BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 28:9

Sunday, 9 June 2024
 
So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. Acts 28:9
 
More exactingly, it reads, “This, therefore, having occurred, also the others having infirmities in the island approached and were healed” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul went into the sick father of Publius, prayed, and laid hands on him. With that, he was healed. Because of this, Luke continues, beginning with, “This, therefore, having occurred.”
 
He is showing a consequence based on an action. Because of Paul’s healing of the sick man, the word got out. This was the father of the leading citizen of the island and what occurred could not be hidden from the ears of the people. Once they realized Paul had the gift of healing, therefore, it next says, “also the others having infirmities in the island approached.”
 
The article before others is necessary for the intent of what is being said. Some translations simply say, “others also.” The inclusion of the article gives the sense that there was a rush upon Paul once the word had gotten out. In their coming to Paul with their infirmities, it then says, “and were healed.”
 
This is, therefore, a tie back to Luke 5 where the word went out about Jesus’ miracles to the point that everyone came to Him to be healed –
 
“Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He charged him to tell no one, ‘But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.’15 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:13-16
 
Luke is making a direct connection between the healing powers of Jesus and those of Paul, demonstrating that the same power that was upon Jesus now rested upon Paul. The Spirit of God was confirming the message of Jesus to those on the island of Malta.
 
Of the words of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “Although Paul was a captive, yet the power of God was not captive.”
 
Life application: The people of Malta came to Paul for healing of their physical bodies. But the point of such healing is to lead people to understand their need for spiritual healing. Paul and Luke would have made this perfectly clear to those on the island. This is the point of having such healing powers.
 
Today, those miracles are recorded in the Bible. There is no longer a need for such demonstrable proofs. The New Testament tells believers to trust in what the word says, having faith that the message about Jesus contained there is true.
 
Of all of the writings throughout the world, the Bible alone tells the complete message of how we got into the mess we are in, what God has been doing to get us out of it, and what He will do for those who accept that message.
 
It is written in such a way that it is self-validating and can be trusted. And so, why do we need miracles, signs, and wonders to choose or reject Jesus? We don’t! This doesn’t mean God cannot or will not heal people today, but such healing will come as He chooses, without the explicit nature of miracles that were needed before the Bible was complete.
 
To expect such things actually demonstrates a lack of faith, not the other way around. As it says, for example, in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
 
We are expected to pick up the word, read it, test it to see if it is what it claims to be and then have faith in what it says. Don’t be captivated by those who claim to do miraculous things. They are a distraction from what God expects of His people. Evidence of this is that there are such supposed healers in other religions as well.
 
Is God working through them? No, He isn’t. Be careful what you believe and what you will accept. The word is reliable. Check it out and have faith in what it proclaims. Everything else is unnecessary eyewash.
 
Lord God, may we not be led down wayward paths by false teachers. Help us to be attentive to Your word, ready to test what we are exposed to, and to reject those things that have no basis in what You would intend for us in our walk before You. May Your Spirit rest upon us and guide us. Yes, Lord, may it be so. Amen.
 

Acts 28:8

Saturday, 8 June 2024
 
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8
 
The Greek, even if a tad clunky, more literally reads, “And it was, the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery – who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke noted that there was a portion of land where the first of the island, Publius, lived. He invited Paul and others to stay with him for three days. Remembering that, it now says, “And it was.”
 
The Greek word egeneto is used to show the transition from one thing to another. In this, we can see that the divine hand is guiding the events of the matter. This transitional thought is then explained by Luke with the words, “the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery.”
 
Publius has brought Paul, Luke, and whoever else was with them into his house. At some point, it was relayed to them that Publius’ father was sick. The word translated as “fever” is in the plural. This plural use of “fevers” is believed to indicate a recurrent fever.
 
As such, it was a malady that afflicted him regularly. Along with his fevers, he had a case of dysentery. It is a word found only here in the New Testament, dusenterion. Luke is giving a precise medical diagnosis of the situation.
 
