Superior Word Daily Devotional on the Book of Acts

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:37

Thursday, March 17th, 2022


After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. Acts 5:37


Gamaliel just gave an example from history concerning Theudas and his band of four hundred men. He now gives a second example, saying, “After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up.” Of this name, Charles Ellicott writes –



“In one passage Josephus (Ant. xviii. 1) calls him a Gaulonite—i.e., of the country east of Galilee. Had this stood alone, St. Luke might have been charged here also with inaccuracy; but in other passages (Ant. xx. 5, § 2; Wars, ii. 8, § 1) he is described as a Galilean.”



This leaves a couple of possibilities. One is that Josephus misidentified Judas at one time in his writings. Another is that two people are being referred to by Josephus. Or, possibly, it is the same person who is first identified by the place where he was born and then by the place he was most known for. No matter what, there is an extra-biblical note supporting Luke’s writing concerning the words of Gamaliel. This person named Judas was an actual historical figure who is being referred to. Of him, Gamaliel next says, “in the days of the census.”



This is also referred to by Josephus. Albert Barnes gives sufficient detail concerning his revolt as described by Josephus –



“He says that the revolt took place under ‘Cyrenius,’ a Roman senator, who came into ‘Syria to be judge of that nation, and to take account of their substance.’ ‘Moreover,’ says he, ‘Cyrenius came himself into Judea, which was now added to the province of Syria, to take an account of their substance, and to dispose of Archelaus’ money.’ ‘Yet Judas, taking with him Saddouk, a Pharisee, became zealous to draw them to a revolt, who both said that this taxation was no better than an introduction to slavery, and exhorted the nation to assert their liberty, etc.’ ‘This’ revolt, he says, was the commencement of the series of revolts and calamities that terminated in the destruction of the city, temple, and nation.”



Also, of this account, Charles Ellicott says, “He was assisted by a Pharisee, named Sadduk, and the absolute independence of Israel was the watchword of his followers. It was unlawful, in any form, to pay tribute to Cæsar. It was lawful to use any weapons in defence of freedom.”



This then probably explains the reason for the question presented to Jesus by the Pharisees –



“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.’

So they brought Him a denarius.

20 And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’

21 They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’

And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.” Matthew 22:15-22



This was something that would have been on the minds of the people throughout their time under Rome. If they had paid heed to the words of the Lord, things would have gone much better for them. As far as Judas, Luke continues Gamaliel’s words, saying, “and drew away many people after him.”



The lack of any specific number, unlike that of Theudas, seems to imply a greater number had followed Judas. As such, it would help explain why Gamaliel is giving a second example. The first was a man with a small force, comparable to that of David. However, where David was supported by the hand of God, Theudas was obviously not. His efforts failed. Now, Gamaliel refers to someone with a larger following, probably not unlike the number that were aligned with the teaching of Jesus, reaching into the thousands or maybe even tens of thousands by this point. However, of this Judas, Gamaliel notes that even with a larger force, “He also perished.”



Judas died or was taken prisoner by the Romans never to be heard from again. Either way, his time of leadership in the rebellion against Rome ended, “and all who obeyed him were dispersed.” Once the leader was gone, the movement allied with him ended. Those who were still alive simply went on with life, taking a new direction than the one they had been on under Judas.



Life application: It was noted above that a Pharisee named Sadduk accompanied Judas and had his own idea about how to handle the rule of Rome over them. When Jesus came, the Pharisees asked Him about this exact topic, wanting to see what He thought. They also were hoping to trap Him in His words. If He said, “No, you are not to pay taxes to Rome,” they would have had a reason to hand Him over to the Romans as an insurrectionist.



However, if He said, “Yes, you should pay the Romans,” the Pharisees would have then stirred up the people by saying, “This guy is a sellout to the Romans.” Either way, they planned to trap Jesus in His words, thus taking away His hand of guidance over the people who followed Him.



Jesus gave them an answer they were completely unprepared for. He showed that compliance with, and allegiance to, an earthly body does not mean people are being unfaithful to the Lord. Paul demonstrates this in his life and actions as well. Our duties to those over us in this world should be performed according to the station in which we are born and live. Likewise, our duties to God should be performed accordingly as well.



Let us remember this and let us live out our lives working in whatever country we are in as citizens of that country. At the same time, we are to be faithful citizens of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, being obedient to His precepts as set forth in His word. When the two conflict, we are to defer to the Lord’s kingdom. When they do not, we should be obedient to both.



Lord God, give us wisdom in the conduct of our lives so that we will be good and faithful citizens of the nation in which we find ourselves, while still being obedient to the calling we have upon our lives in Your kingdom. May You be glorified in all that we do as we live our lives before You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:38

Friday, March 18th, 2022




And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; Acts 5:38


Gamaliel, having given two historical examples of failed leaders of the past, now gives his advice concerning the faith that is based on the leadership of Christ Jesus. This begins with his words, saying, “And now I say to you.”



Based on what had happened in the past to those who initiated uprisings, meaning Theudas and Judas of Galilee, there is a precedent that their followers will scatter and disperse when the leader has died. As such, he continues, “keep away from these men.”



The word translated as “keep away” signifies “to depart” or “stand off.” The leaders in the council “were furious and plotted to kill them” (5:33), Gamaliel is telling them to take another path and simply depart from them and not interfere. And more, he continues with, “and let them alone.”



The word signifies “to send away.” It carries with it the sense of permitting. When one is sent away, he is allowed to continue with his own devices. Gamaliel, understanding the failure of Theudas and Judas of Galilee, knew that if what the apostles were doing fell into the disfavor of Rome, it would be handled by them.



For the council to take action, it would only increase the zealotry of the followers and ultimately bring them unnecessary trouble. However, without the presence of Jesus, another option was more likely. As he next says, “for if this plan or this work is of men.”



The Greek reads, “for if this plan or this work is out of men.” The meaning is, out of their own strength, planning, or devices. Just as with the previous two examples of failed insurrections that did not have divine approval, so this might be as well. If that is the case, Gamaliel says, “it will come to nothing.”



The Greek word signifies “to loosen down.” It is what one does when he unpacks a horse or tears down a tent. It is also used to speak of the abolishing of the law or the destroying of the temple. If the movement of the apostles is out of man, it will simply collapse, either under its own weight or by another force that will cause it to be destroyed. Either way, it will not continue. As such, why should the council stir things up and cause exactly the opposite to occur?



Life application: The words of Gamaliel bear a wisdom that reflects principles found in the book of Proverbs. He gives sound advice concerning a matter that could have been handled in one of several ways. With thought and contemplation, a recommendation is put forth for consideration by the council. Before he finishes, he will also give another possible outcome for the movement of the apostles, and he will explain what would be the reason for its happening as well.



This is a sound way of presenting a case for action, and it has been based upon carefully evaluating events of the past and also how things could be affected into the future. Reading the Proverbs will give a person insight into such things. Rather than commands about how to do things, general guidelines, based upon personal insights and experiences, are given by the author for the reader to consider.



Be familiar enough with what is recorded there in Proverbs, so that when a matter arises, you can recall the words and consider them as you make your own decisions about important matters that you will certainly face at various times in your life.



Heavenly Father, You endowed Solomon with wisdom and understanding. He took some of that wisdom and wrote it down for us to consider as our own lives unfold. If we could ask for such wisdom, You would certainly say, “I have already given it to you, it is in My word.” And so, Lord, help us to search out the wisdom You gave Solomon by searching out his words that are recorded in Your word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:39

Saturday, March 19th, 2022




but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God. Acts 5:39


Gamaliel has given two examples of groups that fizzled out after their leaders died. After that, he gave his recommendation concerning the apostles, saying, “let them alone.” He then gave a part of his reasoning for this with the words, “for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing.” Now, he will finish his words with a contrasting reason why they should be left alone. That begins with, “but if it is of God.”



It is interesting that the mood of these words is different than the previous clause. There, the verb was in the subjunctive mood. Now it is in the indicative mood. Cambridge notes the difference saying, “The verb is not in the same mood as in the previous clause, and had the construction been in classical Greek, it might have indicated some opinion on Gamaliel’s part of the truth of Christianity = ‘If it is [as it is] of God.’ But in the N. T. the construction indicates no more than a simple conditional.”



Regardless of it being a simple conditional, Gamaliel has chosen his words to make a contrast between the two states. One is hypothetically from man; the other is questioned if it is really from God. If it is so, there will be a marked difference in the outcome.



Man’s work will find success or failure based on innumerable circumstances. But in the case of the nation of Israel, there is a more important element at work. Gamaliel understood this. The Lord Himself watches over the people, and He determines what their outcome will be based upon their relationship with Him.



This precept is found time and again in Deuteronomy. It is then confirmed in the prophetic writings, and it is evidenced throughout the historical writings. Clear examples of this are seen, for example, in the Song of Moses, such as –



“How could one chase a thousand,

And two put ten thousand to flight,

Unless their Rock had sold them,

And the Lord had surrendered them?” Deuteronomy 32:30



If the Lord is on the side of a person who is striving to overthrow Roman authority, nothing could stop him from doing so –



“You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you.

8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight;

your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.” Leviticus 26:7, 8



However, if the Lord is not with him, his attempt will fail, and he will perish. This is the point of Gamaliel’s mentioning of Theudas and Judas of Galilee. On the other hand, David had the Lord with him, and he prevailed over his foes, attained the position of king, and ruled the land. As such, his counsel is that if the movement of the apostles is led by God, “you cannot overthrow it.”



He is speaking to the spiritual leaders of the nation about matters that will affect the destiny of the nation. Gamaliel was aware of the words of Moses. If a movement had arisen that was spiritually correct before God because it was in accord with the words of Moses, and which was also confirmed by the prophets, then it absolutely could not fail. God knew the future, spoke forth through the prophets what would happen, and so it was impossible that what was prophesied could be thwarted.



The apostles had presented their case to the people, their words were heard and understood by those in the council, and they claimed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. If these things were true, and if the council continued to resist them and their message, there would be consequences. Gamaliel notes this as he finishes, saying, “lest you even be found to fight against God.”



This is a word, an adjective, found only here in Scripture, theomachos. Being an adjective, it literally means, “God-fighters.” Its kindred verb is found in Acts 23:9 when Paul was brought before this same council –



“Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, ‘We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.’”



Though nothing in history speaks of Gamaliel as a saved person, his words seem to indicate that he may have suspected that the message of the apostles was true. His words, and the way they are presented, demonstrate the thoughts of a person who is carefully watching the unfolding events of history, evaluating them from the lens of the writings which established his people, and looking to see if what those writings said matched up with the very events that were occurring before his eyes.



What he says now is certainly in accord with what Peter and the other apostles had just said moments before, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). As noted then, if the words of the apostles were true, and if they were rightly following God because of faith in Christ, it meant that the Mosaic Covenant had found its fulfillment and its end in Jesus. The hope of the New Covenant was what they proclaimed had come through His completed work. Gamaliel’s words demonstrate caution be exercised by those with whom he sat to judge.



Life application: The directions for our walk before the Lord are found in the New Testament epistles. We have entered into a New Covenant. It is not possible to have one foot in the law and one foot in Christ. The two are wholly incompatible.



As such, the warnings of the epistles are clear and unambiguous. One will either follow Christ or he will return to the law. Only one path can be taken, and there will be judgment based on which path was decided upon. If a person is saved, he is saved. That will not be lost, but to return to adherence to the law will mean zero rewards for that person.



Be wise, be circumspect, and put your faith and trust solely in the merits of Jesus Christ. What you do while in that state will be evaluated and either be counted as loss and burned up, or it will be counted as gain and be purified. For the one who returns to the law, there will only be loss. Jesus didn’t come and complete His job just so that we could try to do better after He left. What He did was perfect, fully sufficient, and finished – once and for all time.



Thank You, Lord God, for the sure hope we possess in Christ. Our salvation isn’t just given to us, it is guaranteed to us! We have an absolute hope of eternal life because of the work of Jesus. Thank You for this surety we now have! Amen and amen. 

