well (such as in Ephesians 4:14 and elsewhere).



Therefore, it is not wrong – and indeed it is exactly correct – to call out those who are teaching unsound doctrines. But it is also true that when this occurs, those who are teaching these lies and distortions will not sit idly by and take it. They will be just like the high priest and the Sadducees, and they will rise in jealousy against those who speak the truth.



As this is so, those who see this occurring must decide who has the valid argument and the proper doctrine. How are they going to do this? Will it be by casting lots? Should they do it by deciding who is wearing the best clothes? Does a title (such as Dr., Rev., Apostle, and so on) indicate right doctrine? Is a person’s culture (such as being Jewish) an identifier that he knows more than someone of another culture?



What is it that will allow the one being presented with varying doctrines to decide which is wrong and which is right, or if both are wrong? The answer is, “Unless you already know the Bible and what it says on that particular issue, you cannot properly evaluate what is presented.”



Hence, you are directed to read this word, meditate on it, contemplate it, and then defend it. This is what God, in his word, asks you to do. He wants you to be prepared because Satan already is. And Satan has many followers who would gladly steal you away from what is proper. Be in the word! The Sadducees arose against the Lord’s designated apostles. Today, there are innumerable sects that are there to do the same against the truth of the word. Be prepared!



Lord God Almighty, please be with us as we face the many troubling characters who come stealthily into the church and present that which is false so that they can direct attention to themselves. Help us to be responsible and to know Your word, reading it and meditating on it constantly. Give us wisdom in this, O God. May it be so. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:19
Sunday, 27 February 2022



But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, Acts 5:19




The events to this point are that the high priest and those with him have risen up against the apostles, laid their hands on them, and have put them in public custody. With that context stated, it next says, “But at night.”



The Greek word dia is used, signifying “through.” As such it is at some point during the course of the night that came “an angel of the Lord.”



The lack of any article means that this is simply an angel, or messenger, of the Lord and not a manifestation of the Lord Himself. This messenger has been sent as is later stated in Hebrews as a “ministering spirit” who is directed to help those saved by the Lord. With him now sent, it says that he “opened the prison doors.”



Here, Luke now uses the word phulaké, a prison. The public custody they were taken to in the previous verse is noted as a prison. Hence, it is a locked and guarded chamber of some sort. However, Luke leaves out any particular details. He doesn’t say if the messenger came to the apostles in the place where they were incarcerated or if he came from outside, opening the door for them to exit. It doesn’t say anything about any guards standing by as well. We are given only the most relevant information. They were incarcerated, a messenger of the Lord has come, and he has opened the doors for them. With this noted, it says, “and brought them out, and said…”



Again, minimal information is provided. Where they were brought out to, the time of the night, and other such details are not given by Luke. At other times, Luke will be more specific, but for this account, he is only telling in broad brushstrokes what occurred. Now that they have been brought out, however, he has words for them which will come in the next verse.



Life application: It is not uncommon for people to claim angelic visitations. Just search the internet and there is an almost unlimited supply of such accounts in blogs, on YouTube videos, and so on. However, you probably won’t find any people claiming they were miraculously released from a locked prison in the middle of the night. Something verifiable like that can easily be disproven.



Rather, claims of angelic visitations are general in nature and they make wild and fantastic claims about things that have been seen, special words from God that have been given, and so on. And more, those who make these claims aren’t just made by “Christians.” They are found among people of almost any religion you can think of.



Is it reasonable to think that God would give a vision to a non-Christian? Of course not. Why would He validate the thinking of a non-believer concerning his false religion? Is it reasonable to assume that God would tell a non-believer that he needs Jesus? No. If He did, it would then contradict His own word, given by inspiration of the Spirit, that we are to be the ones to spread this message, and that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.



And if there are innumerable claims of such things from non-believers concerning their angelic visitations, then why should we believe anyone, even those who claim to be Christians, concerning such things? That is what got millions of people going down the wrong path when Joseph Smith claimed he was visited by the angel Moroni. It is what got countless souls misdirected by Ellen G. White, the leader of the Seventh Day Adventists. And so forth.



If God truly intended for us to accept the testimony of such lunatics as those false prophets, He would have given us more credible proofs of their claims to look for in His word. But He has not. Rather, He has given us His word that has been completed. It is now the place where we are to turn in order to hear the voice of the Lord.



What is recorded in Acts describes what occurred as the church was being established. These things happened, they were sufficiently witnessed to and recorded, and they prescribe nothing. Nor are they considered normative for the church age. Normative for us means, “Pick up your Bible and read it. There you will find your instruction.” Who will you trust? God has spoken. Trust Him!



Thank You for the surety of Your word, O God. In it is all we need for our life, our doctrine, and for the practice of our faith. We have the story of Jesus, we have the promises of His coming for us. We have hope of eternity in Your presence because of what He has done. What more could we ask for! It is sufficient and we are grateful for what You have told us there. Thank You for Your word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:20

Monday, 28 February 2022



“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:20



The apostles, having been brought out of their place of custody by an angel, are now instructed by him, saying, “Go, stand in the temple.”



This is the public place where the people would hear their message. It is also the place where things would be most carefully monitored by those on duty at any given time. This then speaks of both a public charge and one that is to be without fear of reprisal. They are to go back out and get about the business set before them by the Lord, which is to “speak to the people.”



Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The apostles are to speak forth this word that they had heard. They are to speak forth about the One they had seen. And they are to convey the message that He has commissioned them with. If the Lord can send an angel to deliver them all from the prison, then He will not abandon them as they stand in the temple that bears His name as they proclaim the word He has put into their mouths! There is to be no fear, but rather boldness on their part as they speak “all the words of this life.”



The words, “this life,” refer to the coming of the Messiah and of those who receive Him as being positionally “in Him,” saved from this fallen world and granted the guarantee of eternal life. Jesus spoke about the contrasting lives in John 6 –



“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” John 6:63, 64



Peter then followed up with his understanding of the matter –



“But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” John 6:68



The words “this life” then do not refer to a new philosophy about how to live out our lives as better people. They do not refer to how we can obtain status, wealth, power, or any other such thing. They do not refer to how to be free from sickness or troubles, nor do they speak about how to be content and satisfied in all situations. These are earthly approaches to an earthly existence. Although any of these things may come upon a follower of Christ, none of them may come as well. And yet, the life that is now lived is one that has a hope that extends beyond what we now experience.



What “this life” means is atonement of sin, freedom from condemnation (resulting from sin), eternal life in a new and incorruptible body, and the hope of an existence that has been prepared by God for those upon whom His favor shall eternally rest. It is an existence that comes solely by faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ. And it is also a life that comes with a guarantee that it is so, the sealing of the Holy Spirit.



What the apostles are being charged to proclaim at the temple is the same as what has now been carefully recorded in the epistles for us to read and understand with perfect clarity. It is the hope of God in Christ.



Life application: Proclaiming the message of the gospel is the duty and responsibility of those who know it. We are not just to get saved and then spend the rest of our lives keeping it secret. It is a message that must be shared in order for others to receive what we have received.



And it is a message we are not to be fearful in speaking out. This is because “this life” is now an eternal one. If you believe that, then the persecutions we face are simply a step on the path to what lies ahead. What is there to fear? If we are guaranteed what God has granted, then to die is gain, not loss. Paul gives us words to consider in this matter –



“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:

‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’

55 ‘O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?’

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-58



God has our future taken care of. Let’s consider this as we live out our lives right now.



Heavenly Father, help us to look at the world as a temporary step on the way to a glorious new life. Christ has done the work, we have been granted reconciliation, and what happens now is only a temporary and transitory moment on the way to eternal glory. Help us to remember this always. We are Yours. Use us for Your glory and according to Your wisdom. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:21
Tuesday, 1 March 2022



And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. Acts 5:21




The angel who had set the apostles free from the prison instructed them to go and stand in the temple in order to speak to the people “all the words of this life.” With that instruction, the apostles complied as is evidenced in this verse, beginning with, “And when they heard that.”



It is referring to the apostles. They heard the instruction they were given and having understood, they next immediately complied, as Luke next records that “they entered the temple.”



In this, there isn’t just compliance, but immediate compliance. One might think that they would tell the disciples how they were, what had happened, or where they were going. Or, maybe, after a long night of being in the prison, they might decide to get two hours of sleep or at least stop along the way for a bit of falafel. However, the record indicates that they immediately headed to the temple. Luke notes it was “early in the morning.”



The Greek reads, “at the daybreak.” It is a word used for the third and last time, othros. That comes from oros, meaning a mountain or hill. As such, one gets the sense of the rising of the light and thus the breaking of the day. It is literally as the sun is starting to shoot forth that they entered the temple “and taught.” The verb in Greek is imperfect. Literally, they “were teaching.”



Luke’s words give us the sense of immediate compliance and continued action. This then sets up the words to come. While everyone else was having a nice night of sleep, the apostles were in custody. By the time others were getting up, they were already at the temple teaching. And as the coming events are recorded, they were still in the temple teaching. The narrative continues to unfold with the words, “But the high priest and those with him came.”



This may be the same group noted in Acts 4:6, or it is some other group that happened to be with the high priest at the time. Luke didn’t feel it necessary to name them as he had in verse 4:6, and so it may be that either the eyewitness he interviewed was unsure, or the same people are again together. Having noted this, it says that they “called the council together.”