Ellicott notes that the plural “fevers” in “combination with dysentery would, according to Hippocrates, who also uses the plural form (Aph. vi. 3), make the case more than usually critical.” In his situation, it says using multiple participles which makes the narrative quite exciting, “who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.”
 
It is carefully noted that as soon as Paul entered, he prayed. At the same time, he laid hands on the sick man. All of this was done in a carefully recorded way to show an absolute connection between Paul’s actions and the man’s healing.
 
This is especially noted by Luke to show that Paul had subordinated himself to the Lord. It is likely that this was stated here to show the contrast to the claim in the previous account just a couple of verses earlier that he was called a god by the locals. 
 
This verse parallels the account of Peter in Acts 9:32-35. For further insights concerning this, refer to James 5:14, 15. Also, notice the very close sequence of events in this account of Paul’s snake bite and then healing of this man in comparison to Mark 16:18.
 
In the previous verse, Publius was first noted in the Bible. Now, he is seen for the second and last time. This is actually noteworthy because in just a couple of verses, it will say that the duration of their time on Malta is a full three months.
 
Life application: We are told here that Paul prayed, laid hands on the sick man, and he was healed. The next verse will speak about more healings. By incorrectly taking these verses in a prescriptive manner, many have assumed that we too have been given such powers without any limits at all.
 
They claim healing over others as if they have a right to demand things from the Lord, or as if they are divine conduits for the powers of healing to flow through them. This is completely contrary to what is actually the case. It is presumptuous and it is a sinful attitude.
 
Paul was unable to heal himself and several others as is clearly indicated in his epistles. And more, Scripture never indicates that we have been given the apostolic powers of healing.
 
Rather, we have been given the intelligence to produce medicines. Also, societies have developed institutions to educate people to be doctors and nurses. We have likewise been given the honor to pray for the healing of others. If it is in the Lord’s will to respond favorably, He will. But we should never claim such things as if we have the authority to tell the Spirit how and when to heal.
 
Use reason and intelligence when you pray for yourself and others. And, if you really want to be a part of the healing of others, go to school and learn how to do so. You can have a lifetime of positive effects on others, both physically and spiritually if you are willing to put forth the effort.
 
Lord God, thank You for our doctors, nurses, and others who are in the business of healing others. And thank You that we can also come to You for healing when it is in Your will to respond. May we never accuse You in our hearts when others get sick and die, knowing that this is a fallen world. In Christ, however, we have an eternal hope of life and health ahead of us! Amen.
 

Acts 28:7

Friday, 7 June 2024
 
In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. Acts 28:7
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region], were parcels of the first of the island by name Publius, who having received us three days, lodged us hospitably” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul was seen to have not swollen up or keeled over from the snake bite. Because of this, the fickle islanders of Malta said he was a god. Now, Luke begins a new portion of the narrative, saying, “And in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region].”
 
By God’s providence, they were shipwrecked in a particular place that would bring comfortable times to those who had been cast ashore. Despite the great trials and losses that were suffered by those who were shipwrecked, there would be a season of blessing to come upon them. This is first starting to be realized now because in that surrounding area, there “were parcels of the first of the island.”
 
The meaning of “first” is the principal man of the island. The adjective used to describe the person is protos. It means the first, or chief, and thus he is “the first man.” Ellicott notes –
 
“The term is found both in Greek and Latin inscriptions, at Malta, of the time of Augustus, as an official title.”
 
Score another point for Luke's accuracy. He is the chief ruler or magistrate appointed to oversee the population. Luke then notes, “by name Publius.”
 
This man’s name is a Latin one, literally: Poplios. It is known that Malta was rendered under the province of Sicily and so he would have been over the island, but under the Sicilian proconsul.
 
What we see in him then is a person who has received his job through appointment and not through a family line. This is indicated even more poignantly by the fact (as will be seen) that his father is there. He would not be the chief man if the position was based on family. This man is said to have “received us three days.”
 
