BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 9:40

Wednesday, 24 August 2022
 
But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Acts 9:40
 
The previous verse spoke of the widows weeping and showing to Peter the tunics and garments that Tabitha (Dorcas) had made. With that, the words of this verse are given. The NKJV does not do a great job with the verbs, so Young’s translation will be used. It says –
 
“And Peter having put them all forth without, having bowed the knees, did pray, and having turned unto the body said, 'Tabitha, arise;' and she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up.”
 
With that noted, it says, “And Peter having put them all forth without.” Peter excused those who were in the room in order to have his full attention devoted to the matter at hand. Jesus did this with the young girl as is recorded in Matthew 9:25, but we see in Mark 5 that the parents, Peter, James, and John were with Him. This is also confirmed in Luke 8. In this case now, however, Peter is alone. From there, it says, “having bowed the knees.”
 
After having solitude, he takes a position of humility before the Lord. There is no arrogance or pretentiousness in him. Rather, he is as one who is seeking the Lord from the heart and in a state of reverence. With that, it says he “did pray.” In the account of the girl from the gospels, Jesus simply spoke forth His words, and the girl was raised. In John 11, at the raising of Lazarus, Jesus prayed to the Father, but it was an open prayer intended to be heard for others to perceive and understand the intimacy that exists between the Father and the Son as well as the authority that the Son possessed.
 
Peter yielded himself to God through prayer, not claiming any authority of his own. With that, it next records, “and having turned unto the body said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’” Though recorded in Greek, these would have been the same words as spoken by Jesus in Mark 5. He said, “Talitha cumi,” meaning, “Little girl, arise.” Peter would surely have spoken Aramaic and said, “Tabitha, cumi.” The closeness of the words is remarkable but coincidental. Next, after Peter’s spoken words, it says, “and she opened her eyes.”
 
As dead people do not open their eyes, the miracle that was hoped for has been realized. She is brought back to life by the power of God and through the petition of Peter. With that noted, the verse finishes with, “and having seen Peter, she sat up.”
 
Not only was she brought back to life, but she was also brought back to a state of vigor that allowed her to rise up on her own. The power of God is realized in the miracle.
 
Life application: Peter’s words, “Tabitha, arise,” were words of confidence. This is the same person who asked to come out to the Lord on the raging waters of the Sea of Galilee. There it said –
 
“So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:29, 30
 
Peter took his eyes off the Lord and looked at the dangers surrounding him. His faith faltered, and he began to sink. In this account, Peter removed the distractions of the women and their sadness and focused on the Lord through prayer.
 
We can, and should, learn from this. Hebrews 12:2 implores us to fix our eyes on Jesus. If we don’t do this, we will be ineffective in what we determine to do as believers because we will always be distracted by the things of the world. When our eyes are set on Jesus, our attention is likewise going to be set on Him. And when that is the case, our priorities and our determination will be properly focused. May we consider this all the days of our lives. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!
 
Lord God, even the most confident of us are just one step away from sinking among the raging waves of life if we don’t keep our eyes on Jesus. But with Him as our focus, we can be confident that the path we are taking is correct, and that it will lead to the right and proper end. What happens along the way is temporary and will pass, but the goal on which we focus – Jesus our Lord – is eternal joy in His presence. Help us to remember this all our days. Amen.
 

Acts 9:39

Tuesday, 23 August 2022
 
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. Acts 9:39
 
In the previous verse, the saints in Joppa sent two men to Peter in Lydda imploring him to come with them to Joppa. Now, that continues with, “Then Peter arose.” It is a present participle. The Greek reads, “Then Peter, having arisen.” 
 
The narrative Luke presents brings the reader into it, carefully allowing it to unfold as it is being read. Peter was willing to go with them. Therefore, in having arisen, he “went with them.” His willingness to go with them would have alleviated any unnecessary delays as they could take him directly to the location without the possibility of him getting lost on the way or in the city.
 
As for the journey, it would not have been too long because the cities were near one another. The current driving distance is 16 miles. Assuming they had animals, it would be a few hours of riding at most. Even walking at a normal pace takes about 4 hours to go that distance. Luke next records, “When he had come, they brought him to the upper room.”
 
There is a sense of urgency here. Nothing is said about stopping to have a meal, wash their feet, or any of the other things that normally would occur after traveling 15+ miles. Instead, Luke notes that he is immediately brought to where Tabitha had been laid. Next, whether they were already in the room or whether they came up with him, it notes, “And all the widows stood by him weeping.”
 
Tabitha had been a faithful soul and a caring provider to many. That alone would have endeared her to others. Her death would have been a source of loss to anyone who was close and shared in her life. But these women were also the source of her good deeds. This is seen in the next words. They were “showing the tunics and garments.”
 
It is improbable that they carried up a display of the things she had made. Rather, it appears that they were showing her works as they wore them. In essence, “She made these just for me.” This is implied in the Greek which is in the middle voice. The middle voice is used to denote that the subject is both an agent of the action and somehow concerned with it. In other words, these ladies were most probably modeling the garments for Peter to understand the greatness of the efforts put forth by Tabitha.
 
The types of clothing noted by Luke include the chitón, which is a garment worn close to the skin. It could be an undergarment, a shirt, a coat, and so on. The second is the himation. This is a garment worn over the chitón, such as a robe. It would often be made of wool, having openings for the head and arms. It would be a more loosely fitting garment. Of these, Luke notes that they were clothes “which Dorcas had made while she was with them.”
 