This would be the entire Sanhedrin. Along with them, Luke next notes, “with all the elders of the children of Israel.” This is a word found only this once in Scripture, gerousia. That is derived from the word gerón, an old man. Thus, it is the body of elders. Vincent’s Word Studies gives a detailed description of who these would be –



“From γέρων, an old man, like the Latin senatus, from senex, old. Taking on very early an official sense, the notion of age being merged in that of dignity. … The word in this passage is the name of the Spartan assembly, Gerousia, the assembly of elders, consisting of thirty members, with the two kings. ‘The well-known term,’ as Meyer remarks, ‘is fittingly transferred from the college of the Greek gerontes to that of the Jewish presbyters.’ They summoned, not only those elders of the people who were likewise members of the Sanhedrim, but the whole council (all the senate) of the representatives of the people.”



The obvious meaning is that the high priest and his associates wanted a full debate over what to do, and they certainly were hoping for a complete crushing of this sect that had arisen. With the elders of the land involved, every city would be apprised of the council’s decision, and they would then work to implement whatever was decided in each city they came from. Once this large body of men was gathered, Luke next notes that they “sent to the prison.”



This is the third description of the place of their incarceration. The first was verse 5:18 and it signified public custody. The next was in verse 5:19, and it was described as a prison. Now, the word desmótérion is used. It is a dungeon, a place of bondage. Hence, the different aspects of their confinement are carefully noted by Luke. First, there is the public custody, then being placed under guard, and finally their being put into bonds.



Noting this, then, adds weight to the miraculous delivery from incarceration. The angel didn’t just walk into a public custody and usher them out, but he loosed them from their bonds, delivered them from the guards, and didn’t stop to sign them out at the register. With them out of the prison, but without the knowledge of this, the great assembled council has sent “to have them brought.”



There will certainly be a surprise and curiosity ahead for all involved in this.



Life application: As has been often noted, Acts is describing the events that occurred. And they really happened. The apostles were safely brought out of a guarded dungeon and then they immediately went out to tell others about the good news of Jesus.



People claim all kinds of fancy things from Acts and apply them to their own doctrine or life situation, but it is not likely that they will ever claim that they fully expect to be delivered miraculously from prison. They may be brought out through the legal system, through an inventive escape plan, or delivered from execution, but it is doubtful people held in prison today go in expecting that an angel will transport them out of the cell and to safety.



In considering this, we see the folly of attempting to turn Acts into prescriptions over things we want to apply to our religious experience, like a visible manifestation of the coming of the Spirit. That is no more prescriptive than is the account now being evaluated. Both merely describe what occurred, they prescribe nothing, and neither is to be considered normative for the church today.



Let us carefully evaluate Acts because it gives us marvelous insights into how the church developed but let us never attempt to co-opt parts of stories for our own experiences when they are simply not going to happen.



It is so very wonderful to know that You have the power to deliver us from all trials and troubles, Lord. But we also know that we have been placed here to experience exactly such things in our walk before You. We are molded, shaped, and formed into more perfect followers of You through such times. And so, Lord, help us to accept such things as precious tools of instruction. Thank You for all such things as this that mold us for Your purposes! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:22

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022


Wednesday, 2 March 2022



But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, Acts 5:22




It was just noted that the high priest and those with him, the council, and all the elders of Israel had sent to have the apostles brought from prison. With that noted, Luke next says, “But when the officers came.”



Luke’s thoughts are progressing through the sequence of time – “when…came.” The officers were dispatched. In coming to the place where they were sent, they got a big surprise. As Luke next records, “and did not find them in the prison.”



The word for “prison” now reverts to the term used in verse 5:19. To see the progression of his use of different words to show what is going on, the three different terms can be placed side by side –



5:18 – They were put in public custody.

5:19 – The angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison.

5:21 – The leaders sent to the dungeon to have them brought.

5:22 – The officers did not find them in the prison.



To get an idea of this, we could use the booking of someone today. “Sam was taken to the county jail. While he was in there, Tom opened the door of the cell. The police came to bring Sam from his confinement. But the cops didn’t find him in the cell.”



Luke is carefully recording what took place as if he was an eyewitness from a distance, like a spectator. Each word and each thought reflects what he had been told as he investigated the matter concerning this time of incarceration of the apostles. Because of this, his words are credible and there is no reason at all to not take them as they are written. With the officers not finding the apostles in the prison, Luke next says, “they returned and reported.”



Like the first clause, this is an aorist participle. It reads, “and having turned back.” Luke is still in the process of his careful annotation of each detail in the sequence of time in which it occurred. The text is alive and exciting as it reveals what occurred. With their having turned back, it closes with, “they reported.”



With the action of the events concerning the sending of the officers now coming to a logical point of conclusion, Luke sums up what transpired by noting that they gave their report. The details they will present in that report will be seen in the next verse.



Life application: Although you don’t need to read the Bible in the original languages, it is good to have a translation that at least reflects the original. But translations are a lot of work and even the best will erringly translate things at times. However, if you take the time to learn the basics of what various verbs mean, when someone says, “that is an aorist participle,” you can at least have an idea of what the text should say.



So, when you read a commentary and come across something you don’t understand, take a moment and do a general search on “What does aorist mean?”, “what does participle mean?”, and “What does aorist participle mean?” From there, you will find something like (using quotes from sources highlighted by Google) –



Aorist – “Aorist Tense. The aorist tense is the Greek grammarian’s term for simple past tense.”

Participle – “The Greek grammarians called a participle a μετοχή [metékhō] ‘participation, share’, because it shares the properties of a verb and of an adjective. Latin calqued the word as participium, from which English gets participle.”

Aorist Participle – “When an aorist participle is used adverbially, you will often find it appropriate to translate into English using the word ‘after,’ or perhaps ‘when,’ with the auxiliary verb ‘had’ (e.g., ‘when he had looked up’), or simply the auxiliary verb ‘having’ (e.g., having looked up).”



In doing a quick search like this, you still might not have any idea of how it all fits together, but you will slowly begin to get a sense of what is going on. And a lot of this is just a way of being more precise in relation to the original, but the difference between “they returned” and “they, having returned…” is not that great. The sense is still understandable. To know that one is more precise than the other may or may not even be something you really want to know. If not, then press on and continue to enjoy whatever commentary you are reading.



In the end, the words of Solomon tell us what is really important –



“Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,

For this is man’s all.” Ecclesiastes 12:12, 13



Sometimes one can study the details and miss the big picture. We are to love the Lord our God, fear Him, and keep His commandments (in the context of the dispensation in which we live). If knowing the minutest details of the word is a part of your fearing God, that is great. If a simple knowledge of the gospel is all you know and that leads you to fear God, then that is sufficient. Each person will deal with the Lord on the level that is suitable, but be sure to fear God always, at whatever level you are on. He is the great God after all!



Lord God, You are great and all that You do is marvelous! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:23

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022




saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” Acts 5:23


It was just seen that the officers who were sent to retrieve the apostles from prison returned and reported. Their report is now given, beginning with, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely.”



This is the same word used in verse 5:21, indicating the actual place of imprisonment, such as a dungeon. There is probably a main building, and then within the building are individual cells, possibly with chains, and the cells were kept secure with doors or bars. It is the same word used to describe Paul’s incarceration in Acts 16 –



“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Acts 16:25, 26



As can be seen, there were both chains and doors in this place. There are at least doors where the apostles were being kept, and those doors were securely shut when the officers arrived. Concerning the doors, the Greek reads “in all security.” If there were locks, they were untampered with. If there were bolts, they were in place. All of the measures that would be proper to lock up the apostles had been taken, and they had not been manipulated or removed. And more, it next notes, “the guards standing outside before the doors.”



Not only had every physical measure remained secure, but the guards were completely unaware of any change in the status of the occupants of the cell. They had been taken in, the guards had been posted, and they remained stationed just where they were posted. All is as it was when the apostles were ushered in. And yet, the officers next exclaim, “but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”



This would have been a complete shock to all. The dungeons may have been a part of a building made by hands, but they very well may have been cut directly into the earth, like a cave. From there, doors would be set. Either way, the utter impossibility of getting out of such a place, especially in just a few hours, would be obvious. And yet, the dungeon where they had been was empty.



This means that the apostles had been supernaturally transported out of the prison, or that the guards had gone into a type of supernatural blindness (as occurred in Genesis 19:11 and 2 Kings 6:18). If the guards were in a trancelike state, they could have been manipulated into allowing the apostles out without even knowing it.



Either way, the hand of God was upon what occurred, and the apostles were not where they had been placed only a few hours before.



Life application: Psalm 147, a psalm already cited in the Acts commentary over other points that have occurred, also speaks of the event found in this passage, saying, “The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.”



How this event in Acts occurred is less important than the fact that it did occur. The Lord validated His ability to set the prisoners free from an otherwise impossible situation. It is unlikely that this was a life-threatening incarceration where the men may have faced execution. Rather, it more likely was a one-night stay in the local jail awaiting a trial that would have led to some type of minor punishment, at best.



And yet, the Lord intervened in order to show that He is willing to release His people from their bonds when He sees fit. At other times, He will allow His people to remain in jail, to be punished, or even to be executed – such as with John the Baptist or James the brother of John (see Acts 12:2).



Because the Lord acted as He did in this instance and not in others, we should ask, “Why now? Why at this time?” The answer seems to be that He was confirming to the leaders that He is in control, that the message of Jesus that the apostles proclaim is true, and that they must come to Him in order to be right with God.