It is a new word in Scripture, anadechomai. It comes from ana, up or upwards, and dechomai, to receive or welcome. Thus, HELPS Word Studies says it signifies to “receive up to the limit” and thus “to welcome with gladness.”
 
They were whole-heartedly and enthusiastically received up by the chief man of the island. It is agreed that this did not mean the entire host from the ship, but rather a select few.
 
Despite being a prisoner, Paul was a Roman citizen and stood in high favor with Julius. Luke was a physician and, thus, a man of respect. It is probably these three and maybe a limited number of others who were brought in as guests for those three days until other arrangements could be made. During this time, Luke notes that he “lodged us hospitably”
 
The word translated as “hospitably,” philophronós, is an adverb found only here. It literally means, “acting from a mind-set of personal affection” HELPS Word Studies. In other words, this was not a formal thing that was required by custom, but an invitation because of truly having come to like them. It was probably brought on by the words of Julius to Publius about the exceptional character of Paul and Luke.
 
Life application: Luke writes in the first-person plural concerning this visit. Thus, he was there, and it is absolutely certain that Paul, as will be seen, was there as well. Because Paul was there, Julius would have been there also, being the lead soldier and personally responsible for Paul.
 
Nothing is said here, or anywhere else, about Julius being converted to the Christian faith. However, it is unlikely that he was not fully aware of every nuance of what it meant to be a Christian by the time his supervision of Paul was ended. He personally saw prophecies uttered and fulfilled. He will see miracles of healing in the verses ahead. If anyone ever knew it, certain Julius did, that Paul would not have been silenced over his proclamation of the gospel, etc.
 
Because of this, either Julius was converted and that is purposefully left out of the narrative for whatever reason Luke deemed necessary or the heart of Julius was soft towards Paul and hard toward the message Paul proclaimed.
 
The latter is not unusual. There are people who have remained friends for years, even friends of pastors and preachers, who find the faith of their good friend curious and maybe even a bit comical. And yet, they stay fast friends through it. And how many times has there been an effect on the stout unbeliever later in life?
 
We cannot know what effect we will have on others by giving the gospel and then simply sharing our lives together with those we know whether they readily accept our words at the start or wait decades to yield. We don’t need to beat our faith into others. We simply need to share it and then let our lives be a testimony to those we know.
 
Let us never tire of living out the gospel that we have received. When the ball drops in the life of others, and it always does, they will know who to turn to if they are willing to once again hear the good news in their time of need.
 
Lord God, may our faith be on display at all times for others to see and remember what we believe. But we need to first let them know what our faith entails. So, Lord, give us boldness to first share the message, and then to live it out from day to day from that point on. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 28:6

Thursday, 6 June 2024
 
However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Acts 28:6
 
More literally, it reads, “And they expected him about to be inflamed or to fall down dead suddenly. And they, upon much anticipating, and seeing nothing unusual happening to him, having turned about, they declared him to be a god” (CG).
 
Paul was just bitten by a viper, which he shook off into the fire and suffered no harm. Now, Luke continues with, “And they expected him about to be inflamed.”
 
It is a unique word in Scripture, pimpremi. It is the usual medical word for inflammation in ancient Greek. It literally signified “to fire,” and thus a burning inflammation which includes swelling. They were sure Paul was a goner, so they watched, expecting him to be inflamed “or to fall down dead suddenly.”
 
This is the third and last use of katapiptó, to fall down, in the New Testament. All three uses come from Luke’s writings. Those on the island were aware of this particular viper and knew its effects. Hence, they fully expected Paul to keel over and die. 
 
Luke uses the word aphnó, suddenly, to describe their expectation. This is the third and last time it is used. It referred to the sudden coming of the Spirit in Acts 2:2 which was accompanied by sound and wind. It also referred to a sudden earthquake in Acts 16:26 when Paul and Silas were in prison and their chains were loosed.
 