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:40
Sunday, March 20th, 2022




Sunday, 20 March 2022



And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Acts 5:40


With Gamaliel’s recommendation now stated, Luke next records, “And they agreed with him.” His argument was convincing because it was based on precedent. Further, it was based on the assumption that if the movement of the apostles was simply the work of man, it would die out, but if it was truly the work of God, nothing could thwart it anyway. The advice was sound and reasonable. With that decided, they still could not let the apostles go away without a demonstration of their authority. Hence, it next says, “and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them.”



In such a tribunal, there must be a reason for such a punishment. However, none is given. It could be argued that Peter and John could be beaten because they had not obeyed the previous command given to them –



“So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18



However, none of the other apostles were present at that time. As such, it would be a stretch of the law to include them in a charge of disobedience. It could only be considered a crime of guilt by association. Regardless of this, the men were probably beaten with rods according to the words of Moses –



“If there is a dispute between men, and they come to court, that the judges may judge them, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked, 2 then it shall be, if the wicked man deserves to be beaten, that the judge will cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence, according to his guilt, with a certain number of blows. 3 Forty blows he may give him and no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight.” Deuteronomy 25:1-3



Along with the beating, they were also given a charge, as Luke notes, “they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus.” It is the same command previously given. Like before, the Greek actually reads “upon the name of Jesus.” The command forbids them to speak on the authority of Jesus’ name. Unlike the charge in Acts 4, this time their directive came with an additional measure, beating them to hopefully ensure compliance. However, the apostles have already spoken as to the matter –



“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 4:19, 20



&



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



Only time will tell if the beating they received will cause them to obey men rather than God. For now, Luke ends the verse saying, “and let them go.”



With no valid justification to further incarcerate or punish the apostles, the council allowed them to leave. But there was nothing recorded by Luke about one of the key points of the entire event. The council never asked (at least nothing is recorded concerning the matter) how the apostles got out of a locked and guarded prison in the middle of the night. It appears that they were truly afraid to ask that simple question because it might open up a can of worms that could possibly divide the council.



Paul will later use his knowledge of how the council operates to do exactly that as is recorded in Acts 23:9. For now, the apostles are free to go.



Life application: Paul, writing to the saints at Philippi, gave a strong exhortation to the church about a matter that first became evident in the account of Acts 5 –



“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” Philippians 1:27-30



Though the punishment was minor at this time, the apostles did suffer for the sake of Christ. A beating with rods is no pleasant thing, and it is given to correct offenders. This means that the apostles were considered offenders by the leaders of Israel. Despite the warnings and the punishment, the apostles provided the “proof of perdition” to the council and the proof of “salvation” that they possessed.



The account in Acts is descriptive. It does not provide any command that we are to act in a like manner. But Paul’s words are prescriptive. He has built upon the acts of the apostles, including himself, a sound and reasonable directive for the church to live by. This has been accepted by many martyrs over the past two thousand years. It may be that even in once Christian-friendly nations, believers may be called to act in the same manner in the days ahead.



Be mentally prepared now to accept what comes, including suffering for the sake of Christ, as an acceptable demonstration of your faith. It is our calling, and it has been directed by God in His word. Stand fast and accept what comes with gladness that your name is written in heaven.



Heavenly Father, it is evident that faith in Jesus is becoming less tolerable to the leadership of many nations. Unless it is in a faith that is unbiblical. You have asked us to stand apart from perversion, idolatry, and all wickedness. Help us in this. As churches depart from the true faith, help those of us who hold fast to it to remain strong, never departing from the right and proper path. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:41

Monday, March 21st, 2022


So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41


In the previous verse, the apostles were beaten. They were also commanded to not speak in (literally “upon”) the name of Jesus. After that, they were released. With their release, it now says, “So they departed from the presence of the council.”



It is certain that there was no small amount of pain among them. Being beaten with rods was not a minor thing, and only a few stripes would really smart. If they were given the full measure of the law, meaning up to forty stripes (Deuteronomy 25:3), they would be rather miserable – at least physically – as they departed. And yet, it next says they were “rejoicing.”



Despite both the physical damage inflicted to their backs, as well as the disgrace they faced in the eyes of whoever considered it, they literally rejoiced over the event. It is the fulfillment of the words of Jesus, thus providing another measure of confidence that they were doing exactly what He desired of them –



“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12



&



“But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.” Matthew 10:17



Though this was at the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem and not a synagogue, the truth remains the same. They were delivered up and they were beaten. Jesus had told them such things would occur, and they have come about. Rather than a moment of defeat, it is a time of vindication “that they were counted worthy.”



One can be brought before such a tribunal for wrongdoing, maybe theft. When that occurs and a beating is ordered, there is only disgrace. There is the disgrace of having been caught. There is the disgrace of having been convicted. There is the disgrace of the beating itself. And there is the disgrace of having everyone know that these things happened to you.



On the other hand, one can be wrongfully judged. When nothing was done to deserve a beating, and yet a beating is received, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, when the truth is eventually brought forth, and it will be brought forth someday, the one who was wrongly treated will be vindicated. Peter speaks of this in his first epistle –



“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:15-17



As this is true, the apostles rejoiced. They knew that their actions were sanctioned by God, and they had faithfully fulfilled the charge given to them by the angel concerning speaking out about the gospel of Jesus. Therefore, they deemed what happened to them as a point of being counted worthy “to suffer shame for His name.”



There is a difference in suffering shame and in doing that which is shameful. The verb is passive in the Greek. The shame was inflicted upon them, but they had done nothing shameful to deserve it. Hence, Vincent’s Word Studies explains the terminology of this event –



“This is an instance of what rhetoricians style an oxymoron, from ὀξύς [oxus], sharp, and μωρός [moros], foolish; a pointedly foolish saying, which is witty or impressive through sheer contradiction or paradox, as laborious idleness, sublime indifference. In this case the apostles are described as dignified by indignity.”



Life application: There are times when people may incur damage simply because they have a bumper sticker on their car that points people to Jesus. It is most upsetting to come out and find tires slashed or metal scratched or dented. It is inconvenient, it is costly, and it is just plain wasteful. At the same time, there is now a choice. “Will I take the sticker off my car to avoid more damage, or will I stand fast on my faith in Christ?”



A bumper sticker doesn’t prove faith in Christ, and it is not a necessary part of our faith, but it does indicate who we are and what we believe. A car is a temporary item that will eventually be crushed and made into something else. But what about something more personal. What if you are actually being beaten up by people because of your faith? Or maybe they are imprisoning you or even threatening your life because of Jesus?



This has happened, and it continues to happen, to people all along and throughout the world. Those who are willing to stand up for their faith are a real testimony to the One they are willing to follow, even at such a great cost. You may or may not have to face this now, but someday you might. What will you be willing to give up in order to remain faithful to the Lord? Think about that, and be ready to respond if that day should come.



Lord Jesus, You gave up heaven’s riches in order to come and restore us to Yourself. Help us to be willing to respond in the right way if we should be asked to give up our lives of ease, material wealth, freedom, or even our lives in remaining faithful to You. Grant us in that day the ability to stand fast on Your name, no matter what the cost. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 5:42
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022


Tuesday, 22 March 2022



And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:42


In the previous verse, the apostles had just “departed from the council.” As they departed, they rejoiced because “they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” With that, we come to the last verse of Chapter 5 which is an important verse to consider carefully.



There are pastors, preachers, teachers, and denominations that adamantly state Christians are bound to some, or all of the precepts of the Law of Moses. In order to justify this, they will tear verses out of their context in order to make their case. For example, this is an often-cited set of verses –



“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20



“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15



“But Jesus also said, ‘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



Jesus directly told those with Him that they were to observe (be obedient to) those who sit in Moses’ seat. They were the authority in the land, and they were thus to be obeyed. With that in mind, Luke begins this final verse of the chapter with, “And daily in the temple.”



The temple is the central point of Jerusalem, the place where the law of Moses was administered. Paul explains the significance of it, in relation to the law, in Galatians 4 –



“Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:21-26



The temple in Jerusalem represents the Law of Moses. It is a law of bondage. Luke continues with, “and in every house.”



The houses in Jerusalem are filled with the inhabitants of Jerusalem, meaning the people of Israel. It is the very people that Jesus had spoken to saying that they must observe whatever the leaders of Israel who sit in Moses’ seat direct. At both the temple and in the private homes of the people, it next says that “they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”



Acts 5:40, just two verses ago, said concerning those who sit in Moses’ seat, “when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”



As this council is the very body referred to by Jesus, then either the apostles are directly disobeying Jesus’ words of Matthew 5 and John 14 (noted above), or something else is going on that is completely ignored by the heretics in these denominations, teaching that we must observe the Law of Moses.



Life application: There are five principal rules that should be considered at all times when evaluating Bible passages. There are many others, but these five must be considered –



Is the passage prescriptive? (Does it prescribe anything?)

Is the passage descriptive? (Is this merely describing something?)

Context. (What is the context?)

Context. (What is the context?)

Context. (What is the context?)



As you can see, the final three rules are so important that they are one thought that needs to be drummed into our heads at least three times to make sure error does not creep into our consideration of a passage.



Considering Matthew 5:17-20 (above), are those verses prescriptive or descriptive? They are both. They prescribe something for the intended audience, and yet they only describe what occurred for anyone who is not the intended audience; they tell what was said by Jesus to the people gathered before Him.



Context: Who was Jesus speaking to? Israel. Under what authority was Israel living? The Law of Moses. Who was the Law of Moses given to? Israel? Was the Law of Moses given to any other group of people? No. What did Jesus say? He did not come to destroy the Law or the prophets. Rather, He came to fulfill them.



After that, He said that the Law is a binding code. He then went on to speak of the leaders of Israel, living under the law and doing more than any other people in the land in their attempt to meet the requirements of the law, saying that their attempts were insufficient to enter the kingdom of heaven and that every person there needed to do more than they (the scribes and Pharisees) needed to do in order to enter that kingdom. That would include being obedient to those leaders because they sat in Moses’ seat (Matthew 23:2, 3).



As this was impossible, then they need to again consider Jesus’ words. He did not come to destroy the Law or the prophets… but to fulfill them. As the highest authorities of Israel fell short of meeting the requirements to enter the kingdom of heaven, then NO PERSON of Israel could meet those same requirements. Hence, Jesus came to fulfill them on our behalf. In His fulfilling of them, the law is:



Annulled (Hebrews 7:18).

Obsolete (Hebrews 8:13).

Taken away (Hebrews 10:9).

Wiped out (erased) and nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).



One must choose where he will hang his hat. If one desires to be under the law, he must meet every single precept of the law perfectly, not letting even one fall short. He must also obey those who sit in Moses’ seat, something the apostles of Acts 5:45 refused to do – thus, ostensibly, violating Jesus’ words under the law. As they did this, it means that either they have not met the requirements of the law, or they are not… under the law. The latter is correct. They had entered into the New Covenant and for them, the Old was annulled, obsolete, and taken away.



To obey Jesus’ commandments (John 14:15 cited above) means to be obedient to Jesus’ words under the New Covenant, not the Old. Moses gave the Old, not Jesus. Either the words Jesus spoke under the Old were flagrantly disregarded by the apostles, or they were no longer the context of the lives of those apostles. The latter is true. Jesus’ commandments center on Jesus, not on Moses.



Summary: Doctrine matters.



Lord God, after we have come to Christ, please lead us to teachers with sound doctrine. And then give us the wisdom to learn it and apply it to our lives. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:1

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022


Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Acts 6:1




Chapter 6 begins with a thought that is most probably tied in with what is said earlier in the previous chapter. It opens by saying, “Now in those days.” This could be speaking of the previously cited arrest of the apostles as a continuing narrative, or it could be referring to what was said before that short account. This is because the next words say, “when the number of the disciples was multiplying.”



That seems to more logically be connected to Acts 5:14 –



“And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women…”



The account of the arrest of the apostles is occurring at this same time. This is important because what is said in this chapter begins with continued problems for the apostles that need to be rectified, as well as continued persecution for the believers by the council. In this latter event, the enmity between the truth of God in Christ and the active fighting against it by the leaders of Israel continues to be highlighted.



This is logically necessary to show why Israel’s destruction and exile came about. Hence, these undertones that are provided are not unlike the book of Jeremiah which carefully details the reasons why the Lord destroyed the nation and exiled them to Babylon.