In this, it is a dual-edged sword. They can either be cut to the heart and accept Jesus, being saved through Him, or they will be cut off from Him. Their failure to acknowledge His miracles, which further validate the message of Christ, will witness against them. God is at work! He is doing things to bring people either to repentance or to judgment. With His word now written, it stands as the ultimate tool for either.



Let us use this precious word to convict hearts, to witness to the truth, and to lead people to the gospel of Jesus. But this cannot happen if we do not share it with others. May we be wise and responsible in this most urgent of matters.



Lord God, You are great and Your ways are perfect. Everything You do has purpose and is carefully laid out so that the most beneficial avenue is available for people to come to You. And yet, how many take another path into perdition! Help us to be a part of keeping people from that sad end. Use us to get the message out now. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:24

Friday, March 4th, 2022




Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. Acts 5:24


No one was inside! The prison was shut securely, the guards were properly stationed, and yet the cell was empty! With that being the case, it next says, “Now when the high priest.” Some manuscripts leave out this designation. Further, for those manuscripts that contain it, the word here translated as “high priest,” hiereus, is one that is not used this way elsewhere. Rather, in the New Testament, this word is translated simply as “priest.”



However, in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word kohen, which also simply means “priest,” is used to refer to the high priest at times. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, this is then translated as hiereus. Luke would have known this, and the obvious nature of who it is referring to meant that calling him “the priest” was sufficient to convey the meaning of “the high priest.” Along with this individual is next noted, “the captain of the temple.”



It is the same word used in Acts 4:1. He had authority as the main officer of the temple complex and may have been the actual arresting officer on the previous day. Luke next says, “and the chief priests.”



This is the same word used to refer to the high priest when it is in the singular. It is also the same word in the plural used elsewhere already to refer to those “chief priests” that were not currently filling the role as the high priest, such as in Acts 4:23. All of these together are said to have “heard these things.”



The report is from the officers who had gone to collect the apostles. One can almost see it, “Well, we went to the prison, the guards were standing right there. The door was shut, bolted, and locked. We unlocked it and went in… but nobody was there!” It was as if they had been beamed out by Scotty. There wasn’t a trace of them, nor was there a trace of any escape. They were just gone. Because of this, Luke finishes the verse with, “they wondered what the outcome would be.”



It is the same word used by Luke in verse 2:12, diaporeó. It comes from dia (through) and aporeó, to be perplexed. As such, it is an intensive word signifying very perplexed or perplexed through and through. This group of leaders was completely confounded at what had happened, and they wondered what it all meant.



Life application: None of what is said here is without purpose. These men, the leaders of the nation, had all been gathered together to have a trial concerning the actions of the apostles. It is perfectly clear that they were locked away awaiting that trial, and it is fully evident that they were not where they were locked away.



As this is so, it is a sign to them that they should take these things to heart and to consider the force behind the actions. As will be seen, the apostles will be questioned concerning their actions at the temple, but the issue of them being brought out of prison will not even be addressed. No question concerning it will be raised, or at least as is recorded by Luke.



This exclusion of such an important and relevant question tells us all we need to know concerning the state of their hearts. They were unwilling to ask because they already knew the truth of what had happened. Jesus had broken through the greatest place of bondage of all, death. They were fully aware of this –



“Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, ‘Tell them, “His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.” 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.’ 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” Matthew 28:11-15



Why should they ask about such a simple matter as a group of apostles being brought out of a locked prison cell when He had been brought out of the pit of Sheol itself? The answer for them would have simply been a further indictment upon them that they did not want openly exposed.



What is unstated in the Bible is often as telling as that which is stated. Because of this, and because it is recorded and considered a reliable document of actual history, there is no reason to not accept what is being stated. It is also a reason why such things no longer need to occur today. The record that it can be done is sufficient to tell us that when it is prophesied to be done again (meaning the rapture of the church), it will occur as prophesied.



Until then, we are to live by faith in what the recorded witness, the Holy Bible, states. And so, let us do so. Let us have faith in the word and never equivocate on our proclamation of it being the literal truth of God.



Heavenly Father, Your word says that someday Your faithful – of all of the ages – will be taken to glory. Some are in the grave. Some will be in prison on that day. Some will be in their offices working. There will be people around the world in seemingly impossible states of confinement or simply leading their lives in a normal way. And yet, they will be taken out and brought to You. It is a marvelous hope that we possess. Thank You for the surety of this. Your word proclaims it, and it shall be. Hallelujah and Amen!

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:25
Saturday, 5 March 2022



So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Acts 5:25


The previous verse showed the men of rank baffled concerning the disappearance of the apostles, wondering where things would next turn. Luke’s narrative doesn’t take long to answer the question as the next verse begins to resolve the matter, beginning with, “So one came and told them.”



The verb is an aorist participle and more closely reads, “And a certain one having come” (BLB). The priests and temple guards were standing around dumbfounded, and it is during this time that someone arrives bearing incredible words for them to consider, “saying, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison’”



It was probably not intentional on the part of the person, but his words actually reflect the incompetence of these leaders and their inability to control the events occurring around them. “The men you put in prison… you know, the ones that aren’t there anymore. Well, have I got news for you!”



Luke’s narrative of the events is certainly precise, but it is almost like a comedy at this point. These are the leaders of the religious life of the people of Israel. They have the authority of the law of Moses behind them. And yet, they are completely unaware of what is happening and ineffective in controlling what is going on. With this comedy of events unfolding, the level of humor only increases with the next words, saying that the apostles “are standing in the temple.”



The list of people who were referred to in the previous verse was, “the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests.” Their duties centered on the temple! And yet, the apostles were already there at the temple. While these men had been home sleeping, the apostles had been brought out of a locked and guarded cell. And instead of running home or fleeing to Galilee, they were standing in the temple that these leaders were responsible for.



The word “standing” implies a fearless and purposeful attitude. It is exactly what the messenger who brought them out of the prison had said –



“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:20



The apostles had complied, and they had done so exactingly, including that of the final words of the verse, which say that they were “teaching the people!” The priests bore the law of Moses. The Levites were then between the priests and the people as instructors of the law. And yet, these apostles were there teaching the people something new because the covenant they spoke of was new. Moses was taken away (Hebrews 10:9), his law was now obsolete (Hebrews 8:13), and as such, it was annulled (Hebrews 7:18) for all who would come to Christ.



This is what the introduction of a New Covenant means, and this is what the apostles were sharing with those who would hear them. But what was certainly just as galling to these leaders was that the apostles were even speaking at all. Peter and John had recently been arrested when they had healed the lame beggar. When they were brought before the leaders for a trial it says, “So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”



In continuing this, the apostles were arrested. But in their escape from the prison, they were right back in the temple and teaching about life in Christ Jesus again. The situation would certainly seem intolerable to the leaders!



Life application: Do you believe the gospel? Do you believe that you will live forever because of what Christ did? Do you truly believe this? Then how can you shut up about it? Who can keep such things in? We are all destined to die because these bodies we have are mortal and corruptible. But if you truly accept that the message of the Bible is true, what happens to us now is hardly worth considering.



It is true that pain can really, really stink. Inconvenience is inconvenient. And loss is frustrating. But if this is all temporary anyway, then what does it really matter in the end? Let us tell the world about what we possess. Don’t hide away the one thing that can truly change the lives of people permanently. Be bold! Tell the world about JESUS!



Lord God Almighty, You hold the span of our lives in Your hands. Nothing will happen to us that You didn’t already know would occur. As You possess this knowledge, please give us the supernatural peace that is found in Christ Jesus to accept what happens, to not let it deter us from telling about Jesus, and to keep our eyes on the life which is truly life – the life that lies ahead. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:26

Sunday, March 6th, 2022


Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. Acts 5:26


The apostles were just noted as “standing in the temple and teaching the people” when they were supposed to be locked up in the prison. With that being the case, Luke next records, “Then the captain went with the officers.”



It doesn’t say why the captain has gone with the officers, but the reason seems rather obvious. Anytime there is something sensational or exciting going on, it will add to the spice of life. He was certainly truly curious about the matter and wanted to be in the know concerning it. And more, his men had already been left looking inept or maybe even in collusion with the apostles for them to have been let out of the prison. He probably did not want any repeat in bumbling the matter as had taken place. And so, he, along with the officers, “brought them without violence.”



One can see these officials walking up and, without any force or threats, saying, “You must come with us to the Sanhedrin.” The apostles might have said in front of all of the people, “OK.” There is no hint of any rebellious words or actions. It is a lawful order from those appointed over them, it doesn’t in any way contradict their obligations to the Lord, and so they complied without any conflict at all.



The reason for words from, rather than rough actions by, the temple officers is next explained by the words, “for they feared the people.” This fear of the people is seen elsewhere, such as in Luke 20 –



“Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him 2 and spoke to Him, saying, ‘Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?’

3 But He answered and said to them, ‘I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?’

5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” He will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” 6 But if we say, “From men,” all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.’ 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from.” Luke 20:1-7



Due to the passion of the people for the word of God from His apostles and prophets, it was a risky thing to just come against His sent messengers. Depending on the size of the crowd, these temple officers could easily have been overrun or surrounded. From there, their fate would have been sealed. This is what they feared, “lest they should be stoned.”



Exactly what the leaders feared when they challenged the teachings of John the Baptist, so they also feared concerning the teachings of the apostles. Stoning could certainly be a painful and possibly lengthy means of execution. Unless someone was as adept at throwing as Sandy Koufax, it may be a while before anyone got in a headshot suitable for knocking the person out. Until that happened, there would be agony on the checkout line. The officers hoped to avoid this.