The word translated as “which” means “as many as,” and the verb is imperfect. It gives the sense of it being a continuous habit of making. It’s not just that she made them for these ladies, but she went out of her way to make them anytime a need arose. A literal translation of this last clause would be “as many as Dorcas was making while she was with them” (YLT).
 
The care she had for those she tended to is evident in all that is documented about her by Luke.
 
Life application: Paul was torn between departing and being with the Lord and staying to minister to others –
 
“But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.”  Philippians 1:22-24
 
Tabitha (Dorcas) obviously was one of the saints and was therefore free from this body of death. However, those behind certainly wanted her back. Paul notes that her state with Christ would have been “far better” if she did not come back. And yet, that was the desire of those who had lost her.
 
Elsewhere, Paul says, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” Death is a part of the human existence. Until the rapture people will continue to die. The mourning we experience as believers is one of personal loss, not one of permanent loss.
 
If we can remember this, our times of loss should at the same time include a sense of joy for the one who has departed. Jesus Christ came to provide us with hope. To understand this more fully, take time today to read the account of the death of Lazarus in John 11. There, we see the surety of our hope because of who Jesus is.
 
In Christ is victory over death. If we can remember this and keep it with us at all times, it should help us in two major ways. The first is to spur us on to a more perfect desire to tell the unsaved about Jesus and to keep them in prayer for their hearts and eyes to be opened. The second is that when death enters into our sphere of life, if it is a believer who has died, we can have confidence that they are now in a “far better” state than remaining with us.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to be attentive to the terminal state of existence that we as humans live in. May we carefully remember that our days are short and that without Jesus, there is no hope for those who depart this life. Give us hearts that are caring about this so that we will not be negligent in our responsibilities concerning the good news of Jesus. Amen. 
 

Acts 9:38

Monday, 22 August 2022
 
And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Acts 9:38
 
In the previous verse, Tabitha is said to have died. With that remembered, Luke next records, “And since Lydda was near Joppa.” The verb is a present participle, “And Lydda being near Joppa.” Luke is describing the narrative as if it is ongoing. Understanding that, he continues with, “and the disciples had heard that Peter was there.” Again, the verbs are present tense, “and the disciples having heard that Peter is there.”
 
Tabitha has died, it is understood that Peter is in Lydda and Lydda is not that far away. Luke is weaving his words together to join his reader in the narrative as it continues. The sadness of the situation, the loss that has been experienced, and the immediate pressing nature of the situation is highlighted by the use of his words.
 
Because of this state, Luke next records, “they sent two men to him.” Many scholars tie in the coming internment with the urgency of the request while, at the same time, denying that Peter was being called for the purpose of a hoped-for miracle. In other words, an example of the reasoning is that Peter’s presence was needed “to comfort those that were concerned in the great loss of so good a woman” (Matthew Poole).
 
If this was the case, it would hardly matter if Tabitha was buried or not. Comfort can be provided if a body is above ground or in the grave. It is obvious that they have hope that Peter can, in fact, appeal to the Lord for a miracle. It would make no sense to rush Peter to Joppa unless this was the possible outcome. But the next words give just that sense of urgency, saying they were “imploring him not to delay in coming to them.”
 
The verse ahead will clearly show that Tabitha was not someone Peter knew well, if at all. And yet, he is being summoned to come quickly. However, just a few verses ago, it said –
 
“And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.’ Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:34, 35
 
The word had gone out all around the surrounding area that Peter had accomplished this miracle. It was understood from Jesus’ ministry that He had not only healed but that He had also raised the dead. The anticipation is that Jesus, through the apostleship of Peter, might again perform such a miracle.
 
Life application: Luke’s words are meticulously recorded to show an ongoing narrative, one thing often leading to the next. This is certainly the case here. The final note concerning the healing of Aeneas going out in a great manner was provided for just this reason, meaning it was intended to lead into the next section of the narrative.
 
Likewise, if you come to the end of this passage about Tabitha and look it over, you will see a connection to the next section. This is not uncommon in Scripture and such clues show that what is being detailed is not a haphazardly recorded account, but a purposeful compilation intended to lead us through the narrative to a more perfect understanding of what God has done in order to establish His church.
 
Pay attention to such cues because they will help provide a clearer sense of why things are occurring at the times they occur. Acts is a vital part of God’s word, even if it is not prescribing things for us to do. It is showing us that God’s hand was with His church as it began, and thus we can know that His hand continues with His church today.
 
The miracles, for example, helped establish a sense of surety within the church until the word was written. Those same miracles can provide us with the exact same sense of surety now that the word has been received.
 
Lord God, we can look to the wonderful things You have done for Your people in the past as are recorded in Your word. Now, we can have faith that what is provided there is true and reliable, and we can have confidence in the future concerning Your guiding hand being with us. Thank You for the surety Your word provides us as we continue forward in time, awaiting the fulfillment of all the things it promises are yet ahead. Amen.
 

Acts 9:37

Sunday, 21 August 2022
 
But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Acts 9:37
 
The verse now is speaking of Tabitha (Dorcas) of the previous verse. It noted that she was full of good works and charitable deeds. Luke now continues with, “But it happened in those days.”
 
Without going ahead, “those days” means that it was during the time that Peter was in the vicinity. The narrative was focused on him and Aeneas. What is happening now is to be assumed (and later made explicit) that this is during that time period “that she became sick.”
 
Luke, a physician, doesn’t give any specifics. This shows that no determination was made how this happened. Otherwise, he would have given his usual careful observations. Rather, he gives the main point that some malady had overtaken her. She was “sick and died.”
 