God did not just arbitrarily punish Israel in the Roman exile, but rather, the book of Acts stands as a witness against them for having failed to accept the One sent by God to fulfill the law and reconcile the people to Himself. As such, He turned to the Gentiles –



“They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God;

They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols.

But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation;

I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.” Deuteronomy 32:21



For now, it is during the time of the multiplying of the disciples that “there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists.” The word translated as “complaint” is goggusmos. It is an onomatopoeia. The sound of the word matches the sound of the grumbling. The word “Hellenists” refers to Grecian Jews. They are Jews who only speak Greek and not the language of those in Judea (Hebrew or Aramaic).



The meaning of the words is that a division had arisen between the Hebrew (or Aramaic) speaking Jews and the Greek-speaking Jews. One can imagine the Greek-speaking Jews muttering under their breath at what is taking place. Because they were of the Diaspora and returned to the land not speaking the native language, they were considered as second-class citizens.



To understand the situation and the reference to other key points that will be seen in Acts, Vincent’s Word Studies provides background information into the matter –



“The word Hellenists denotes Jews, not Greeks, but Jews who spoke Greek. The contact of Jews with Greeks was first effected by the conquests of Alexander. He settled eight thousand Jews in the Thebais, and the Jews formed a third of the population of his new city of Alexandria. From Egypt they gradually spread along the whole Mediterranean coast of Africa. They were removed by Seleucus Nicator from Babylonia, by thousands, to Antioch and Seleucia, and under the persecutions of Antiochus Epiphanes scattered themselves through Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia, and the Aegean islands. The vast majority of them adopted the Greek language, and forgot the Aramaic dialect which had been their language since the Captivity. The word is used but twice in the New Testament – here and Acts 9:29 – and, in both cases, of Jews who had embraced Christianity, but who spoke Greek and used the Septuagint version of the Bible instead of the original Hebrew or the Chaldaic targum or paraphrase. The word Ἕλλην [Hellén], Greek, which is very common in the New Testament, is used in antithesis, either to ‘Barbarians’ or to ‘Jews.’ In the former case it means all nations which spoke the Greek language (see Acts 18:17; Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 1:22, 1 Corinthians 1:23). In the latter it is equivalent to Gentiles (see Romans 1:16; Romans 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Galatians 2:3). Hence, in either case, it is wholly different from Hellenist.”



With this understood, the actual reason for the division is next explained, saying, “because their widows were neglected.”



The word translated as “neglected” is in the imperfect tense. It means that this was something ongoing. Being overlooked would not be unexpected in such a situation. A person who didn’t speak the language and who was alone and without anyone to speak for her, would have a difficult time going forward and being listened to. Those with an understandable voice would naturally receive attention without any difficulty and the others would be overlooked.



However, the problem wasn’t that they were overlooked in getting their hair cut at the local salon. It was a much more pressing need. They were missing out “in the daily distribution.”



In other words, the money that was raised was to be distributed as needs arose. The Hebrew widows were coming forward and were receiving what they needed, but the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked, and that habitually. As such, they were truly alone, with no support, and even the distribution by the church – which they depended on to simply survive – was not being fair towards them.



Life application: It is always easy to take the path of least resistance. When someone speaks another language or has a different way of doing things than we do, it is easier to overlook them and sidle up to those we are more comfortable with. In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with this, but when it causes a division in the church, it needs to be addressed.



People come into a local church to be a part of it. If they don’t receive any care or attention, it will be perceived as if their needs are less important than the others. But needs are needs, not wants. It is important to identify what true needs are and then address them in all of those we fellowship with.



It is right to be attentive to all, even those we may not want to be especially close to. Endeavor to look around you and see who is being left out of close and personal contact, and be sure to make an extra effort to be attentive to them as well.



Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to identify needs in others and to respond to them, even when they may have a different culture, color, or way of doing things. Help us to give of ourselves to everyone and not just isolate ourselves with those we feel most comfortable with. Help us in this, O Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:2

Thursday, March 24th, 2022






Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Acts 6:2


Chapter 6 opened with a problem concerning a complaint by the Hellenists against the Hebrews. Their widows were being neglected during the daily distribution. With that set forth, it now says, “Then the twelve.”



It is a reference to the twelve apostles. Judas had gone off the list when he hung himself and Matthias had been added to it by the drawing of lots. It is these twelve that have now “summoned the multitude of the disciples.”



This is probably not a reference to all of the disciples. By Acts 4:4, there were about five thousand believers, with many more being added since then (Acts 5:14). Rather, this may be those who were there and referenced in verse 1, meaning those who had brought the complaint forward and those against whom the complaint had been made.



Or it may simply be referring to a large number that was regularly in the area. Either way, it is a multitude large enough to be addressed concerning the matter and to take part in its resolution. It is to this group that the apostles gathered together “and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God.’”



The translation is incorrect, it is an aorist participle. It has happened and should be rendered “having left,” or even better, “having forsaken,” or “having abandoned.” They were obviously called to attend to the matter, thus having abandoned their primary responsibility which was to attend to the word of God. Instead of that, they were facing a matter of quibbling that should have been resolvable by others in order to “serve tables.”



The Greek word, translated as “serve,” signifies “to wait at a table on guests.” The literal meaning is “to kick up the dust” because the one attending to the table scurries about. The idea of a table in this context is that which is used to serve at. It can be food or it can be money – such as in Matthew 21:12. Either way, the idea is that of a distribution of something that is meant to sustain the needs of those coming forward to it.



As this is a common job, anyone responsible enough could do it. To interfere with the apostles’ study and teaching of the word in order to serve tables would be counterproductive to the intent of their commission.



Life application: As surprising as this may be, the number of pastors that write their own sermons, in part or in whole, is actually rather small. The number of them that do so in larger churches is even smaller. Outlines of sermons, or entire sermons, are available in books. They are prewritten and cover almost every topic one can think of. They can be obtained from online resources. Completely unique sermons can be bought for one-time use by a single person. Others are available to anyone who is willing to pay whatever fee is charged.



For larger churches, there is often a designated sermon writer or even a team that comes together to write the pastor’s sermon for Sunday morning. As cheesy as this sounds, it is as common as eggs in a henhouse. If a pastor isn’t writing his own sermons, what does that say about his care of, and for, the word of God? What does it say about his devotion to the congregation? What does it tell you about his priorities? Do you care that the person in the pulpit at your church may not even know whether the theology he is presenting to you is actually correct or not?



At some point, see if you can find out how the pastor or preacher you listen to develops his sermons. Does he write them himself, or use outlines already laid out by others and then fill in the blanks? Does he just copy sermons from denomination resources or elsewhere? Having a knowledge of where he gets his sermon material from will tell you much about his priorities concerning the word and concerning the faith.



And the same is true with “Bible studies.” Quite often, the Bible is never used. Instead, a book by a pastor or scholar may be the subject material. Outlines by other preachers or teachers may be the content of the study. Isn’t the person supposed to be opening and teaching from the Bible at a Bible study? If the Bible is used, are the notes for the study his, or just items printed off from some book or online resource?



These things should actually be at the forefront of the minds of those who are being instructed. If the pastor, preacher, or teacher isn’t using his own materials, how do you know if he even intimately understands what he is presenting? Maybe he is actually more suited to serving tables than serving the word of God to you. A fancy speaker does not equate to proper theology. Be aware of what you are absorbing as you spend your time seeking out the truth of God from the word.



Gracious and glorious God, Your word is a precious treasure. Please direct us to those who carefully consider Your word, who diligently study Your word, and who competently teach Your word. It is too precious for us to be led astray by those who are not properly versed in it. Thank You for Your glorious and superior word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:3

Friday, March 25th, 2022


Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; Acts 6:3




The apostles just noted that it was not good that they had left the word of God in order to serve tables. To avoid this in the future, their decision is given, beginning with, “Therefore, brethren.” Despite having a different calling, it is a calling among the others. All are brethren, and all have duties to be performed. The high calling of attending to the word necessitated that the apostles should not get overburdened with these other things, but they still acknowledge that they are all brethren in the same common cause. With this thought conveyed, they next say, “seek out from among you.”



This is a wise course of action to take. First, it allows the decision to be rendered by those who were in the middle of the problem. Deciding among themselves who was to be selected would ensure it would be men competent to do what will be necessary as there is a vested interest in the matter at hand.



Secondly, as this matter dealt with the daily distribution, certainly meaning money or that which was purchased with the money entrusted by others, it would take any hint of suspicion off the apostles that they were purposefully selecting those of whom they could profit off through kickbacks or the like. It is an arrangement that will allow a close and fair level of control over that which is entrusted to them. Those selected are to be “seven men of good reputation.”



Rather than this translation, the Greek is a present participle. It more precisely reads, “seven men who are well attested.” The meaning is basically the same, but rather than a description of the men, it is a favorable view by others that is being conveyed. The approval of others being necessary to ensure that both sides of this division will be satisfied with the choice. Otherwise, one side may say, “they have a good reputation,” while the other side may not even know who the men are. Next, they are to be “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”



It is of note that various texts do not include the word “Holy.” If it belongs, the meaning is obvious. If it does not, then it could simply be referring to having an energetic spirit within the individual, such as, “filled with spirit and wisdom.” The former is probable, but as one is filled passively by the Spirit after salvation, it would indicate those who were living in accord with proper values and in a way suitable for their filling. This, in turn, would demonstrate its own form of wisdom that made them sound and reliable choices for the positions they were selected to. It is such as these, “whom we may appoint over this business.”



As noted, it was the duty of the apostles to attend to the word of God. It is the duty of these men to oversee the daily distribution. Each category within the early church was being defined based on the qualifications of the individual and it was to those duties that they were to be attentive. If a change in the person’s assignment was forthcoming, it would need to be accompanied by a confirmation of that change by the approval of those above the person. This is a logical and orderly way of ensuring people stay in the proper lanes.



Likewise, the pastoral epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus) further define the responsibilities and the safeguards for such men who are accepted into the various leadership positions within the church. To stray from these guidelines is a sure path to problems within the church.



Life application: The structure of the church, who may be given various responsibilities, and what to do about problems that may arise concerning those men are carefully detailed in Scripture, especially in the pastoral epistles. This account in Acts tells how the early church was set up, and it provides a historical record of what was done at times, but there is really nothing prescriptive in what is said.



In other words, there is a wise way of selecting the men who were chosen, and a church would be foolish to not select men who were well attested to, full of the Holy Spirit, and filled with wisdom. And yet, nothing is said elsewhere that there would have to be seven men chosen for every such incident in church history. As such, the verse here has to be evaluated as a historical record that is not prescriptive in nature, even though it carries with it wisdom in the selection process.



For the exact parameters concerning the selection of elders and deacons, the pastoral epistles are to be evaluated and strictly adhered to. If this is not done, people who are unqualified to hold positions within the church will eventually be brought in, the church will suffer, and eventually, the church will lose its way, apostatizing from sound doctrine. It is the inevitable outcome of straying from the parameters defined in Scripture. As Paul says elsewhere, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).



Heavenly Father, give us wise and discerning minds concerning the churches we attend or think about attending. Is it structured in accord with Your word? Do the leaders of the church meet the limited, but unchanging guidelines set forth there? If the church can’t get the simple basics of what You have laid down in Your word right, will they truly teach proper doctrine elsewhere? Help us to not enter into a church that is not aligned with Your will as is detailed in Your word. Amen.



 

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:4

Saturday, March 26th, 2022


but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4


The decision of the apostles was given in the previous verse concerning the daily distribution. Seven men, of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, were to be appointed over that business. The apostles now continue, saying, “but we will give ourselves continually.”



The word translated as “continually” is one that signifies not only continuance, but steadfast continuance. It is defined as “consistently showing strength which prevails (in spite of difficulties)” (HELPS Word Studies). One can think of a ship heading in a fixed direction and remaining on course, even when the winds attempt to redirect the chosen course.



The apostles had been compelled to “leave the word of God and serve tables,” as noted in verse 6:2. This could not be. Their calling was to minister in the word, and it must continue without such interference, as they next note, saying, “to prayer.”