The islanders were expecting something just as sudden with Paul, however, Luke next records, “And they, upon much anticipating.”
 
The word translated as “anticipating” was a word known in Greek medical writings. It signifies to watch in expectation where mental direction is employed. The people were keeping an eye on Paul, fully expecting him to have one of these symptoms. But Luke continues the thought with, “and seeing nothing unusual happening to him.”
 
Here, the words translated as “nothing unusual” were also used by physicians to indicate unusual symptoms of a disease, including something fatal or deadly. The use of these medical terms gives a good indication of the authenticity of Luke's authorship.
 
He was a carefully observant man who was able to see the same traits in others as they watched for such symptoms as well. Because nothing untoward came upon Paul, Luke next records of the people, “having turned about, they declared him to be a god.”
 
These words include another word unique in Scripture, metaballó. As a paraphrase, it signifies to change one’s mind, but a literal translation is “to turn round” or “to turn about.” Just as a person will turn around to face another direction, so a person turns about in his mind when he changes his mind.
 
Instead of thinking of Paul as a murderer, they suddenly realized that he was instead rather extraordinary. Taking things a bit too far, however, they ascribed deity to him. It could be that they may have been thinking of the Greek deities like Apollo or Aesculapius who are depicted as subduing serpents. 
 
Their minds surely raced, looking for a suitable conclusion. How could any mortal be bitten by a poisonous serpent and show no signs of it harming him?
 
Life application: This verse shows the fickle nature of the people which is found in all people everywhere. It is highlighted in Acts 14 as well but in the opposite sense. There, it said –
 
“Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’ 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, ‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.’ 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” Acts 14:11-19
 
In the eyes of those at Lystra, he went from being a god to being a dead man. On Malta, he went from being a dead man to being a god. In the case of their suddenly exclaiming Paul a god, their superstitions cannot be considered uncommon even in today’s world. We simply package them up differently.
 
It is human nature to want to deify things we don’t understand. But as Christians, we need to remember that there is one God. All else is a part of creation. We are never to ascribe deity to any created thing, we are to refrain from idolatry, and we are to promote God to His rightful position in our words to others.
 
In doing these things, we will be acting properly in the presence of our Creator.
 
Lord God Almighty, You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You are magnificent in Your being and You are caring for Your creatures. May we respond to You accordingly, giving You alone our heartfelt worship and adoration. Yes, glory to You, O God, in the highest! Amen.

Acts 28:5

Wednesday, 5 June 2024
 
But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. Acts 28:5
 
A literal rendering of the Greek is, “He indeed then, having shaken off the beast into the fire suffered nothing evil” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul had a viper latch onto his hand, and because of this, the people accused him of being a murderer whom justice had not allowed to live. However, Luke next records, “But he shook off the creature into the fire.”
 
Here is a word found for the second and last time, apotinassó. It signifies to brush away or shake away. The only other use was in Luke 9 –
 
“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off [apotinassó] the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:4, 5
 
Luke’s words concerning Paul seem almost casual as if he was shaking the dust off his garments after a long walk in the wilderness. Despite it having been a viper and the people being sure he would keel over from the poison, he not only shook it off, but Luke next says, “and suffered no harm.”
 
The words here again imply that the snake was poisonous. Were it not so, there would be no need to give the details as they are recorded. As noted previously, these words are certainly given as a fulfillment of Mark 16:18. 
 
Those words, as recorded in Mark, were spoken to those present with Christ. There is no reason to assume that they go any further than them. Snake-handling churches, poison-drinking churches, and the bizarre antics in charismatic churches have mistakenly and inappropriately taken such things out of context.
 
As a witness to this fact, one can take a bottle of poison into a snake handling church, and they won't drink it. One can take a snake into a poison drinking church, and they won't handle it. And one can take either into a charismatic church, and the people will quickly exit the building. This is all hubbub involving terrible theology. The Bible bears witness to the miracles promised to the apostles. There is no need to go beyond that.
 
