BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 28:23

Sunday, 23 June 2024
 
So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23
 
A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And, having appointed him a day, they came – many – to him to the accommodation, to whom he set forth, fully testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets from morning until evening” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the Jews told Paul that they wanted to hear from him about his sect, knowing that it was spoken against everywhere. Having requested this, it next says, “And, having appointed him a day, they came.”
 
Paul probably happily agreed to have a chance to tell of his faith. In fact, he was probably overjoyed at the prospect of it. Instead of just telling people to come by at will though, a day was appointed for them to meet and to bring any who would be willing to listen. On that day, it says “many” came.
 
The word translated as many is pleión. It is a comparative form that would be typified by the use of “er” on a word. If one said, “they were great in number,” it would mean they were “greater in number.”
 
In essence, it means that more than was anticipated actually showed up. It is the same thing as has been seen at other times. When Paul was to talk about the coming of Christ, the halls would be filled for the first gathering. A good example of this is the account in Acts 13:42-48. Of this multitude in Rome, it says they came “to him to the accommodation.”
 
This is a new word, xenia. It is found only here and in Philemon 1:22. It is derived from xenos, signifying foreign or a stranger. Thus, xenia signifies hospitality which then gives the sense of an accommodation. When this great number had arrived, Paul then began to convey his message. As Luke says, “to whom he set forth, fully testifying the kingdom of God.”
 
Paul proclaimed Christ, His kingdom, and all that this entailed. Having already written Galatians, Romans, and his letters to the Corinthians, he would be well prepared to speak through the most detailed of theological matters concerning Christ.
 
And just as he did even in those letters, he gave New Covenant theology as he had received from Jesus and from what he knew from his own training. Therefore, he was speaking to them “and persuading them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.”
 
In other words, he simply went to their own writings in order to demonstrate that what he was saying was both plausible and fully supportable from Scripture, all of it. From both the law and from the prophets, meaning the entire body of Scripture, Jesus is on prominent display. Paul was able to show them this. Therefore, if God gave them these writings, and if they testified to the work of Jesus, then there could be no doubt that they at least had to consider the plausibility that he was correct.
 
This is one of the obvious reasons that Paul was selected for the position he was given. Jesus instructed him directly through revelation –
 
“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11, 12
 
However, Paul would be asked things during his ministry that Jesus probably did not talk to him about personally. But because of his great wealth of knowledge from Scripture, being a Pharisee, along with inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he could then convey things that were carefully reasoned out. The synergistic working together of Paul, the word, and the Spirit would be evident, just as it is when we read his epistles today.
 
Once those gathered got to that point, having heard the words of Paul and seen how they match what their own writings stated, they would then need to turn the head knowledge into an active faith. The end of the verse shows the length to which Paul was ready to go to make his point. They met “from morning until evening.”
 
Paul was willing to speak fully, completely, and at length concerning his beliefs in the Messiah who had come. The Messiah’s name is Jesus.
 
Life application: As with Paul, it must still be the same with us today. We cannot expect revelation from Scripture to be directly infused into our heads. We need to first read and know what Scripture says.
 
Paul knew the writings and yet he didn’t know Jesus. He was supernaturally called to be an apostle for a specific purpose. Once he realized, however, that Jesus was the Lord, he was then able to take his giant wealth of knowledge and reexplain the coming of Jesus in accord with the Scriptures.
 
Today, we are told about Jesus, and by faith in what we hear, we are saved. What happens after that is up to us. How deep do we want to dive into the knowledge of God in Christ? The more we read and learn the Bible, the more we will be able to then unpackage what God is telling us.
 
However, we can come to erroneous conclusions concerning what is being conveyed. And so, in our study of the word, we need to pray to God that His Spirit will direct us and keep us from what is incorrect. We should also pray that if we are incorrect, that He will alert us to this. From there, we should then drop any pride and accept that we were wrong, correcting our doctrine accordingly.
 
The study of the knowledge of God through understanding Scripture is a lifelong task. Let us get about it. Our days are numbered and they are few. Let us spend them wisely.
 
Heavenly Father, be with us as we read and contemplate Your word. Help us to be logical and precise in how we interpret it. Should we come to wrong conclusions, please send us correction so that we will not be at fault in regard to Your precious and sacred word. It speaks of Jesus, and we desire to know Him correctly, intimately, and completely. To Your glory. Amen.

Acts 28:22

Saturday, 22 June 2024
 
“ But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” Acts 28:22
 
A bit more literally, “And we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think, indeed, for concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is contradicted” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the Jews let Paul know that they had not received any letters from Judea nor any bad reports from those who traveled from there. Now, they next show their curiosity about Paul’s message, saying, “And we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think.”
 
These leaders had heard about the message of Christianity and they wanted to hear it explained by the person who seemed to be the main voice behind it. This was probably more interesting to them now that they had heard the Jews in Jerusalem were after him.
 
Seeing the chain around him and a guard standing right there made it a true point of curiosity that they wanted to see satisfactorily resolved in their own minds. And so they continue, saying, “indeed, for concerning this sect.”
 
They especially deem it worthy to hear what Paul thinks because they use the same term, hairesis, as was used by the lawyer Tertullus during Paul’s trial. It is the root of the modern word heresy, but this is not the intent at Paul’s time. It deals with the matter of a personal choice within the confines of the overall religion. Hence, there were sects of Pharisees and sects of Sadducees, etc.
 