Along with the word, the apostles reveal that active participation in prayer was to be a part of what their duties entailed. Nothing is said concerning the type of prayer, but it is probably multileveled. First, it would include their private prayers – whether alone or with the other apostles. Secondly, it might include public prayers, including any who were at whatever gathering they were presiding over. And third, it would probably include prayer for the occasions where healings were beyond what was normally encountered by these men.



This was noted by Jesus in Mark 9. When the apostles were awaiting the return of Jesus, Peter, and John, they could not heal a boy of his affliction. When the three had returned, Jesus healed the boy. When asked about the matter, Jesus’ response was, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Along with prayer, the apostles also note, “and to the ministry of the word.”



Here, the Greek word translated as “ministry” is the same word used in verse 6:1when referring to the “daily distribution.” It is a word that signifies “waiting at a table.” The apostles have not placed themselves apart or above the others. Rather, they are simply performing their particular service at the table of the Lord as the church goes forward in accomplishing its mission.



Life application: Two key points are to be seen in this short verse, prayer and service. First, it is a common question to ask, “If God already knows the outcome of what is going to happen, then why should we pray?” The answer is that God already knows whether you will pray or not. He has factored in His response to our prayers. A prayer that is not made has not been factored into His response.



A simple example may be mom making cookies. She has a son who she knows will ask for a cookie when he comes home from school, and so she sets one aside for him. After he asks, he gets his tasty treat. But if the same mom and the same boy had an argument in the morning, and she knows his attitude in advance – that he will sulk for at least five days, not saying a word to her – she won’t bother setting aside a cookie.



Obviously, mom doesn’t know everything as God does, but the example is clear enough to understand that Angry Andy gets no cookie, and it is because of his refusal to simply ask. A prayer not spoken to God will receive no attention because it was never uttered. Having said that, we may pray and pray and never get what we want. This is because what is prayed for is not within the will of God. Or it may be that God wants to mold us by allowing us to continue praying for a long time before responding. We cannot know, and so the Bible admonishes us to pray.



The second point, that of service, is one that – unfortunately – gets twisted out of its original intent by some in the church. It is true that Paul gives directions for the appointment of elders and deacons. They are held to a high standard, both in what is expected of them and in the honor that is to be given to them. And yet, Paul set forth his example of ministry by working with his own hands to meet his needs. And more, Christ gave us the premier example of servanthood in leadership.



Today, many pastors are so out of touch with their congregations, in the sense of Christlike servanthood, that there is almost no connection to the people at all. Obviously, when a pastor leads a church of thousands or tens of thousands of people, it is impossible to minister to all of them. But there is often an unhealthy adoration of these men. And more, there is an almost cult-like status granted to them. Congregations don’t seem to mind that they have houses bigger than Hollywood movie stars, private jet planes, and so on.



There needs to be a walk in the lives of those who lead their churches that brings them into a close and uniting relationship with their congregations, at least in how they live their lives. Prayer and service. Let us remember the lessons we can glean from this short verse in the book of Acts.



Glorious Heavenly Father, help us to be people of prayer, knowing that You do hear, You do act in accord with Your will, and You will respond when the prayer aligns with Your will. May we see Your glorious hand at work as we present our prayers to You as they come from hearts that truly care about the words we speak. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:5

Sunday, March 27th, 2022


And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, Acts 6:5


The apostles’ instructed that seven men should be selected to attend to the daily distribution while they would continue with the duties of their ministry. With that noted, Luke next records, “And the saying pleased the whole multitude.”



This doesn’t mean that the apostles required their approval, but that the decision of the apostles was a good, just, and fair one that was agreeable to all who heard it. With this happily rendered decision, it next says, “And they chose Stephen.”



Stephen is the first to be noted of the seven chosen. The reason for noting him first will become evident as the narrative continues. His name (Stephanos in the Greek) means “Crown.” The word stephanos is used in the New Testament when referring to the crown of thorns on Jesus’ head, as well as the various crowns Paul, Peter, and James refer to in their writings. Revelation also uses the word eight times. Of this person, he is next described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.”



This statement will be more fully realized later in this chapter and throughout Acts 7. He had a deep-seated faith in the truth of God in Christ as it is realized in the Person of Jesus. He understood Scripture well enough to be able to clearly see that everything written there was leading to Jesus, and that Jesus was the fulfillment of it all. Further, later in this chapter, and as Stephen will speak before the people, the filling of the Holy Spirit for performing signs and wonders, as well as faithfully speaking about the scriptural writings, will become evident.



Next, it says, “and Philip.” His name means “Horse Loving.” He will be noted again in Acts 21 as the evangelist with four daughters who prophesied. Also, as the name was a common one, he may or may not be the same person who preached in Samaria in Acts 8 and then later in the same chapter who met with the Ethiopian eunuch. Next, it notes the following men: Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas.



They are known by their names only and nothing further is noted of them. The name Prochorus literally means “Before the Dancing,” or “Before the Chorus,” but the intent may be “Choir Director.” Nicanor literally means “Man of Victory,” but it may indicate something like “Victorious,” or “Conqueror.” Timon means “Valuable,” or “Honoring.” Parmenas means “Near-Stayer.” One might paraphrase it as the “Guy Close By.” Finally, the list ends, saying, “and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.”



The name means “Victor Over the People.” A proselyte is a non-Jew that has been circumcised and has adopted the religious practices of the Jews.



All of the names are Greek. Although this does not mean they are all Hellenistic Jews, it could mean that. Many Hebrews Jews had both a Hebrew name and another name, usually a Greek one. Whether they are all Hellenists or not, the Greek names show an affinity for the Hellenists. As such, they would be well-suited to be a part of the daily distribution where the Hellenistic widows had been previously overlooked. The selection shows wisdom because of this.



Life application: The selection of these men to serve is specifically given to reveal that the problem had been handled, that the decision was appealing to everyone, and that their particular selection was agreeable because they identified with those who had been previously neglected.



However, the first requirement was already stated in the previous verses. They were first and foremost to be of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit. It is a lesson that has been almost wholly ignored in our modern world. People of ability have traditionally been chosen because of their abilities first and foremost. It is true that many people of ability have been overlooked because of their race, culture, gender, and so on. But in today’s woke world, those characteristics are being placed above ability.



As such, businesses, companies, schools, the military, and governments at all levels are being filled with people who are wholly unqualified for their duties. People are promoted because of skin color, even if they don’t have the reasoning of a rabbit. They are promoted because of their gender, even though they could not find their way out of a public bathroom. And they are selected for high-level positions because they have moral leanings comparable to Nero.



When the biblical model is ignored, a society cannot endure. The world is heading down the exact same path that it followed before the flood of Noah. Wickedness is pervading every aspect of society, and the strong and determined hand of judgment will come upon the world because of it. As Christians, we are not to accept nor tolerate these things. We are to keep ourselves from being molded into society’s corrupting image. Instead, we are to work as best we can to have society return from the path it has chosen to one of reason and right morals.



Stand firm on what the Bible reveals. Hold fast to its instruction and be pleasing to the Lord who has so directed it to be.



Lord God, Your word is not something we can compromise on. We must hold to its moral precepts and stand fast on what You have revealed. Help us in this. The world is devolving into wickedness and immorality, and it is so easy to be swept along with that tide. May we stand fast on the Rock of our salvation and proclaim the better way! Yes, help us in this Lord God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:6

Monday, March 28th, 2022


whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Acts 6:6





The previous verse saw the selection of the seven men who were to be responsible for the daily distribution, with the selection complete, it next says, “whom they set before the apostles.”



The choice had been made by the multitude, deciding that these seven met the requirements of being of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit. To confirm the selection, the men were brought before the apostles and were set there awaiting their consecration. With that complete, it says, “and when they had prayed.”



It can be assumed that this is the apostles, but it may be praying by all – both those to be ordained and the apostles who would ordain. Assuming it is the apostles praying over them, it next says, “they laid hands on them.”



This is the first time this act is noted since the establishment of the church. It is something that occurred when Paul was commissioned in Acts 9 –



“And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 9:17



It is also something Paul refers to concerning the establishment of authority elsewhere as well, such as when Timothy was consecrated –



“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” 1 Timothy 4:14



Also, Paul says this to Timothy concerning the continuance of such a practice –



“Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22



This act is a symbolic one of both petitioning God through prayer as well as the transferring of authority through the laying on of hands. Ultimately, it is the Lord who recognizes or rejects a person, but there is to be an open acknowledgment of the transfer of authority to others in this manner. This remains the case to this day because of the inclusion of the practice in Paul’s pastoral epistles. Hebrews 6 also notes this practice, calling it a doctrine of elementary principle –



“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1, 2



Life application: Though the book of Acts is descriptive, the noting of the practice of prayer and the laying on of hands by Paul tells us that it is something that is expected throughout the church age. As such, it is not something to be ignored. Further, those in the congregation have a right to know how and where the person who pastors them was so ordained.



This is especially important because anyone can buy an ordination certificate right on the internet for a few dollars. No qualifications are needed except to give someone else your money. This is not a suitable way of recognizing or establishing authority. Rather, a dignified process should be in place to monitor candidates, evaluate their abilities, and then proceed with the ordination process.



Having said this, there is not an “unbroken line of succession” from the apostles in any particular denomination. The Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and so on claim that the same line of those ordained by the apostles still exists in their ordination process. As such, they claim a special calling rests upon them. If that were so, these denominations wouldn’t be filled with perverts and miscreants.



Ordination does not mean “holy.” It is simply an act by which authority is conferred. That authority may be completely tainted. Despite this, it is still an act that should be performed by any church that faithfully follows Jesus, holds to the word of God, and wants to continue its line of authority in another generation of faithful servants.



Lord God, You alone decide who is a faithful and just servant of Yours. And yet, You have given us the right to choose men who will carry on in positions of authority in Your church. And so, may we be faithful to carefully evaluate those we consider, and then when they are ordained, pray for Your blessing and for their endurance in the arduous task that they have been called to. May it be so to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:7

Tuesday, March 29th, 2022




Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7


The words now follow immediately after the choosing of seven men to handle the daily distribution. There appears to be no logical connection between the two, and so it seems as if Luke is simply moving on to a new matter now that the previous issue has been resolved.



However, Acts 6:5 and Acts 6:8 both mention Stephen. And it is he who is the focus of the narrative through all of Acts 7. As such, it appears that Luke is implicitly tying what he will now say into the ministry and testimony of Stephen. With that noted, the verse begins with, “Then the word of God spread.”



The word translated as “spread,” signifies growing or increasing. It is an imperfect verb signifying an ongoing process. For example, the same verb in the same form is used in Luke 1 to describe the growing up of John the Baptist from a child into a man strong in the spirit.



The effect of the apostles has been rather profound, but because of their being Galileans, they were looked down on by those who were more educated (see Acts 2:7). Stephen has been noted as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” In the next verse, he will be noted as “full of faith and power.” And in Acts 7, he will demonstrate intimate knowledge of Scripture and of the history of his people.



Thus, it may be that Luke is now connecting some of the present growth to the efforts and knowledge of Stephen. Next, Luke records, “and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.”



At this time, Jerusalem remains the central hub of the faith. It is a logical place for the apostles to remain because there were three annual pilgrim feasts to the city. All people were to come and rejoice in the presence of the Lord during these feasts. During the rest of the year, the city was still full and bustling with activity, and evangelism would be ongoing. With the addition of more people, especially people like Stephen, the number of believers would, in fact, greatly multiply. It is a natural consequence of such things. Concerning this growth come Luke’s next words, saying, “and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”



This is a key point in the development of the faith, meaning the body of believers in Jesus. It is based on the faith, meaning acceptance of the gospel by the priests. The word translated “obedient” is exactly right. It signifies “to obey.” But the underlying meaning is “to believe” or “to have faith.” In other words, the priests “have faith” in “the faith.”



This is not double talk, but it is exactly what is being presented. For example, Hebrews explicitly demonstrates this –



“For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:16-19



The account that is cited by the author is that of Numbers 14, where the spies returned from Canaan and gave the people a bad report. The people failed to believe God, and thus they did not obey. Despite many poor translations that use the word “command” in that Numbers passage, there was no direct command spoken forth.



