Superior Word Daily Devotional on the Book of Acts

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:5

Monday, April 11th, 2022




And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. Acts 7:5


The previous verse referred to the coming of Abraham from Haran to Canaan after the death of his father. Despite being called to Canaan, Stephen’s words continue by saying, “And God gave him no inheritance in it.”



The statement is given to show that Abraham, despite being promised the inheritance, would only receive it through his offspring. As such it is an inheritance based on faith. This is clearly attested to in Hebrews –



“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10



Abraham heard the word, accepted it, and lived by it in faith. He was obedient to God, anticipating the promise while living as a sojourner. Understanding this, Stephen continues, saying, “not even enough to set his foot on.”



The Greek more literally reads, “not even the step of a foot.” The word “step” is the noun béma. It signifies a step, a raised place, or a platform that is walked up to in order to receive judgment. The idea is that one spot where the step of a foot is made was more than Abraham actually received as an inheritance in his life. This same idea was expressed in Deuteronomy concerning the land of Edom as Israel passed through it –



“And command the people, saying, ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your brethren, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Therefore watch yourselves carefully. 5 Do not meddle with them, for I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as one footstep, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession.’” Deuteronomy 2:4, 5



It is an expression then that signifies a total exclusion of any possession at all. Despite this, Abraham did make a purchase of land while dwelling in Canaan. That is recorded in Genesis 23 when he bought a field and cave for the burial of Sarah (and later for himself and other family members). In this, there is nothing contradictory to what is said by Stephen. This was not an inheritance, but a purchase. Further, it was not for the living, but for the dead. It was an act of faith in hope of the resurrection and the true land of promise that Canaan only typified.



Continuing on, Stephen next says, “But even when Abraham had no child.” This refers to the state of Sarah’s barren womb, even at an advanced age. Abraham remained childless, but God had promised that he would possess the land through his own child, as Stephen notes, “He promised to give it to him for a possession.”



This would be considered problematic. Abraham has been given a promise, he has not personally been allowed any of what the promise signifies, and so the promise would have to be through a child, and yet he had no child. This conundrum is seen in the words of Genesis 15 –



“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’

2 But Abram said, ‘Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ 3 Then Abram said, ‘Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!’” Genesis 15:1-3



With that understood, the Lord confirmed His promise to Abraham. Stephen notes this with the words, “and to his descendants after him.”



Despite being old and without an heir, the Lord spoke to Abraham that the promise stood and would come to pass –



“Andbehold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.’ 5 Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’

6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

7 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 15:4-7



Abraham, by faith, accepted the word of the Lord. He dwelt in tents, he remained confident that the Lord’s word was true, and he did not doubt or resist what was spoken to him. Stephen’s words about Abraham are making a point for the leaders of Israel to consider if they will simply pay heed.



Life application: Abraham heard the word of the Lord and accepted it by faith. When given a promise that seemed absolutely incredible, even impossible by any stretch of the imagination, he believed the Lord’s word.



In the Bible, there are claims made, and great and rich promises given to the people of God. Some of the things that are said are incredible. The Bible tells us that Jesus died for our sins, but that He was also raised again. Such a thing, meaning a man coming back to life after being crucified, would seem impossible by any stretch of the imagination, and yet God asks us to believe that it is true.



If one cannot believe that, then the other promises of God will never apply to him. What is presented is given for us to accept by faith. As faith is exclusive of works, then to work for what is promised is an offense to the One who promises.



Be steadfast in your faith that the word of God is true, that what it conveys will come to pass, and that your faith in what it says is all you need in order to appropriate what is promised. This is what will be pleasing to God, not your attempts to buy Him off through the observance of certain rites or rituals. God has done the work. Just believe! That is what He asks of you.



Heavenly Father, if we truly believe that You are God and that the Bible is Your word, then we should have no problem accepting that what it says is true. Help us in our lack of faith. Give us the ability to understand those things that are incredible and to accept them as they are written. May we faithfully trust in Your word as we await the fulfillment of the promises that You have spoken out. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:6

Tuesday, April 12th, 2022


But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. Acts 7:6

The previous verse spoke of God giving Abraham no inheritance despite the Lord promising him the land for a possession, even to his descendants after him. With that noted, words that are often completely misunderstood are presented by Stephen, beginning with, “But God spoke in this way.”



This is obviously referring to something already recorded in Scripture that must be cited in order to confirm what Stephen is saying. For now, Stephen continues with his words, saying, “that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land.”



This is still referring to Abraham. His descendants, specifically to be understood as the line of promise, would dwell in a foreign land. That this is specifically understood to be the line of promise, and not just any of his descendants, is based on what it said in the previous verse with the words, “He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him.” It refers to the inheritance, and only those who are of the line of promise were given the inheritance.



Ishmael was sent away from the inheritance in Genesis 21. Likewise, it says this of Abraham’s other children in Genesis 25 –



“And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. 6 But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east.” Genesis 25:5, 6



As the other descendants have been removed from the inheritance, it is seen that this is only speaking of the chosen line, meaning through Isaac and then Jacob. Of this line, it next says, “and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them.”



Because of these words, it is often assumed that this is only speaking of the time in Egypt. It is an incorrect assumption. The descendants of Abraham would be brought into bondage and oppression. But even in Egypt that was not always the case. The first years of their stay in Egypt were under Joseph. Thus, the words “bondage” and “oppress” are not being used collectively, as if both were occurring at the same time and/or all of the time. They are words that indicate the state of things at any given time.



To further define this, Stephen finishes the verse with the words, “four hundred years.” It is a set time frame that is then assumed, incorrectly, as referring only to the time in Egypt. For example, Meyer’s NT Commentary not only erroneously evaluates this verse, but he ascribes error to Paul in Galatians 3:17 concerning his words. Rather, it is Meyers who is incorrect. He says –



“τετρακόσια] [tetrakousia means ‘four hundred’] Here, as in an oracle, the duration is given, as also at Gen. l.c., in round numbers; but in Exodus 12:40 this period of Egyptian sojourning and bondage (ἜΤΗ ΤΕΤΡΑΚ. belongs to the whole ἜΣΤΑΙ … ΚΑΚΏΣΟΥΣΙΝ) is historically specified exactly as 430 years. In Galatians 3:17 (see in loc.), Paul has inappropriately referred the chronological statement of Exodus 12:40 to the space of time from the promise made to Abraham down to the giving of the law.”



Meyers is completely wrong in this, and Paul’s note in Galatians 3:17 is exact. This is not solely referring to the “period of Egyptian sojourning and bondage.” Rather, it is referring to dwelling in Canaan and in Egypt. The “four hundred” years that Stephen is referring to are spoken of by the Lord in Genesis 15 –



“Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: ‘Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.’” Genesis 15:12-14



This is clearly referring to both Canaan and Egypt. By referring to the Acts 7:4 commentary Biblical Timeline of the World attachment (that you were admonished to print off and keep handy J), this can be seen. Isaac was born in 2109AM. Israel departed Egypt in 2514AM. Understanding these, one can then note that Genesis 21:8-10 is the beginning of the persecutions by other nations –



“So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned.

9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, ‘Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.’”



Even though this was only two young boys, it is one nation oppressing another. A child is normally weaned between two and four years old, and so one can see that the timeframe indicated by Stephen is right at four hundred years, (2514-2109 is approximately a four-hundred-year period) plus or minus a couple of years. This could even be exactly four hundred years if Isaac was weaned at the outside of the normal timeframe and the other events occurred at the time before or after the middle of the starting and ending years. Thus, the biblical timeline is exacting in what it states.



The extra thirty years Paul refers to in Galatians 3:17 is exactingly seen in the Biblical Timeline of the world where Abram was called to move to Canaan in 2084AM. Israel departed Egypt in 2514AM. This is exactly 430 years. Paul’s words are vindicated by a correct reading of the biblical timeline.



Further, to confirm that the words, “dwell in a foreign land” refer to both Canaan and Egypt, Hebrews 11 uses the same word, allotrios, to describe the time Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dwelt in the land of Canaan –



“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:9, 10



The biblical timeline is exact, the words of Scripture – meaning that given in Genesis, Stephen in Acts, and Paul in Galatians – are all exact and without error. It just takes time and study to determine it is so.



Life application: In the Meyer’s NT Commentary cited above, there are evaluations of the biblical text and of the Greek words specifically. There are adamant stances taken, and there are accusations against the accuracy of the Bible being made. And yet, what is stated is completely inaccurate.



To trust someone simply because he is trained in Hebrew, Aramaic, and/or Greek is not smart. Many scholars are trained in any or all of these and they come to completely different conclusions. Sometimes their conclusions are like polar opposites.



Likewise, to follow a person simply because he is Jewish is not smart. Just because someone may live in the land of Israel and speak Hebrew, it conveys nothing about his understanding of Scripture. Similarly, to follow someone because he has a Doctorate in Theology, pastors a church, has written extensive commentaries, or so on, is not wise.



These are known as source fallacies. To accept someone’s opinion on a matter based on their source (knowledge of a language, race or culture, degree, and so on) says nothing of his actual knowledge of a subject. In biblical theology, the only thing that matters is if the person is properly analyzing the word. And that, for any given passage. Meyers certainly analyzed some things properly, and yet he completely botched his analysis cited above.



The only way for you to know if what he says is correct this time and wrong the next is to… is to… is to KNOW YOUR BIBLE and to study what is presented.



Read the word! Study it. Think about it. And trust no one until you have verified what that person has said. Study to show yourself approved!



Lord God Almighty, Your word is beautiful. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:7

Wednesday, April 13th, 2022


‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ Acts 7:7




The previous verse referred to the dwelling of Israel in a foreign land, being brought into bondage, and the time frame – four hundred years – in which this would occur. With that stated, Stephen now continues quoting the Lord, saying, “And the nation to whom they will be in bondage.”



This is referring to Egypt. Approximately half of the period referred to will be in Egypt. And for a period of that time while in Egypt, they were brought into bondage –



“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, ‘Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; 10 come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.’ 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. 13 So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor.” Exodus 1:8-14



As can be seen, the bondage was not the entire span of four hundred years. Only a part of the time was spent in Egypt. Further, only a part of the time in Egypt was a time of bondage. With the reference understood, Stephen’s words continue, quoting God, and saying of this nation, “I will judge,’ said God.”



That is explicitly stated in Genesis 15 –



“Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: ‘Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.’” Genesis 15:12-16



So far, as long as the proper reference is understood, the words of Stephen have followed the narrative logically and without any real difficulty. But, as with the previous verse, there is debate about the next words. Stephen finishes verse 7 saying, “and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.”



It is not uncommon for scholars to change the reference here from Abraham and Canaan to Moses and Mount Sinai. This is because Stephen’s words closely match the words of Exodus when Moses spoke with the Lord on Sinai –



“So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’” Exodus 3:12



This is problematic, however, because the reference immediately returns to Abraham in Stephen’s next words of verse 7:8. As such, this is not speaking of Moses and Mount Sinai at all. Rather, it is still referring to the conversation between the Lord and Abraham. That is found later in Genesis 15 –



“And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 18 On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:

‘To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— 19 the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.’” Genesis 15:17-21



By the Lord giving the land to Abraham’s descendants after they are brought out of Egypt, it implies that they will serve the Lord in Canaan (“this place”), rather than on Sinai (“this mountain”). Stephen’s terminology varies from both Genesis 15 and Exodus 3. As such, determining which is the proper reference must be done apart from direct quotes. In this case, the reference being Abraham has not changed, and Stephen’s words – though not a direct quote – are implied in (and fully supported by) the text.