In Paul’s case, he was of the sect known as the Christians, specifically followers of Jesus. The term Christian comes from the Greek word signifying Christ which bears the same meaning as the Hebrew word Messiah. Both mean Anointed One.
 
In Israel, there were many “messiahs,” over their history. Therefore, one needed to know specifically who was being heralded as the Messiah. Paul proclaimed Jesus. Of Paul’s sect, the Jews next say, “it is known to us that everywhere it is contradicted.”
 
These words are a fulfillment of Luke 2 which was prophesied by Simeon –
 
“Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” Luke 2:34, 35
 
Wherever Jews went, or whoever had come to them from elsewhere, they had been speaking against this sect of Jews, and apparently Gentiles, who were proclaiming its teachings. This is evident throughout the book of Acts. Paul, from the start, was considered a pariah because of his proclamation that God had done all the work and that anyone who simply believed could be saved based on that faith.
 
Life application: Nothing has changed to this day. In some ways, it is becoming more like it was at the beginning. Anyone who proclaims the risen Christ is demeaned and spoken against. The days when the gospel was proclaimed freely and without intimidation seem forever behind us.
 
This is because man simply cannot accept that grace means grace. It is deeply rooted in us that we must do something to be right with God. When a person finds out that the things he has done do not merit God’s favor, it puts up a wall of frustration and enmity. “How could God not see what great things I have done! I am worthy of His attention! How dare someone tell me that I am not good enough and will never be good enough to merit His favor!”
 
But this is what the Bible teaches. What we cannot merit on our own, God has accomplished for us. He has set the path that leads back to Him and that path is found in accepting the message of Jesus Christ through faith. We follow Jesus because He is God. To say that what Jesus did isn’t enough is to say that God Himself has not done enough. It is an act of replacing God with self.
 
Don’t be caught up in such lies of the devil. They have been used since the very beginning of man’s time on earth and they are what brought us all this trouble. Trust God! He has done it! Trust Jesus who is the Lord God!
 
Lord God Almighty, You have done what we can never do. You merit what we can never merit on our own. To You alone, we give our praise, adoration, and glory. You have brought us back to Yourself through Jesus. Hallelujah for Jesus! Hallelujah and Amen.

Acts 28:21

Friday, 21 June 2024
 
Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. Acts 28:21
 
A literal reading says, “And they said to him, ‘We neither received letters concerning you from Judea nor any of the brothers having come reported or said anything evil concerning you’” (CG).
 
Paul just finished explaining why he had called the Jews to meet with him. During that time, he noted that the Jews spoke against him and his message. In response to this, Luke records, “And they said to him, ‘We neither received letters concerning you from Judea.’”
 
It may seem surprising that it appears from their words that the leaders in Jerusalem simply gave up on the attempt to kill him. However, it would be contrary to their existence to be caught attempting to have a Roman citizen killed in Rome itself, especially over a religious matter.
 
Further, they may never have expected Paul to even call upon the Jews in Rome. As he was bound as a prisoner, they may have assumed that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to even make a case among the Jews of the dispersion.
 
No matter what, they were more concerned about their own dealings in Israel and in Jerusalem than they were with what went on in the nations. This is evident because these Jews continue, saying, “nor any of the brothers having come reported or said anything evil concerning you.”
 
It would be hard to imagine no Jews had arrived from Jerusalem over the past months, and yet nobody showed up at the synagogue to speak badly about Paul or the Christian message that was being carried to the nations.
 
But their words seem to mean that, apparently, Jews had arrived since Paul’s voyage began, and it may be that they had even talked about Paul, but not in a negative way. About him, there was no word of either caution or concern, even if there was talk about his faith. It is this to which these Jews will next comment.
 
Life application: It is evident from the words of this verse that the leaders who were so against Paul’s message concerning Jesus were more interested in keeping their local position and power than they were in dealing with real transgressions. If Paul was a murderer, it is certain they would have sent out letters telling the Roman authorities to find this guy and deal with him.
 
However, the matter that bothered them about Paul was that he was telling the Gentiles a message of a personal relationship with God apart from going through the law that they administered. To pursue Paul outside of Israel would have brought in many questions concerning the “exclusivity” of their faith that would then put them at further odds with the rulers of the Roman empire.
 
And so, they simply dropped the matter about Paul in order to keep themselves from controversy. But being leaders of the people, they spoke for the people. Like during the times of the kings, when there was a good king, the people were blessed by the Lord. When there was an evil king, the people faced the Lord’s wrath.
 
Israel rejected Jesus because the leaders first rejected Him. This is what brought their condemnation upon them, and it is what continues to keep them at enmity with God even to this day. Until they, those in the leadership positions of Israel, acknowledge Jesus as Lord they will continue to suffer. The book is written. The outcome is certain. And the pattern is set.
 
Even though the nations of the world are not in the same covenant relationship with the Lord as Israel is, it is evident that the Lord is judging nations based on the actions of their leaders. Be sure when you vote, not to choose a leader who is a pervert, degenerate, etc. Things cannot go well for a nation when the leader is doing what is contrary to what God would have that nation doing.
 
Lord God, may our lives as citizens of the nations in which we live be honoring of You. If the leaders we choose are godly, we can expect things will go better for the nation than if we choose someone who is morally corrupt. Help us wake up to this truth and to appoint over us leaders who will act rightly before You. Amen.
 

Acts 28:20

Thursday, 20 June 2024
 
“For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” Acts 28:20
 
A literal reading says, “For this cause, therefore, I called you – to see and to speak – because for the hope of Israel, this chain surrounds me” (CG).
 