Life application: Crowds are a hard thing to control. And when there are passions at work within a crowd, anything can happen, and it can happen very quickly. This is especially true because once something bad happens, it may be from a part of the crowd that is unseen in another part of the crowd. Without knowing exactly what occurred, people may assume the wrong thing and suddenly pandemonium erupts.



This must always be considered. In a crowd of otherwise peaceful but passionate protestors, miscreants may step in and purposefully get the crowd’s passions inflamed. In doing so, they are actually using an unsuspecting crowd to work against itself. This was seen in the US capitol on January 6, 2021. Government agents were planted in the crowd, and left-wing terrorists were also there. These incited the people as a pretext to have the crowd subdued, arrested, and persecuted.



If you are going to participate in a demonstration, it is good to be aware of your surroundings and be ready to identify such wicked dements and provocateurs. You can then point them out before they can cause you and your peaceful agenda much harm. The tactics of the left have been used by communists for many years. These are now coming to peaceful nations, and they are quickly being overrun by really bad people.



Be aware and be observant. Above all, however, be ready to share the good news about Jesus. One never knows who will be receptive to the life-changing news that He has overcome the world, and through Him, the evil heart can be changed.



Lord God, it is a fallen and wicked world, but there are opportunities to share the good news with people. Help us to be responsible and do so. The book is written, and someday the ball will drop. When it does, chaos on a global scale will follow. But we can still get the news out before that terrible day comes. Help us in this. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:27

Monday, 7 March 2022



And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, Acts 5:27


The captain and officers just went to collect the apostles but without any violence. From there, it next notes, “And when they had brought them.” The wording makes it evident that the apostles freely went with the guards and that they were not bound or conducted with swords or spears. If they were, it is certain Luke would have noted this.



It shows that there was no threat or rebellion on their part. They were asked to come, they came, and they were taken to the council, unreservedly coming with the guards. When they had arrived, it says of the captain and officers that “they set them before the council.”



Jesus had spoken to the twelve about exactly this in Matthew 10:17, where He said that “they will deliver you up to councils.” Peter and John had already been brought before such a council in Acts 4, but now some or all of the other apostles are there with them. With them there before this large body of Israel’s elite leaders, the verse finishes with, “And the high priest asked them.”



The high priest is the first to speak, and it is in the form of a question from an authority figure, as the Greek word eperótaó implies. The word is derived from epi, signifying “on.” That intensifies the word erótaó, meaning to inquire or ask. HELPS Word Studies notes that the asking is “done by someone on ‘preferred footing’ who makes a request from a ‘preferred position.’”



In this case, it is from the preferred position of the seat of authority to the supposedly lower position of one being interrogated for possible wrongdoing. Ironically, Jesus had promised these twelve that someday they would “sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).



Everything in its due time though. The course of events in God’s redemptive plan must be worked out in their proper order, and so these apostles who would sit as Israel’s judges must first stand in judgment before the Sanhedrin established under the Law of Moses that was – even as they stood there – “obsolete and growing old,” and “ready to vanish away” (Hebrews 8:13).



Life application: How do you take the timing of the rapture in relation to your life in the Lord? Are you anticipating it and frustrated because it hasn’t happened yet? Are you looking forward to it, but not worried about when it will happen? Do you dismiss it as a ridiculous premise that comes from a misreading of Scripture?



If the latter, how do you see the events of the future unfolding? God has a plan. It is set, and it is in motion. Further, it will come to pass. The book is written, and we have been placed in the stream of time – that He created – for a purpose. That purpose is not to sit around moaning that the world is so corrupt that it is unfair we are still here. If we are still here, it is because God still has a plan for us while we are here.



Someday, the Lord will have us stand before Him, and our lives will be evaluated according to the things we have done, especially those things done since being saved by Him. Do you think He is going to pass out rewards to you for making (or following those who make) constant predictions about the rapture? One fails and so we are off to another sensational message that it is coming next week. The cycle repeats again and again, and we still have not gone out to tell anyone about what He has done.



Be wise with your time. Jesus directly spoke in Acts saying that it is not for us to know the times and the seasons of such things. Paul repeats this sentiment in 1 Thessalonians 5. The plan is set, we have been given the overall details of it so that we possess a great hope that can carry us through, but we do not have – nor will we be given – the finer details. So, be content to not pry into what God has reserved to Himself.



Lord God, give us the wisdom to be about Your business as we live out our lives in Your presence. Help us to be productive and do our best in all we set our hands to do, glorifying You through our work. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:28

Tuesday, March 8th, 2022


saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” Acts 5:28




The apostles have been brought before the council. With them there, it is the high priest who questions them, “saying, ‘Did we not strictly command you…?’” The Greek bears a Hebraism which makes the question emphatic, “Not with a charge we charged you…?”



Some manuscripts leave out the word “Not.” In this, it would make it an emphatic statement rather than a question emphatically asked. Either way, the meaning is easily understood. A charge was emphatically laid upon the apostles to “not to teach in this name.”



Rather than “in” (en) the name, the Greek reads “upon” (epi) the name. The name is the basis of the teaching because the name identifies the One to whom it belongs. Therefore, the teaching of the apostles is upon that great and exalted name. But this is what they had been charged to stop doing, and it is now the reason they – once again – stood before the council.



And not only had they taught upon the name of Jesus, but they had been having immense success in doing so, as testified to by the mouth of the high priest, saying, “And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.”



Here, the noun form of the word “teach” is now used. “And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching.” It is a testament to the resolve of the apostles. They not only taught and brought the word to the people, but they did so after having been strictly charged by the leaders of the nation to not do so. And so bold had they been that the city had become filled with the teaching.



It demonstrates that what is said about Jesus has power. If a religious leader had been crucified and the people had continued to follow him only because of his teaching, there would be a marked difference in the acceptance of the teaching by others. But if the leader was crucified and then resurrected, there wouldn’t need to be another reason why the people accepted the teaching. The resurrection itself provides a sufficient reason.



If there was no proof of the resurrection, the teaching of the apostles would be laughed at and ignored. But their own Scriptures, which the apostles argued from, testified to the fact that Jesus had to come, fulfill the law, and die in fulfillment of it –



“But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:18-21



This is the teaching that went forth from the apostles, and it was backed up by the very Scriptures that they had heard read throughout their lives. The high priest and the council knew this very well. But they sat upon Moses’ seat. Because they did, they knew they would lose their position and authority if Christ – who initiated a New Covenant in His blood – was fully revealed to the people.



Because of their rejection of Jesus, they rightly took it as a personal offense against them, as the high priest says, “and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” Here, the same word, epi, is used that they just used concerning the teaching of the apostles –



“Did we not strictly command you not to teach upon this name?”

“And look, you … intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us!”



The blood can only come upon them if the Man was innocent. And if He had resurrected, then He was found innocent of any sin before God. If this is so, then He is the Lord God incarnate. Each point becomes a greater and greater indictment upon the actions of those who conspired against Jesus.



And, whether it was the “intent” of the apostles to do this, or whether it was simply a consequence of the preaching, the result does not change. Those in the council did bear the bloodguilt, and it was being highlighted through the message. But they had already admitted the guilt of the blood –



But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”

They said, “Barabbas!”

22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”

23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”

But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”

25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Matthew 27:20-25



They called for the blood of Jesus to be upon them and upon their children. Telling the apostles to not teach upon His name did nothing to change that. But so vehement was the high priest against this, that he doesn’t even speak Jesus’ name. Instead, he simply says, “this Man.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes that this is “the first instance of that avoidance of the name of Christ which makes the Talmud, in the very same terms, refer to him most frequently as Peloni equals, ‘so and so.’”



In other words, the Talmud, the document that codifies Jewish law and custom, refuses to address Jesus by His name. Instead, they use various terms when referring to Him. This has carried on into Jewish life where many will not speak His name at all. Or, if they do, they will use a term of derision which is pronounced very similarly to His name instead.



Life application: To hear the simple gospel, and to believe it, is what brings salvation. There does not need to be a complicated lesson on the deity of Christ, nor does the doctrine of the Trinity need to be explained. God sent His Son into the world to save sinners. Jesus is that Son. He died for our sins, He was buried, and He resurrected. Belief in that is what saves.



Any person will hear, and – in their minds – they will know that a son bears the same characteristics as the father. Hence, there is an implicit understanding in the deity of Jesus, even if it is not thought through.



However, if a person is told – in advance – that Jesus is not God, there a problem arises. He is God. Therefore, that person is now being told about “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4) and he has accepted a “different gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4 & Galatians 1:6). But a different gospel is not another. It is a heresy. Paul states this explicitly in Galatians 1:6-9.



Therefore, that person will not be saved when presented a false Jesus and a false gospel. Be sure to keep the gospel simple, and be sure that when you teach, your doctrine is proper. We are all accountable for what we teach to others, so be properly instructed in what is right concerning this glorious Man who came from heaven and gave up His life for us. Yes, the Man is Jesus Christ our Lord.



Glorious and wonderful God! How good it is to know that You sent Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to take away our sins. Cleanse us with the blood of the spotless Lamb of God! Wash away our sins! And, O God, reconcile us to Yourself through Him! We thank You for Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:29

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022


But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29


The previous words contained the reminder from the high priest to the apostles, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?” With that being the context, the response of the apostles is now noted, saying, “But Peter and the other apostles.”