Her death is given as a recorded fact. There is no reason to assume anything other than this occurred. Those who argue that this was a swoon or the like do so against the plainly stated facts. Further, to argue for this when they were not present is to argue that the account is factual and simply needs to be tweaked to allow for their own presuppositions and biases concerning the matter.
 
Further, it is the height of arrogance to make a claim about the narrative that is contrary to what is plainly stated when they were not there. Being dead is a state that is not hard to determine, and people have identified it for all of human history. If there are exceptions where a misdiagnosis was made, the burden of proof is on the one making the claim to prove it. As this cannot be done, the record of her death must stand as it is written. With that in mind, it next says, “When they had washed her.”
 
This was a traditional part of the burial process. It is a demonstration of care and respect for the person’s memory as she is prepared for her final internment. Matthew Poole says, “They washed the dead, and anointed them, to fit them for their burying, and especially to show their hope of the resurrection; which some think St. Paul alludes unto, 1 Corinthians 15:29.”
 
This is actually an important point. Matthew Poole’s note about anointing the dead is correct, but nothing is said of that here. It is actually a clue that they have a hope that has not yet been expressed in the account. That will be seen in the coming verses.
 
People tend to the corpses of their dead all over the world. It may be there is a sense of hope in an afterlife (such as the Egyptians) or for some other reason but including 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not correct. That is not at all the intent of Paul’s words. He clearly says in the same passage “that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50).
 
The bodies that believers now possess are destined to return to the dust of the earth, just as the early Genesis account tells us. When Daniel was told that many of those who sleep in the dust will be raised, it confirms this. The bodies that we now possess will not be the bodies we will possess at the resurrection. The washing of Tabitha was a note of respect and a point of closure for those left behind. With that noted, the verse ends with “they laid her in an upper room.”
 
This would be out of sight of any who came by the house except for those who would purposefully go up to view her one last time. The custom in the Middle East was to always bury a person as quickly as possible, usually within the same day. Any chance to pay one’s last respects would have to come within that short timeframe.
 
Life application: Unless the rapture happens, we are all going to die physically. This is a part of the way things are at this time. There is not a moment of guarantee that when we wake up in the morning, we will be alive by evening. And there is no guarantee that going to bed will be followed by getting up the next morning.
 
We must be prepared, right now, to meet our Maker. As Jesus is the One who makes reconciliation with Him possible, it is our responsibility to receive His offer of peace and reconciliation now. And more, it is our responsibility to tell others about what God has offered. Our date with death’s destiny is assured. When it will come is known to God alone. Let us be wise and be prepared for that day and let us prepare others – as best as we can – for that day as well.
 
Lord God, thank You that because of Jesus Christ, we have the sure, certain, and blessed promise of the resurrection to eternal life that You have promised to all those who believe. May we be responsible to tell others about this joy that we possess while we have the time. Prompt us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 9:36

Saturday, 20 August 2022
 
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. Acts 9:36
 
While Peter was still in Lydda, Luke now brings a new development into the narrative at a new location, beginning with, “At Joppa.”
 
Joppa (Hebrew: Yafo) is a port city found four times in the Old Testament and ten in the new. The name comes from yaphah, to be fair or beautiful, and so it means Beautiful. It is the city from which Jonah went in order to obtain a ship going to Tarshish. For the city today, Wikipedia says of this location –
 
“Jaffa, in Hebrew Yafo (Hebrew: יָפוֹ, Yāfō (help·info)) and in Arabic Yafa (Arabic: يَافَا) and also called Japho or Joppa, the southern and oldest part of Tel Aviv-Yafo, is an ancient port city in Israel. Jaffa is known for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon and Saint Peter as well as the mythological story of Andromeda and Perseus, and later for its oranges. Today, Jaffa is one of Israel's mixed cities, with approximately 37% of the city being Arab.”
 
Today, the population of Joppa is about 46,000. It is in this location that Luke continues, saying, “there was a certain disciple named Tabitha.” This is an Aramaic name coming from a word meaning “gazelle.” Hence, her name means “Gazelle.” Of her, Luke next says, “which is translated Dorcas.”
 
Dorcas (Greek Dorkas) means the same thing, Gazelle. That comes from a Greek word meaning “to see clearly,” because the gazelle is an animal with bright, large eyes. Having two names is not uncommon in the Bible. In her case, being in Joppa which was a port town, there would be many Greek-speaking people. Therefore, to accommodate both, she was probably known by either her Aramaic name (the language of Israel at the time) or by her Greek name (the standard language of trade and commerce in the Roman Empire at the time). Of her, Luke next says, “This woman was full of good works.”
 
The meaning is obvious, but Charles Ellicott gives insight into Luke’s writing style by saying this of her –
 
“The form of the expression may be noticed as characteristic of St. Luke, and his favourite formula for conveying the thought of a quality being possessed in the highest degree possible. So we have ‘full of leprosy’ in Luke 5:12, ‘full of grace’ and ‘full of faith’ in Acts 6:5; Acts 6:8. (Comp. also Acts 13:10; Acts 19:28.)”
 
In the case of Tabitha, Luke uses the word agathos to describe her works. It is a common word signifying that which is intrinsically good. It is what finds its origin in what is provided by God, and it finds its empowerment from Him. For example, Jesus speaks of a tree that bears “good fruit.” One can see the root of the modern name Agatha in it.
 