Paul had just told the Jews visiting him in his confinement that he was compelled to appeal to Caesar even though he had no accusation against his nation. Now, he continues, saying, “For this cause, therefore, I called you.”
 
This is based on verse 17 where it says he called the leaders of the Jews. A message would have been sent to the local synagogue imploring them to come and consult with him. That is seen in the next words which are briefly stated, “to see and to speak.”
 
The words are certainly to be taken as personal. He didn’t want to send a letter or have a messenger convey his words to them. Rather, he wanted to look them in the eyes, see their faces, and carry on a dialogue with them.
 
What he had to say was something that would naturally elicit questions from his listeners. To send a letter or a messenger who would speak out the substance of Paul’s word would only lead to many back-and-forth trips. Instead, by meeting with them, he would cut all of that out. He would also remove any chance of misperception of his words. When a question arose, he could answer it right then and there.
 
And so, he tells them the substance of why he called them in this manner, saying, “because for the hope of Israel, this chain surrounds me.”
 
Paul explicitly states the reason for having called them together. He had been sent to Rome as an innocent man who appealed for his right to exercise his faith which was recognized by Rome, but not by his own countrymen.
 
In order to reveal the substance of his faith he speaks of the hope of Israel. It is a term explicitly stated twice by Jeremiah, in Jeremiah 14:8 and 17:13. In both instances, the term is ascribed to the Lord, Yehovah. The Hebrew word is miqveh, something waited for. The coming of the Messiah was always understood to be that hope.
 
Paul was telling them that the Lord’s Messiah had arrived, and it was the reason for the chain surrounding him. The word chain is in the singular. It indicates that there was a Roman guard right there with him to whom one of his hands, probably his right, was chained.
 
What is rather interesting is the structure of the Greek in the type of punishment noted. The same word is used in both Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2 to indicate a millstone hung around the neck. However, here the subject and object are reversed.
 
It is Paul who is said to be bound in the chain. This same structure is also found in Hebrews 5:2 when speaking of the high priest – 
 
“He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness [literally: weakness surrounds him].”
 
The Pulpit Commentary thus paraphrases this verse as, “I have asked you to come to me because this chain which binds me is not a token of a renegade Israelite who has come to Rome to accuse his nation before the heathen master, but of a faithful Israelite, who has endured bondage rather than forsake the hope of his fathers.”
 
Life application: Paul’s approach to conversing with these Jews is one that we should do our best to emulate when sharing the gospel. It is fine to hand out tracts, and sometimes that is the best way to act. Likewise, an email or a personal letter may be what the situation calls for.
 
However, if you can personally talk to a person about the gospel, or about a doctrinal matter that needs to be addressed, doing so face-to-face is the preferred option. When questions arise, you can see the facial expression, hear the tone of the voice, and so forth. In this, you can sense whether the person is scared, tense, frustrated, angry, etc. From there, you can adjust your conversation to make them less apprehensive.
 
And more, you can then avoid misperceptions of what is being said. An email carries no emotion, and it can easily be misunderstood because of this. It is also frustrating to ask a question and then have to wait. Therefore, the more you can communicate personally, the more likely you are to avoid such troubles that easily arise. John understood this –
 
“Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.” 2 John 1:12
 
Lord God, may our time discussing You with others be fruitful and productive. Help us to wisely use the resources available to us to share the good news and to provide sound instruction. But help us also not exclude the personal touch of face-to-face communication if possible. A lot can get done when we are willing to spend our time just opening up to others in a friendly conversation. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 28:19

Wednesday, 19 June 2024
 
“But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation Acts 28:19
 
A bit more literally, “And the Jews, contradicting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar – not as having something charged against my nation.” (CG).
 
Paul, speaking to his countrymen in Rome, just noted that the Romans found nothing to charge Paul with and wanted to let him go. Now, his words continue, saying, “And the Jews, contradicting.”
 
Still sticking to the main facts only, Paul gives the reason why he was in Rome bound in chains and facing a trial before Caesar. It is because the Jews, meaning the leaders of the Jews, spoke against the proclamation of innocence which had been rendered by the Roman authorities.
 
This caused a problem for the governor who wanted to have harmony with those under his jurisdiction. This exchange was recorded in Acts 25 –
 
“But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?’10 So Paul said, ‘I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.’12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, ‘You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!’” Acts 25:9-12
 
Paul now recalls these facts for the ears of those in Rome, saying, “I was compelled to appeal to Caesar.”
 
The request of the Jews left him with no choice but to appeal to Rome. He doesn’t explain the details at this time, but the brevity is all that is needed for the purpose of the meeting. His delicacy concerning this matter becomes evident though as he continues by saying, “not as having something charged against my nation.”
 
Instead of defending himself against those who wished him harm, he showed himself a patriotic Jew in the highest sense. Whether they knew he was a Pharisee or not isn’t stated, but it is probable. His speech and demeanor would show he was also well educated.
 
And yet, he shows that he never put his Roman citizenship above his ties to his Jewish brothers. Despite having been unfairly treated by his own countrymen, he waited until necessity demanded it before appealing to Rome. As the Pulpit Commentary notes –
 
“Undazzled by the splendor of Rome and the power of the Roman people, his heart is with his own despised nation, ‘that they might be saved.’ He wishes it to be well with them; he wants them to understand his position; he speaks to them as a kinsman and a brother. His appeal to Caesar had been of necessity - to save his life. But he was not going to accuse his brethren before the dominant race. His first desire was that they should be his friends, and share with him the hope of the gospel of Christ.”
 