Rather, the word of the Lord said the people would enter, and the people simply failed to believe. Instead, they feared because of the negative report and failed to trust the Lord who had already proven Himself to them, time and again. It was because of their unbelief that they failed to enter into the promised rest.



These priests have now “obeyed” by believing. And it appears based on the placement of the verse that Stephen is to be considered a large part of this coming about.



Life application: Far too often, people take words and concepts out of their intended context, thus forming a pretext. The word “obey” has a meaning, but the substance behind that must be properly understood. If one is commanded to do something, then obedience is expected. That is the context.



However, if someone is told that they should simply trust and accept that another will safely guide him through the waters of disaster, then “obey” takes on a more subtle meaning. There was no command. Instead, there is only a hope that faith will be demonstrated.



God does not “command” anybody into salvation. He also does not “regenerate” people in order for them to believe. He set forth His proposition, and He asks us to believe: “I have sent My Son into the world. He has fulfilled the law and died for the sins of the world. I ask you to simply trust that and be saved.” That is the proposition. Obedience to it is “to believe.”



To add to that by stating that we must first believe His commands – whatever ones we decide upon – is to damage the simple message of obedience to faith (the gospel), and it is thus a false message, not given by God. It is a false gospel.



Be sure to understand these nuances of what is stated, and then effectively communicate them to others when presenting the gospel. If you tell someone that he does not have free will, and that a person must first be regenerated in order to believe (Calvinism), that person will have no idea what you are talking about, because what you are saying both makes no sense and it is unbiblical.



If you tell someone that they must obey Jesus in order to believe, and then start telling them that he has to observe the Sabbath, get circumcised, stop eating pork, quit cussing, and etc., you are presenting a false gospel of works. The gospel is about Jesus –



“that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4



Explain this message to them, and don’t turn “obey” into something that doesn’t exist or something that is unintended. Keep it simple and you will be doing what God has done and expects us to do. Despite all of the complicated theology in Scripture, the gospel is the simplest message of all. Don’t add to it or change it! If you do, then it is no longer the gospel.



Heavenly Father, thank You for the simplicity of the gospel. You have taken the thing that has complicated all other things, meaning sin, and You have made the resolution to it so simple that even a young child can understand it. And it is rightfully simple. We are prone to complicate things. And so, You have laid it out for us, and done so in the most wonderful way. You sent Jesus to do it all. All we need to do is believe. Hallelujah and Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:8

Wednesday, March 30th, 2022




And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8


The previous verse spoke of the multiplication of the number of disciples. It also referred to the fact that many of the priests were obedient to the faith. The words now bring in Stephen again who was introduced as one of the seven in verse 6:5, saying he was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Of him, it reconfirms this saying, “And Stephen, full of faith and power.”



It is of note that some manuscripts say “grace” rather than “faith” here. The word “faith” is more suited to verse 6:5, confirming that thought. Either way, he is carefully described here, being singled out from the other six chosen with him. The narrative will continue focusing on him throughout Chapter 6 and Chapter 7. As noted, saying that he is full of faith and power is given to parallel verse 6:5 –



And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit…

And Stephen, full of faith and power…



As such, the “power” is set in parallel to “the Holy Spirit.” That is then further defined by saying that he “did great wonders and signs.”



The verb is imperfect. More rightly, it should be rendered saying he “was performing great wonders and signs.” It wasn’t that he simply did these things once, or a year ago, or when he was a certain age. Rather, it is speaking of him doing them during the entire time of the record set before us, and he continued doing them as well. Luke’s words further define his doing these things as being “among the people.”



It is an important inclusion. Stephen didn’t just do these things in the courts of a king. Nor did he do them in a traveling show for money. He was among the people and his actions were personally witnessed by them. What he did is not defined, but it can be supposed that it included miraculous healings and the like.



Or it could be that the coming words concerning him define what he did – that he was a great and effective orator. No matter what, so full of faith and of the Holy Spirit was he that he was able to do great things right among the people.



Life application: From time to time it is good to remember that being filled with the Holy Spirit is a passive thing. One is prepared to receive the Spirit. If a cup has a lid on it, it must have the lid removed in order for it to be filled. But the cup simply sits there and is filled. It happens passively. The cup doesn’t reach up and start filling itself.



Likewise, we need to be prepared for the reception of the Spirit. The way to do this is to have our lives opened up for His coming. Stephen was a man of faith. If we lack faith, we will not receive the Spirit. One can sing praises to God in a church band, but if he doesn’t believe in God (he was simply hired to sing for $150.00 a gig), then there is nothing about him that would allow the Spirit to fill him.



If we prepare ourselves through true faith, and if we live our lives in accord with the word and in a state of being opened up to God, then we will be filled. The more opened we are (through faith, love of God, appreciation for His goodness, in praising Him, in telling others about Him, and so on), the more we will be filled.



Let us live our lives totally in tune with God as He is presented in Scripture. Let us think on Him at all times. Let us overflow with His goodness in praise, prayer, and thanks! Be filled with the Spirit by being open receptacles prepared to receive Him.



Lord God, how good it is to read Your word, to think on You and Your goodness, to hold fast to You even in times of trial and difficulty. How good it is to know You in the most intimate of ways. Fill us with all of who You are, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:9

Thursday, March 31st, 2022


Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. Acts 6:9


The previous verse referred to the faith and power of Stephen as he did great wonders and signs among the people. Now, another group is introduced. Luke states, “Then there arose some.”



Because of the wording, one can assume they either have arisen to join, or to argue against, Stephen. Stephen is the main character of the narrative, and these now to be mentioned are brought in to define the narrative further. Those who have arisen are said to be “from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen.”



A short explanation of who these men are is given by Vincent’s Word Studies –



“In Jerusalem, and probably in other large cities, the several synagogues were arranged according to nationalities, and even crafts. Thus we have in this verse mention of the synagogues of the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asiatics. Libertines is a Latin word (libertini, freedmen), and means here Jews or their descendants who had been taken as slaves to Rome, and had there received their liberty; and who, in consequence of the decree of Tiberius, about 19 a.d., expelling them from Rome, had returned in great numbers to Jerusalem. They were likely to be the chief opponents of Stephen, because they supposed that by his preaching, their religion, for which they had suffered at Rome, was endangered in Jerusalem.”



However, Albert Barnes provides much more information on this designation –



———-



The word is Latin, and means properly a ‘freedman,’ a man who had been a slave and was set at liberty. Many have supposed that these persons were manumitted slaves of Roman origin, but who had become proselyted to the Jewish religion, and who had a synagogue in Jerusalem. This opinion is not very probable; though it is certain, from Tacitus (Ann., lib. 2:c. 85), that there were many persons of this description at Rome. He says that 4,000 Jewish proselytes of Roman slaves made free were sent at one time to Sardinia.

A second opinion is, that these persons were Jews by birth, and had been taken captives by the Romans, and then set at liberty, and were thus called ‘freedmen’ or ‘liberties.’ That there were many Jews of this description there can be no doubt. Pompey the Great, when he subjugated Judea, sent large numbers of the Jews to Rome (Philo, In Legat. a.d. Caium). These Jews were set at liberty at Rome, and assigned a place beyond the Tiber for a residence. See Introduction to the Epistle to the Romans. These persons are by Philo called “libertines,” or ‘freedmen’ (Kuinoel, in loco). Many Jews were also conveyed as captives by Ptolemy I. to Egypt, and obtained a residence in that country and the vicinity.

Another opinion is, that they took their name from some ‘place’ which they occupied. This opinion is more probable from the fact that all the “other” persons mentioned here are named from the countries which they occupied. Suidas says that this is the name of a place. And in one of the fathers this passage occurs: ‘Victor, Bishop of the Catholic Church at Libertina, says, unity is there, etc.’ from this passage it is plain that there was a place called ‘Libertina.’ That place was in Africa, not far from ancient Carthage. See Dr. Pearce’s Commentary on this place.

———-



Whatever the exact meaning of the name, the group was comprised of “Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia.”



The Cyrenians are those who dwelt in Cyrene in Africa, a location west of Egypt. This is where Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross in Matthew 27:32 was from.



Alexandrians are those who dwelt in Alexandria in Egypt. A great deal of Jews lived there inhabiting large sections of the city. This is the location where the Greek translation of the Bible, the Septuagint or LXX, came from.



Cilicia was in Asia Minor, a province on the seacoast, located at Turkey’s south, north of Cyprus. Its capital, Tarsus, is where the Apostle Paul came from – as is recorded in Acts 9:11 (and as is noted elsewhere). As such, it makes it appear likely that Paul attended this synagogue and participated in what will be said in this verse.



Finally, Asia is noted. This is not Asia as we think of it today. Rather, it is the same as was referred to in Acts 2:9. It is a term that may refer to a jurisdiction according to the layout of the provinces of Rome. Of this location, Vincent’s Word Studies says –



“Not the Asiatic continent nor Asia Minor. In the time of the apostles the term was commonly understood of the proconsular province of Asia, principally of the kingdom of Pergamus left by Attalus III. to the Romans, and including Lydia, Mysia, Caria, and at times parts of Phrygia. The name Asia Minor did not come into use until the fourth century of our era.”



It is from this synagogue, filled with people from these various locations, that men arose “disputing with Stephen.”



The word translated as “disputing” essentially means “to examine together.” It is rendered as “question,” “debate,” “discuss,” “argue,” and so on. It does not necessarily indicate any animosity, but it can. Or it can be a debate that eventually leads to an argument. It is probable that Stephen voiced his words concerning Jesus, and they came back against him in a debate that will eventually lead to the forming of a charge against him. It is to be noted again (as stated in the previous verse) that Stephen was “full of faith and power,” and he “did great wonders and signs among the people.”



This is a key thought that certainly set in motion the debate.



Life application: In Christianity, there are Calvinists, there are Free Grace proponents, there are Baptists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. In fact, there are so many sects and divisions within the church that it is almost impossible to know them all, much less what they all believe.



Because of this, there are obviously disagreements between them concerning valid points of doctrine. In the end, there can only be one completely correct idea about any particular point. Is Jesus God? Yes or No. Is salvation eternal? Yes or No. Does man have free will to choose Christ? Yes or No. And so on.



The Bible is the source of our knowledge of who Jesus is. It is where we are to build our doctrine from. Anything that is said about our theology and doctrine must find its source there or be in accord with what is said there. If it isn’t, then it is something that came out of the head of man.



The more one knows the Bible, the less likely it is that he will be duped into believing something incorrect. It is still possible, but it is less likely. For those who do not know Scripture, the probability is that they will be more easily led astray from what is sound.



Read your Bible. Think about what you have read. Study theology after you know your Bible. And set your doctrine in accord with the Bible. It is important.



Glorious God Almighty, You have provided us with a source of knowledge in order for us to know You, to know what You are doing, and to know why You have done those things. How can we neglect such a great and precious treasure? Help us, Lord, to make Your word our priority all the days of our lives. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:10

Friday, April 1st, 2022

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Acts 6:10


The previous verses referred to Stephen. It next referred to some arising from the Synagogue of the Freedmen who disputed with him. With that noted, it next says, “And they were not able to resist.” The word translated as “resist” signifies “to withstand.” It is a compound word coming from anti (opposite) and hístēmi (to stand). It is a 180 degree, opposing position on a matter. And so here we have Stephen laying out his case, and those who oppose what he says are completely unable to stand against it.



As they obviously must be dealing with Scripture, because they are arguing a position concerning Christ, Stephen is giving his evidence and the men of this synagogue are unable to refute the evidence that is presented. One can have a stand on a matter while another may oppose that stand when it is merely a philosophical argument. Either side can claim that their idea about what is stated is better than the other. However, when there is an established basis for a claim, such as Scripture concerning an issue involving the Messiah, there will ultimately be one side whose argument cannot stand against the other.



Stephen’s position is obviously the one that is supported by the very writings the sides are striving over. Specifically, they were not able to resist “the wisdom and the Spirit.” On several occasions, the Bible repeats this same general sentiment, such as in Proverbs 9:10 –



“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”



In order to fear the Lord, one must know who the Lord is, what He is capable of, what He expects, and so on. The same is true with having a knowledge of the Holy One. There must be a source for understanding the knowledge of Him. That source is, first and foremost, Scripture. Stephen obviously possessed this knowledge.