This is not a common set of words. The Greek reads, “Peter and the apostles said.” The word “other” is not found in the original. However, it cannot be construed as, “Peter spoke on behalf of the other apostles.” The verb is plural, indicating that Peter and the others are all speaking up. Further, it cannot be construed as saying that Peter is not one of the apostles, as in “But Peter, and the apostles…” Peter is one of the apostles, but Luke singles him out as the leader.



As such, the translation, “But Peter and the other apostles,” suitably reflects the intent of the Greek. All of them “answered and said.” The words are both a response to the high priest, and they are a proclamation of a truth that has already been conveyed to this body in the recent past. One can almost see a united protest from their lips, each expressing the same general thought, but all in one accord concerning the matter, which is that “We ought to obey God rather than men.”



It is essentially what Peter and John both proclaimed the last time they were standing in this same location –



“So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’” Acts 4:18-20



There is a difference now, however. The words of the angel just a couple verses ago make this more than an implicitly understood thing, but a command from the Lord through His angel –



“But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 ‘Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.’” Acts 5:19, 20



As such, their response is bold and firm. Whatever number of apostles were in the cell, they had personally been told to speak, and they were under obligation to do so. Understanding this, the word “ought” is generally not strong enough to the mind of the reader. Rather, it is a word signifying “must” or “necessary.”



The apostles are under order of the Lord’s messenger, and they are under moral obligation of the truth of the gospel itself. Hence, their response is one that had to be stated to the leaders at this time. They must obey. Of the word translated as “obey,” the Greek word is a new one to Scripture, peitharcheó. It comes from two words signifying “persuade” and “what comes first.” Thus, it signifies being obedient to the higher authority. Vincent’s Word Studies provides an important insight –



“Not often used in the New Testament to express obedience, the most common word being ὑπακούω [hupakouó]. Sometimes πείθω [peithó] is used. But this word, in itself, is the only one of the several in use which expresses the conception of obedience exclusively. … It occurs four times in the New Testament: Acts 5:29, Acts 5:32; Acts 27:21; Titus 3:1; and in every case, of obedience to established authority, either of God or of magistrates. In Acts 27:21, where it is used of the ship’s officers hearkening to Paul’s admonition not to loose from Crete, Paul speaks of his admonition as divinely inspired; compare Acts 27:10. In Acts 4:19, Peter and John say hearken (ἀκούειν) [akouein]. That is a mere listening to or considering the proposition made to them. This is a deliberate course of action.”



The apostles’ appeal is to the higher authority. Disobedience to Moses, of whom the council represents (see Matthew 23:2), must take place. This is not because God is overriding His own words in the law, but because the law is annulled through the work of Christ.



Life application: The verse here is one that sets a clear and defining line between the covenant at Sinai and that found in Christ. Jesus explicitly said to the people –



“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” Matthew 23:2, 3



However, the angel from the Lord told the apostles to go out and preach to the people what is now found in Christ. That is in distinction to what was said in Acts 4 (as noted above), and the words of this verse now are in direct defiance of the words of the high priest and the council again in Acts 5.



This shows, without any doubt or ambiguity, that the New Covenant is the higher priority, and it is to be obeyed. And yet, there is no conflict between the two because the Law of Moses is –



Annulled – “For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:18, 19



Obsolete – “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



Taken away – “Previously saying, ‘Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them’ (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second.” Hebrews 10:8, 9



Wiped out (meaning “erased”) and nailed to the cross (meaning it died when Christ died) – “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13, 14



To reinsert the law of Moses as binding is the highest of heresy because it negates (makes null and void) the work of Christ in one’s life. It is essentially saying, “Nice try, God. You did your best, but I will add to it; improving what you were unable to complete.” It is a rejection of the full, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ. It is a self-condemning act.



You must reject the teachings of the Hebrew Roots movement and all who would claim the Law of Moses is binding (in part or in whole) upon you. Come to the grace of God in Christ. Be freed from your arrogant and futile attempts to do better than what God in Christ has done!



Heavenly Father, it is as if we just cannot trust You with our souls! So many of us in the church constantly fear about the future, strive to return to the law to please You, reject the cross through our actions, and show contempt for the shed blood of Christ. Help us to trust and to just keep on trusting that what You have done is sufficient. To Your glory, and Your glory alone, may we simply demonstrate the faith of children and TRUST! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:30

Thursday, March 10th, 2022




The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Acts 5:30




The words of the last verse were those of the apostles as they proclaimed, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Now, to continue with their lecturing of the high priest and the council, the words of Peter and the apostles say, “The God of our fathers.”



This is referring to YHVH (Yehovah), the covenant Lord God of Israel, such as is recorded in Exodus 6:7 –



“I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”



It is He who set forth the law through Moses which the people agreed to. It is, ironically, this law that these men at the council administered for the people of Israel, but which the apostles will school them on in the verses ahead concerning Jesus Christ whom that same law spoke of.



In saying “The God of our fathers,” it is clear that the apostles are claiming that their worship is not of a new God, a false God, or a misrepresentation of the true God. They are aligning themselves with the people at the council (our), and they are aligning themselves with the God whom the council represents (our fathers).



As such, what they will claim is an extension of what the Lord (YHVH) is doing in redemptive history, not merely something entirely new, but a continuance of the overall redemptive plan in a new direction. This same thought is seen in the words of the Lord to Moses –



“Then He said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.’ 6 Moreover He said, ‘I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.” Exodus 3:5, 6



When the Lord spoke to Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – who preceded him – were not under the law that was to be given through him, and yet nobody in Israel would deny that those patriarchs were a part of what the Lord was doing in redemptive history. And so, what the apostles now proclaim bears the exact same weight, if the words are true. To validate that their words are, in fact, true, the schooling of the council by the apostles begins with the words that the God of their fathers “raised up Jesus.”



This is an obvious reference to the resurrection. The council was fully aware of the claim that Jesus had been raised. By saying that God raised Him up, it meant that God was fully satisfied concerning His innocence and that His sacrifice was acceptable before Him. And this, despite the next words of the apostles to the council, saying, “whom you murdered.”



Here is a new word in Scripture, diacheirizomai. It comes from dia (through) and a derivative of cheir (to handle thoroughly). Thus, it means “To lay violent hands upon.” In the case of Jesus, it means they killed Him violently. This word will only be found one more time, in Acts 26:21.



Peter and the apostles firmly avow that what happened to Jesus was a willful, violent, and unjustified attack against the Lord’s Messiah. God had approved of His life, He had raised Jesus from the dead, and thus those of the council (the verb is plural – “you all”) were guilty of His death. But more, they then added in the most striking words of all, saying, “by hanging on a tree.”



The verb is an aorist participle and should read, “having hanged.” The act occurred, it was successfully accomplished, and it was one intentionally brought about by those at the council. These words are a clear and unambiguous reference to Deuteronomy 21:23. There, the Greek translation uses the same word as is used now in Acts, xulon, or tree. That is a direct translation from the Hebrew word ets, signifying wood, or a tree –



“If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.” Deuteronomy 21:22, 23



The council had determined that Jesus was deserving of death. And yet, both Pilate and Herod had determined exactly the opposite –



“Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 said to them, ‘You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15 no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him’ 17 (for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).” Luke 23:13-17



Because the council had violently, and yet wrongfully, participated in the crucifixion of the Messiah (proved by God’s having raised Him from the dead), it means they bore the guilt of what occurred. This is the weight of what is being said to them now. If they understood the scope of what this meant, however, they would then realize that what occurred was not outside of, but a part of, what the Lord had planned –



“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13, 14



If the council would acknowledge their part in what happened, forgiveness could come. But this is not what took place. Until Israel’s leaders acknowledge their part in what occurred, they – even to this day – remain under the curse that they brought upon themselves.



Life application: Such a seemingly unimportant set of words, that can be quickly read over and easily forgotten, carry an immense amount of theological importance. And the words of this verse have not been fully explained in relation to many other verses in Scripture. They tie in with other parts of the law, with words in the psalms and the prophets, with what is stated in the gospels, the epistles, and Revelation.



Everything in Scripture ultimately ties in with what God is doing in Christ to reconcile the world to Himself. And Christ (the Messiah) is Jesus who is clearly depicted in the gospels and Acts, and who is then explained throughout the rest of the New Testament. Be careful to know this now because there are people all over the world who claim to be the Messiah, or who claim to be Jesus the Messiah.



There are also others who add to the word about Christ, such as the Mormons. Jesus is the central point of all of what God is doing in the world, Jesus is revealed to us in Scripture. So be sure to know exactly what books form Scripture, and then be sure to know which “Jesus” it is that Scripture is presenting. When you get these things right, and when you believe the message of what He has done, you will be saved. Anything else will only lead to condemnation.



Thank You, Lord God, that we have a sure word in the pages of the Bible. Nothing is missing, and nothing is superfluous. And thank You that the Bible tells us all we need to know about Jesus and the proper path to salvation. Thank You, Lord God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:31

Friday, March 11th, 2022


Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31


The previous verse said, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.” Now, Luke records the next words of Peter and the apostles, saying, “Him God has exalted.” The verb is hupsoó. It signifies to lift up, raise up, and so on. It is the same word used in the Greek translation of Isaiah 52:13 to describe the coming Messiah –



“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently;

He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.”



One can see that the words are parallel to the previous verse in somewhat of a pun –



The God of our fathers raised up Jesus.