Life application: There are difficulties in Scripture that are easy to simply pass over with the most expedient explanation. We hear it, it sounds ok, and so we move on. But this only confuses the narrative. Thus, it is better to consider that the first, and easiest, explanation may not be the correct one. Unless the issue is clear and without any controversy, we should consider all of the options we can think of, or refer to.



By doing this, we will keep things in their proper context. As noted above, Abraham was the reference in the text, and Abraham will continue to be the reference in the text. Thus, contemplating the difficulty in the intervening words, and considering them from Stephen’s perspective, will eventually lead to what was on his mind.



On the other hand, there was a difficulty in the previous verse where both Canaan and Egypt were being referred to, while certain words only applied to Egypt. Then, in this verse, only Egypt is the reference. As such, it is expedient to just say, “everything is referring to Egypt.” However, in doing this, the timeline of the actual Genesis narrative is then completely botched up.



Real care needs to be taken concerning this precious word. Let us be willing to spend the time to make sure that what we are presenting is actually properly aligned with what God has already presented.



Glorious God, Your word is big, difficult at times, and filled with things that take a lot of mental exertion to figure out. But it is worth the effort. At the end of the day, may we say, “I have done my very best to properly and rightly divide this sacred treasure.” To Your glory! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:8

Thursday, April 14th, 2022




Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs. Acts 7:8




Stephen has just detailed the history of Abraham, from his call out of Mesopotamia, even until the time of the covenant set forth in Genesis 15 that came with the promise that the Lord would bring Abraham’s descendants out of bondage to serve Him in the land of Canaan. It is with this history in mind that Stephen now says, “Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision.”



There is no article before “circumcision,” and it should be left out. Circumcision is not the covenant. Rather, it refers to the covenant that had just been explained by Stephen. It is the sign of the covenant, as is explained in Genesis 17:1-8. After that, it then says –



“And God said to Abraham: ‘As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.’” Genesis 17:9-11



A sign is something that points to something else. Being misunderstood, a Jew will point to their circumcision and say, “See, this makes me righteous.” But that is incorrect. Paul explains this in Romans 2 –



“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Romans 2:28, 29



Many cultures circumcise, and it does not make them righteous. As such, this sign does not make Abraham’s descendants righteous, but it is a sign of what the covenant speaks of. Two translations that convey this properly, even if they are somewhat of a paraphrase, are –



“Then God gave to Abraham the ceremony of circumcision as a sign of the covenant. So Abraham circumcised Isaac a week after he was born; Isaac circumcised his son Jacob, and Jacob circumcised his twelve sons, the famous ancestors of our race.” GNT



“And God gave Abraham a covenant of [which] circumcision [was the sign]; and so [under these circumstances] Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac [became the father] of Jacob, and Jacob [became the father] of the twelve patriarchs.” Amplified



With this understood, Stephen continues with, “and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day.” This is in obedience to the word of the Lord as later explained in Genesis 17 –



“He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” Genesis 17:12-14



Circumcision (on the eighth day) is a necessary condition of the covenant, but it is not the covenant itself. Paul further explains this in Romans 4 –



“Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.” Romans 4:9-12



Abraham was obedient to the covenant, and he circumcised Isaac on the eighth day. After this, Stephen next states, “and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.” These words are given to define the line through whom the conditions of the covenant apply. All of this is spoken by Stephen to argue against the accusations levied against him.



One of those charges was that Jesus would “change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” The law of Moses records the requirement for circumcising on the eighth day in Leviticus 12:3. However, Stephen appears to have understood that if the law was now annulled in Christ, it means that circumcision was not a requirement for being a part of the New Covenant.



This then lays the groundwork for Paul’s argument for justification by faith. Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised, as stated above in Romans 4. As this is so, then, as Paul notes, the law coming four hundred and thirty years later, “cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect” (Galatians 3:17).



Because of this, the sign of circumcision must have a different purpose for God to have given it to Abraham. And it does. As a sign points to something else, and that thing – in this case – is based on the righteousness of Abraham, one must understand where that righteousness came from, which was the faith he had while still uncircumcised (Romans 4:11). It was faith in the promise of God stated in Genesis 15:4, 5.



Thus, a sign was given to confirm that it was faith in the promises of God that would be the mark of being declared righteous. The sign, then, points to Christ Jesus. The rite of circumcision, which is the sign, is the cutting of the male sex organ. As sin is inherited, there must be a way that it is transmitted. That is understood to be through the uniting of a man and a woman. When a child is conceived, that child inherits Adam’s sin.



Cutting the male organ is the sign. It represents cutting the transmission of sin. And sin is that which makes a person unrighteous. When Christ came, He was born of a virgin and of God. Thus, no sin was transmitted to Him. As this was so, the “sign” of circumcision was fulfilled. The sign pointed to the coming Messiah – Jesus.



Thus, the words of Romans 4 (above) are realized. It is by faith in God’s promise, as fulfilled in Christ Jesus, that righteousness is granted – the righteousness of God in Christ. As such, and though the dull leaders of Israel did not grasp this, Stephen was clearly indicating that the words he spoke concerning “changing the customs” may have been misunderstood, but they were not blasphemous. Rather, they were in accord with the redemptive plans of God in Christ.



Life application: A little thought concerning what God is doing in the stream of redemptive history clears up many misconceptions about really important theological issues. In this one instance, when carefully considered, several points of doctrine – some of which will lead to heresy if incorrect – can be determined:



The law is annulled in Christ.

The sign of circumcision is fulfilled in Christ.

Salvation is, by default, eternal.

Faith, and nothing else, is what saves a person.

These, and certainly many other points, can be deduced from what is presented above. Be sure to not only read the Bible, but think on it, study it, read commentaries on it. Don’t be so headstrong that you would reject something you initially disagree with until you have thought through what is said. If we are wrong, we should be willing to admit it and adjust our thinking in order to properly align our doctrine with what the Bible actually teaches.



Do these things and you will be one who stands approved when you come before the Lord.



Gracious and most merciful God, You have given us such a simple message of salvation – believe in what Your word says You have done in order to be saved. And yet, there is so much tied up in this message that we can spend the rest of our lives learning more about it. How wonderful it is to do so! Thank You for this precious word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:9

Friday, April 15th, 2022






“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him Acts 7:9


Stephen’s speech, detailing the history of the Jewish people, quickly moved from Abraham to Isaac, to Jacob, and then to the twelve patriarchs. With them noted, he will move on again. Before looking at his words, the overall context of Stephen’s speech should be evaluated.



The God of glory appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia where he was called to another land. After the death of his father, and as is recorded in Genesis, he was called to move again. While in Canaan, but while Canaan was still under the rule of other people groups, Abraham was promised the land as a possession for his descendants. It was at this same time that Abraham was given the covenant with circumcision as a sign.



During all of this time, there was no temple and no law. And some of the time was outside of Canaan, the land of promise. Despite this, there has been a faithful obedience to the Lord. Now the narrative continues with the words, “And the patriarchs.”



This is referring to those just mentioned in the previous verse, meaning the twelve sons of Israel. The word patriarch was first seen in Acts 2:29 when referring to David. It is a word that signifies the head or founder of a family.



Of these twelve patriarchs, it now refers to all but one of them, saying they were “becoming envious.” The first overarching premise of Stephen’s speech was just noted. It is that the workings of God had occurred, and continued to often occur, outside of the land of promise, apart from the Law of Moses, and apart from any physical temple. As will be seen, even when those things come into the narrative, there is a rebelling against the Lord by the people of Israel.



For now, the envy of the patriarchs has been noted. Of these men, their jealousy was displayed in their actions being specifically directed against their own brother, saying that they “sold Joseph into Egypt.”



This introduces the second overarching premise of Stephen’s speech. Starting in Genesis 37, and apart from some relevant side stories, Joseph became the main focus of the redemptive narrative for an extended period. And yet, there was a jealousy that was displayed toward him and an active working against him by his brothers. As they are noted as patriarchs, they stand as representative of the people of Israel who descend from them. There is a working against God’s chosen order, leaders, prophets, and law. This theme will continue right down to the time of Jesus.



Some try to find a contradiction in the narrative here by saying that Joseph was not sold into Egypt, but to Midianite traders, as is recorded in Genesis 37 –



“Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.” Genesis 37:28



That is a shallow argument at best. The traders were heading to Egypt as a part of their trading. But more, the words of Stephen reflect the words of Joseph himself as are recorded in Genesis 45 –



“And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come near to me.’ So they came near. Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.’” Genesis 45:4, 5



Joseph noted that God had sent him before the brothers. That is noted by Stephen to close out this verse, saying, “But God was with him.” This is noted of the one who was rejected by his brothers, and it is noted of him having God with him, even outside of the land of promise. While the brothers anticipated that they had cast off any chance of Joseph ruling over them (for it was by his dreams that this became known – Genesis 37:1-11), God was working through their rejection of him to accomplish a great salvation.



At this time, Stephen does not draw out any actual connection to Jesus, but even the dullest of dimwits could not help but notice the parallel if they were willing to open their eyes. As for the council, it says nothing at the time of their state of mind. Stephen is carefully and methodically laying out his defense of Jesus while the council sits and takes each connection without a word.



Life application: Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4 –



“Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24



It is hard to imagine that people who say they are following Jesus forget that He said these words. Stephen is telling the people of Israel that there is a redemptive process and a faith that goes beyond a place, a land, and a set means of religious rites. Jesus had already said as much to a non-Jew in a place that was considered “out” of the proper religious life of those accepted by God. And more, of the people of this location, it later says –



“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word.

42 Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.’” John 4:39-42



This comes the chapter after Jesus’ words of John 3 –



“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:14-17



Likewise, His words to the woman at the well come in the chapter before His words to the leaders in Jerusalem –



“And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” John 5:37-40



Immediately after that, Jesus continued saying “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me” (John 5:46).



Jesus is the end of what Moses spoke of. In Him is the final, full, and forever-after revelation of all of the prophetic writings. And yet, innumerable Christians fall back on Moses, in part or in whole, in order to attempt to merit status before God. Jesus warns us, Stephen admonishes us, and all of the rest of the New Testament directs us to pay heed. It is in Jesus alone, belief in Him, that we find our salvation.



Glorious and wonderful God, You sent us Jesus! Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:10

Saturday, April 16th, 2022


and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Acts 7:10




The previous verse referred to the patriarchs becoming jealous and then selling Joseph into Egypt. It then noted, “But God was with him.” That continues now with, “and delivered him out of all of his troubles.” If one follows the life of Joseph, from being cast into the pit by his brothers, being sold to the traders, and being taken down to Egypt, clear and precise parallels to the work of Christ come forth. They can be seen in the corresponding Superior Word sermons.



The tribes of Israel, represented by the leaders of Israel, crucified Christ and He was buried. But God delivered Him from the pit as well. Again, while Joseph was in Egypt, circumstances brought him to the state of being incarcerated for something he had not done. The story (found in Genesis 39-41) again parallels the events of Christ’s life. Each detail was selected to anticipate the Person and work of Christ.