Along with this, Luke continues, saying of her, “and charitable deeds which she did.” The verb is imperfect showing that her good deeds were ongoing – “which she was doing.” It wasn’t that she was known for something good that she had done, but she was known for her constant doing of good things. The Greek word used to describe these good deeds signifies beneficence or alms. They were deeds of charity that defined her as a person who was doing what she did without any strings attached.
 
Life application: Luke is careful to refer to Tabitha in two ways: full of good works and charitable deeds. One can be full of good works that are self-serving, and one can be full of charitable deeds that are sloppy or not well thought out. However, when one does good things and is charitable as well, it shows a person who is careful, methodical, and who is generous simply because it is his or her nature.
 
The Bible’s inclusion of this description of Tabitha tells us that her conduct was right in the eyes of Luke, but it also tells us that it is right in the eyes of God who inspired Luke to write these things. She was being evaluated and the record of her life has been documented.
 
Likewise, we are also being evaluated, and the attitude and conduct we put forth are being remembered. Someday, we will have our life and actions judged –
 
“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
 
“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10
 
If our purpose for doing things is amiss, our rewards will be diminished. And if the quality of our works is shoddy, the same will be true. Let us strive with our hearts set on the Lord in order to perform well and to produce that which is exemplary. In this, the Lord will be pleased and will return to each of us a full reward.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to be faithful and careful stewards of the time and talents You have given to us. And Lord, we are flesh and bone. Give us strength to meet our desire to perform and give us the inner drive to meet the strength You have provided. May there be a full display of careful attention to our deeds and actions before You. Amen.

Acts 9:35

Friday, 19 August 2022
 
So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
 Acts 9:35
 
The previous verse told of the healing of Aeneas by Peter. Because of that, Luke now records, “So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon.”
 
The Greek has an article before “Sharon.” It is “the Sharon.” It refers to a larger district. The name Lydda has already been explained. Sharon (Greek: Sarón) is found only here in the New Testament, but it comes from Sharon, a location named seven times in the Old Testament. It comes from yashar – to be straight, level, or right. Hence, Sharon means “Plain.” Even in the Old Testament, the name is often prefixed by an article, “the Sharon.” Therefore, it refers to “the Plain.” Wikipedia says of the location today –
 
“The Sharon plain (Hebrew: השרון HaSharon Arabic: سهل شارون Sahel Sharon) is the central section of the Israeli coastal plain. The plain lies between the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Samarian Hills, 15 km (9.3 mi) to the east. It stretches from Nahal Taninim, a stream marking the southern end of Mount Carmel in the north, to the Yarkon River in the south, at the northern limit of Tel Aviv, over a total of about 90 km (56 mi). The level of the Sharon plain is connected to the level of the Mediterranean Sea by the Sharon Escarpment.”
 
It is good to know this because it means that what had happened to Aeneas has impacted not just people in a couple small towns, but in a vast area. It is those dwelling in Lydda and the Sharon who “saw him and turned to the Lord.”
 
The meaning is obvious. The people saw the man, they understood the miracle, and they became believers in Jesus as the Messiah. What may be the case for such a large area to be impacted in this way is that the people of the plain traveled through Lydda for selling goods and shopping on the coast or for some other reason. As they did, they would see the man who had previously been paralyzed and would want to know what happened.
 
With that, the explanation of his healing would be carried back to those living in the plain area, describing the miracle and telling others that it was Jesus who had accomplished it. Despite the large area, this is not unlikely. The people of the plain would have things they grew and needed to sell and so traveling through various towns with their agricultural products would be the obvious thing to do.
 
Life application: From small to great things. The Lord accomplished a miracle through Peter in healing a bedridden man. This was in a town that is hardly mentioned in the Old Testament except in a minimal way. In the New Testament, it is simply a village that Peter is passing through where some believers obviously lived.
 
Those believers would probably have told others about Jesus after their conversion, maybe at the time of the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, or at some other annual feast in Jerusalem. But with Peter’s arrival and the healing of Aeneas, there would now be something to back up what these people had been saying all along. The miracle provided proof of what these believers already knew to be true.
 
And so with a single healing in a small town, an entire district hears and believes. Aeneas didn’t need to do anything but be healed. The others simply needed to tell what they believed. With the change in Aeneas, the gospel message has been confirmed.
 
Today, if there has been a change in your life, or someone else’s life that you know of, that single conversion can be used to confirm the power of the gospel to many. “He was a drug addict and now he is the finest employee I have ever had!” “She was a real run around, but then she met Jesus. What a change in her!”
 
And even if your conversion wasn’t as noticeable as this, it is still a change that can be told to others. God can take your witness and grow it into a great harvest. But people need to hear about it in order for that to happen. Let the world know that the gospel has power and that this power is proven in your own life.
 
Lord God, how marvelous was the day when we realized what Christ had done for us. Thank You for the wonderful change that has taken place. We were on the way to condemnation, and then came Jesus! Now, we have a hope of eternal joy in Your presence. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 9:34

Thursday, 18 August 2022
 
And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. Acts 9:34
 
The previous verse told of Aeneas who was bedridden for eight years, being paralyzed. Now, Luke continues with, “And Peter said to him.” Nothing has been said about this man being a believer. Rather, all it said was that Peter “came down to the saints in Lydda” in verse 32. Without any definitive answer to this either way, it continues with the words of Peter, saying, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.”
 
Peter addresses him by name and then notes the Source of the healing. It is “Jesus the Christ.” The article is appropriately rendered here. Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua) was not an uncommon name at the time in Israel. Therefore, to definitively identify Him, Peter calls Him “the Christ,” meaning “the Messiah.”
 