Him God has lifted up.



Jesus was hung on a tree, having been lifted up (see John 3:14 where the same Greek word is used) by the leaders of Israel, but God has lifted Jesus up “to His right hand.” Here, some translations say, “with His right hand,” others “to His right hand.” The Greek is not specific and must be supplied. It is the same terminology as in Acts 2:33.



Either is possible based on the surrounding context. The right hand signifies power, both in action (ability) and in position (authority). As noted, the previous verse just said that God raised Jesus. Therefore, it could be “by the right hand (ability) of God.” However, the next clause will speak of repentance and forgiveness of sins, something that comes from the position of authority.



Nothing is lost in either translation because both possibilities are true. Therefore, a word such as “at” might be a better choice because it can convey either meaning or both meanings at the same time –



“exalted at the right hand of Him…”



As such, it could mean “at [by the power of] the right hand,” or “at [to the location of] the right hand of God.”



Although this may seem like trifling, the words have importance and should be considered. God’s power (His right hand) raised Jesus (Romans 10:9), and Jesus is seated at the right hand (the position of authority) of God (Romans 8:34).



The apostles, though stating a truth, are letting the council know that there is hope for them. The actions of Israel’s leaders actually served the greater purposes of God. Forgiveness is possible if they could but accept the matter and acknowledge what they had done. With this, their next words state, “to be Prince.”



It is the same thought already presented by Peter in Acts 3:14, 15 –



“But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.”



The word there translated as Prince signifies “a file-leader who pioneers the way for many others to follow” (HELPS Word Studies). It is also found in Hebrews 2:10 and 12:2. Reading those verses will give a fuller idea of the thought now being presented. Jesus is the “File-leader.” He is the One who leads the way for all others who will be raised up by God, lifted up at His right hand. This is because He is also the “Savior.”



This is specifically referring to Jesus Christ in His position of ability to save. The word specifically refers to Him as the One “who saves believers from their sin and delivers them into His safety” (HELPS Word Studies). It is in this capacity that Jesus is able “to give repentance to Israel.”



The word metanoia, or repentance, signifies changing of the mind. What this is saying is that Israel is offered a change of mind concerning wrongdoing. Paul says in Romans 3:20 that “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” When law exists, there is always a struggle in the mind of the one under that law. The word “compunction” explains this. It is the guilty feeling or moral hesitation that either prevents, or follows, the doing of something wrong.



Jesus came to give Israel a change of mind from this. In fulfilling the law, the law is annulled through His death. As such, there is no longer this feeling of guilt concerning a matter (such as eating pork or not). And this exists both in abstaining from pork, even though there is nothing wrong with it, and in the state that comes after eating pork because the law said not to do so. In the giving of the law, the conscience becomes guilty. But more than this, Jesus also came to offer “forgiveness of sins.”



Not only is the mind reformed through the annulling of the law, but the sins committed under the law are forgiven through His death in fulfillment of it. This is noted by Paul in Romans, Galatians, and elsewhere. And more, because the law is now annulled, there is no longer the imputation of sin – because sin comes from a violation of law. This is noted by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:19.



Without the law, then sin is no longer an issue. Thus, the words of Peter and the apostles now can be summed up by the words of Paul in Romans 3:36, saying of Jesus, “that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”



If one looks at the previous verse side by side with this verse, the parallelism of what is stated comes forth –



5:30 – The God of our fathers raised up Jesus (from the dead, proving He is God)

5:31 – Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior (assuming His position as God)



5:30 – Whom you murdered (an action that gives guilt under the law)

5:31 – To give repentance to Israel (dealing with the moral hesitation after violating the law)



5:30 – By hanging on a tree (the death of Christ in fulfillment of the law)

5:31 – And forgiveness of sins (the action resulting from the death of Christ in fulfillment of the law)



Life application: There are wonderful truths to be found in a detailed study of the words of Scripture, and it is never a waste of time to search them out. When doing a personal study, be sure to be aware of the many types of literary devices that the Bible uses, such as poetry, prose, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, idiom, personification, parallelisms, parable, typology, and so on.



In understanding what is being said, and in properly identifying the context in which it is said, there is a treasure trove of wisdom to be obtained from the mind of God as it is revealed in the pages of this wonderful treasure that we call the Holy Bible.



Lord God, Your word is wonderful. Thank You for Your glorious and superior word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:32

Saturday, March 12th, 2022


Saturday, 12 March 2022



And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him. Acts 5:32


The words here must be kept in relation to what was just said since verse 5:29 in order to be rightly understood. Taken together, they say, “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.’”



With this context remembered, the words can be more clearly understood. They begin with, “And we are His witnesses.” This is the purpose of the apostles. They are “sent ones” who testify to everything that they saw concerning Jesus. This is an important point because it is an office that only existed in those who were personally involved in what occurred in His ministry. Paul is the only exception to this as is carefully explained by him in 1 Corinthians 15.



It was the condition specifically given when deciding upon the replacement for Judas –



“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Acts 1:21, 22



With this understood, they continue by saying that they are witnesses “to these things.” This refers to what is given in the previous verses cited above –



God raised up Jesus.

Israel’s leaders, representative of Israel, murdered Him by hanging Him on a tree.

God has exalted Him to (or by) His right hand to be Prince and Savior.

Repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sin is available through this.



It is the gospel message – Christ died for our sins, Christ was buried, Christ rose again. Calling on the Lord Jesus (meaning He is God because He is at the right hand of God, the position of power and authority) brings salvation. From there, Peter and the apostles next say, “and so also is the Holy Spirit.”



The Holy Spirit, the third member of the Godhead and the One who inspired God’s prophets to write out Scripture, is a witness to the workings of God in Christ –



“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:19-21



The visual, audible coming of the Holy Spirit upon these men also provided a supporting witness to their testimony. That witness continues again in their ability to properly convey the meaning of Scripture, of their healing of the sick, and so on. The acts of the apostles are another part of the witness of the Holy Spirit, testifying to the fact that Jesus is the Christ. With this understood, the apostles next say of the Holy Spirit, “whom God has given.”



The Holy Spirit is God, giving of Himself. It is not unlike God giving of Himself in Christ. Christ was given for the sin of the world, but that forgiveness is only applied to those who appropriate it through belief. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is given by God to humanity, but this only comes to those who appropriate the offering, and that only occurs for “to those who obey Him.”



The word the apostles use, which is translated as “obey,” is the one introduced in verse 5:29 (cited above). It is the word, peitharcheó. As previously noted, it comes from two words signifying “persuade” and “what comes first.” Thus, it signifies being obedient to the higher authority.



One must decide who he will obey. The apostles clearly state that they will be obedient to Christ, the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, rather than to those appointed to administer that law. Israel was given the law, only Israel. And so, this precept pertains only to Israel in the sense that they must put aside the law and come to the One who fulfilled it. And yet, the precept also applies to any who voluntarily place themselves under this law. To understand this, Paul refers to circumcision, the identifying mark of those who have so placed themselves under the law.



One cannot claim obedience to the law and not be circumcised, because it is a precept of the law. The precept applied to any part of the law, but Paul uses it as the premier example of choosing the law over grace. The result of doing so is clearly stated by him –



“Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:2-6



Israel was given the law and they were under the law. To “obey” Christ for them was to follow the higher authority of Christ. A person who is not of Israel and who follows the law has failed to follow the higher authority of Christ. Either way, they do not have the Spirit, and they remain at enmity with God. This is the significance of the apostles’ words to the leaders of Israel.



The council will give their response, and the narrative will continue showing the failure of Israel to come to Christ. Eventually, the transfer of the spiritual banner will go from Jew to Gentile, from Israel to the church. This is because Israel is represented by this council. God isn’t overriding His own words found in the law. Instead, He is showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, and the law is then annulled through His work.



Life application: The words of this verse speak of the witness of the Holy Spirit. As noted, the Holy Spirit witnesses through His word. He is given to those “who obey Him.” It must be understood that because the apostles personally saw the work of Christ and were witnesses of it, there are no longer apostles today. Nor is there any need for them.



The books of the Bible were completed before all of the apostles had died, being written by them, or those who were approved by them (such as Luke) to accurately report what was done by Christ and the apostles. As such, the Holy Spirit now witnesses to us only through His word. There is no need for believers to perform miraculous signs, nor the like.



The word is written, and it calls for faith to accept what it says. This is the premise for believers today. God has spoken, the Holy Spirit – through His word – witnesses to us of the work of Christ, and we are expected to believe it and accept that He is the Christ of God. In this, the Holy Spirit is given as a seal and a guarantee of our future redemption (Ephesians 1:13, 14).



Be of sound mind, believe what God has done, and be saved through the cleansing power of God’s Anointed, the Lord Jesus Christ.



The message is so simple, and it is all-sufficient for us to be saved. What more do we need, O God, to have the sure and unfailing faith that will carry us through the dark and distressing world? We have all we need, and we are so grateful for it! Thank You for the witness of the word, given to us by inspiration from You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:33

Sunday, March 13th, 2022


When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Acts 5:33


The apostles just offended the council with their words concerning Jesus, particularly that God had given the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. That, in particular, must have really set them off. These were Israel’s leaders! These were those who sat in Moses’ seat! It was they who explained the law to the people! And yet, these men before them – mere Galileans by the way! – claimed that it is they who stood in favor with God. As such, Luke next records, “When they heard this.”