Joseph was brought out of that prison and, as Stephen says, God “gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.” That is found in Genesis 41 as Joseph reveals the meaning of the dreams of Pharaoh. The conclusion of that particular section is found in Genesis 41:37-39 –



“So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.’”



With this historical account stated, the verse finishes with, “and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”



That is also found in the next verses of Genesis 41 –



“‘You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’

42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, ‘Bow the knee!’ So he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Pharaoh also said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.’ 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:40-45



Again, the details clearly point to the exaltation of Christ who is now seated at the right hand of God. Each point was detailed from the life of Joseph to mirror what occurred with Christ. Stephen is not merely telling history to amuse the council that he is standing before. Rather, he is bringing his own charges against them right from Scripture. He is revealing to them, if they are willing to pay heed, that the words of Solomon are true –



“That which has been is what will be,

That which is done is what will be done,

And there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9



And again –



“That which has been already: It,

And which is to be, already has been;

And the God seeks that which is pursued.” Ecclesiastes 3:15 (CG)



Stephen’s words are spoken with care and purpose. He is speaking by the Spirit who is providing exacting words to convict Israel or to indict Israel. What he conveys has obvious intent, and so it is up to these leaders to accept or reject the history lesson and the warnings.



Life application: The stories of Genesis and throughout the rest of the Old Testament are given to reveal what God would do in Christ. Many are so specific that once the details are examined, and then compared with what we know about Jesus, it is incredible that anyone could say, “I don’t accept that this is actually referring to Him.”



Someday, Israel will face inevitable destruction. Something will wake them up to the fact that they missed the significance of Jesus’ first advent. They will acknowledge their guilt, and they will call out to Him. This is clearly presented in Scripture, and it will come to pass. The blinders will be removed and the glory of what has been recorded will finally shine forth.



For those of us who have accepted Jesus, are we even aware of these Old Testament types and shadows? They are a treasure trove of wonder, and they are given to alert us to the many details of Jesus’ ministry, His exaltation, and His current authority. Let us be sure to consider these things. In knowing the details, our own faith in Him will surely be strengthened. Let us not ignore the Old Testament but read it with open eyes and hearts. There you will find JESUS!



Heavenly Father, give us the desire to set aside time each day for Your word. How can our time be properly prioritized when what You have revealed to us there is not included in our day? Give us wisdom in this. Thank You for Your wonderful word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:11

Sunday, April 17th, 2022

Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. Acts 7:11


The previous verses referred to Joseph’s being sold off to Egypt, but also God’s care of him while there, eventually exalting him to being governor over the land and all of Pharaoh’s house. The thing that most precipitated this was Joseph’s ability to properly interpret the dreams of Pharaoh that anticipated a coming famine. In his wise interpretation of the dreams, and of his excellent counsel concerning what to do about the coming famine, Pharaoh had said –



“‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’” Genesis 41:39-41



With that context remembered, Stephen now continues by saying, “Now a famine and great trouble came.” Just as Joseph had spoken, so it came to pass. That is recorded in Genesis 41 as well –



“Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread.” Genesis 41:53-55



The famine covered all lands, including Egypt, but Egypt had prepared for the coming famine by having supplies stored up. The term “all lands” specifically includes where Israel was, as is stated by Stephen, saying, “over all the land of Egypt and Canaan.” That is seen in the opening words of Genesis 42 –



“When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, ‘Why do you look at one another?’ 2 And he said, ‘Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.’” Genesis 42:1, 2



Stephen properly explains this sentiment with the words, “and our fathers found no sustenance.” Here is a noun found only this one time in the Bible, chortasma. It signifies food, sustenance, or provision. It is derived from the verb chortazó which means to feed, satisfy, fatten, and so on.



The famine covered all lands, including the land where Israel was. The famine was revealed to be coming in advance by a dream from God. Joseph was able to interpret the dream when no other person could. Enough advance notice was given to ensure that Egypt would have abundant provision, even enough to sell to other nations. And this abundant provision led Israel to go to Egypt to be saved from perishing in the famine.



The sequence of events clearly indicates that God’s guiding hand was behind what occurred, leading to a specific end purpose.



Life application: Though the entire section of Stephen’s speech concerning Egypt is not yet complete, it is already apparent that God’s hand of care for the events taking place is clearly evident. There is a famine of such magnitude that it is described as covering all lands. The number of people affected by it would be in the millions.



And yet, the entire focus of the story is on one family. And despite this being the case, the family and its history – ultimately numbering in the millions later in the Bible – is highlighted for one main purpose as well, which is the coming of the Messiah.



As this is so, it demonstrates that God’s ultimate purpose for everything recorded in Scripture is this Messiah, Jesus Christ. And Jesus came to highlight the many attributes of God, thus bringing glory to God through His Messiah.



Let us remember this. The Bible is not about Israel, even if Israel is a highlighted aspect of it. The Bible is not about man, even though man may be the purpose of why Jesus was sent. The Bible, above all else, is about God’s coming in human form in order to demonstrate His magnificence, His perfection, His glory, and His care for the people who come to Him by faith.



May we never change the ultimate focus of the word to anything less than God, who has revealed Himself through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. When we keep the focus on God, everything else will find its proper place as we search out the mysteries of this precious and sacred word.



How magnificent is the story You have laid before us in the pages of Scripture, O God! It is a story of love and tender care for Your people. May we be willing to expend ourselves to get this word out to those who so desperately need to hear what it says. Help us to be bold in our proclamation of Jesus! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:12

Monday, April 18th, 2022




But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. Acts 7:12




The previous verse noted the famine that came all over the land of Egypt and Canaan leaving no sustenance for the fathers. With that, Stephen now says, “But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt.”



As noted in the previous verse of the Acts commentary, that is specifically recorded in Genesis 42 –



“When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, ‘Why do you look at one another?’” Genesis 42:1



The idea of them looking at one another conveys a sense of futility. There is nothing to harvest, there would be no grassy fields for the animals to graze on, and so on. Because of this, they just sat looking at one another, probably thinking, “Maybe one of them has an idea of what to do.” In such a destitute state, Jacob finally spoke up. As Stephen says, “he sent out our fathers first.”



Again, that is recorded in the next verse of Genesis 42 –



“And he said, ‘Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.’” Genesis 42:2



In obedience to his word, the following is then recorded –



“So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, ‘Lest some calamity befall him.’ 5 And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.” Genesis 42:3-5



The rest of Genesis 42 continues the narrative of their first trip to Egypt. They stood before Joseph not knowing it was him. During their time in his presence, several events took place that caused trouble among the brothers leaving Jacob in a state of great agitation when they returned to him. Despite these things, the famine was long and drawn out, and it would necessitate another trip to Egypt at some point just to survive.



Life application: Stephen continues to choose highlights of Israel’s history, carefully selecting events that clearly point to Jesus as the Messiah and that what happened to Jacob and his sons (inclusive of Joseph) clearly mirrored events that happened or would happen to Israel at the coming of Jesus or in His anticipated return.



God has taken real people, real historical events, and carefully recorded words to provide typological hints of what would happen in the coming of the promised Messiah. Unless these stories are read from that perspective, they might be curious oddities, or they otherwise seem irrelevant or unconnected to anything else. But when they are taken in their proper light, they clearly reveal a great story of what is going on in the history of man’s redemption.



When reading the word, keep asking yourself, “How does this point to Jesus?” If you have enough of an understanding of the rest of the word, it is bound to come into focus. God has given us this word to see His working in and through Christ. Let us remember this as we read and consider it.



How wonderful and uplifting is Your word, O God! It always brings forth new and exciting things for us to consider, even if we have read it many times, new insights come forth just when we need them in our own lives. Thank You for giving us this word of wisdom and inspiration. Thank You for Your word, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:13

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022






And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. Acts 7:13


The previous verse spoke of Jacob hearing of grain in Egypt, and so he sent out his sons (the fathers) in order to obtain grain. Now, immediately after that, Stephen says, “And the second time.”



Stephen has skipped over a great deal of the Genesis story in order to come to this thought. He never mentions many important details of the first visit or what transpired after it. His words allow his audience to mentally insert everything that they already knew from their recorded history. He speaks only of the details of this second visit where “Joseph was made known to his brothers.”



Because of his selection of such a small portion of the words of what occurred in Genesis, Stephen is surely asking the council to consider what he is focusing on, which is the fact that the brothers, who represent the tribes of Israel, did not recognize their own brother – their own kin – when they stood before him. Only on their second visit was who he was revealed to them.



Stephen is on trial for his witness concerning Jesus, who he claims is the Messiah of Israel. The leaders of Israel, who represent the people of Israel, did not realize who they had been in the presence of. Now, He is gone, the implication is that He will only be truly revealed to them on His second advent.



This pictorial story in Genesis is not without a prophetic confirmation in their own Scriptures. Zechariah prophesies of exactly this –



“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:10



The Lord came and they pierced Him. For them to “look” on Him means that He has appeared to them again. It speaks of His second advent. Israel has just not yet realized the implication of either the pictures in Genesis or the prophecy in Zechariah. They rejected the words of Stephen and the apostles, and they are blinded to the truth of who Jesus is at this time. Next, Stephen says, “and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh.”



Joseph was placed over all of Pharaoh’s house. As Jesus is claimed to be the Messiah by Stephen and the others, and as Stephen is equating Joseph to Jesus, the implication is perfectly clear. Stephen, by inspiration of the Spirit, is saying that those standing before him are not “known” to God. They have forsaken Him, and He has forsaken them. They represent the people, and thus the nation itself is rejected by Him until the time of Christ’s second advent.



Life application: To understand what is going on in the world today as far as the redemptive narrative, meaning God’s focus on the people of the world in relation to their redemption, it becomes much clearer when the stories of the Pentateuch are properly understood. In following them, and in understanding the details there, the entire history of Israel opens up and becomes clear.



And what becomes evident is that during Israel’s time between the two advents of Christ, God has not simply stopped the redemptive process. Rather, He has allowed it to continue unabated through another group of people. In the Song of Moses, it says –



“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



Paul then cites that passage from Deuteronomy in Romans 10 to show that Moses is referring to Israel’s rejection of the Lord, and of the Lord’s turning to the Gentiles during Israel’s time of being rejected by the Lord –



“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed:

‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth,

And their words to the ends of the world.’

19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says:

‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation,

I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’

20 But Isaiah is very bold and says:

‘I was found by those who did not seek Me;

I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’

21 But to Israel he says:

‘All day long I have stretched out My hands

To a disobedient and contrary people.’” Romans 10:16-21



Paul, a Jew and a Pharisee fully trained in the Hebrew Scriptures – and who then came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ – was able to see exactly what God was doing and to see that God had already shown Israel, in their own Scriptures, what would come to pass.



The lesson for us is to look at the Old Testament Scriptures as either types and pictures of things to come or as prophecies that are to be taken literally. We are not to insert ourselves where we don’t belong (such as saying we are now Israel) when the word is not speaking to us. Israel is Israel and the nations are the nations. Keeping these distinctions separate is of paramount importance.



Read the passage from Romans again and note who Paul is speaking to (the Gentiles/the nations). Then note who is being referred to in each section (the nations or Israel). Paul clearly makes a distinction between the two because the Scriptures had already done so. The error of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the error of the Mormons, the error of replacement theology proponents, and so on, is the error of inserting themselves into verses that apply to Israel, not the Gentiles.