This is not unlike the account in Acts 3 where the man lame from birth was healed –
 
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” Acts 3:6, 7
 
Notice the differences though. In Chapter 3, Peter called him Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Being in Jerusalem, it would have been well known that Jesus of Nazareth was believed to be the Messiah by many. Therefore, to ensure that He was definitively identified, the place He was known to herald from was given. Here, that is unnecessary as someone in Lod would probably have no idea about where Jesus was identified with.
 
Instead, He is called Jesus the Christ. Secondly, nothing is said of Peter grabbing him and helping him up. The man had been bedridden for eight years, not his whole life. So, Peter knew that he would know what it was like to be strengthened in his legs and to walk. Therefore, he simply gives the command, saying, “Arise and make your bed.”
 
The command for healing has been given, and a command to prove the healing and its long-term effects is stated. The idea is that not only is Aeneas healed, but that the bed was no longer needed except for times of sleeping. Hence it is to be folded up and taken away as a testament to the event. With that stated, it next says, “Then he arose immediately.”
 
Aeneas must have felt the strength return to his legs and so without a moment of hesitation, he arose. It can be assumed that he immediately took care of his bed as directed and was happy to do so.
 
Life application: Nothing about the mental state of Aeneas is given. This is unlike what is recorded concerning the healing by Paul in Acts 14. There it says, “Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, ‘Stand up straight on your feet!’ And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:9, 10).
 
The information concerning Aeneas was already supplied in the previous verse where it says of Peter, “There he found a certain man named Aeneas.” The indication is that something transpired between the two because, in this verse, Peter called him by name. Both men were at least prepared to be healed by the words of Peter or Paul.
 
What can be certain, however, is that if Aeneas was coming to faith, that faith came in full upon his healing. But what if Peter never was called to heal him? What if he left and Aeneas remained upon his bed? Would his state be something that proved God didn’t care? The answer is, “No.”
 
The healing of our physical bodies is a great thing. This is why we go to doctors. But a person who is permanently disabled is loved by God in the same way as someone who is whole. What God desires is a right heart within. 
 
God is often glorified through sickness. Our weaknesses and failings allow us to rely on His grace. Also, our testimony of patience in suffering can actually lead people to want to know why we have such faith.
 
Such things as these are found in Scripture and they show us that sickness, oppression, and even torture or death can be used by God for His glory. It is our faith in His hand upon our lives that He is most pleased with. In the end, we shall receive a reward for this. As believers, we have a sure hope in Jesus Christ. Our faith in Him will receive its reward in due time. And so, let us be people of faith.
 
Lord God, help us to accept suffering, affliction, trials, and the like with grace. And we know already, because Your word tells us it is so, that Your grace is sufficient for us. We can live with a thorn in our flesh, but it will never be something that can remove Your hand of grace from upon us. Thank You that we are secure in Christ! Amen. 

Acts 9:33

Wednesday, 17 August 2022
 
There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. Acts 9:33
 
The previous verse saw Peter going throughout the country and eventually came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. Now, Luke continues, saying, “There he found a certain man named Aeneas.”
 
This is all that is stated about the meeting between the two. He may have been in the streets, he may have been staying with a believer, or he may have been in a house where Peter stayed the night. He may not have been a believer at the time. If he was, Luke probably would have called him a brother. However, Luke may be simply tying him in with “the saints” of the previous verse. Despite this, it is certain that he has been told about Jesus already because, in the next verse, Peter will call him by name, implying they have already conversed.
 
The meaning of his name, Aeneas, is hard to pin down. It may be a Greek name, coming from the verb aineo, meaning to tell about or speak of. Or it may be from the adjective ainos, horrible. Charles Ellicott states –
 
“The Greek name (we note the shortened vowel Ænĕas of the later form of the word), perhaps, implies that he belonged to the Hellenistic section of the Church. Had the fame of Virgil’s poem made the name of the Trojan hero known even in the plains of Palestine?”
 
There is the possibility, however, that his name comes from the Hebrew noun 'ayin, fountain, or eye. With these various possibilities, it is unsure what the meaning of his name actually was, but it was likely tied to one of these roots. Therefore, the meaning may be Praise, Horrible, or Man of the Well (Fountain). Of him, Luke next says, “who had been bedridden.”
 
Rather, it is a present participle. He was “lying on his bed.” Luke continues to provide the narrative as if it is happening as if we are watching. The word translated as bed, krabattos, signifies the mattress of a poor man, showing that not only was he confined to a bed, but that he was financially ruined as well. And this had continued on for “eight years.”
 
As usual, Luke is very careful to provide the details in an exacting manner. The words are not unimportant because they discount any hint of deception as might otherwise be the case with a charlatan. This man had lain on a poor bed, unable to rise at all for eight years. Anyone who knew him or saw him would know this to be a fact. Luke then adds in a medical note, saying, “and was paralyzed.”
 
It is a word, paraluó, found twice in Luke, twice in Acts, and once in Hebrews 12 –
 
“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:12, 13
 
It comes from two words signifying “to loose beside.” As such, it can mean either paralyzed or enfeebled. In this case, it is most likely paralyzed simply because he was bedridden for eight years, but it could be that he just couldn’t rise because he had permanently torn his quad muscle while on a vacation. As such, he just lay helpless. Whatever the reason, Luke’s description is sufficient to explain that the man was incapable of proper functioning.
 
Life application: The miracles of the Bible always have a reason. One is to bring glory to God. Another is to validate the ministry of the individual who is performing the healing. The miracles that are perfo rmed never have the purpose of enriching or making well-known and famous those performing them.
 