The entire discourse was probably upsetting to the council – 1) We ought to obey God rather than men. 2) God raised up Jesus whom you murdered. 3) Jesus has been exalted at the right hand of God. 4) It is through Jesus that repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sin comes. 5) The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him.



Each point was a direct poke at those of the council. By the time the apostles arrived at the last point, the minds of those on the council would be enraged at what they had heard. As such, Luke next says that “they were furious.”



This is a new word to Scripture, diaprió. It is found only here and in Acts 7:54. It comes from two words signifying “through” and “cut with a saw.” Hence, it signifies “sawn in two.” It is a state where a person feels they have been cut right in two, right down the middle, when overcome with grief or rage.



In the case of the council, one can imagine a saw cutting through their minds as bits fly off in different directions. The more words they heard, the more their minds would be drawn apart. At some point, in this case, the mentioning of receiving the Spirit for those who obeyed, their minds would become completely enraged and disjointed. In this state, Luke says that they “plotted to kill them.”



The verb is imperfect. It says that they “were plotting to kill them.” They were sitting there, stewing away at what they heard, and with every new indictment against them, each person was thinking of how he could use the law to do away with this group of arrogant miscreants. If the law was incapable of removing them, they certainly were thinking about how they could devise their own plan to do so. This seems evident because this is exactly what they later attempted to do to Paul, as is recorded in Acts 23:12-15.



What is important to remember, and which is a point upon which the council’s evaluation of the matter hinges, is that these apostles before them had been arrested and locked securely in the prison just a few hours before. And yet, they were not in the prison despite it being shut securely and with the guards still standing outside. Further, they had not run away from Jerusalem but had gone to its most prominent spot, the temple, in order to continue preaching.



What occurred there stood as a witness and a testimony to the truth of the words that the apostles spoke. The ignoring of each such validation of their message is another reason to justify the cutting off of the nation for their stubborn refusal to accept the truth of God in Christ Jesus.



Life application: The apostles said nothing wrong, and each point presented to the council was true. Many on the council would even know this. It is true that every person should obey God rather than men. It is true that those on the council had murdered Jesus. It is true that if He had been raised (which is what they knew and tried to cover up), that He was exalted at the right hand of God. It is also true that if Jesus had been raised, then He was the prophesied Servant of Isaiah 52/53 who would first die for the transgressions of the people. And it is true that the Holy Spirit had come upon those who believed in Jesus (as is carefully recorded in Acts 2 and as was validated by the signs, wonders, and miracles performed by the apostles).



Despite this, hearing the words of the apostles was enough to enrage the council. As such, we must remember that quite often the truth hurts. Thus, when we are presenting the truth, it may get us into trouble. That has been proven true throughout human history. But it is better to be persecuted for the truth than it is to hide safely behind lies.



Be people of truth, let things fall where they fall, and be pleased in never compromising the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This life is short, we will soon go the way of all the world, and we will stand before the Lord for our judgment. It is right that we should do so having been truthful and having been faithful. May it be so.



Lord God Almighty, help us to never hide the truth when it should be presented. Help us to never waver in our convictions about what is right and proper. And, Lord, help us to be people of integrity in all we do. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:34

Monday, March 14th, 2022




Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. Acts 5:34


The events to this point have led the members of the council to become furious at the words of defense spoken by the apostles. In addition, it said that those in the council “plotted to kill them.” With that, a voice of reason now stands up within the council. Luke begins the note concerning him by saying, “Then one in the council stood up.”



This person probably heard the grumblings of some of the people and knew that their words were contrary to both reason and to the Law of Moses. Their violent speech and actions of the leadership had led to the crucifixion of Christ, and now His followers were standing before the council with the same type of anger being cast towards them. Luke next identifies him as “a Pharisee named Gamaliel.”



The name Gamaliel means “Reward of God.” Being a Pharisee is a key point. As a Pharisee, he accepted the premise that there is a resurrection, and also that there are angels and spirits. This is seen later in Acts –



“And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.” Acts 23:7, 8



As this is the case, he would at least be sympathetic to the words of the apostles concerning Christ, and he could actually accept that the unexplained release of the apostles from prison could have been accomplished by an angel. The latter point is not noted in the account now. And yet, it is otherwise hard to imagine that the council did not ask about it, even if Luke does not record the conversation (see the life application in the commentary on Acts 5:24).



Because of his views, he will be a voice of reason toward the situation now being brought before the council. Of this person, Gamaliel, Paul will later note in Acts 22:3 that he was brought up at his feet. The meaning is that he personally studied under this man. Hence, Paul’s doctrine followed after Gamaliel, and it was from this source that Paul’s grounding in Scripture was then used by the Lord to bring the message of life in Christ and the name of Jesus “before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).



Of this person, the following is noted by Albert Barnes –



“…this man was the teacher of Paul Acts 22:3, the son of the ‘Simon’ who took the Saviour in his arms Luke 2, and the grandson of the famous ‘Hillel,’ and was known among the Jews by the title of ‘Rabban Gamaliel the elder.’ There were other people of this name, who were also eminent among the Jews. This man is said to have died 18 years after the destruction of Jerusalem, and he died as he had lived, a Pharisee. There is not the least evidence that he was a friend of the Christian religion; but he was evidently a man of far more liberal views than the other members of the Sanhedrin.”



Luke next notes him as “a teacher of the law.” The meaning is that he instructed others in the law (as noted above concerning Paul), but he also would have interpreted the law, learned the traditional views of the scholars of the law before him, preserved the traditions of the Jewish culture and society, and so on. These things can be seen in how Paul, his student, presented himself before a tribunal later in Acts –



“My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.” Acts 26:4, 5



Paul’s life was modeled after the teachings of Gamaliel, and his conduct and teaching – even as a believer in Christ – are to be understood from that perspective. His training and knowledge are certainly one reason why the Lord chose him for his apostolic ministry. Understanding the type of man Gamaliel was helps us to understand the reasoned passion Paul had concerning the things he knew about Jesus, and how they stand in relation to the Law of Moses. For now, Luke continues with his word about Gamaliel, saying that he was “held in respect by all the people.”



Even if the Sadducees and others disagreed with his beliefs, it is of note that those in the council still held Gamaliel in high regard. They were willing to listen to his thoughts and consider his arguments. This shows that he was understood to be a man of intelligence and reason. In this notable state, Luke next says that he “commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.”



From what will be said in the verses ahead, it is obvious that the discussion would only embolden the apostles to persevere in the spreading of their message if they knew what it was that will be stated. To avoid this, and to allow the movement of the apostles to either grow or die out without prejudice, they were to be removed from the deliberations.



What is interesting is that what is said in the council is, in fact, recorded by Luke. That means that someone who was in the room was aware of what was said and recalled it for Luke during his investigations leading to the writing of the book of Acts. Hence, it could be Gamaliel himself, or even Paul that heard and remembered the words that will next be looked at.



As a side note, the Alexandrian text says “men” instead of “apostles” in this final clause. Thus, many translations, going back as far as the Latin Vulgate, follow this wording. This will explain the change for those who notice the difference.



Life application: Above, the training and knowledge of Paul is noted. It was because of his in-depth knowledge of the Law of Moses and his grounded belief in his training as a Pharisee that he was able to piece together so much of his theology. It is true that God inspired Paul to write out his epistles, but what is inspired is still based upon what Paul knew and how he perceived the world around him in relation to the law and its fulfillment in Christ.



For example, though the author of Hebrews is not identified in the epistle, it is highly likely that Paul is its author. To understand why this is so, refer to the introduction to the commentary by the Superior Word on Hebrews. Whether it was Paul or not, it is someone who had an extensive knowledge of the law, and who obviously believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits. He further was able to take that knowledge and weave together a sound and reasonable discourse for the Hebrew people to understand that Jesus is the fulfillment of these things.



This is what Paul does throughout all of his letters. His training as a Pharisee made the obvious connections to Jesus jump out of the law that he once lived under. From there, he was able to fully and rightly discern what even the other apostles could not quite grasp (see Acts 11 and Galatians 2 for example). In this, Paul – more than any other – was able to see that everything he had grown up with and been trained in was to find its fulfillment in Christ –



“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” Colossians 2:16-19



Today, we will also look at the words of Paul based on how we perceive our relationship to the law. The same words are read by those who accept that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (the correct view), and by those who believe the law is still in effect for all people, in part or in whole (the heretical view).



The difference is in their understanding of Paul’s words, meaning in relation to Christ as the fulfillment of the law or in relation to the law which Paul had once been under. The only way to get beyond the law is to properly understand its purpose in relation to Jesus. And the only way to do that is to read the Bible in its proper context. Once it is understood that that law was only a stepping stone on the way to Christ, and not an end in and of itself, only then does the law find its proper place in our thinking about the magnitude of what Jesus did for us.



Keep reading the Bible, and do not be led astray by those who would reinsert the law into our lives. It is a law that could never save anyone. Only in coming to Christ can we find the true hope that God has set before us. Thank God for our hope. Thank God for Jesus!



Lord God, You have taken real people, from all walks of life and from all kinds of interesting situations, and You have used them and their experiences in order to reveal to us Your intent for humanity, expressing these things in Your word. How great You are to show us such things so that we can know the proper path that leads us to Jesus. Yes, how great You are! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:35

Tuesday, March 15th, 2022


And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. Acts 5:35


The previous verse introduced Gamaliel who stood up and commanded that the apostles be put outside for a little while. With them removed from the council, Luke continues describing what occurred, next noting, “And he said to them.”