A problem arises, however, when groups actually claim to be the lost tribes of Israel. In doing that, they are no longer saying, “We are Gentiles who have now become ‘spiritual Israel.’” Instead, they are actually claiming to be the race of people who are Israel. If that is so, then another tact needs to be taken with them. As they claim to be Israel, and as Paul has clearly stated that Israel is blinded to this day (Romans 11:7, Romans 11:25, and 2 Corinthians 3:14), then that means they should not be listened to because, “Who wants to follow a blind guide?”



Either way, reject these people’s doctrine. Israel has yet to receive its Messiah, the Gentiles are currently carrying the spiritual banner and – someday – Jesus will be revealed to His long-lost brethren.



Lord, help us to have a right and proper understanding of what You are doing in the history of redemption. By knowing what is going on in the world in relation to Your word, we can more clearly understand the timeline of what lies ahead as well. Help us to be responsible with Your word and what it so carefully details. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:14

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022




Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. Acts 7:14




The previous verse noted that, in the second meeting between Joseph and his brothers, he was made known to them. Further, it said, “and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh.” With that come words that are at first perplexing based on a reading of the Hebrew Scriptures. That begins with, “Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob.”



This part of the verse is without complication. It is found recorded in Genesis 45 –



“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Say to your brothers, “Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. 18 Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. 19 Now you are commanded—do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. 20 Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.”’” Genesis 45:17-20



With that, and according to the word of Pharaoh, Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to gather the family and bring them to reside in Egypt. From there, Stephen continues, saying, “and all his relatives to him.”



This was included in the words of Pharaoh. Not only was Jacob called to come, but everyone directly related to him as well was welcomed. With this detail given, Stephen then speaks forth words that complicate the narrative, “seventy-five people.”



The Bible often gives specific details, and they are provided for a reason. In the Hebrew text, the account says –



“All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. 27 And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy.” Genesis 46:26, 27



There is a five-person discrepancy between the two. However, this is not an impossible-to-solve dilemma. First, the Greek reads, “in souls seventy-five.” The preposition “in” expresses a sum total of all who are included in the family. In the Greek translation of Genesis 46:27, it reads, “And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in the land of Egypt, were nine souls; all the souls of the house of Jacob who came with Joseph into Egypt, were seventy-five souls.” Of this, Albert Barnes notes –



“This number is made out by adding these nine souls to the 66 mentioned in Genesis 46:26. The difference between the Septuagint and Moses is, that the former mentions five descendants of Joseph who are not recorded by the latter. The ‘names’ of the sons of Ephraim and Manasseh are recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:14-21. Their names were Ashriel, Machir, Zelophehad, Peresh, sons of Manasseh; and Shuthelah, son of Ephraim. Why the Septuagint inserted these, it may not be easy to see. But such was evidently the fact; and the fact accords accurately with the historic record, though Moses did not insert their names. The solution of difficulties in regard to chronology is always difficult; and what might be entirely apparent to a Jew in the time of Stephen, may be wholly inexplicable to us.”



Stephen, being a Grecian Jew, would have used the Septuagint, thus following that reckoning. This is often the main text cited by Jesus and the apostles elsewhere as well. Despite deviating from the Hebrew Text, the Septuagint was translated by scholars who had suitable information at hand to make a determination at the time of their translation to note what was not yet fully recorded at the time of Moses. The original rendering may have been included as a margin note that does not exist in subsequent copies, or there may be some other reason for the diversion.



No matter what, there is a reliable source for Stephen’s words, and it goes unchallenged as he continues his discourse. As such, it was considered an accepted statement at the time he stood before the council. By using the term “in souls seventy-five,” it certainly allows for the inclusion of those grandsons of Jacob mentioned above in Barnes’ commentary.



The number five is the number of grace. It may be, and this is mere supposition, that the additional five being included in the latter genealogical record is a note of grace that their birth in Egypt, having never even been to the land of Canaan, does not dismiss them from the rights of membership into the family.



Life application: Throughout Scripture, there are issues that are often quite complicated. The easy path is to dismiss such things as scribal errors, later insertions, or outright misstatements. However, that does not necessarily have to be so. We have to consider what is going on in the word from a global perspective. It is true that, at the time of Moses, seventy souls were recorded. But the adoption of Manasseh and Ephraim by Jacob, would bring their sons directly into the immediate family of Jacob, as accepted grandsons.



To just jump ahead and call out, “Error!” without checking the details may show a lack of contemplation on our part. Even the clear text is often extremely complicated. How much more when we come to things that are not so clear. In the end, the record of Stephen’s words is in accord with Scripture that precedes the coming of Christ, and what he says goes unchallenged by the highest religious council in Israel. As such, what he says must be considered acceptable – both to that council at the time and to us in our studies today.



Be confident of the word! It is given to us as a story of loving redemption, and it stands as a witness against those who shun it, as well as a witness of faithfulness to those who hold fast to it.



Heavenly Father, the Bible stands as a witness both for and against those who interact with it. Help us to be faithful in our consideration of it. Likewise, help us to cherish it always. May it be a witness for us on the day when we stand before You that we faithfully held to its words. Thank You, O God, for this precious word of life. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:15

Thursday, April 21st, 2022


So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. Acts 7:15


The previous verse noted Joseph’s call for Jacob and his relatives to come down to Egypt. With that said, Stephen continues with, “So Jacob went down to Egypt.”



That is recorded in Genesis 46 –



“So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’

And he said, ‘Here I am.’

3 So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. 4 I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.’

5 Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. 7 His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.” Genesis 46:1-7



Stephen’s words skip over a lot of the Genesis narrative by next stating, “and he died.” It is a simple statement of fact. Stephen’s main words are focused on several points. One is that there has always been strife coming from the people of Israel, especially against the leadership – be it the Lord, the law, or Moses who issued forth the law of the Lord.



The other is that God’s revelation of Himself is not confined to either the temple or the land of Israel, but that a great deal of what is recorded came outside of the land. The Lord is the God of the whole world. His word and His authority stretch out beyond mere physical borders. As the life of Jacob in Egypt has nothing to add to these concepts that Stephen is developing, he simply cites the fact that he went to Egypt. From there, he continues by saying, “he and our fathers.”



Again, it is a simple statement of fact to close the point he had made concerning the patriarchs’ time in Egypt. Who “he” is referring to here should be questioned. Is this referring to Jacob or Joseph? The previous verse says that Joseph sent and called Jacob and his relatives down to Egypt. It then said, “So Jacob went down to Egypt.” Then it says, “And he died, he and our fathers.” Jacob is the nearest antecedent, but the clause could also be parenthetical. Thus, Joseph would be the subject now, for example –



“Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. (So Jacob went down to Egypt.) And he [Joseph] died, he and our fathers.”



This is quite possible, and it has an important bearing on what will be said in the next verse. As for now, the main focus has been Joseph’s not being recognized for who he was and that it was only on the second visit that he revealed himself to his brothers. Stephen is hinting to the council that they are no different than their fathers who could not perceive the truth of who was standing right in front of them when Jesus came.



As for the death of Jacob, that is recorded in Genesis 49:33, saying, “And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.” The note of the death of “the fathers” is found in Exodus 1:6, saying, “And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation.”



Life application: Stephen’s speech, like all of the Bible, focuses on that which is relevant to the narrative. Anything that is not relevant is overlooked. When Genesis 10 mentions a people group, there is a purpose for it. They may never be mentioned again in the Bible, or they may be referred to in a general sense, but that people group’s overall history will be irrelevant to the immediate plan of redemption and so nothing more is detailed about them.



The Chinese people, for example, are one of the most populous people groups on earth. But other than listing their first father in Genesis 10:17, they are only possibly referred to again in the all-inclusive statement “the kings of the east” mentioned in Revelation 16:12. And that verse may not be referring to them at all.



This doesn’t mean God doesn’t care about the Chinese people. They are certainly to be included in John 3:16, Matthew 28:19, and so on. But their history is otherwise irrelevant to the redemptive narrative. And so, they are not mentioned. Stephen’s speech follows this idea. What is necessary to make his point is stated. That which is not is simply closed out with a few simple words or it is completely ignored.



Keeping our focus on what is primary as we read the Bible will help us to keep from getting into strange teachings that profit nothing. For example, the Bible is not about the redemption of angels. And yet, there are teachers that spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with exactly that subject. In the process, and certainly because of their skewed focus, they make wild speculation and come to incorrect conclusions about what God is doing.



Keep the main narrative in mind. Focus on what God is revealing. In doing this, a lot of time that may be wasted will instead be productive. Above all, keep asking, “How does this point to Jesus.” God is revealing Himself in Christ for the reconciliation of the world. Keep that in mind as you read this treasure.



Yes, Lord God! It is so wonderful to contemplate Your word and to think about what You are telling us in it. Help us to keep our focus in line with what You want us to see. Help us to understand the glory of what You are doing in the stream of human existence to bring us back to Yourself. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:16

Friday, April 22nd, 2022


And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Acts 7:16


The previous verse noted Jacob going down to Egypt, dying, and then also the fathers (meaning the sons of Israel) also died. Now Stephen turns to something that is out of order in the chronology, but it is a point that reflects an event that occurred with the fathers after their deaths, and so he mentions it now. However, it is a verse that is exceedingly confusing, even to the point where many scholars state it is actually a contradiction or a mistake. Stephen begins by saying, “And they were carried back to Shechem.”



The question here is, “Who is this referring to?” If it is referring to Joseph, Jacob, and the fathers, then there becomes a great difficulty in the text. If it is referring to Joseph and the fathers, then there is much less difficulty in what is said. In the previous commentary, this translation of the prior two verses was suggested, offsetting Jacob (who represents all of Israel) in parenthesis –



“Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. (So Jacob went down to Egypt.) And he [Joseph] died, he and our fathers.” Acts 7:14, 15



For now, first and foremost, this is referring explicitly to what is noted as the book of Genesis ends –



“And Joseph said to his brethren, ‘I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’ 25 Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, ‘God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.’ 26 So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:24-26



What Joseph requested is noted as fulfilled in Joshua 24 –



“The bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel had brought up out of Egypt, they buried at Shechem, in the plot of ground which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for one hundred pieces of silver, and which had become an inheritance of the children of Joseph.” Joshua 24:32



Nothing is said in the Old Testament concerning the bones of the other fathers being carried back. The promise was only made to Joseph, and it was right that Joshua recorded it. However, it is logical that all of the fathers would be carried back for burial, and there are extra-biblical writings that state this is so. The fact that Stephen says it, and that the council did not object, also stands as a witness that it is so. Hence, it can be agreed upon that Stephen’s words reflect what occurred. With that noted, Stephen continues with, “and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought.”



Abraham’s name being included here is the problematic portion of the words. Only one purchase of a tomb by Abraham was recorded in Scripture, and that is found in Genesis 23. It is referring to the purchase of the cave of Machpelah in Hebron from Ephron the Hittite. Because of this, Jacob is almost always figured into the commentary of scholars. That would be erroneous. Jacob’s burial is clearly recorded in Genesis 50. He was buried prior to the years of bondage. But because Abraham is mentioned, the assumption is that it is somehow speaking of the cave of Machpelah in Hebron. But then Stephen continues, by saying, “for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.”