Further, there is no longer a need for such miracles because the Bible is written. It stands as the witness and testimony to the validation of the ministry of Jesus and those who were appointed by Him. As the Bible says that we live by faith and not by sight, that is an indication that those miracles that do happen now are miracles that require faith to believe.
 
In other words, we do not need faith to believe a true healing like Aeneas if we see it. We would have known him, seen his condition, and then seen his healing. We would, therefore, have no reason to disbelieve.
 
But if we have a person who is in need of healing and we pray for it and it occurs without a showy display by a charismatic preacher, we will have to have faith that it was our prayers that brought it about. As Hebrews says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
 
Nobody should ever try to dismiss the miraculous. If God wants to heal, He can and He will. And this is what we are to pray for. But let us not get duped into the fake miracles, signs, and wonders of those who are looking to profit off of such things. Be wise, be circumspect, and be ready to pray for God’s hand to perform the miraculous. If it comes about, have faith that He heard your prayers and respond accordingly, thanking Him for His goodness.
 
Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the hope we possess in You because of the work of Jesus. We have a hope that You can and do heal in this life, but that You may not choose to do so for Your own reasons. But this life is short, and so we know that the true and everlasting healing lies not too far off. Someday, things will be perfect, and they will be so forever. May that day be soon! Amen.

Acts 9:32

Tuesday, 16 August 2022
 
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. Acts 9:32
 
The previous verse told of the peace and edification of the believers in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. They were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit while being multiplied. With that remembered, the narrative now returns again to Peter. “Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country.”
 
Rather than “went,” the verb is a present participle. He was passing through all parts of the country. Luke is describing it as he is going. As for the traveling itself, it can be inferred that this is what the apostles did, both from the previous verse where the content and expanding nature of the church were noted as well as from Galatians 1 where Paul noted that he only saw Peter and James the Lord’s brother.
 
The inference to be made is that the apostles traveled about Israel strengthening the churches and instructing them while using Jerusalem as their home base. Peter is now doing this, carrying his knowledge of the Lord throughout the land. During this trip, it next says “that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.”
 
Of this town, Albert Barnes (1798-1870) notes the following –
 
“This town was situated on the road from Jerusalem to Caesarea Philippi. It was about 10 or 12 miles southeast from Joppa, and belonged to the tribe of Ephraim. It was called by the Greeks Diospolis, or city of Jupiter, probably because a temple was at some period erected to Jupiter in that city. It is now so entirely ruined as to be a miserable village. Since the Crusades, it has been called by the Christians George, on account of its having been the scene of the martyrdom of a saint of that name. Tradition says that in this city the Emperor Justinian erected a church.”
 
Today, Lod is considered a part of the Central District of Israel, being situated between the lower Shephelah on the east and the coastal plain on the west. In 2019, it had a population of a bit more than 77,000. It is a mixed city with about 30% Arabs. It is a major junction for roads and railways.
 
As for its biblical history, it appears four times in the Old Testament. Each reference is without any great specificity. Its name is defined by Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names as “Contention.” It is at this place that Peter has made a stop during his travels.
 
Life application: In Lod, Israel today there is a Greek Orthodox church. The closest Messianic synagogues noted on the map are in Tel Aviv. This means that the message of Jesus is sorely needed there. While you’re praying for the lost, be sure to pray for those in Israel. There they are, right in the middle of the land of the Bible, and yet the knowledge of Jesus is severely lacking.
 
The traditional orthodox churches are pretty much all rites and rituals, but there is generally little concern for, or even an understanding of, the gospel. Messianic synagogues are growing in Israel, but the Arab churches appear to be in a bit of decline. On the brighter side, there are Messianic believers that put out great music in Hebrew and there is a radio station that broadcasts from Israel.
 
With the internet available pretty much everywhere, there is access to sermons, studies, and music. Direct your prayers for the Lord to bring about those seemingly chance occurrences where a finger will push a wrong button and click on something Christian-related. Pray that something even as cumbersome as a flat tire or an accident might lead to someone meeting a believer who is willing to share his faith.
 
Just like in the other countries of the world, people in Israel need to hear about Jesus. Pray that the Lord will open those doors and bring the word to many.
 
Lord God, today we lift up the people in Israel – Jews and Gentiles alike. We pray that they will be curious about the biblical history of where they are and that they will seek out and find Jesus as they look. Make this the day where many wonderful meetings through time and circumstance will bring this about. According to Your wisdom, we pray. Amen.

Acts 9:31

Monday, 15 August 2022
 
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:31
 
In the last verse, Saul (Paul) was sent out from Caesarea to Tarsus. With him now sent off, the narrative continues with the focus on the immediate area, beginning with, “Then the churches.” Some manuscripts here identify it as one church – “And the church.” Either way, the individual churches form one church as long as they are under Christ, the Head. But the distinction between individual churches is not inappropriate and is seen throughout the rest of the Bible, even into Revelation where Jesus addresses the seven churches.
 
For now, these churches (forming one church) are found “throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria...” The land of Canaan, the original area of Israel’s land grant, is the main area of focus at this time. The words “had peace and were edified” should read “had peace, being edified.”
 
The first verb is imperfect and the second is a present participle. These things were happening, and the time of edification was a part of what resulted in the peace they experienced. Of this word, edified, Charles Ellicott says –
 
“The passage is noticeable for the appearance of the word ‘edified,’ or ‘built up,’ in the sense in which St. Paul had used it (1Corinthians 8:1; 1Corinthians 14:4), as describing orderly and continuous growth, the superstructure raised wisely upon the right foundation.”
 