It is Gamaliel who had requested removal of the apostles, and it is now he who addresses the council, beginning with, “Men of Israel.” They are words of familiarity addressed to those on a similar standing within the council. This is unlike when Peter addressed this same council in Acts 4. There, his words carefully acknowledged their position within the society –



“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel.’” Acts 4:8



What is more important in considering Peter’s address is that he was speaking as a person who was fully aware of the work of Jesus Christ. In addressing the council, he was addressing the body responsible for the direction of Israel. The choices they made would affect the entire nation.



Gamaliel’s words are on the same societal level as the others in the council, and he seems fully aware of this by his coming words to them, especially what he will say in verse 39. As a member of the body, he has the potential to direct them in a way that the apostles did not. But if the leadership of Israel ultimately fails to heed the sound advice of even one of their own, it will only increase their guilt in the matter of who Jesus is.



For now, his words continue with, “take heed to yourselves.” It is a phrase that was used by Jesus. There is the implication that careful thought should be given to a matter before any decision is hurriedly rendered.



One might say, “Guard yourselves concerning this.” It is as if there is a looming danger if the advice is not taken. The word is used by Paul in the Pastoral epistles concerning doctrinal matters. With this understood, that thing which Gamaliel warns of is concerning their actions toward the apostles. He warns the council to beware of “what you intend to do regarding these men.”



Although it is not yet known what is on his mind, Gamaliel has a definite concern that cannot be ignored. Whatever decision that will be rendered, his advice needs to be considered. This is surely based on his seeing their conduct after hearing the words of Peter and the others. Luke had noted that they were furious and plotted to kill the apostles.



Gamaliel smells potential trouble brewing, and he wants to avoid that. Being one who knew the Scriptures, he was fully aware that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. His words will use this knowledge in an attempt to keep things running smoothly and to keep anyone from actually harming themselves.



Life application: Gamaliel’s advice is based on a life of reading, contemplating, and studying Scripture. The only way he could make a reasoned decision in relation to what Scripture says is to…. (Yes, you, in the corner over there! Yes! That is correct!) … It is to know what the word says.



And the only way you can do that is by reading the word. People all over the world make well thought out decisions all the time, and it is based on their knowledge of whatever subject they are dealing with. Be well versed in the words of the Bible if you want to make right decisions that are intimately linked to your faith. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for failure.



Read your Bible.



How great are You, O God. You are beyond our understanding, and yet, You have told us about Yourself and what You expect of us in Your word. Where are our priorities? If they are directed toward You, we will be responsible by studying and knowing that source of knowledge, reading it all the days of our lives. Help us to do this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:36

Wednesday, March 16th, 2022




For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. Acts 5:36


The advice from Gamaliel concerning the apostles is now to be given, but before actually providing his recommendation, he gives background data that will lead to his recommendation. What he says is from the historical record, and it details things the council would have been fully aware of. The first example begins with the words, “For some time ago Theudas rose up.”



Bringing in the name Theudas causes scholars a great deal of difficulty. The only known Theudas outside of the Bible is found in the writings of Josephus. However, he is placed later in history by Josephus than Gamaliel’s speech now. As such, some find Luke’s words an anachronism. A great deal is written on the inclusion of this name now, but the Pulpit commentary gives three options concerning him that allow for the biblical account to stand as correct –



“1. Josephus may have misplaced the adventure of Theudas by some accidental error. Considering the vast number of Jewish insurrections from the death of Herod the Great to the destruction of Jerusalem, such a mistake is not very improbable. 2. There may have been two adventurers of the name of Theudas, one in the reign of Augustus Caesar, and the other in the reign of Claudius; and so both the historians may be right, and the apparent discrepancy may have no real existence (see Wordsworth, in loc.). 3. The person named Theudas by Gamaliel may be the same whom Josephus speaks of (‘Bell. Jud.,’ it. 4:2) by the common name of Simon, as gathering a band of robbers around him, and making himself king at Herod’s death (‘Sonntag,’ cited by Meyer, etc.). But he was killed by Gratus, and the insurrection suppressed. A variety in this last mode has also been suggested (Kitto’s ‘Cyclopaedia’), viz. to understand Theudas to be an Aramaic form of Theodotus, and the equivalent Hebrew form of Theodotus to be מַתִתְיָה, Matthias, and so the person meant by Theudas to be a certain Matthias who with one Judas made an insurrection, when Herod the Great was dying, by tearing down the golden eagle which Herod had put over the great gate of the temple, and who was burnt alive with his companions, after defending his deed in a speech of great boldness and constancy (‘Ant. Jud’ 17:6).”



The first option, as noted, is not improbable. Josephus is often cited as an absolute authority when someone wants to defend his opinion concerning one matter or another. However, in comparing the writings of Josephus to Scripture an almost infinite number of discrepancies arise between the two. What he says will often deviate significantly from a plain reading of the Scriptures.



Therefore, and because of the reliability of the Bible, it is always best to defer to it and only to cite Josephus when his writings contain unique accounts that cannot be verified elsewhere. His writings are important, but they are certainly not inspired.



But just as important concerning this is that the details of Josephus concerning his account do not match what is stated in this verse by Gamaliel. To assume that Josephus is correct, and that Luke made such a blundering error, shows a bias against the writings of Luke, and a bias against the Bible, picking one similarity and disregarding other differences.



With this understood, Gamaliel continues with his reference to Theudas, saying that he rose up “claiming to be somebody.” The meaning of this is that Theudas put himself forth as an authority figure who was worth being heeded and who was also deemed worthy of being followed – “I am divinely appointed by God to deliver Israel! Men… Follow me!”



It is to be remembered that Gamaliel is giving examples that are to be taken in the context of the claims of the apostles. Therefore, Theudas’ “claiming to be somebody” is to be set parallel to the thought that “the apostles claim that Jesus is somebody.” In other words, Gamaliel is using a historical account to build a case based on precedent in order to make a decision. As such, he continues with, “A number of men, about four hundred, joined him.”



The number is not large compared to the Roman army, nor is it especially large in relation to many other groups of insurrectionists that might arise in hopes of overthrowing a sizeable army. Despite this, it is the same size of force that David originally had when he broke away from Saul –



“David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.” 1 Samuel 22:1, 2



However, this band of four hundred eventually grew into a large fighting force. Later, David became the ruler of all of Israel. Again, the account must be set in parallel to what Gamaliel is saying.



David had been chosen by the Lord to be the next king. He was anointed as such by Samuel. And though his army started small, it grew into a vast kingdom of great power. The Scriptures reveal that God was behind the actions of David, and therefore David became the great leader of his people and the king of his nation. God’s will and purposes could not be thwarted. On the other hand, Theudas had an army of the same size as David. And yet, “He was slain.”



In David’s battles, he did the slaying. Again, and again, the Bible records the magnificent fighting and leadership abilities of David. God had chosen the man, He was there with the man, and thus David was unstoppable as he defeated the enemies of God’s people. Instead of being slain in battle, he died in his own bed, having seen the continuance of his kingdom through the establishment of his own son, Solomon, as king in his place with all of Israel subject to him. As for Theudas, Gamaliel says, “and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.”



David and his four hundred grew into the leaders of an entire nation. He appointed those with him to leadership positions, and rewarded those who were faithful subjects. Theudas, on the other hand, was defeated in battle, lay slain in the dust, and his followers dispersed. And the reason is obvious, no group of people of sane mind would continue to follow a slain leader who accomplished nothing he had set out to do.



And again, the parallel to Jesus and the apostles must be considered. This small band of apostles had grown into a very sizeable following because of the message they conveyed to the people. Their Leader had also been slain, but His death was both a part of what was supposed to happen, and it was not the end of the story the apostles spoke forth. Instead, Jesus had risen in victory. And the Foe was not merely an oppressive ruler over the people. Rather, it was the power of Satan himself that Jesus had defeated.



Death had been defeated, and a new life had come out of what Jesus had done. Gamaliel is making a point. If the message of the apostles is true, whatever the council decided must take that into consideration. David and his four hundred eventually led to an eternal dynasty –



“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12-16



On the other hand, Theudas and his four hundred men came to nothing. The difference between the two is whether their actions met with the approval of the Lord or not.



Life application: Many people have built great and lasting dynasties. This does not mean that the people rightly followed God and were set in place because He approved of them. But they could not have arisen to such positions unless God had allowed them to do so.



We cannot make the assumption that just because someone is powerful or wealthy that they are right with the Lord. However, the power and wealth of that person ultimately came from the Lord allowing it to be so. Likewise, a person who is faithful to the Lord may be poor, he may have no authority, he may be a minister with a very small ministry, or he may be a cripple or someone who even dies at an early age.



The main thing that we need to guide our lives is faithfulness to the Lord. Whatever else happens, good or bad, is what the Lord allows in our lives. It may actually be more difficult to be faithful to the Lord when one has great power, wealth, and abundance. How easy it is to forget the Lord in such circumstances!



Let us remember to be faithful no matter what our lot in life is. The life that is truly life is ahead, and the Lord will reward our faithfulness in a way that we cannot yet even imagine.



Lord God, Your will in our lives! May that be the driving motivation in all that we do. Help us to focus on that which is truly of value and not on the temporary, fleeting pleasures of this life we currently live. Help us! Give us strength and wisdom to be faithful to You as we walk down this temporary path on the way to glory. Amen.