The purchase of land from Hamor, the father of Shechem, has already been noted above in the quote from Joshua. But it was Jacob, not Abraham, that was mentioned. So, the logic is that either Stephen used the wrong name (Abraham), or that he used the wrong location (the land bought in Shechem). However, if Jacob is excluded from the thought of those whose bones were carried back and buried, as should be the case, it resolves the first problem. It is only speaking of the fathers (meaning Joseph and his brothers), and it is only speaking of the land in Shechem.



Understanding this, the only confusion is why it says “Abraham” instead of “Jacob” in regard to the purchase. In Genesis 12, it says the following –



“Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.

7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I will give this land.’ And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” Genesis 12:6, 7



As such, it can be inferred, even if it is not stated, that Abraham purchased the land before building an altar. But even if he did not, Stephen has noted Abraham concerning the land and the future inheritance several times. He will note him again in the coming verse as well. With that understood, Genesis 33 says this of Jacob –



“Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. 19 And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. 20 Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.” Genesis 33:18-20



This is the same location as where Abraham was, and Jacob probably erected his altar in the same location as did Abraham. In this, and because Jacob is descended from Abraham, his building of the altar and buying of the land is an act of confirming what Abraham had done. As such, the purchase by Jacob can be said to have been made by Abraham.



And this is not without precedent elsewhere in Scripture. Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek in Genesis 14. And yet, the author of Hebrews says that because of this, the tithes of Israel are paid through Abraham to Melchizedek.



“Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; 6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.” Hebrews 7:4-10



A similar type of event has occurred now with Abraham and Jacob. Being so, the purchase of the land by Jacob is a confirmation of the right to the land. It is considered a purchase by Abraham – this would be true whether Abraham originally paid money for the land or not. Abraham, by building an altar, was making a claim on the land for the Lord.



The author of Hebrews didn’t just arbitrarily make up the thought of a son paying through the loins of his father, but it would have been an understood precept because of its logical nature. The evidence of this is that the council did not argue the matter. They understood that the land was claimed by Abraham as an altar for the Lord. Jacob confirmed this by first buying the land and then building (rebuilding) the altar of Father Abraham.



Life application: Jacob was in the loins of his father Abraham when Abraham erected the altar in Genesis 12. In this, what Abraham has done belongs to Jacob, and thus it belongs to his descendants unless it is transferred from him somehow, such as being sold, given away or lost in war, or so on.



If Abraham was considered to have owned the land, that land will be passed to the son when it is either gifted to him or when the father dies. But if there is no record of a purchase of the land, there may be a sum later paid to confirm the ownership of that land. If so, that payment would be credited to the past times when the claim had been made by the father.



Jacob may have said, “Hamor, I am paying for this land my grandfather claimed when he built an altar on it. I would now like to build an altar on it. To ensure that there is no conflict with you, I am confirming Abraham’s claim by buying the land from you, which you also claim as yours.” In accepting the money, Hamor confirms the land is now Jacob’s. Thus, it would settle all disputes as to who owned it. But the original owner would still be considered by Jacob to be Abraham. Hence, Jacob’s money is credited by him to his grandfather Abraham.



In this, we can see that there is no contradiction or conflict in Stephen’s words. What he has said was fully understood by the council. They allowed him to continue with his discourse without correction or interruption, demonstrating that they accepted his words.



Lord God, Your word is filled with wonder and delight. It is a treasure house of wisdom and joy! Thank You for Your word that challenges us to seek out its depths, and to more fully appreciate the wisdom and care You put into it. Yes, thank You for Your precious word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:17

Saturday, April 23rd, 2022


“But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt Acts 7:17


The previous verse detailed the highly complicated statement from Stephen concerning the purchase of land by Abraham. With that stated, Stephen now continues with another note concerning Abraham. This helps to confirm the evaluation of the previous verse. The narrative is concerning the land of promise and how it is connected to Abraham personally. It explains why Stephen mentioned things the way he did. With that understood, Stephen says, “But when the time of the promise drew near.”



This is obviously speaking about the chosen line of inheritance, meaning the line of Jacob through his sons, during their stay in Egypt. It is based on the words of verse 7:15 that said, “So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers.”



God had said to Abraham “that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them” (verse 7:6). That included both Canaan and Egypt. With the time in Egypt drawing to a close, Stephen notes, “which God had sworn to Abraham.”



The promise is noted in verse 7:5. Even though Abraham did not receive even as much as the step of a foot, God had promised the land of Canaan to him as a possession. The details about the timing and events were then conveyed and the covenant sign (circumcision) was then noted. After that came many more details concerning how Israel wound up in Egypt, but the connection to Canaan, though seemingly in the background, remained central to everything Stephen was relaying.



The entire thought was centered on the promise to Abraham, inclusive of Abraham’s purchase of the land from Hamor the father of Shechem. It is at that time, when the promise to Abraham was to come after four hundred years – and which included bondage and oppression – that “the people grew and multiplied in Egypt.”



The exponential growth in Egypt became a central point in the ongoing narrative. That will be seen in the verses to come. But noting it shows this. Israel is no longer a small clan of people consisting of seventy-five relatives. Rather, it has grown into a great multitude. How the Egyptians would deal with such a large group will be conveyed in the verses ahead by Stephen.



Life application: Stephen is chronicling the history of his people to the leaders of his people. He isn’t doing this to show them what a great historian he is. He is doing so as an indictment against them for not seeing what God is trying to convey, right from their own history.



Many key events in their history, in which God dealt with them intimately, are recorded as being outside of the land of Canaan. They are also prior to the law of Moses. The fact that the promise of the inheritance is prior to the law, and that many of the interactions with God are outside of the inheritance, should clue the leaders of Israel into the fact that Canaan is only typical of something else.



Further, that the promise was made prior to the law should clue them in that obtaining it cannot be by law observance. As it was given by promise (an act of grace), and the law is contrary to grace, then the law must simply be a tool to teach the people of Israel their need for grace. Paul explains this quite clearly in Galatians 3.



What Stephen is relaying – in what may seem to us as somewhat obscure words – is something that should have been perfectly understandable to his audience. But even if it went right over their heads, more lessons from Stephen will be forthcoming that will continue to demonstrate Israel’s constant resisting of the Holy Spirit.



As this is so, and as the Holy Spirit is intending to highlight the work of God in Christ, then it is no wonder that they missed the significance of Christ Jesus when He came. Keep thinking about how God is revealing Christ in the pages of the Bible as you read. That is the main focus of what God wants us to see.



Lord God, the way the Bible is written, it just keeps giving us new things to think about. Even after thousands of years of it being read and studied, new insights continue to come forth. What a precious treasure Your word is. May we be willing to consider it and to apply its precepts to our lives each and every day we live! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:18

Sunday, April 24th, 2022




till another king arose who did not know Joseph. Acts 7:18


As was noted in the previous verse, it said that “when the time of promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt.” From there, and in accord with the detailed narrative of Exodus, Stephen continues by saying, “till another king arose.”



The identity of this king is debated, even today. In his commentary, Albert Barnes gives some possibilities –



“It has commonly been supposed to have been the celebrated Rameses, the sixth king of the eighteenth dynasty, and the event is supposed to have occurred about 1559 years before the Christian era. M. Champollion supposes that his name was Mandonei, whose reign commenced in 1585 b.c., and ended 1565 years before Christ (Essay on the Hieroglyphic System, p. 94, 95). Sir Jas. G. Wilkinson supposes that it was Amosis, or Ames, the ‘first’ king of the eighteenth dynasty (Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians, vol. 1, pp. 42, 2nd ed.). ‘The present knowledge of Egyptian history is too imperfect to enable us to determine this point’ (Prof. Hackett).”



Though the history of Egyptian rulers is much more fully known today, there is still debate on who the king was. Much of this depends on a person’s view of when the events of the biblical narrative actually took place. Regardless of this, it is relevant to understand that the word translated as “another” signifies another of a different kind. HELPS Word Studies defines it as, “héteros (‘another but distinct in kind’) stands in contrast to /állos (‘another of the same kind’). … [it] ‘emphasizes it is qualitatively different from its counterpart (comparison).’”



As such, this is a king, meaning a Pharaoh, that is distinctly different from the one that had previously ruled. Pharaoh at Joseph’s time was accommodating to the Israelites. However, and as will be noted by Stephen, this one will not be. That begins to be reflected in the next words, saying, “who did not know Joseph.”



The idea here could be either figurative or literal. If literal, it would mean he was unaware of the rule of the previous Pharaoh. This is unlikely as historical records would have been kept, and there was only a period of sixty-four years from the death of Joseph until the time of the birth of Moses.



What is more likely is that the word “know” is to be taken figuratively, as the word in Hebrew, yada, is often used. The Greek word used here, eidó, can also be used in a figurative sense. As such, it would mean that he did not recognize, or care about, the type of rule the previous Pharaoh acknowledged.



In other words, and as a suitable example, the founding fathers of the US had a certain type of rule which guided them. It was based on morality, Christian principles, personal industry and accountability, limited government, and so on. To sum them up, we might say, “Men of character.”



In contrast to that, one could name any modern democrat president and say he does not “know” or “care about” the type of leaders of the past. Instead, their decisions are based on perversion, anti-Christian principles, collectivism, no accountability for criminal behavior, government control, and so on. To sum them up, we might note them as “Moral minuscules.”



This is the type of contrast seen between the two kings. As such, there will be a completely different type of rule over his kingdom. The verse now quoted by Stephen comes from Exodus 1:8 –



“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.”



Life application: Because the commentary above touched upon the thought of good leaders and crummy ones, it is worth noting that if you live in a country where you have a right to vote, when you fail to do so and you then have a crummy leader elected over you (at whatever level of government), you are part of the problem. In the end, you have only yourself to blame for not being an active participant in the process which you have a right and a duty to engage in.



And more, by withholding one’s vote, that person is – by default – supporting whoever the elected official will be. It is worthy to note the words of James in such a situation –



“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17



It is reasonable to assume that through inaction, the one who does not work against the wicked, when he has the opportunity to do so, will be held accountable for his chosen path. It is a sobering thing to consider when human life, personal property, and common morality are at stake. Take time to consider this and work to correct that which is evil by exercising your vote. If your candidate loses, it does not mean you didn’t try. Your efforts may have not succeeded, but they were also not in vain.



Lord God, how we would love to return to the days of sanity in government and morality within our society. And maybe it will happen. Or it may be that the country in which we live is destined to become as corrupt as the world before the flood. We are almost there already, for sure. No matter what, may we be willing to work against the rising tide of wickedness while we are able. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:19

Monday, April 25th, 2022


This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. Acts 7:19




Stephen just referred to “another king” who “arose who did not know Joseph.” He now continues referring to that king, saying, “This man dealt treacherously with our people.” Here, Stephen uses a word found only this one time in Scripture, katasophizomai. It is a compound verb coming from kata (bring down) and sophizó (make wise). As such, it signifies to deal craftily with or to act subtly.



This is a reference to the treatment of Israel as is first noted in Exodus 1 –



“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, ‘Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; 10 come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.’” Exodus 1:8-10



Stephen next says, “and oppressed our forefathers.” That is certainly what is next stated in the Exodus narrative –



“Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. 13 So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor.” Exodus 1:11-14



In this state of oppression, Stephen next explicitly describes at least a portion of their treatment with the horrifying words, “making them expose their babies, so that they might not live.”