Along with that, it says, “And walking in the fear of the Lord.” Rather than being a new sentence, these words are a continued part of what brought the state of peace. Along with being edified, the churches were walking in the fear of the Lord. This speaks of a sense of reverent fear of the Lord, not a sense of terror or trembling fear. Just as a child is admonished by his father and he has a sense of respect for him, so the church is built up in the knowledge of the Lord, growing in a sense of respect and humility before Him. With that understood, it next says, “and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”
 
The word translated as “comfort” signifies “close beside.” Helps Word Studies says it “is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan, delivering His particular message to someone else.” The context will decide what is being conveyed, whether it is a warning, an exhortation, an encouragement, etc.
 
In this case, and because it is tied in with edification and fear of the Lord leading to peace, it is probably a mixture of exhortation – meaning the words of the apostles building them up into a fuller knowledge of Christ, and encouragement – meaning a state of feeling secure, confident, and hopeful in the faith that was espoused to all of the believers.
 
In this state, it concludes with, “they were multiplied.” These words certainly mean the number of believers, but it may go beyond that to the state in which the believers existed. A small church that doesn’t have great growth can still be multiplied in knowledge and in their state of blessing. A large church with new members coming in all the time may have a love for the Lord, but may not have the same sense of importance concerning doctrine.
 
In other words, one may be multiplied in doctrine and instruction while the other is multiplied in people filling the seats. The words now do not limit the meaning and it is probable that they were being multiplied in both ways.
 
Life application: If one goes back to the previous verses, it almost seems as if the statements made in this verse came about because Paul was no longer among them. When he was there several years earlier, they were not in a state of peace. When Paul returned, they – at least at first – were wary of him. His zeal for the Lord also brought about difficulties with the Hellenists who then tried to kill him.
 
But their animosity toward Paul would naturally lead to that same feeling toward others who Paul identified with. As such, the Lord had Paul removed from the area in order for them to grow without him. This would give Israel a chance to accept this message or reject it apart from him. At the same time, he would be out among the Gentiles evangelizing them.
 
Eventually, it would be seen that Israel would not accept Jesus in the time allotted by God (see Luke 11:29-32). This was a period of forty years (a day for a year based on Jonah’s proclamation to Nineveh). By the time this period was over, the Gentiles would be ready to take the helm of carrying the gospel forward.
 
Everything finds its proper place, and God continues to work out His plans according to His infinite wisdom. We do not need to fret or fear that things are not working out as they should. They are. We just need to continue to trust that God is in control. He is doing things that we may not even realize. In the end, we will see the wisdom of it all.
 
Lord God, how precious it is to know that You are leading things. If it were up to us, it all would have fallen apart eons ago. But things are getting done because You are directing things to a good end. Help us to trust this when things don’t appear that way from our perspective. We have a sure place of trust in Your guiding hand. Thank You for that. Amen.

Acts 9:30

Sunday, 14 August 2022
 
When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. Acts 9:30
 
The last verse revealed that the Hellenists had determined to kill Saul (Paul). With that, Luke now records, “When the brethren found out.” These words show that either Saul had already heard the threats and ignored them or that someone simply heard, and it became more widely known among the brethren.
 
The first option is not unlikely. Saul had a defiant streak in him that will be seen again and again in Acts. A good example of this is found in Acts 21 –
 
“And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, “So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”’
12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, ‘What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’
14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, ‘The will of the Lord be done.’” Acts 21:10-14
 
However, the second option is also something that occurs elsewhere in Acts –
 
“And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14 They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, ‘We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.’
16 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, ‘Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.’ 18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, ‘Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.’” Acts 23:12-18
 
One way or another, the word concerning a threat to his life would get around and either Saul would ignore the danger, or he would have someone work on his behalf to get him out of it. In this case, it next says, “they brought him down to Caesarea.”
 
Instead of staying in order to continue to challenge these belligerent and threatening Hellenists, Saul leaves Jerusalem and travels to Caesarea. A trip from Jerusalem to anywhere else is always considered traveling “down.” As for the location, this is Caesarea Maritima which is a port by the sea. It was built by Herod the Great around 22-9BC. Its ruins are still there today including the great aqueduct and the amphitheater along with many other areas of note. A short video on the location that is well worth watching can be seen at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ71dph8qE8
 
Another point about these words, “and they brought him down,” is that Saul is almost always seen being conducted by others. This could be chalked up to simply protecting his life from the Hellenists. However, due to the frequency of such comments, it appears that Saul was not suited to traveling alone. Instead, when Acts is taken as a whole, it seems to appear that he required assistance getting from one place to another. Regardless of this, though, it was certainly a testament that they had accepted Saul and it validated that they believed he had truly become one of them. With that, it next says they “sent him out to Tarsus.”
 
This is where Saul was from, and it had now been an extended period since he had been there. A period of at least four years, and maybe more, had gone by since his being in Tarsus. The narrative will return to Jerusalem after this verse, but Saul’s time away is referred to by him in Galatians 1 –
 
“Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, ‘He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.’ 24 And they glorified God in me.” Galatians 1:21-24
 
While in Tarsus, he certainly would have evangelized others, and he went into these other regions as well. During this time, he probably took up his old source of employment which was making tents. It is something he could do anywhere, and it would pay for his travels as he went. During his time in Syria and Cilicia, he obviously had made converts. This can be deduced from Acts 15:41. There, it records details of the second missionary journey and refers to churches not mentioned on the first missionary journey –
 
“And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Acts 14:39-41
 
It is probable that these churches were established by Saul before he is reconnected with the details provided by Luke in Acts.
 