Life application: Paul was clearly wronged by the leaders of his nation, and it was for the sake of the gospel. The Jews hated the thought that he was telling Gentiles that they had the same rights and benefits to the Lord God of Israel that they possessed.
 
And yet, they had spent not only their entire lives serving under the Law of Moses, but their nation, since its inception as the people of the Lord at Mount Sinai, had struggled under the law. Despite this, Paul was telling people who never had the law, who didn’t even know what the law demanded, that they were on equal footing with those who officiated at the temple on behalf of Israel.
 
This was, to them, intolerable. How dare a rogue Jew proclaim that their law was not binding on the nations because one of their people had died under that law and supposedly resurrected! It was incomprehensible, and to them, it was the epitome of blasphemy.
 
This same attitude permeates the Jewish mind and culture to this day. They alone believe that they are in God’s favor and that all others are a separate category. There are Jews, and there is everything else.
 
But Paul clearly shows that this is not the case. In fact, it is quite the opposite –
 
“For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 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 2:25-29
 
The time of the law served its purpose. That time ended when Christ died in fulfillment of it. Now, something new has been ushered in. Be sure to live for God apart from personal merit. If you inject yourself into the equation, you are saying that what He has done wasn’t enough. Don’t be so deluded as that. Think rightly. Praise God in Christ for having done it all!
 
Lord God, we don’t need to worry about how we can be pleasing to You. Your word tells us the simple means by which it comes about. When we trust in the all-sufficient work of Jesus, You are satisfied with that. Thank You for the simplicity of the gospel, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 28:18

Tuesday, 18 June 2024
 
“who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. Acts 28:18
 
A more literal rendering would be, “Who, having examined me, wanted to release, because nota reason of death being in me” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul began his personal defense concerning his situation with the Jews in Jerusalem in his conversation with the Jews in Rome, noting that he was delivered into the hands of the Romans. Having said that, he now continues with, “Who, having examined me.”
 
This is a brief summary of a line of examinations, one leading to another over the course of two years. But even without all of the details, it would be obvious that the Romans would have done a thorough job checking out the facts of the matter. However, even after this, they “wanted to release.”
 
Immediately following the words of his betrayal by his own countrymen, Paul acknowledges that the Romans had nothing worthy of charging him and releasing him would be the appropriate thing to do.
 
This again shows that what was found worthy of punishment by Jerusalem, meaning a matter of Jewish law, was not considered as such by Rome. Rome found his actions in accord with the freedom of religious expression granted to the Jews. In short, his faith was considered a subsect of Judaism and was religio licita.
 
In review, this included Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. All had interrogated him, and all had been in agreement concerning his status. His innocence before Rome while being hounded by the Jews parallels that of Jesus, such as in Luke 23:4 & 14. Paul next says that their wanting to release him was “because nota reason of death being in me.”
 
The word translated as “nota” literally means “not one.” Therefore, nota is a single word to match the intent. There was not a single charge made against him that was sufficient for him to receive capital punishment, even if the Jews demanded that it should be so. Paul’s use of a present verb indicates that not only was he innocent, but he continued in that state even now. However, in the next verse, he will explain the reason why he remains in chains, despite his state of innocence.
 
Life application: The book of Acts has included a continuous stream of occasions where the Jews tried to disassociate the Christian faith from their religious system of belief. This has been countered, time and again, by the Roman government that God allowed to be the judge of such matters over Israel at the time.
 
One cannot rightfully say that because these were Romans making the decisions they are invalid. That would be to usurp what God had ordained. Israel is his people. It is the Lord who decided who would rule over them, be it their own king, the Babylonians, the Romans, or even Jesus of the future.
 
The Jews cannot have it both ways and say “Yes, this, but not this.” Their very existence and continued existence are at the will of the Lord. How He determines it will be is up to Him. As the Roman government, who ruled over Israel at the time, determined that Christianity was an acceptable extension of the Jewish religion, it was so.
 
Hence, we have the written record of the growth of this valid extension of Judaism, the one that God determined should be in order to carry His message concerning Jesus to the nations. Anyone who argues against the doctrines of Paul or the other apostles is, therefore, arguing against what God had determined.
 
Be careful to not get swayed by the modern Judaizers who attack the gospel of salvation which is by grace through faith. Works are not included because God has done everything necessary to secure our salvation. We simply accept that, believe, and we are saved.
 
Along with the Judaizers, though, are those who add works after being saved in order to keep being saved. Judaizers front load the gospel, these back load it and say that we must “do” in order to continue in God’s favor. Even if people use a term like “easy believism” as a pejorative, this is exactly what God has ordained. We believe and are saved, and it is once and done.
 
Having said that, belief is actually not that easy. We have to put ourselves aside and trust in God alone to carry us back to Himself. Letting go of self is a hard thing to do. Despite this, the gospel truly is easy believism. There are no other strings attached. Thank God for the simplicity of being saved once we remove ourselves from the equation.
 
Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord who has done everything necessary to restore us to You forever. Yes! Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
 

Acts 28:17

Monday, 17 June 2024
 
And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, Acts 28:17
 
The Greek more closely reads, “And it was, after three days, Paul called together those being leaders of the Jews. And they, having come together, he said to them ‘I – men, brothers – having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Paul was delivered with the prisoners to the captain of the guard. From there, he was permitted to dwell by himself with a soldier guarding him. Now that he is in his accommodations but in bonds and guarded, it next says, “And it was, after three days.”
 