An attack against the male babies was first noted in the ongoing narrative of Exodus –



“Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; 16 and he said, ‘When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.’” Exodus 1:15, 16



That directive from Pharaoh took an unusual turn and was not effective at meeting his goals, and so he made a command which was intended to reduce the number of Hebrews to a manageable level –



“So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, ‘Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.’” Exodus 1:22



The narrative, as given by Stephen, has carefully followed the words of Exodus 1, revealing the progression of what happened at that time.



Life application: What is unstated by Stephen, but which is something that would have been known to every Israelite, even from their earliest days as the parents talked about their history, is what is said about why the first attempt to reduce the male population failed. That is recorded in Exodus 1 as well –



“But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. 18 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, ‘Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?’

19 And the midwives said to Pharaoh, ‘Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.’

20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. 21 And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them.” Exodus 1:17-21



Stephen skipped right over this, and yet by doing so it would have been its own reminder of the events to those he stood before. By simply recalling a story, the memory of the story would come to mind. In not mentioning this portion of it, it would surely have highlighted it in the minds of those who heard. It is in our nature to fill in the blanks of such things.



As this is so, it would be a reminder that non-Hebrews had been obedient to the inner moral standard placed in humans by God. They had not committed such a wicked act by being disobedient to the king’s edict. This would be an appeal, all by itself, to have the council consider their own wicked deeds by ignoring the words and actions of Christ and then, later, the obvious signs and wonders that have come through the apostles and which have been done in the name of Jesus.



Sometimes, what is left unstated is as poignant as what is openly stated. It is a good tool for each of us to consider. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “let your words be few.” It is good advice to remember before God and man. The few words we speak should carry weight, and the words we refrain from speaking can be just as heavy.



Lord God Almighty, help us to be wise in our speech, carefully considering everything we have to say, and only speaking out that which is wholesome, helpful, and pleasing in Your sight. It is so easy for us to allow our tongues to go beyond that which is proper, so help us in this Lord! For sure, we need it. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:20

Tuesday, April 26th, 2022




At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. Acts 7:20




Stephen’s previous words referred to the king of Egypt’s treacherous instructions against the people of Israel. This included, “making them expose their babies, so that they might not live.” With that thought introduced, he next says, “At this time Moses was born.”



The word translated as “time” signifies a fitting season, as if the opportune moment. In this, Stephen is certainly indicating that God planned it out that this would be the proper time for the events leading up to the Exodus to take place, according to His promise to Abraham hundreds of years earlier.



It is at this fitting and opportune time that Moses was born. Moses means “He who draws out.” It is based upon his being drawn out of the Nile, but it certainly is a prophetic anticipation of him being the one to draw out the word of God (the law) to then pass it onto the people. In this, he is a type, or picture, of the coming Christ – the Word of God – who draws out the will of God through His word in order to fulfill it. These things are more fully explained in the Superior Word sermons that begin in Exodus and progress through Deuteronomy.



As for Stephen, his words continue with, “and was well pleasing to God.” The word translated as “well pleasing” is asteios, and it is only found here and in Hebrews 11:23 where it also speaks of Moses. The word comes from astu, a city. And so, it literally means “belonging to the city.” This is because a city is considered a place of polished manners and living. Thus, one could paraphrase the word as “he was a city dweller,” and the sense may be brought out.



The idea of him being pleasing “to God” is both superlative and idiomatic. It refers to anything that is beautiful, grand, lofty, and so on. Albert Barnes explains this –



“Thus, Psalm 36:7, ‘mountains of God,’ mean lofty mountains; Psalm 80:11, ‘cedars of God,’ mean lofty, beautiful cedars. Thus, Nineveh is called ‘a great city to God’ (Jonah 3:3, Greek), meaning a very great city. The expression here simply means that Moses was ‘very fair,’ or handsome.”



With this understood, Stephen finishes with, “and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months.”



Because of the elegant nature of the child, the parents were emboldened and, as it says in Hebrews 11, “they were not afraid of the king’s command.” The two aspects, that of the beauty of the child, and that of the parents not caring about obeying an immoral command, combined into their determination to hide the child. In the Hebrews reference, it is ascribed to them as an act of faith. He was protected during these early months because of this.



Life application: Hebrews 11 describes this same event, saying that what the parents did was an act of faith. In this, they were recorded in the Bible’s Hall of Fame of Faith for their deed. Though the things we do will not be recorded in the Bible, they will be remembered by God. Those that are of faith will receive their reward. Those that are not, will not.



If a pastor mandates tithing in his church, there is no faith in the giving. It is considered an obligation and the congregants, rightly or wrongly, will give (or not give) based on his words. Only if a person knows that tithing is not a New Covenant precept is he freed from this legalistic nonsense. His giving, then, can be considered an act of faith.



In other words, when a pastor mandates tithing – something contrary to the word of God – he denies his congregants who are uneducated in the word the blessing of rewards for their giving. This is all the more poignant when Paul, speaking of eating various foods, says, “for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Though referring to foods, the precept is universal in its scope.



We are to live our lives in faith. When we give, it is to be because we have faith in the giving, not because of a legalistic mandate that is not to be found in Scripture. The law mandated tithing. Those who did not tithe were guilty before the law. Now that Christians are not under law, but under grace, to be forced to tithe removes faith from the process.



Think about this as a simple example for everything you do. What you do, do in faith that you are in the presence of God and that He is evaluating your life and actions as such. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.



Glorious God, thank You that we can live our lives in faith by simply acknowledging You in our thoughts. May we consider our actions, knowing that You are there, and You are with us. As we go forth with this attitude, direct our paths accordingly. Thank You that there can be such an intimate fellowship between us. Thank You for this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:21

Wednesday, April 27th, 2022


But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. Acts 7:21


Stephen had just previously said that Moses was brought up in his father’s house for three months. He next notes, “But when he was set out.” That refers to what is stated in the narrative of Exodus 2 –



“But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. 4 And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.” Exodus 2:3, 4



The brevity of Stephen’s words in relation to the Exodus narrative shows that the story of Moses was universally known. Instead of giving the details, he simply acknowledges the account in the simplest of words. The events themselves would automatically be mentally filled in by each member of the council.



The word translated as “But when he was set out” means that he was exposed. The same word is used three more times in Acts where it means to explain, such as when Peter explained events that occurred (Acts 11:4), or when Paul explained the significance of the kingdom of God (Acts 28:23). Stephen continues with, “Pharaoh’s daughter took him away.”



Again, the few words of Stephen are much more detailed in Exodus –



“Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. 6 And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, ‘This is one of the Hebrews’ children.’

7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?’

8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Go.’ So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. 9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed him.” Exodus 2:5-9



The word translated as “took him away” is quite interesting. It is anaireó. It is almost always translated as kill, end life, murder, put to death, and so on. For example, it is used this way in Acts 7:28. In one instance, Hebrews 10:9, it is used to signify the taking away of the Old Covenant as it is replaced with the New. It is a compound verb coming from ana, a word giving the sense of upwards, and haireó, meaning to choose or take.



In this, Vincent’s Word Studies notes –



“Used among Greek writers of taking up exposed children; also of owning new-born children. So Aristophanes: ‘I exposed (the child) and some other woman, having taken it, adopted (ανείλετο) it’ (‘Clouds,’ 531). There is no reason why the meaning should be limited to took him up from the water (as Gloag).”



In other words, some (like Gloag) might think, “This is referring to Pharaoh’s daughter taking Moses up from the water of the Nile.” But it is surely signifying more than this. It is the ending of one part of his life and the entrance of a new aspect. She “took him up” from his life as a Hebrew “and brought him up as her own son.”



This is noted in Exodus 2 as well –



“And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, ‘Because I drew him out of the water.’” Exodus 2:10



The meaning of Stephen’s words is that Moses was both nourished and educated as a member of Pharaoh’s home. What is ironic, and what may (?) be on Stephen’s mind, is that just as Moses was taken away from his life as a Hebrew in order to become the deliverer of Israel, so Moses (the law) must be taken away in order for Israel to be delivered from the law’s bondage. As noted, the word used to describe this is also found in Hebrews 10 –



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



Whether this was on Stephen’s mind or not, the ironic nature of the use of the word to signify the changes concerning Moses (representative of the law) is remarkable.



Life application: The words of Exodus, as confirmed here, show us that Pharaoh’s daughter was an exceptional financier. We can deduce this because she went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.



Sometimes, a little humor is a good thing.



Lord God, what a treasure Your word is. It is filled with wisdom, history, poetry, irony, and revealed glory. In it, we find the answer to our needs. In it, we find rest for the weary soul. In it, we find Jesus. Thank You for this wonderful, beautiful word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Act 7:22

Thursday, April 28th, 2022




And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds. Acts 7:22


It was just noted that Moses was set out, but Pharaoh’s daughter “took him away and brought him up as her own son.” With that remembered, Stephen next says, “And Moses was learned.”



The word is paideuó. It signifies the process of learning, not the result. In other words, this doesn’t mean, “Moses was known for having learned everything.” Instead, it means “Moses was given training in.” Other than Stephen’s speech, this is not recorded in Scripture. However, Flavius Josephus and Philo both referred to this. The Pulpit Commentary states –



“Josephus makes Thermeutis speak of him as ‘of a noble understanding;’ and says that he was ‘brought up with much care and diligence.’ And Philo, in his life of Moses (quoted by Whitby), says he was smiled [skilled] in music, geometry, arithmetic, and hieroglyphics, and the whole circle of arts and sciences.”



It is evident from this, as well as verses such as 2 Timothy 3:8 and Jude 1:9, that extrabiblical references were accepted among the people concerning their history. Likewise, Paul cites Greek philosophers in his writings as well. Despite the sources not being inspired, their inclusion in Scripture tells us that those particular things that have been cited should be considered accurate statements concerning what is stated.



As for Moses, whatever his final level of education was, he was educated “in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.” As noted in the words of the Pulpit Commentary above, this included a wide range of disciplines. It probably also included astrology, medical studies, Egyptian religious rites and practices, various types of divination and dream interpretation, and so on.



Moses was aware of these things, as can be seen in the law. For example, there is great structure and poetical beauty in his writings at times, such as the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32. These things can only be speculated on, but by reading what he speaks of, the way he writes, and the things he warns against, a fuller picture of the things he was aware of can be determined. Because of his learning, Stephen next says, “and was mighty in words and deeds.”



This refers to his pronouncements and actions in life. His learning gave him the ability to utter forth things that were intelligent, structured, and of great importance. He was also able to turn the things he instructed into action, accomplishing great feats, such as uniting Israel and keeping them united despite all the troubles that they faced, both from without and from within. The statement in Exodus 4:10 (below) does not at all conflict with what Stephen now says –



“Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’”



Having a speech impediment is not connected to what Stephen speaks of when he says, “mighty in words.” Words can be written down, they can be communicated by another (such as Aaron), and they can also simply refer to what a word signifies – a matter – and not the speaking out of the word. The words of Moses have immense weight, regardless as to how they may have fumbled off of his lips.



Life application: There is often a dilemma among Christians concerning education. Some demand that getting an education in theology is an excuse to reject that person’s doctrine (yes, there are people out there like this). Some think that one should only be trained in the Bible. Some find extrabiblical studies relevant to some extent, dismissing some things as unacceptable and claiming other things are acceptable.