Further, as the Spirit is the One who inspired men to write out and compile Scripture (2 Peter 1:21), then it is the Spirit who will illuminate it in order for it to be properly understood. In other words, there may be two (or more) sides arguing over the meaning of Scripture, but they cannot all be correct. The Spirit inspired it, and the one who is properly in sync with the Spirit’s intent concerning the passage is the one whose argument is sound. Stephen’s handling of the word could not be refuted by these others.



None of this is explicitly stated, but it is to be inferred from the passage. There is a claim being presented, there is an argument against it, and there is an inability to support the argument against it or to dismiss the argument itself. As such, there must be a basis for the claim. That basis must be Scripture. This must be the source “by which he spoke.”



If it were not, he would be making claims pulled out of the thin air. There would be no basis to argue with such a person because one cannot argue against something that actually doesn’t exist except in the head of another. Stephen is speaking words that cannot be withstood. They are words of wisdom, and they are Spirit-led. What will be the outcome of it? Jesus gave words to those who followed Him concerning this –



“And He said, ‘Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ 50 that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.’” Luke 11:46-51



Stephen is not specifically identified as either a prophet or an apostle, but his words of the coming chapter demonstrate that he fills a role suitable to at least that of a prophet. He will speak out the word of God to the people and there will be a resulting reaction to what he says that is in accord with what Jesus says in Luke 11.



Life application: In the proverbs, one right after another, the two seemingly contradictory proverbs are given –



“Do not answer a fool according to his folly,

Lest you also be like him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly,

Lest he be wise in his own eyes.” Proverbs 26:4, 5



The meaning here is that there is a time to argue a point and there is a time to not argue a point. In the case of the first proverb, Solomon is asking us to be wise. When there is a fool out there spouting off nonsense that is obviously nonsense, we are admonished to not even respond to him.



The reason why is that if we do, there will be nothing that is valid that we can say to refute him. His words come out of his own head and so it doesn’t matter what you say, more retorts will continue to come out of that same vacuous place. You will be arguing against a maker of wind. When you do this, you will end up just like him with petty little arguments blowing back and forth. As such, you will only look foolish.



However, if a fool is arguing over something that can be refuted, especially something as important as Scripture, and if a defense against his foolish interpretation is not given, then he will walk away feeling vindicated in his stand. Anyone who sees his challenge go unmet will think that this fool is actually correct. Soon, a whole cohort of fools will be out claiming what is utterly foolish, simply because no one is there to correct what is obviously incorrect.



Stephen demonstrated wisdom and the filling of the Spirit. These men stood against him. However, because he was Spirit-filled, and because it is the Spirit who gave Scripture in the first place, they were unable to stand against his wisdom. The opposite must have been true as well. They foolishly tried to make their own case, and Stephen stood against them so that they would not be vindicated in their heads and feel wise in their own eyes.



In all such matters, be careful to evaluate the situation and respond with wisdom. Is this person a bag of hot air? Ignore him. Is this person foolishly handling Scripture to the detriment of himself and others? Respond to him. Consider, contemplate, and respond accordingly. Demonstrate your own wisdom by demonstrating the wisdom of God.



Lord God, help us not to get caught up in endless ramblings against fools who do not have the sense to listen to reason. It is unproductive and unhealthy. But, Lord, give us the wisdom to refute those who are simply following the wrong path and making an error in their thinking. Maybe they will listen. Yes, give us wisdom in such things. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:11

Saturday, April 2nd, 2022

Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” Acts 6:11


The words prior to this verse revealed that those of the Synagogue of the Freedmen were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which Stephen spoke. As this is so, they were obviously filled with jealousy, and they were also surely miffed at the surety of what he was saying, finding it wholly distasteful.



But this brings in an immediate problem. If Stephen’s words could not be resisted, and if they were based upon what is stated in Scripture, then what is stated in Scripture supports Stephen’s words. As this is so, who are they resisting? Stephen or the one Stephen is proclaiming. But the situation is unpalatable to them and so Luke records, “Then they secretly induced men.”



The word translated as “secretly induced” is found only here in Scripture, hupoballó. It comes from hupo, meaning “under,” and balló, signifying “to cast down.” As such, it gives the sense of throwing something in stealthily or introducing by collusion. A word that gives the proper sense is “suborn.” Vincent’s Word Studies gives examples to better understand its meaning –



“The verb originally means to put under, as carpets under one’s feet; hence, to put one person in place of another; to substitute, as another’s child for one’s own; to employ a secret agent in one’s place, and to instigate or secretly instruct him.”



These deceivers then are bringing a false accusation against Stephen, replacing the true intent of his words with a different meaning. It is what happened several times to Jesus, such as –



“Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, ‘This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” Matthew 26:59-61



However, in John, the true meaning of Jesus’ words is explained, there it says, “But He was speaking of the temple of His body” (John 2:21). The same type of false accusation will be brought forth by those who have been induced “to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words.’”



The exact words in the charge against him are found in verses 6:13, 14. They are words that have certainly added spice to those presented by Stephen, even if the substance of them may actually be close to what he said. This is because what Stephen said was, as already noted, surely in accord with Scripture. If it was not, then his words could have been easily resisted. However, they are falsely charging him with blasphemy “against Moses and God.”



The Greek has an additional force that is left untranslated. It reads indefinitely at first and then definitely, building to a climax by saying, “against Moses and the God.” As such, it is comparable to saying, “against Moses and God Himself.” The NLT gives the sense by saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.”



To this day, what is recorded as Stephen’s words (in verses 6:13, 14, and which will be evaluated as the commentary arrives at them) are charged by both Jews and unschooled Christians as being points of blasphemy. And yet, it is certain that they are words that are in accord with what is stated later in Acts and the epistles. As such, they are not only not words of blasphemy, but they are proper statements concerning the final, forever, and finished work of Jesus Christ.



Life application: Finding something distasteful to our senses in the word of God is not an excuse to argue against the word of God. In fact, it shows a rather dull sense in a person to do so. We might look at the actions of those from the Synagogue of the Freedmen as ridiculous – “If God’s word clearly reveals that Stephen’s words are correct, then why would they attack Stephen? It doesn’t change God’s word!”



But that is how we are. We will shoot the messenger, even when the army he represents is a thousand times larger, as if shooting the messenger will solve the problem. But the army is still outside the city, and it will only be more enraged and ready to destroy because of the offense against it.



The same is true with God’s word. We find the Freedmen’s actions ridiculous, but do we do the same thing? There is a point of doctrine laid out in the New Testament that we just don’t like. We disagree with it, and we hide it away or ignore it. For example, maybe the church we attend has a female pastor. The Bible is explicit that this is not allowed, but we don’t like that part of the word, and so we ignore it.



This does not change what the word says. Rather, it demonstrates an unwillingness to be obedient to the very word we have wrongly used to allow a female pastor. This is because she claims to be a Christian. Being a Christian is something that is derived from precepts laid out in the Bible. She claims to follow Jesus. But the proper way to follow Jesus is laid out in the Bible. She reads Scripture from the Bible each week. But she ignores the parts of the word that she disagrees with that are found in the same book from which she reads her Scripture and of which she bases her sermons on each week.



All of what she does ignores precepts in the very same book that she claims as the authority for her ordination, instruction, faith, and practice. It is confused, it is illogical, and it is as common as cans in the soup section of the grocery store.



When something is explicit in the word, we are to be obedient to it. It doesn’t matter a hill of beans if we agree with it or not, God is God. His word is our instruction. And we are to be honoring of the sanctity of the faith we profess by being obedient to His word.



Lord God, help us to be molded into Your image by being obedient to Your word. We are humans, and it is in our nature to buck against things we don’t like or things we find unpalatable. And so, Lord, change us from within. May we be pleasing to You in all ways and at all times. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:12

Sunday, April 3rd, 2022




And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. Acts 6:12




Charges of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God have been made against Stephen. With that, it now reads, “And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes.” The word translated as “stirred up” is found only here in the Bible. It comes from two other words signifying “together” and “move.” As such, it is to take the entire mass and to stir, resulting in an excited mixture.



The sense then isn’t that it was just the common people, but even the elders and scribes had been stirred up. It was as if the entire population was brought to a frenzy. A good example of the resulting mayhem is found in Acts 21 and 22 where Paul found himself in a similar pickle as the people beat him and shouted accusations against him. There is somewhat of an irony in the matter though, because Paul refers to this exact event in Acts 6 & 7 while stating his case concerning Christ –



“And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.” Acts 22:20



For now, the crowd around Stephen has been stirred up against him. Therefore, Luke next records, “and they came upon him.” The verb is an aorist participle and should be rendered, “and having come upon him.” That then naturally leads into the action whereby they “seized him.”



The word used here is found only in Luke and Acts. It is a compound word coming from sun (together with) and harpazó (to snatch away). In other words, it wasn’t that a group of people came upon him, and then one grabbed him. Rather, a whole group grabbed him. Maybe one took an arm while another took a leg. Pretty soon, he was lifted up and hauled away. Or it could be that they surrounded him like a mob, everyone laying a hand on him, and he was manhandled like someone in the process of being tackled in a football game.



The entire scene is active and alive as they jostled with their captive “and brought him to the council.” It is the same council that the apostles had been taken to, and it is the same council to which Jesus had been brought.



Life application: During the January 6 rally in Washington, there were people who stirred up the crowd, somewhat like what happened to Stephen. They were government informants and government operators who purposefully stirred up the people in order to later target those in the crowd as insurgents and insurrectionists.



Those who were otherwise innocent were brought into the fray and taken along with the miscreants who riled the people up in the first place. From there, those who actually stirred up the crowds were carefully ignored and any photos of them were excised from the public’s attention.



This is how such things get started. The tactics are recorded by Luke so that we can see that this is how humans work against one another in order to meet a set and perverse agenda. As this is so, it is wise to always be aware of your surroundings. If you suspect someone is stirring up the masses in order to incite them in an inappropriate way, be watchful and attentive to their actions.



This will probably become a more common tactic to be used against Christians in the days ahead. So, watch and be prepared to call out anyone who is seen to be setting up those of the faith for later accusation. Be alert and be ready to record any such person so that he can be identified when it is necessary to make a proper defense.



Heavenly Father, people have been wrongly accusing Your faithful all along. Help us to be prepared at such times to have a proper defense for our words and our actions. Today we have cameras on almost every phone. Help us to take advantage of them when needed so that we can single out such miscreants, thus protecting Your people from unjust accusations and harm. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:13

Monday, April 4th, 2022





They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; Acts 6:13




Stephen has been seized and brought to the council. Now that he stands before it, charges will be laid against him. However, Luke sadly notes that “They also set up false witnesses.” This is not unlike Jesus’ trial –



“Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, ‘This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” Matthew 26:59-61



The description of them as false witnesses is based upon twisting the words that he surely spoke, in order to make them say something he actually would not have said. The charge against Stephen is stated in this verse, but then the explanation of what is said will come in the next verse. They are words that bear some truth, and yet they are cunningly manipulated. For now, the charge is, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words.”



The word “blasphemous” is not in some ancient texts. Rather, it simply says, “This man does not cease to speak words.” Either way, the intent is the same. The false witnesses are making a claim based upon words only. Stephen has actually done nothing other than speak, and because this is so, his words can be easily manipulated to reflect something that will raise the ire of the council. The words they claim he has said are, first, “against this holy place.”



The meaning is “against the temple,” or the words may even extend to the holy city itself. Exactly what they claim Stephen said is yet to be noted, but it is true that the temple in particular, and the location of it in general, is considered holy –



The temple:

“O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance;

Your holy temple they have defiled;

They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.” Psalm 79:1



Jerusalem:

“Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 11:1, 2



But the accusation doesn’t stop there. After noting that Stephen spoke words against “this holy place,” they next add, “and the law.”