This is probably stated to show that he gave full attention to the Christians who so honorably greeted him before calling together the Jews. He spent enough time with them to get to know them, talk about all that had happened, and to answer any questions that they may have had. Now it was time to address his brothers according to the flesh. And so, it next says, “Paul called together those being leaders of the Jews.”
 
It was shown in Acts 18:2 that Claudius had expelled the Jews from Rome, but that order had been allowed to lapse and the Jews had returned. Those who were the leaders were specified to come and meet with him.
 
The reason was certainly at least twofold. First, he would present them with the gospel, and he would also defend this stand for his faith as a believing Jew which resulted in his chains. Therefore, Luke next records, “And they, having come together, he said to them ‘I – men, brothers – having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers.”
 
He begins with an emphatic “I.” He is ensuring right off the bat that they understand that any word that may have arrived against him was untrue. In order to make his defense, he then notes that everything he had done was in accord with both his life as a Jew and the heritage that made him a Jew.
 
There is a definite article before the word people. It is not “our people,” but literally, “the people.” It is the special mark that he fully identifies them as the chosen people and that he is among them. He was careful to be respectful of the people and their customs. Despite this, he next says, “I was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.”
 
Paul acknowledges that it is his own people who handed him over, as indicated in the words “from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.” It is an implication that he was betrayed by the leaders of “the people” despite his innocence concerning those things he had been accused of.
 
Life application: The people of any given nation are under the authority of those who are in charge. Therefore, whether they have done anything wrong individually, they bear the consequences of the decisions of the leaders.
 
There were probably many Germans before WWII who didn’t know much about what was going on. They were living their lives like any normal people. Suddenly, a family would receive a note that the oldest son had been drafted into the army. A few months later, they receive a note that he had died in battle.
 
The decisions of the leaders have negatively impacted the lives of a family who really had no idea why their son was taken from them. In Israel, the people hailed Jesus as their Messiah on Palm Sunday. However, the leadership – those who stood for the nation – rejected Him. Despite many individuals heralding Jesus, He spoke to Jerusalem, meaning the leaders of the nation and who represented the nation as a whole, saying –
 
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37-39
 
The leaders of the nation had Jesus crucified. Even after His resurrection, they continued to reject Him. In fulfillment of Jesus’ words concerning the sign of Jonah (forty days representing forty years), the nation was destroyed, and the people were exiled.
 
The point is that in some nations, we can choose our leaders. We must choose wisely. If we put our fists in God’s face and elect those who will not honor the Lord, negative consequences will result. If we elect leaders that are always getting the nation into wars, our sons and daughters may die in battle because of it.
 
Think through what you will do on election day. The leaders represent your nation before God. Choosing a bad leader may lead you to find yourself in bad circumstances.
 
Glorious Lord God, as Christians, Jesus is our Head and Leader. However, we still have to live in this world until the day our placement changes. Help us to make wise decisions concerning our lives and the circumstances in which we find ourselves. May each of our decisions include You in the process. In this, we can hope for peace and tranquility through the days of our lives. Amen.
 

Acts 28:16

Sunday, 16 May 2024
 
Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. Acts 28:16
 
The NKJV is just a tad off in the tense of the final verb: “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army. And Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, those in the church at Rome came out a day’s journey to meet him as he was entering the city. Now, the narrative continues with, “And when we came to Rome.”
 
The promise and prophecy of the Lord found in Acts 27:11 has been realized –
 
“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”
 
With him having safely arrived, even if as a prisoner, Luke next notes that “the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army.”
 
Here is another word found only once in Scripture, stratopedarches. It is derived from stratopedon, an encamped army, and archo, to reign or rule.
 
Of note is that the name Julius was only mentioned in Acts 27:1 and 27:3. Other than that, he is called the centurion. The reason may be that this book may have been written for the purpose of being an official record of the establishment of Christianity within the parameters of Judaism.
 
As Judaism was officially sanctioned by Rome, then if Christianity was considered under the umbrella of Judaism, it would also be considered a religion sanctioned by Rome. In order to keep any hint of impropriety away from the actions of Julius, such as giving too much favoritism or privilege to Paul, his name is carefully left out of the record.
 
It could even be that after such a long time together with Paul, he became a believer himself. If so, then that could possibly cast a negative light on his dealings with Paul. As an officer, he would be required to execute his duties to Rome in an impartial manner. This is exactly how Luke details his conduct.
 
He is not mentioned by name even though a strong bond of respect had grown between him and his travel companion Paul. And so, it merely records now that it was “the centurion” who delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard. No special note is made concerning Paul. Luke lumps him in with all the others for the official handover to their new keeper.
 
With that complete, it next says, “And Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.”
 
Even before the sentence ends, Paul’s status is brought back into the narrative, showing that he was considered a prisoner, even if he had certain privileges extended to him. For this, no reason is given.
 
If a letter accompanied him from Festus to allow this, it would probably have been stated as such. If it was because he was a Roman citizen, Luke may have said this as well. If it was because of him being a better class of prisoner, Luke would have certainly expressed it. However, the reason is left unstated.
 
Luke’s silence on why the treatment is granted to Paul speaks out loudly, allowing us room to speculate. Many scholars have stated their guesses. It could be that Julius himself noted Paul’s situation, his status, and his character to the captain of the guard.
 
If his time with Paul was fraught with grief, he would have said, “Watch this fellow, he’s as slippery as an eel.” If so, no such freedoms would have been forthcoming. Instead, it appears that a good word concerning Paul was passed on.
 