It is hard to know where education becomes pointless, such as obtaining knowledge merely for the sake of having it, but without any valid reason for having it. Those things can be debated forever. But one should not dismiss being educated as leading to being tainted and unqualified to teach the Bible. For example, someone might learn about heresies in order to know how to identify that which is heretical.



Further, someone may use the writings of Greek philosophers as a way of conveying a biblical truth that can then be more readily understood. As noted above, Paul cites several Greek philosophers. Some are stated in Acts as recorded by Luke, and some are in Paul’s own writings.



In regard to the Bible, the first and most important thing is to know it sufficiently before any other training in relation to it is obtained. If one is trained in theology without first knowing the Bible, then two things will immediately be true. The first is that he will have no idea if what he is being trained in is actually in accord with the word or not.



The second is that once he is trained in that theology, he will have presuppositions based on that training which will then bias his analysis of the Bible from that point on. It is very hard to mentally separate oneself from what he has been trained in, even when provided evidence that his training was faulty.



For example, a Jehovah’s Witness will be trained, in advance of his knowing the Bible, that Jesus is not God. From that point on, he will always believe this, even when provided all the evidence necessary to validate that Jesus is, in fact, God. It is a state known as cognitive dissonance, and it is an extremely hard thing to overcome.



Only when the Bible is read and understood to a sufficient degree should a person be introduced to various theologies. And it is always good to learn as many viewpoints on those particular theologies as possible. Understanding the variations in thought can help a person process what he already knows, and come to a right decision about what is correct and what is to be rejected. Above all, know the Bible intimately first. From there, never stop checking the Bible for confirmation of what you are told.



Glorious God Almighty, give us the desire to seek Your word daily, and give us the ability to remember what is there. Help us in this, O Lord, so that when we are presented with a teaching on its contents, we can properly evaluate if what we have been told is correct or not. May it be so, to Your glory and for our benefit. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:23

Friday, April 29th, 2022




“Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. Acts 7:23





Stephen’s last words spoke of Moses being learned in all the wisdom of Egypt, something not referred to in the Old Testament. He also referred to Moses being mighty in words and deeds. Now, Stephen gives another insight not previously recorded in Scripture, saying, “Now when he was forty years old.”



The translation falls short. The verb used is pléroó, to fulfill. Furthermore, it is imperfect. It more closely says, “And when a period of forty years was fulfilling to him.” In other words, it is as if his life was coming to a set point where there would be a change in him. At that time, an inner impulse came upon him. As Stephen notes, “it came into his heart.”



The Greek bears an idiom, saying, “it arose upon his heart.” It is as if this inner impulse suddenly activated and there arose into his thinking (the heart being the seat of reasoning and understanding) something that he had not previously experienced. It is similar to the words of the Greek translation of Jeremiah 3:16. There, referring to the Ark of the Covenant, it says that “it shall not ascend upon the heart.” As for Moses, nothing is said of why this came about, but it is the timing of the event that opens up the narrative. He was forty at this time.



As this is so, Moses’ life was divided up into three periods of forty years. He was in Egypt till he was forty. He went to Midian and was there forty years until his calling. He then led Israel for forty years. Bullinger defines the number forty by associating it “with a period of probation, trial, and chastisement—(not judgment, like the number 9, which stands in connection with the punishment of enemies, but the chastisement of sons, and of a covenant people). It is the product of 5 and 8, and points to the action of grace (5), leading to and ending in revival and renewal (8).”



This very suitably defines the periods of Moses’ life. Taken together, they equal one hundred and twenty, the time recorded as the life of Moses upon his death (Deuteronomy 34:7). Of that, Bullinger notes that the number one hundred and twenty “is made up of three forties (3×40=120). Applied to time therefore it signifies a divinely appointed period of probation.”



As Moses is emblematic of the law, this is a marvelously fulfilled pattern. As for Stephen’s words, they continue with “to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.” This is what arose upon his heart. It was an inner impulse probably weighing upon him to discover his roots and to understand who he was as a person. With this mindset, Stephen will next continue the narrative.



By specifically naming them as “the children of Israel,” it is a clear indication that there should be a bond of fellowship between them. Upon his coming to them, they should acknowledge him as their own and treat him accordingly.



Life application: In this verse, one can see the guiding hand of the Lord in how He is working out the redemptive narrative to meet His plan. It is like the call of Abraham, the seemingly chance meeting of Abraham’s servant with Rebekah at a well, and so on. Various things occur that seem unrelated or through simple good luck, but each was purposefully arranged in order to lead His chosen instruments through history until it finally arrives at Jesus.



This will continue to be true at the rapture of the church. The Restrainer will be taken out of the way, and only then will the antichrist be revealed. There is nothing arbitrary about how the events of history are unfolding. The plan is known to God, it is set, and it will come to pass.



This should not lead us to a fatalistic attitude though. We are living out our lives as individuals, and God is not forcing us into decisions. We can sit on the porch all day and wait for a welfare check, or we can be industrious and get to work. Those are personal choices, and we will be accountable for each such thing we do.



Despite this, we should be comforted that there is a process that is occurring around us that has been set and that we will participate in when the time has reached its fullness. Because of this, let us not be troubled as those of the world are. Whatever happens to us in this life, it is a part of the human experience. But what will happen to us when Christ comes is a part of His divinely appointed plan for His people.



Live in the world, but do not live as the world. In this, we will be demonstrating faith in God’s overarching plan that is guiding us to a very good end.



Heavenly Father, help us to not be fearful when troubles or catastrophes occur. May we stand fast on the sure promises You have spoken out to us in Your word, being reassured that a good end will be the result, even if the way is difficult or even dangerous at times. We know that You have all things under control. Hallelujah and amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:24

Saturday, April 30th, 2022


And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. Acts 7:24




Stephen previously spoke of Moses being forty years old and how at that time “it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.” Now Stephen’s words continue with words that are active and alive, using participles. A better rendering of the entire set of words than that of the NKJV would be –



“And having seen a certain one being wronged, he defended and did avenge him being oppressed, having struck down the Egyptian” (CG).



As for the words, the NKJV begins with, “And seeing one of them suffer wrong.” That is recorded in Exodus 2 –



“Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren.” Exodus 2:11



It was already made clear from the context of the previous verse that it is an Israelite that is being mistreated. Further, the previous verse noted that it had come into Moses’ heart (literally: it arose upon his heart) to visit his brethren. As such, the desire to be with his true kin was impelling him to join with them. As this is so, he now perceives the injustice against this Israelite. With that, Stephen says, “he defended and avenged him who was oppressed.”



The Greek words used are carefully chosen. The word translated as “defended” is only found here. Vincent’s Word Studies notes that “The word means originally to ward off from one’s self, with a collateral notion of requital or revenge.” Also, the word translated as “avenged” is found in the parable of the unjust judge of Luke 18 –



“Then the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’” Luke 186-8



Moses is there to avenge this Israelite in the same manner that God will avenge those who call upon Him. But, as will be seen, Israel failed to see Moses’ intent. For now, Stephen concludes with, “and struck down the Egyptian.” That is seen in the continuing Exodus narrative –



“So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” Exodus 2:12



Stephen gives the main details that sufficiently connect Moses’ actions on behalf of Israel to hopefully wake up his audience to Jesus’ parallel actions on behalf of Israel.



Life application: Moses killed another man who was doing him no personal harm. It is a fact of the story. The Bible doesn’t hide such things or try to sugarcoat them. It simply gives the facts and allows the narrative to continue. David did something like this when he had Uriah the Hittite killed after first committing adultery with Uriah’s wife.



Despite these things, they are both considered great men before God, even champions of the biblical narrative. The reason this is so is that their hearts were right toward and before the Lord. They both failed at key points in their lives, but they didn’t allow their failures to define who they were as people. Rather, they acknowledged their actions and pressed on in humility and faithfulness to the Lord.



The Lord understands our failings, He knows our every imperfection, and because of Jesus, our sins are forgiven. Let us be grateful for this, mindful of our need to correct our deficiencies, and let us do our best to live faithfully before the Lord all our days. When we fail, our hearts should be convicted and remorseful, but they should also be determined to glorify God for His abundant and merciful faithfulness to us through the giving of Christ Jesus.



How blessed we are for what You have done for us in Christ, O God. We have failed You; we have been as enemies toward You, and yet You gave Your Son to reconcile us to Yourself. What is it that would prompt such an offer of grace and mercy? We are reconciled! Praise God! You have reconciled us through the shed blood of Jesus! Hallelujah and Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:25

Sunday, May 1st, 2022




For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. Acts 7:25




Stephen’s previous words were that of Moses defending one of the Israelites by striking down an Egyptian. With that, he continues by saying, “For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand.”



Again, as with the previous verse, the translation does not follow the action of the Greek which includes present tense verbs. It is active and alive, and it is better rendered, “and he was supposing his brothers might understand that God, through his hand is giving salvation. But they did not understand.” Despite the translation, we will continue with the NKJV, beginning with, “For he supposed that his brethren would have understood.”



Moses certainly was known to have been of Israel. That can be inferred from the words of Exodus 2:14 where Moses is set in contrast to the Egyptian. Being of Israelite birth, he then must have assumed that they would acknowledge this and welcome him as one of their own. However, such was not the case. Not knowing their attitude would be unaccepting, after defending his brother Israelite, he thought that surely they were seeing “that God would deliver them by his hand.”



In his thinking, it seemed obvious: “I was born of Israel. I was drawn out of the Nile and rescued from death. I have been raised in Pharaoh’s house and understand the culture of Egypt. These people will recognize that I have taken their side and see that I am here to provide salvation from their oppressors.” It is a logical possibility of what went on in Moses’ mind. And yet, Stephen says, “but they did not understand.”



Stephen’s words are certainly given to tie what Moses did to the coming of Jesus. He was born an Israelite, He was obviously well learned despite not being schooled (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:2). He also had come to free the people from their bondage, and so on. And yet Israel “did not understand.” The parallel is being expressed right to the faces of the leading council of the nation, and yet they sat there not comprehending in the slightest what Stephen was talking about.



Life application: Presuppositions lead to cognitive dissonance. When we suppose we know what is correct about a matter, such as a particular doctrine in the Bible, we will then close out anything from coming in and challenging what we think we know. That is cognitive dissonance. It is a state of mental discomfort resulting from being exposed to conflicting attitudes, beliefs, values, and so on.



We don’t want to think we are wrong, and so we mentally shut off opposing views without due consideration. If we believe that Jesus is not God, we will be prone to shutting out any thought that refutes or challenges our belief. This will go so far as denying the obvious.



Using the blue sky as an analogy, we know that it being blue is perfectly evident. It is something anyone will acknowledge who is honestly willing to admit. But if someone has been told that the sky is brown, and that is what he has accepted, he will shut out anything that clashes with his presupposition.



The same is true with any biblical doctrine. The Bible teaches that the rapture and other end-times events will happen in a particular sequence. This sequence is perfectly understandable as it has been laid out by Paul. It actually takes little effort to grasp what he outlines. And yet, there are many, many views on when the rapture will occur.



When a person is presented with a suitable explanation of the proper outline, if he already believes it is different, then the black and white words on the paper mean very little to him. They will be ignored or argued against with fallacious thinking, irrelevant side arguments, and so on. The true and correct reading will be ignored and even belittled.



Let us be willing to acknowledge that maybe we are wrong. We should then be willing to consider other options until they have been fully researched and proven right or wrong. As the word says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).