Life application: Even when out of the main picture of Acts, it is seen through a careful study that Paul was always staying active in his evangelism. It is not uncommon to hear someone say today, “I just need to get away from it all for a while.” This is even seen among Pastors who take a “sabbatical” in order to unwind. Such a notion was unheard of to Paul. There was no unwinding but rather a constant focus on his life’s mission.
 
Paul evangelized while in prison. He evangelized while traveling. He evangelized at the synagogues on the Sabbath and to both Jews and Gentiles throughout the week. It didn’t matter where he was or what secondary thing he was engaged in, he was telling people about Jesus. With prosperity, we have forgotten what it means to be focused. When enough time for a vacation is earned, we drop every remembrance of what we have been focused on and redirect to time away. How blessed we are that we can do this, but how unfortunate if we don’t carry the message of Jesus along with us.
 
Regardless of where we are going and what other things we are doing, let us not forget to continue to let people know our allegiance to Jesus and then share why we hold to it. As we travel, we may be the only ones the people we encounter will ever talk to about Jesus. If not we, then who?
 
Lord God, how faithful You have been to us. We called on You when we heard the gospel, and You saved us. Now, it is our turn to tell others about this same wonderful message of hope. May we get about it and tell! People need to hear this good and precious news. So be with us and prompt us to do so. To Your glory! Amen.

Acts 9:29

Saturday, 13 August 2022
 
And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. Acts 9:29
 
The previous verse noted that Saul (Paul) was with those at Jerusalem, and he was coming in and going out. With that remembered, it now says, “And he spoke boldly.” The verb is a present participle. It says, “speaking boldly.” He spoke and he continued to speak in order to convey the truth of what he now knew. As such, his words were “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
 
Saul had become a defender of the name he once tried to destroy. Many of those in Jerusalem would surely have known him personally, and this would have had a great effect on them in one way or another. Some might have been curious about the change while others may have assumed he had flipped out. No matter what they thought, however, his words were surely based on Scripture. His life as a Pharisee gave him a great and detailed knowledge of the word.
 
As the word is what reveals Jesus, it is evident that when He came, if He was truly the Messiah, the word would bear out this fact. All Saul needed to do was to show how Scripture foretold what these people had seen firsthand.
 
This may not have been evident at first. It wasn’t to those who knew Jesus personally. As it says in Luke 24 –
 
“Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44, 45
 
This is just what Saul is doing with those of Jerusalem who were aware of the things Jesus did. He was attempting to open their minds so that they too might understand the Scriptures. However, people will argue against the obvious. As it next says, Saul “disputed against the Hellenists.” The NKJV, following the error of the KJV, leaves out a word. The Greek reads, “he was both speaking and disputing with.”
 
Saul would engage the Hellenists, those Jews who spoke the Greek language, and he would dispute with them concerning the matter of Christ. By this time, the Greek-speaking Jews were as much at odds against the issue of Jesus being their Messiah as were the Hebrew-speaking Jews. Saul engaged both in order to reveal to them that Jesus truly is the Messiah who had been prophesied. However, the Hellenists were as unwilling as the Hebrew-speaking Jews to accept the message. Because of this, Luke notes that “they attempted to kill him.”
 
The Greek word, epicheireó, means “to take in hand,” thus it would rightly be translated as “to undertake.” They set forth a plan to kill him, and then they undertook to follow through with the plan.
 
The irony here is that Saul stood and guarded the garments of those who stoned Stephen, and now this same man stood defending Jesus as the Christ – just as Stephen did – and he was now facing being killed by his own Jewish brethren as well. This is seen in the use of the word “disputed.” The only other time it is used in Acts is in verse 6:9 –
 
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.” Acts 6:8, 9
 
This verse now (9:29) is the last time the word is used in Scripture, and it reveals the truly ironic nature of what has taken place. God’s word will be proclaimed. When Stephen could no longer do so, a man who was on the opposite side of his disputing was called by the Lord to continue with the task.
 
Life application: There is a time to dispute a matter and then there is a time to let a matter go. Some people simply want to hear themselves speak. It doesn’t matter how cogent of an argument you put forth, they will continue to ignore the truth and spout off the party line of whatever it is they believe.
 
Stephen and Paul were willing to dispute with their people in order to convince them concerning Jesus, but it cost Stephen his life, and it threatened to do so to Paul as well. There is nothing wrong with dying for what you believe, but there is a time when you might as well just close your mouth and shake the dust off your feet. Until such people decide they could be wrong, they will never give an inch.
 
A good way to set the parameters for disputing is to ensure you are talking apples to apples. If someone constantly brings in matters that have nothing to do with the issue at hand, then you are truly wasting your time. You must dispute the same issue for there to be any sound resolution.
 
For example, if you are making a case about Jesus and you are doing so from the Greek New Testament, a person may say, “But Jesus spoke Hebrew. He was actually thinking this...” That is apples to oranges. Greek is what the New Testament was written in. If you cannot agree to have your basis for a dispute by even using the same language, then there is no reason – at all – to continue with your disputing.
 
Be wise, be discerning, and be patient with those you are speaking to about Jesus. But also, don’t be a time waster with know-it-alls. You will never win your argument, and you will be wasting your own valuable time in the process.
 
Lord God, help us to be strong in our defense of Your word, but may we never waste time in the process. And so, help us to use wisdom to know when to speak and when to refrain from continuing with our words. Be with us in this, O God. Amen.