Whatever the truth of the matter, Julius had certainly heard the gospel numerous times in the months he had spent with Paul. He had seen the snake bite him on the night they were shipwrecked. He had seen the healings of the people on Malta, he had personally known the high and noteworthy character of Paul, and he had seen how Paul had held fast to the Lord he claimed to honor.
 
If Julius became a believer during his time with Paul, he must have been one whose faith was well grounded in the same hope of Christ that Paul had expressed. If he never came to faith in Christ, it would be hard to think of a person more worthy of condemnation on that great Day of Judgment than him.
 
He had been exposed to the Christian faith like few others ever had. He had accompanied the Lord’s personal choice to carry this wondrous message to the Gentile world. We can look to see if his name is on the rolls of the redeemed shortly after we arrive there.
 
In Paul’s confinement, he is given pretty much the same type of treatment that he had during his time in Caesarea. He would be chained directly to the soldier appointed to guard him. Together, they lived in their own dwelling as they awaited Paul’s continued trial before the Roman government.
 
Life application: We are asked to accept the gospel by faith. We have the fully complete word of God to help us reason out our faith. It is not a blind step into darkness, but a bold step into God’s revealed light. What more do we need?
 
We should not be anticipating signs to accompany our doubts or to help us make a decision for accepting or rejecting the gospel. Everything we need to make a reasonable conclusion about what God has done is available to us. In the pages of the Bible, may you find the hope that God has accomplished everything necessary to return you to Himself. And then may you make the wise decision to accept the simple gospel of your salvation.
 
Christ died for your sins according to Scripture. He was buried. He rose again on the third day, according to Scripture. Believe, to the saving of your soul!
 
Lord God, within Your word is the simple message that You have done everything necessary to restore us to Yourself. Even if the Bible is a big and complicated book, the overall message is not. Jesus! We need Jesus who has done it all for us. Help us to have faith that it is so and to be saved through the good news found in Your word. Amen.
 

Acts 28:15

Saturday, 15 June 2024
 
And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15
 
The Greek is much more literally translated as, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us, came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns – whom, Paul having seen, having thanked God, took courage” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul and his companions stayed in Puteoli for seven days and then came to Rome. Now, in explanation of that, it says, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us.”
 
Apparently, notification had been sent during their stay at Puteoli about the coming of Paul with details as to when he would arrive. In what is obviously eager anticipation, the church at Rome came out en masse as if welcoming a great hero of battle or government. Paul and those with him arrived in the outskirts of Rome and those awaiting him “came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns.”
 
The reason why they would have gone no further than this is that he could have arrived by either canal or by road. Without being certain, this would be the point where the two met and they were sure to meet up with him.
 
This spot is said to be around 50 miles from Rome and is called this because of Appius Claudius who made the route from Rome to there. Hence, it is called the Appian Way. At that spot, there was a statue set up in his honor.
 
Such a place which had a statue set in this manner would be called by the Romans fora. Hence, we use the term Appii Forum. Others came as far as the Three Inns, or the Three Taverns.
 
This was a bit closer to Rome, about 33 miles from it. It could be that these came less distance because of age, because of work, or because of some other reason. However, all of them came a full day’s travel to welcome the man who had written to them the “Constitution of Christianity” about three years earlier. Because of this reception, Luke next records, “whom, Paul having seen, having thanked God, took courage.”
 
Paul probably had no idea that such a greeting would meet him. In their appearance so far from Rome, it indicated that they felt a fraternal bond of love for him which was in no way diminished by his chains. The flock was there to welcome this shepherd of the faith without regard to any of the lies he had been subjected to by his false accusers.
 
A word found only here in Scripture is seen, tharsos. It signifies confidence or courage. It is derived from thrasus, bold. Luke continues to fill the pages of Scripture with rare or unique words.
 
Life application: Imagine the happiness that Paul must have felt at the reception he received. He was still a day’s travel from where the congregation lived within the city, and yet they had made the extraordinary measure of coming a full day’s journey out to receive him.
 
He and those with him had been on an exceptionally long and difficult journey. To have a reception such as was given him would have given him even more confidence than he could have imagined. Luke, too, would have been completely encouraged by this gesture.
 
Should you have the opportunity to welcome others in such a manner, or tend to them in an unusual way, your kindness will not go unnoticed, both with those you are tending to and to the Lord Himself. Think of ways you can extend yourself to others.
 
If someone is in the hospital, be sure to visit. If someone is ailing, check on him through a phone call or email. Letting people know you are thinking of them is letting them know you care about them. So, take the time to reach out to them.
 
Lord God, thank You for those who are especially aware of the needy state of others and who extend themselves in various ways to tend to them. Help us to be more like this as well. May we be willing to show that others are important to us through the things we do and the assistance we provide. Amen.
 

Acts 28:14

Friday, 14 June 2024
 
where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. Acts 28:14
 
The NKJV needs to be tweaked, “Where, having found brothers, we were called upon them to remain seven days. And so, to Rome, we came” (CG).
 
The previous verse revealed the travel from Rhegium to Puteoli. The narrative in Puteoli now begins with, “Where, having found brothers.”
 
Some scholars dismiss these brothers as being only brothers of Paul, meaning Jews. However, Luke is the author of this letter and the “we” clearly indicates that this is inclusive of himself.
 
Therefore, these were Christians who had already spread out as far as this city of Italy. In Hebrews 13:24, we read, “Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.”
 
If this was speaking of the church at Rome, it probably would have said so. In other words, “Those from Rome greet you.” For this reason, it is more than likely that these are believers who are being referred to.
 