The “law” specifically refers to the Law of Moses. It was considered as divinely inspired by the Lord and written out by Moses. This would explain the earlier words of verse 11 that said, “against Moses and God.” The law is the covenant that established Israel as the Lord’s people, and it is the foundation of their society, culture, and lives. Everything Israel did from day to day, throughout the months, annually, and even throughout their lives rotated around precepts found in the law. To speak against the law would be considered both blasphemous and treasonous.



Life application: To speak against the word of God by those who profess to be Christians is something that should not be tolerated. It is the document that establishes the faith, and it is the document that records what God has done, is doing, and will do in order to bring men back to Himself.



As it is the document that details this, the implication is that it is divinely inspired. If it is not so, then what is the basis for the faith of the Christian? Man’s word? If so, then how can it be an accurate record of God’s workings? In other words, the Bible is either the word of God or it is not. The person who claims to be a Christian, and yet dismisses it, is basing his faith on pretty much nothing.



And this disbelief in the word will be true in varying degrees as well. Some claim that the first eleven chapters of Genesis are not an accurate record of what actually occurred. Some hold to the New Testament, but not the Old. And so on. And yet, these stances show a complete disconnect in how those people perceive God.



Jesus clearly held to the absolute integrity of the first eleven chapters of Genesis, as well as all of the Old Testament. The apostles did as well. And it is they who have explained the life of Jesus to us. Because of this, those who say that they believe in Jesus suddenly believe in a false (or maybe incompetent) Jesus. How can someone put their faith in a man who was wrong about something so basic as what the word of God actually contains? If this is so, He is not God. And if He is not God, then why on the earth would anyone follow Him?



The thinking is unclear at best, but it carries the same blasphemous undertones that are presented in Acts 6:13. To speak against the word is to speak against Jesus who confirmed the word. It is a scary place to be while claiming to be a Christian. Have faith. Trust the word of God as it is presented, and let God sort out for you the things you may not currently understand on the day come before Him.



Lord God, we may not understand everything that is in Your word, but we can take what it says as absolute truth when we accept it by faith. And so, help us to be people of faith. Your word confirms Your doings, and Your doings are bringing us back to You. Thank You for the glorious and precious gift that tells us of these things. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:14

Tuesday, April 5th, 2022




Tuesday, 5 April 2022



for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us. Acts 6:14

False witnesses were presented before the council to speak against Stephen. They began with “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.” They will now state the actual words they claim Stephen said. That begins with, “for we have heard him say.”



In order to make a charge of blasphemy against another, the words that are claimed to have been said must be presented. Further, according to the law, there had to be at least two or three witnesses in order for the words to be accepted as true. Hence, they say “we.” It is not that two false witnesses have come forward, each with his own different statement. Rather, they combine their voices into one accusation. When this is not done, the charges cannot be accepted. This was seen at the trial of Jesus –



“Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, 58 ‘We heard Him say, “I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.”’ 59 But not even then did their testimony agree.” Mark 14:57-59



There must be a minimum number of witnesses, and if they are making the same charge, the charge must be consistent with any others coming forward with the same accusation. In this case, they jointly state their words, saying, “that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place.”



The first point of these words concerns the way the Greek is structured, there is great contempt for the name they refer to – “Jesus of Nazareth, this.” It sets the tone for their testimony as being biased against the Lord. Also, there are two possible references to what they are speaking about –



Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”

21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. John 2:19-22



Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” Luke 21:5,6



In the first example, the reference – as John notes – was clearly to Jesus’ body. It is something that could be easily defended against because the apostles had already proclaimed that Jesus resurrected on the third day.



The second point to consider is what “this place” means. As noted in Acts 6:13, it could be either the temple or the entire city of Jerusalem. Jesus also said in Luke 21 –



“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:20-24



Either way, Jesus did not say that he would destroy the temple or Jerusalem. Rather, His words were a prophecy against the temple and the city, confirming that they would be destroyed. As distasteful as that may be to the Jews listening to the charges, it is not something that they could condemn Stephen or anyone else over.



A comparable passage is found in Jeremiah 26:1-19. Jeremiah prophesied against the temple and the city. The people wanted to stone him to death, but then Scripture provided previous testimony that what Jeremiah prophesied would come to pass. Therefore, they could not stone him without being guilty of his blood.



With the first charge stated, the second charge is next given, saying, “and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” Charles Ellicott says the following concerning these words –



“The words seem to have been used in a half-technical sense as including the whole complex system of the Mosaic law, its ritual, its symbolism, its laws and rules of life, circumcision, the Sabbath, the distinction of clean and unclean meats (Acts 15:1; Acts 21:21; Acts 26:3; Acts 28:17).”



He is correct in this analysis. It is an all-encompassing ending of the Mosaic Law. In whatever way Stephen worded his statement, it certainly included the words of Jesus that a New Covenant had been instituted. The author of Hebrews explains the meaning of this, and it is something that the young church took time to grasp. But it appears to be something that Stephen understood from the outset –



“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



Again, the Jews may dislike what he has said, but it is nothing that was not already fully supported by their own Scriptures –



“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34



As this is the case, and as Jesus claimed to be the Initiator of that New Covenant, the burden of proof now rested on the council to prove that it was not so. Stephen has past precedent and also the weight of prophecy in Scripture on his side, both from the same source – Jeremiah the prophet. When the accusations were rightly considered within the context of when and how Jesus spoke His words, there could be no doubt that Stephen was innocent of the charges against him.



Life application: The Bible is a big book, filled with wonderful stories, prophetic utterances, praises to God, insightful analyses of what God is doing in the stream of time and human existence, and so much more. It is a self-confirming word as well. One section may seem to bring in an impossible to resolve dilemma, and then another section will come along and take care of the issue, confirming that the Lord is in control of all things.



However, the only way you will ever be able to know how these various things are presented is to … … … read your Bible. Until you read it, you cannot know the treasure and wonder that is to be found in it. It is God’s gift to you. Open it up and revel in it. You can start today by reading Jeremiah 26:1-19 which is referred to above.



How precious is Your word, O God! It is more delightful than the sweetest honey. Thank You for Your wonderful word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 6:15

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022




And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. Acts 6:15


To get the proper sense of the flow of the words, the verbs must be corrected, and the order of the clauses needs to be reversed. The NKJV says, “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him…”



Rather, the original text reads, “And having looked steadfastly at him, all those sitting in the council…” When reading the previous verses together with this, it comes alive. The action moves from the accusers of the previous verse to Stephen. The council is held, they are looking at the accusers as each presents his case. With their words complete, only then are the eyes turned to the accused. This includes “all those sitting in the council.”



The verb is an aorist participle. They are sitting there with their eyes fixed on the accused. It is as if the reader is actually viewing the trial as it happens. What the council is now seeing is what the reader is also able to mentally see. And that is, as Luke notes, that they “saw his face as the face of an angel.”



Unfortunately, many commentaries unnecessarily state what is compared here to a shining or radiant countenance, as if Stephen has already started to be glorified. Or some say that the illumination of God is coming forth from his countenance. For example, the Pulpit Commentary says that he was “illuminated with a Divine radiance.” There is no reason to assume anything like this, nor would it agree with what actually happens to Stephen towards the end of Chapter 7.



Rather, the idea being expressed here is one of confidence, serenity, discernment, being undisturbed by the challenge against him, and so on. Three examples where a similar expression is used will give the sense. None of these are referring to a supernatural shining or illumination. Rather, they speak of a human who is in control of his emotions and exudes confidence –



“And Jacob said, ‘No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.’” Genesis 33:10



“Your maidservant said, ‘The word of my lord the king will now be comforting; for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king in discerning good and evil. And may the Lord your God be with you.’” 2 Samuel 14:17



“And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king, but my lord the king is like the angel of God. Therefore do what is good in your eyes.” 2 Samuel 19:27



Life application: It is true that angels (messengers) are seen at times in Scripture to have a radiance that is beyond human, but when that is the case, it is also explicitly stated. At other times, angels – even the angel of the Lord (meaning the eternal Christ) – appears completely human. So much is this the case that the one who sees Him will not even realize He is the Lord. For example, this is seen in Judges 6.



When something is beyond what is normally experienced, it will say so. And so, as you read the Bible, consider each passage just as it is presented, just as if you were reading any normal book. When the sensational comes, it will be explained in the text. This is actually an important lesson because the more sensational we make the passage in our own minds (or as someone has presented it), the less it may be reflecting what the actual intent is.



In this state, the Bible becomes something that goes beyond a book about the redemption of man, and the focus becomes like a Hollywood movie. This type of approach is hugely popular, and videos like this will get countless views, but the people are also desensitized to the main point of what Scripture is telling us.



God loves us, God sent His Son (in an otherwise unremarkable human form) in order to redeem us, and we are being brought back to Him through His wonderful program of redemption. That alone is the most sensational news of all! Let us not miss the beauty of God’s workings by going off into many over-sensationalized paths.



What a treasure! What a gift! What a marvelous wonder is Your word, O God. It gives us the details of the most glorious thing we could imagine. It tells us of restoration with You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You for what this precious word conveys concerning Him! Amen. 

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:1

Thursday, April 7th, 2022


Thursday, 7 April 2022



Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” Acts 7:1


Chapter 6 ended with the charge of blasphemy raised against Stephen while he stood confidently before the council. As it is noted of him, “his face was like the face of an angel.” He had nothing to fear because the truth was on his side, even if he was falsely accused. And even if the false accusations prevailed in the court, they could not prevail over his security in Christ. Hence there was nothing to be timid about.



Chapter 7 now opens with a simple question from the high priest who is obviously in the position to lead the council. Luke records this, saying, “Then the high priest said.” As this is a matter of a religious nature, it is handled under the authority of the high priest. Rome decided if a conquered nation could worship its god or gods, and to what extent they were allowed to do so. They understood that a nation that can practice its religion openly was likely to be less of a threat than one that could not.



The religious life of Israel was found acceptable to the Romans and so it was allowed to continue, even if politics were involved in the matter of appointing high priests and the like. With this authority allowed, the Sanhedrin met, and the high priest conducted his duties for the nation, leading the religion accordingly. In this case, the question asked of Stephen is, “Are these things so?”



It is a simple question, anticipating a plea of guilt or innocence, but with the allowance that the one charged could speak in his own defense. In this case, the simple question addressed to Stephen will turn into 52 verses of response, none of which directly answers the high priest’s query. Instead, it will be a history lesson concerning the state of Israel’s relationship with, and continued rejection of, the Lord. Stephen’s words ahead are much more of an accusation against the nation than were the simple charges of blasphemy against him.



The events now, even the questioning by the high priest, are similar to what happened at the trial of Jesus –



Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Matthew 26:57-63



Life application: Stephen has a choice concerning his response. Should he try to defend himself against the false charges, or will his response serve a greater purpose if he speaks of other matters? In his case, he will actually go on the offensive. Though he may not have fully realized it at the time, his words now form a lengthy note of accusation against Israel.



As this is recorded in the word of God, it stands as a testimony to why Israel was punished, sent into exile, and has lived under the curses of Deuteronomy 28 for the past two millennia. It is up to Israel, meaning the leadership of the nation, to acknowledge their guilt and to call on Jesus (see Matthew 23:37-39).



Although it is right and proper to support the nation of Israel, it is not right to blindly support them without calling out their guilt. They bear guilt in rejecting the Lord, and they bear the guilt of failing to measure up to the laws found within the covenant they agreed to at Mount Sinai. Until they come into the New Covenant, they remain bound to the Old. Pray that those in Israel will have their eyes opened to their state before the Lord – both as individuals and as a nation.



Heavenly Father, the Bible is Your witness to the world – both Israel and the world at large – as to what You are doing in redemptive history. Help us to never withhold telling the entire story that we are aware of when it is needed to open people’s eyes to whatever truth they have not yet grasped. May we be ready to tell anyone and everyone about those things that are clearly presented in Your word that will help them understand the things You expect of them. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:2

Friday, April 8th, 2022

And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, Acts 7:2

At the beginning of Chapter 7, as seen in the last verse, the high priest asked if the charges against Stephen were true. Stephen now begins his response without even providing an answer to the charge. Instead, he dives right into giving a dissertation on the history of Israel. Luke records his words, beginning with, “And he said, ‘Brethren and fathers, listen.’”