Lord God, help us to put aside incorrect ideas about what is presented in Your word. Until we have done the hard work, may we be willing to acknowledge that what we initially believed may – in fact – be wrong. Your word is big and complicated, and we are prone to error. But You give more grace when we will humble ourselves and acknowledge our errors. Thank You for Your grace. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:26

Monday, 2 May 2022



And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ Acts 7:26


Stephen will now explain the words of the previous verse concerning Moses. There, it said, “For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand.” Their not understanding begins to be explained with the words, “And the next day he appeared to two of them.”



The word used signifies that he appeared in an unexpected way or suddenly. It is the kind of appearance that would describe someone having a vision or being sent from God. The use of this word is clearly hinting at the advent of Christ Jesus who came in an unexpected and sudden way. As for Moses, this unexpected appearance occurred “as they were fighting.”



One gets the sense of two men having a fight and Moses is suddenly there, as if he was destined to be the one to bring peace between the two. It is at this time, and with this unexpected appearance, that Moses “tried to reconcile them.”



The phrase is more literally rendered, “urged them to peace.” One can see a fight going on today and another person coming up and saying, “Hey guys, lighten up and calm down. There is no need for this!” Moses feels he is doing the right thing. It was laid upon his heart to visit his brethren, and instead of finding a group that is united and caring of one another, he finds fighting. In this state of things, he looks to bring reconciliation, “saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’”



Stephen gives more information than the original account in Exodus, which reads –



“And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, ‘Why are you striking your companion?’” Exodus 7:13



Stephen acknowledges the bond between the two and uses that as an anchor to then question why they would have enmity for one another. His words are undoubtedly chosen to reveal the attitude of Israel towards Jesus. That will be more fully expressed in the verses to come. Moses came to deliver his people from the bondage of Egypt and to unite them as a people under the Lord. Jesus came to deliver His people from the bondage of sin and to unite them as children of God.



Life application: Solomon was an observant man. He was able to look at the world around him and see how things should work, what is effective or ineffective, what will lead to peace and what will lead to trouble, and so on. It could be that he was reading this account of Moses from Exodus and then thought about other similar instances he had seen, and then penned the words of this proverb –



“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own

Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17



Taking a dog by the ears means you are more than likely going to get bit. Such is true when you step into an already explosive situation. The two who are quarreling are set on fixing the matter themselves. When someone who has no stake in the matter sticks his nose into the fight, it is like bringing along a bucket of gasoline and an already lit match. Things will probably not go well.



Instead of bringing peace and reconciliation, the two who are fighting will find the interference unacceptable and are bound to take out their frustration on the meddler first, before finishing their own quarrel. Moses didn’t see this, and to this day, those who fail to heed the words of proverbs will continue to make exactly the same mistake. Human nature doesn’t change, so to gain wisdom, be sure to read and apply the words of Proverbs to your life.



Lord God, thank You for the wisdom Your word provides. If we will just apply it to our lives, things will go better for sure. Help us to display wisdom by reading and taking heed to Your word. You created us, and You have given the manual for proper operating conditions concerning us. Therefore, Lord, help us to tweak our walk before You so that all things will go smoothly! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:27

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022


“But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Acts 7:27




The previous verse had Moses trying to reconcile the Israelites who were fighting. That now continues with, “But he who did his neighbor wrong.”



In the commentary of the previous verse, a proverb was cited, warning people to not get involved in a quarrel that is not their own. The reason is that one or both of the people are bound to turn and bite at you. In this case, it is the one who was the wrongdoer in the argument. He is obviously a bully, and he has taken offense at someone attempting to correct his wrongdoing. With his state of anger turned towards Moses, it says he then “pushed him away.”



This is not recorded in the Exodus account –



“And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, ‘Why are you striking your companion?’

14 Then he said, ‘Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?’” Exodus 2:13, 14



Stephen’s words are as much a theological addition as anything else. A main point of what he is conveying is the rebellious nature of Israel in general, especially to those in authority over them or those who are willing to guide and instruct them, most especially the Lord.



In His incarnation, this is exactly what they had done. They had “pushed him away,” rejecting His appointed authority over them. The similarity continues with the final words of the verse, where Stephen says this bully was “saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?’”



It was obvious that Moses was in a place of authority, even if it was only based on his adopted family’s status. His position, then, entitled him a level of respect not seen in his treatment by this miscreant. But this person’s actions are recorded specifically as a type of all of Israel throughout their history, pushing the authority of Moses (meaning the law that came through him) away. In this, they “pushed away” the authority of the Lord who gave that law through Moses.



Further, they “pushed away” the Lord Jesus who not only fulfilled the law but who then initiated a New Covenant in His blood. They rejected Him as their ruler, and they rejected Him as their judge. Ironically, in rejecting Jesus, they fell back on Moses (meaning the law), the same leader they had constantly rejected over their entire history –



“Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:45-47



Life application: As a reminder to each of us, we need to not assume that we are any better than Israel. We read the words of the Old Testament, and even into the New, and we say, “Boy, they really were a disobedient nation. They rejected Moses and went their own way constantly.” This is true, they did. But Moses’ words came from the Lord.



Today, we have the word of the Lord through the apostles. And yet, do we faithfully follow what He says? Even on the best of days, we fall short of all that is expected of us. Some more than others. But when we are not obedient to what is given in the epistles, we are just like Israel.



Let us consider this, especially in 1) adding to the word things that are not in the word – pet peeves, legalistic precepts, and so on, 2) taking from the word (meaning not doing) things that are explicit, and 3) mishandling the word by not following sound rules of biblical interpretation. We must be especially careful to KNOW THE WORD, or we can never do these things with any reliability. Our doctrine will be at the whims of whatever we are told, but it will not be backed up with our own knowledge of whether what we are told is actually correct or not.



Glorious Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and tender mercy upon us through the giving of Your Son. Help us to show our thanks by desiring to know more about Him, about what He has done, and about how that knowledge comes through knowing Your word. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:28

Wednesday, May 4th, 2022


Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday? Acts 7:28

.



The previous verse saw the Israelite who was doing wrong to his fellow Israelite push Moses away and ask, “Who made you a ruler and judge over us?” His words to Moses continue in this verse with, “Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?”



Stephen’s words are close to those of Exodus 2:14, which say, “Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” The tone of the man cannot be known, but it is obvious that he is poking at Moses. The intent of Moses was to separate the two and bring about harmony. However, the one who was bullying the other wanted to continue with his perverse actions and now flippantly speaks out his words to Moses as if he were some type of common murderer who took joy in killing.



The parallel to the leaders of Israel is obvious. Jesus had rebuked the leaders for their treatment of their own people. This is found in Matthew 23 and in Luke 11. Just a portion of that says –



“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.” Luke 11:46-48



The leaders of Israel oppressed the people. Jesus addressed this personally and the leaders didn’t like it, just as the man Stephen is referring to took offense at Moses for trying to stop the wrong he was doing to his own brother Israelite. It is the same attitude of the heart that the Bible addresses between the two as it reveals the rejection of Moses’ words and later the rejection of Jesus’ words.



Life application: One has to beware of who to interact with, even in the church. Just because someone claims to be a Christian, it does not mean he has positive intent towards those around him. The epistles of Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude all deal with people in the church who do not have the good of others in mind –



“But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” 2 Timothy 2:16-18



“But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?” James 2:6, 7



“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” 2 Peter 2:1, 2



“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” 3 John -9, 10



“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude -12, 13



As this is such a common warning among the writers of the New Testament, we should pay heed. Both those in the church and those over the church must be carefully evaluated in doctrine and in how they conduct their lives. Be accepting of the brotherhood but be careful at the same time.



Lord God, give us wisdom in our interactions with others. There are many who are out there to take advantage of the fellowship, tearing others apart like ravenous wolves. May we be mindful of them and keep them from dividing the church and bringing harm to the fellowship. Yes, give us wisdom in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 7:29

Thursday, May 5th, 2022




Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons. Acts 7:29


Moses, being challenged by one of the Israelites he encountered, was asked, “Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?” With that, Stephen continues the narrative with, “Then, at this saying, Moses fled.” The reason for this, which is left out by Stephen now, is found in Exodus 2 –



“So Moses feared and said, ‘Surely this thing is known!’ 15 When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well.” Exodus 2:14, 15



Moses thought that his killing of the Egyptian was done in secret. That was seen earlier in Exodus 2 where it said, “So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand” (Exodus 1:12). He thought his act had gone unnoticed, but it had not. Soon, it became known even to Pharaoh who then sought Moses for punishment. That is when Moses fled. With this context more fully understood, Stephen’s words continue with, “and became a dweller in the land of Midian.”



The location of Midian has never been exactly determined. Those who believe Mt. Sinai is on the Sinai Peninsula (once known as Arabia Petraea) would place it in the body of land going from the land of Moab and extending south along the eastern shore of the peninsula. Others believe Mt. Sinai is where Saudi Arabia is today. If so, Midian would have to be somewhere further east in that area.



Its location is less important than the fact that the Lord was always aware of where Moses was, and He interacted with him there. The Lord is not simply a local god that dwells in the land of Canaan, but He is the one true God who is not bound by physical limitations. He can and does deal with people in any location in order to meet His set purposes.



As for Moses dwelling in Midian, Stephen notes that is “where he had two sons.” While in Midian, he married Zipporah. She was the daughter of Reuel, the priest of Midian. Their first son was named Gershom. This is recorded in Exodus 2 –



“Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

18 When they came to Reuel their father, he said, ‘How is it that you have come so soon today?’

19 And they said, ‘An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.’

20 So he said to his daughters, ‘And where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.’

21 Then Moses was content to live with the man, and he gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses. 22 And she bore him a son. He called his name Gershom, for he said, ‘I have been a stranger in a foreign land.’” Exodus 2:16-22



The second son’s name is Eliezer. He is first recorded in Exodus 18:4.



Life application: Moses was forty (Acts 7:23) at the time he killed the Egyptian and fled to Midian. He was then in Midian for forty years. After all that time, the Lord visited him on Mount Sinai in the burning bush (Acts. 7:30). The Lord determined when He would appear to Moses, and it was at an age when most people were on their way out (see Psalm 90:10). And yet, he was just starting the most productive third of his life.



We may not see the big changes coming that the Lord plans for our lives, but when they come, we should be willing to recognize His hand in what has occurred and use the events to bring Him glory in whatever capacity He has chosen for us.



Moses shepherded flocks for forty years, as can be deduced from Exodus 3:1. Some might see this as a dull existence, but it was a part of the Lord’s plan for him. Today, he is one of the most well-known names in all of human history. Those forty years did nothing to detract from what we think of him. They were simply a part of what the Lord had determined.



No matter what our job is, where we live, or how simple we find our surroundings, let us consider that it is no different than what occurred with Moses. If the Lord keeps us there forever, or if He determines something great and exciting for the future, it really doesn’t matter if we are living for Him. For those in Christ, the days of the life we now live will end, and there will be eternal days of wonder when we are in our true, heavenly home.



Lord God, help us to be encouraged in the lives we live. Whatever our station is, You have allowed it to be so. May we consider this and be willing to live for You, no matter where we are or whatever our vocation may be. As long as we are honoring You with this life, we are doing what is good and proper. Help us in this, O God. Amen.