Further, it only says “brothers,” not “the brothers.” In other words, it appears that upon their arrival, they didn't know that there were Christians there. Having found them, it next says, “we were called upon them to remain seven days.”
 
Somehow Paul and the others found out that these were fellow believers. They were greeted by them, and then they were called upon to stay a full week with them. This is the same length of time that they stayed at both Troas (20:6) and Tyre (21:4).
 
It appears that Julius the centurion had no problem allowing the additional time which was probably intended to allow at least one and maybe two Sunday gatherings with these Christians. It also may be that, as previously speculated, Julius himself may have been a convert.
 
With a week of fellowshipping with them, it next says, “And so, to Rome, we came.”
 
Some translations, along with the NKJV, say that they went toward Rome. Most versions, however, say that they came to Rome. The word can mean either, but the stress in the Greek is on the word came – “And so, to Rome, we came.” The entire 140-mile trip is summarized in this one sentence. Verse 15 merely explains the occurrence upon their arrival.
 
Life application: We don’t know how many people lived in Puteoli at the time, but it was a city with many people. And yet, these men found believers. It is unlikely this happened while sitting in a restaurant. It appears that Paul went to a synagogue and asked if there were any known Christians in the city.
 
It is hard to see how else they could have found them unless cities had boards with various people or activities listed which people could read and then contact those with similar interests. However they found these believers, they certainly made a concerted effort to do so.
 
When you are traveling, do you take time to attend church somewhere? Is meeting other Christians and sharing in the faith something that is important to you at all times, or is it just something you do in your local area because you are familiar with the people you attend with?
 
It is true that today we can attend church online or listen to podcasts at any time, even while on vacation, but are you even doing that? In other words, is taking a weekend off with the wife or family a time to ignore church? The two hours you spend on Sunday morning, even if just attending your church online, shouldn’t be ignored.
 
Be sure to include the Lord in your routine. In fact, with podcasts – tens of thousands of them available at your fingertips – you can attend church all day every day. Great preachers of the past, and those who are still alive today, are available for free online, including all of their sermons and studies.
 
Be sure to take full advantage of this marvelous time in which we live to get closer and closer to the Lord through whatever means are available to you. How blessed we are to have the ability to do so.
 
Lord God, there are ten jillion things that come at us all day every day, vying for our attention. And yet, if we are wise, we will spend our time focusing on You, on Your word, and on fellowship with those who will keep us on the right path as we proceed. May we do this, to Your glory, O God. Amen.

Acts 28:13

Thursday, 13 June 2024
 
From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, Acts 28:13
 
A more literal translation is, “From where, having gone around, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, having come upon an Auster, the second day we came to Puteoli” (CG).
 
Luke just noted that they had landed at Syracuse and stayed three days. Now, the journey to Rome continues with, “From where, having gone around.”
 
The words “from where” refer to Syracuse which is on the southeast corner of Sicily. Leaving that port, they had to make a bit of a sweeping motion. Of the words, “having gone around,” the KJV says, “And from thence we fetched a compass.” The Berean Study Bible says, “From there we weighed anchor.”
 
It is generally accepted that the Greek term is speaking of making a circuitous route around Sicily. As Syracuse is on the southeast corner of the island, and they need to head northward to the Italian peninsula, they set sail and worked off the coast of Sicily to reach their destination.
 
It was probably a west or a northwest wind at this time and this caused them to head out to sea in order to catch the winds while traveling north. Thus, one gets the idea of circling around, or going around, instead of traveling straight to their destination. From there, it next says, “we arrived at Rhegium.”
 
Rhegium, now known as Reggio, is on the southwest extremity of the toe of Italy. According to Wikipedia, Reggio “commonly and officially referred to as Reggio Calabria, or simply Reggio by its inhabitants, is the largest city in Calabria as well as the seat of the Regional Council of Calabria. It has an estimated population between 150,000 and 200,000 and is the twenty-first most populous city in Italy, after Modena and other Italian cities, and the 100th most populated city in Europe. Reggio Calabria is located near the center of the Mediterranean and is known for its climate, ethnic and cultural diversity. It is the third economic centre of mainland Southern Italy. About 560,000 people live in the metropolitan area, recognised in 2015 by Italy as a metropolitan city.”
 
The city is right at the southern opening of the Straits of Messina. These straits pass between Sicily and Italy. They connect the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north with the Ionian Sea to the south. At its narrowest point, it measures 1.9 miles in width. However, near the town of Messina the width is some 3.2 miles. It has a maximum depth of 830 feet.
 
Certainly because of the narrowness of the straits and the contrary wind, they stopped at Rhegium. However, Luke next records, “And after one day, having come upon an Auster.”
 
The words “having come upon” are from a word found only here in Scripture, epiginomai. It is derived from two words signifying “upon” and “to come about.” The word translated as Auster is the same word as in Acts 27:13, notos. It signifies the South and thus a south wind. A single English word which corresponds to this is Auster, a south wind. Once this favorable wind came upon them, it next says, “the second day we came to Puteoli.”
 
Here is another word unique to Scripture, deuteraios. It is derived from deuteros, second, and signifies the second day. With the favorable wind that came from the south, it allowed them to pass through the straits. Once through the straits, they were able to sail all the way to Puteoli.
 