The word “brethren” is stated as a general address. It is directed to all who hear as equal members of the society of those of Israel as far as cultural affiliation is concerned. The word “fathers” indicates the members of the council specifically, acknowledging that they are in authority positions, and thus it is an extra note of courtesy and honor.



The idea would be the same as addressing a church where all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). And yet, the elders are to be given double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). Stephen is acknowledging both at the same time. He is noting that he is of Israel, just as they are, but they are also elders of the society and are due an additional mark of respect.



With this opening address complete, he begins his general discourse, saying, “The God of glory.” The phrase is a rare one in the way it is presented. The Greek has an article that is often left untranslated, but it should probably be rendered in this statement – “The God of the glory.” The same idea is expressed in Psalm 24:7 where the Hebrew also uses a definite article before the word “glory” –



“Lift up, gates, your heads

And be lifted up, doors, everlasting

And shall come in the King of the glory.” (CG)



Though the expression used by Stephen is unusual, the idea behind it is quite common. The glory of God is expressed throughout both testaments of Scripture in various ways. Some scholars explain the term as denoting the visible glory manifested at times by the Lord. There is no reason at all to assume this.



The word “glory” is from the Greek word “dóksa (from dokeō, ‘exercising personal opinion which determines value’) – glory. … dóksa (‘glory’) corresponds to the OT word, kabo (OT … ‘to be heavy’). Both terms convey God’s infinite, intrinsic worth (substance, essence)” (HELPS Word Studies).



Stephen is certainly referring to God’s state of worth, being the Creator of all things. Whether there is an outward expression of this or not at any given time, He remains of the same worth. The reason for Stephen stating the description of Him in this manner may be to alert the council that he regards the glory of God as something uniquely tied to Him. As such, he would not be one to blaspheme Him in any manner. Next, he says that God “appeared to our father Abraham.”



This is something that happened quite a few times in the life of Abraham. At key points in his life, the Bible records the visitations of the Lord to him. Sometimes, only a conversation is recorded. At other times, the Lord appeared in a human form (see Genesis 18:1, 2). In such an instance, it is surely a visit of the Lord by the eternal Christ, meaning Jesus.



However, until Stephen’s speech, this particular visitation now being noted by him has been left unstated. He says that God appeared to him “when he was in Mesopotamia.” That is seen in the words, “before he dwelt in Haran.”



The meaning then is that the Lord appeared to him in Ur of the Chaldeans, the place from which Abraham originally came. The only thing said of this in Genesis is recorded in a few passages, such as –



“And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there.” Genesis 11:31



“Then He said to him, ‘I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.’” Genesis 15:7



“And Joshua said to all the people, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from the other side of the River, led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac.’” Joshua 24:2, 3



Other such references are found in Scripture, but – like these – they do not explicitly speak of the Lord appearing to Abraham while in Mesopotamia. Instead, they only speak in a general way, without any note of a personal appearance, even if it may be implied.



Some will tie Stephen’s words into Genesis 12:1, but that is then explained in Genesis 12:4 as being a departure from Haran, not Ur. As such, Stephen’s words provide explicit details not previously seen. This is the first of several times that Stephen will give insights into the biblical narrative that are not explicitly stated elsewhere, thus making his speech a most important source for understanding some key things that would otherwise not be known.



Life application: There are times when we can make inferences about what is going on in Scripture, but unless something is explicitly stated, it is best to acknowledge our inference as such. In the case of the Lord appearing to Abraham, without Stephen’s words in Acts, such an inference would have to be stated in this way.



But because Stephen said what he said, we are no longer bound to a mere inference, and we can rightly state that the Lord explicitly appeared to Abraham even before the first recorded appearance in the book of Genesis. This then means that we must be familiar with all of Scripture in order to make such a statement.



Therefore, it is incumbent on us to check things out when they are presented to us by pastors, preachers, and teachers. It is also incumbent on us to read the word again and again, until we are familiar with it. And finally, it means that when we find that our initial analysis of something was wrong, we should go about correcting it in the future.



The Bible is a big and complicated book. Let us diligently study it each and every day of our lives. It is certain making His word a priority is pleasing to the Lord. Read and study it!



Glorious Heavenly Father, help us to be people of study, knowing that You have given us Your word so that we can know it and then act in accord with Your will. We can certainly see Your glorious hand at work in the pages of Scripture and as it is revealed in the ongoing movement of human history. Thank You for Your wonderful word! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:3

Saturday, April 9th, 2022




and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Acts 7:3




The previous verse revealed that God had appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia, even before he dwelt in Haran. Continuing that thought, and still speaking of God, it next says, “and said to him.”



The Lord has a purpose for Abraham. As such, He sovereignly entered into his life and spoke to him in order for His will to come about within the stream of human existence. Note that this is a communication to Abraham, and not some type of overwhelming impulse. It doesn’t say, “God appeared to Abraham and impelled him to do such and so.” Instead, He speaks to him. With that understood, it next says, “Get out of your country.”



The Lord is now directing the steps of Abraham, calling him out of Ur of the Chaldees in Mesopotamia. There is no indication concerning how long his family had lived there, but it was not a short span as can be determined from the next words, “and from your relatives.”



Abraham’s family had moved to Ur at some point in time, and they had become established there long enough to grow into an extended family of relatives. This is certain because when he left, he took along his immediate family, leaving other relatives behind. Because of this, it wasn’t just a temporary home that a traveling Bedouin might pick up and move from. Rather, it was a place of family, memories, and roots. But the Lord directed him, and he responded after hearing the words, “and come to a land that I will show you.”



The same Greek word was used in the previous clause as in this clause. It should be translated as such –



Get out of your land and from your relatives

And come to a land that I will show you.



The land in which Abraham lived was known, it had family, it was what he knew. On the other hand, the land to which the Lord directed him was unknown, it had no family, and he had no idea what awaited him. But it was known to the Lord. Abraham, hearing the call of the Lord, now had a choice to make. Although it may seem obvious to us now that he would say, “Well, God has spoken and so I must do as He instructs.” But that is not the case at all, is it?



Life application: The Lord appeared to Abraham and told him to pick up and move on. Even if it was only one generation that he lived in Ur, the fact is that it was his home. He had family there, and it was his land. Would he be obedient to the Lord’s direction? We can say, “Well, what did he have to lose, and how much he had to gain!”



But this is all because of our knowledge of the story and how it plays out. He had no idea at all what lay ahead, and we have no idea at all what he was leaving behind. All we have is the fact that the Lord has spoken and that Abraham, as we now know, did as the Lord said. Again, as noted above, we might think, “Of course, he went. God told him to do so, and he would be a fool to not do so!”



But then, we would probably be pointing at ourselves, right? We say that we believe in Jesus. We claim that He is the Lord, and we are His people. If that is so, then we are claiming that we have a knowledge of who He is and that if He speaks to us, we will do just as he has said. But wait… He has “said.” His word is what we call the Bible. It is the only source of who Jesus is. We have used information from that source to say that we believe He is the Lord and that He is our Savior.



So, what is the difference? The difference is great! Abraham did not have the story as we do. He did not know the end from the beginning. He did not know what would happen along the way or what it would be like when he got there. And yet, Abraham obeyed.



We do have the story, from the beginning (Genesis 1:1) to the end (Revelation 22:21). We know the major plan of what will happen along the way, because the Bible has laid it out. And we know just what the land we are heading to will be like, because its marvelous description is given in Revelation. And yet, we – unlike Abraham – do not simply hear and obey.



In fact, quite often, we don’t hear at all because we don’t listen. How can we hear unless we read what He has spoken out for us? And in the times when we do hear, we often still fail to do as instructed. How great was the faith of Abraham! How failing and weak is our faith! Let us be people of faith. Let us be obedient to the word. May the Lord find us faithful to comply. May it be so, to our benefit and to His glory.



Heavenly Father, we have Your precious word. It is not overburdensome at all. Instead, it is a guide for us to use as we head to the fairer land which You have promised us. Help us to see this, and to be obedient to Your will and Your word as we take our steps along this journey of life. Yes, help us in this Lord God. Amen. 

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:4

Sunday, April 10th, 2022


Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. Acts 7:4


The previous verses referred to Abraham’s having been called out of Mesopotamia and to a land that God would show him. The words now continue, and they clearly show that the calling indicated here is not the same as the statement referred to in Genesis 12:1. He was first called out of Ur, and then the Lord spoke to him again sometime later. Luke’s words of the verse begin with, “Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran.”



The verb is an aorist participle. The words more appropriately read, “Then having come out of the land of the Chaldeans, he dwelt in Haran.” With the proper rendering, it is one continuous action as the reader follows the words of Stephen. The movement to this location, Haran, is recorded in Genesis 11:31 –



“And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there.”



The call out of Ur was to Abraham, but it is Terah, the father, who led the family out. It is speculation, but the name of the location, Haran, may have been selected by Terah in honor of his dead son. He is recorded in Genesis 11:26 –



“Now Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran.”



No matter what, they were called out of Mesopotamia, and along the way, they stopped in this location and stayed. The Bible does not say why. It says nothing of disobedience to the Lord in having done so or anything like that. All that is recorded is that they dwelt in Haran.



If one were to speculate, it may be that the selection of the location was because Terah liked it, or maybe he was too frail to move on. It could be that the Lord purposed that Abraham, not Terah, would be considered the father of the people’s time in Canaan, and so Terah was not to be the one to lead the family into the land. No matter what the reason, they stayed there in Haran. But Luke next records Stephen, saying, “And from there, when his father was dead.”



That agrees with Genesis 11:32 –



“So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran.”



The dating here brings in a problem. Genesis 11:26 (above) said that Terah was seventy years old when he had his sons. And yet, it says that Abraham was 75 when he departed from Haran in Genesis 12:4. That leaves 60 years that are hard to reconcile with the biblical narrative. But this is not really a problem.



All it says is that Terah was seventy years old when he had his sons. Abraham is placed first in the list, but this does not mean that either Abraham was born first, nor does it mean that all the sons were born by the time he was seventy. Rather, Abraham is placed first, just as the Bible often places the son of the chosen line first. And so, Terah started to have sons, not finished having sons, at seventy.



With this, we can see that Terah would have been one hundred and thirty when he had Abraham. That would have been in the year 2009AM (from the creation of the world). Terah was seventy when he had his first child, Haran, and Haran would have been sixty years older than Abraham.



With this complication explained, Luke next writes that “He moved him to this land in which you now dwell.” That is the second calling of Abraham, but the first calling recorded in Genesis –



“Now the Lord had said to Abram:

‘Get out of your country,

From your family

And from your father’s house,

To a land that I will show you.

2 I will make you a great nation;

I will bless you

And make your name great;

And you shall be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you,

And I will curse him who curses you;

And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’

4 So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” Genesis 12:1-4



Life application: There is often confusion in how people read and interpret difficult verses such as what is presented in Acts 7:4. Many find it easy to simply say there is an error in the chronology presented by Stephen. Others use a text which has obviously been manipulated. For example, the Samaritan Pentateuch simply changes Terah’s age from two hundred and five to one hundred and five. Because it simplifies things, they claim that must be the true reading.



However, by following the timeline of the world (as noted above with the year of Abraham’s birth), the chronology fits perfectly. The study of understanding the biblical narrative is hard at times, but it is well worth the effort in order to see what God is doing, and also to see just how accurate the Bible actually is.



To understand the timeline of the world, as it is recorded in the Bible, the chronology as compiled during the giving of the Superior Word sermons will be provided below. It goes as far as Deuteronomy because that is where the sermons are up to at the time of writing this Acts commentary. It would be beneficial to you to print this off and keep it handy.



This chronology carefully follows the Bible, but for any given date there may be a deviation of a single year depending on what time of the year an event occurs. However, it closely and accurately reflects what is faithfully recorded in Scripture within one year throughout the entire chronology.



Take time to carefully study the details as you read the Bible. It is well worth your time. You will find that what some people claim are “errors” is simply their lack of careful study showing through.



Lord God, thank You that we have a sure and reliable word. It is a treasure and a marvel to follow its many wonderful patterns and truths as we read of the story of redemption as You have laid it out. We know we have a sure word! Thank You for this. Amen.