This is the modern city known as Pozzuoli. It is located very near Naples and was once a port city. Today, however, it is too shallow for large ships to arrive at. Its name means “The wells.” Being known for its warm baths, it is supposed that is how it got its name. Some relevant information from the era that these men arrived there is found in Wikipedia –
 
“Puteoli became the great emporium for the Alexandrian grain ships and other ships from all over the Roman world. It also was the main hub for goods exported from Campania, including blown glass, mosaics, wrought iron, and marble. Lucilius wrote in about 125 BC that it was second only to Delos in importance, then the greatest harbour of the ancient world. Many inscriptions show that a polyglot population established companies (stationes) for trade and transport and formed professional guilds for arts, crafts and religious associations for foreign cults; they included Greeks from the islands and the coast of Asia, Jews and later Christians. Under the Roman Empire, it was the greatest emporium of foreign trade in all of Italy. Trade with Tyre was so important that the Tyrians established a factory there in 174.”
 
Life application: In one verse, travel has gone from Syracuse to Rhegium to Puteoli. The population of these three cities totals about four hundred thousand people. Think of how many of them may have never heard of Jesus. Now imagine that you encounter people just like them throughout the week or even every day. They may never have heard of Jesus. Who is going to tell them? If not you, then who?
 
If you are saved, hooray for Jesus in your life. But be sure to now tell others about what He has done for you, and indeed for all the people of the world. Without hearing about Him, people cannot be saved. Hopefully, you will be affected enough about their plight to at least try to share what you know.
 
Lord God, help us to be responsible in sharing our faith in Jesus. We have family, friends, and acquaintances that need to hear the good news. We go to restaurants and are served by people that may have never been told the simple message of Your goodness to us in sending Jesus. Help us, O God, to faithfully proclaim what we know. Amen.
 

Acts 28:12

Wednesday, 12 June 2024
 
And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. Acts 28:12
 
The verb is an aorist participle, “And having brought down at Syracuse, we stayed three days” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul and those with him departed Malta after having been there for three months. Luke continues this next leg of the journey, beginning with, “And having brought down.”
 
Departing on a ship is to go up to the high seas. When arriving at a new destination, one comes down again. The ship was brought down from the sea “at Syracuse.”
 
Syracuse, or Surakousai in Greek, is a city noted only here in the Bible. It is a city which was made famous during the Peloponnesian war. It was, and still is, a flourishing town of Sicily. It is 92 miles as the crow flies from Malta, but a bit more by boat because it is on the southeast corner of the coast of Sicily.
 
It can be reached in a bit over a day by boat. Ships bound from Alexandria on their way to Italy frequently put in there. It was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world at this time. They probably stopped there to sell and offload wares and then pick up any other things or travelers for their continued voyage. Today Syracuse has a population of about 125,000.
 
Once the ship arrived there, Luke next notes that “we stayed three days.” The ship they were on had been at Malta over the winter. If the men were on the same ship when leaving Syracuse, it may be that it took three days to offload cargo and load on other things.
 
Or it may be that they switched ships to continue their journey to Rome and the first one departing took three days to get a booking on. Luke does not explain the matter either way but simply gives the duration of time they were in Syracuse. After three months on Malta, three days at this location would have flown by.
 
Life application: Speaking of flying by, the NKJV says the ship was “landing at Syracuse.” Not only is the tense of the verb wrong, but that can have more than one meaning. Landing at Syracuse may mean on the other side of the Atlantic!
 
Hancock International Airport is a city owned, joint civil-military airport five miles northeast of downtown Syracuse, in Onondaga County, New York.
 
The airport is off Interstate 81 near Mattydale, New York. Wikipedia says that “In 1927 Syracuse mayor Charles Hanna felt his city needed an airport. A location at Amboy in the town of Camillus, New York was purchased for $50,000, and by 1928, the ‘Syracuse City Airport at Amboy’ was handling airmail.”
 
At the end of World War II, the United States Army Air Corps leased their bomber base near Mattydale, New York to the city. On September 17, 1949, the Clarence E. Hancock Airport opened to the public using a renovated machine shop as a terminal, and replaced the airport at Amboy. To learn more about this airport at Syracuse, refer to their website on the internet. 
 
This might sound like a pointless diversion concerning another location named Syracuse, but it is given to highlight the fact that there are innumerable locations in the United States that are named based on other locations, many are right out of the Bible.
 
The movement of people from one location to another where there had not yet been a name given for the place necessitated those new locations be given names. Some are obvious, such as New York being named based on the movement of people from York in the UK. Others are obvious because of the connection to famous biblical sights, such as Bethlehem, New York, and Canaan, Connecticut.
 
However, many other areas also have biblical names that may not be as famous. In Connecticut, there is Sharon, Gilead, Hebron, Mount Carmel, and so forth. This trend continues in many states throughout the US. A rich biblical heritage permeates the nation’s founding. However, those traditions are quickly fading away. The prosperity of the people, and the movement to a non-biblical worldview, have erased much of the Christian heritage of the land.
 
If you are familiar with biblical names of people and places, you can use that familiarity to start conversations with people and form a connection between the name and its source. From there, you can then bring in the overall message of the Bible, that it is the story of God’s plan of redemption of man from the power of sin and the devil, all focused on Jesus.
 
When they see a connection between their name or the name of their city with the Bible, they may want to know more. Be ready at all times to think of interesting ways of getting people interested in knowing more about the word! It is the message that can change the eternal destiny of people from a not-so-happy ending to an eternity of delight.
 
Lord God, help us to always be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. May our words bring them to want to know more and to become interested in reading Your word. People need Jesus and the Bible tells us about Him. So, Lord, help us in this! Amen.