Life application: Why anyone feels the need to force the speaking of tongues is beyond comprehension. And yet, this is the standard in churches that supposedly speak in tongues. People have to be coaxed into doing what they would normally not do.
 
Does the Spirit need to be forced? Rather, the Spirit of God will overshadow, clothe, or come upon people in Scripture, guiding them without being forced to do so. As previously mentioned, snake handlers in churches die from time to time. The Spirit obviously wasn’t condoning their actions if He allowed the people to die from what was, supposedly, a demonstration of His presence.
 
It is unreasonable to expect God to do things simply for show. There is no need to “prove” that God is among His people. If they are being obedient to His word and living rightly in His presence, He is there among them.
 
Be reasonable in your thinking, be diligent in your studies, and be ready to share the gospel with others at all times. Such things will be pleasing to God. But forcing yourself to speak in gibberish is not only ridiculous, it is unscriptural. Don’t get caught up in unsound theology. Rather, get caught up in the wonder of God’s precious word!
 
Lord God, may our conduct before You be sound, reasonable, and honoring of You. Help us to think rightly and clearly about You at all times, bringing honor to You and leading others to a desire to pursue You more and more all their days To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Acts 28:4

Tuesday, 4 June 2024
 
So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” Acts 28:4
 
A literal translation is, “And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘This man is altogether a murderer, whom, having been saved from the sea, the justice has not permitted to live’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul went out gathering sticks to add to the bonfire. When he laid them on the fire, a viper came out and fastened on his hand. With that recorded, Luke next adds, “And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand.”
 
As is normally the case, it is a shocking sight to see a venomous snake. How much more when its fangs are embedded in the hand of someone? It is a sure sign that a great deal of misery and maybe even death lies ahead.
 
This is especially so because a snake may quickly bite, giving a small dose of poison, but one that latches onto another will have time to pump all of its venom into its foe. This is the case with Paul. Therefore, “they said to one another, ‘This man is altogether a murderer.’”
 
As is common to most people of the world, when something bad happens, it is ascribed to karma or some other type of cosmic justice that keeps things in check. The Book of Job is a great study on this. In this case, the people saw the viper hanging from his hand, knew it was a poisonous snake that would kill him, and jumped to the conclusion that he must have deserved what had happened to him.
 
In this case, they made the illogical jump to the conclusion that he was a murderer. As such, they then said, “whom, having been saved from the sea, this justice has not permitted to live.’”
 
Accepting that this was divine justice, though the sea failed to kill him, which was obviously (what else would one expect!) what should have been the case, the serpent was sent to complete the task. Of course, this was so! The tense of the verb, being aorist, states it as an accomplished fact. Literally “the justice to live not has permitted him,” or more directly, “he is dead.”
 
In their words, Justice, diké (deekay), is personified. Justice to these pagans was represented as a goddess, the daughter of Jupiter. It was her office to take vengeance or to inflict punishment for crimes. As such, they believed that the goddess, Justice, had rendered judgment and executed the criminal.
 
Life application: Though it may seem a bit superstitious to accept that the snake was a retributive punishment for some supposed crime of Paul, Jesus let those of Israel know that this thought is not entirely unfounded. In Matthew 5, while speaking to the people of Israel, we read His words, saying –
 
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21, 22
 
And again –
 
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27, 28
 
One of the points of Jesus’ words is that God’s standard of measurement includes the thoughts and intents of the heart. If we are honest with ourselves, there isn’t one of us who has been perfect in such matters. Therefore, the standard of justice that God demands because of His own personal perfection has been violated. Because of this, we all are under a death sentence.
 
This doesn’t mean that we can expect a viper to come out and bite us, but it does mean that we can expect to be eternally separated from God for the corruption that exists within us. And more, we should accept that because of our corrupt state, we will have the resulting corruption of the world that surrounds us to afflict us at any given time.
 
Paul speaks of this in Romans. The perfect creation that God made was marred when man sinned. Now, the very forces of nature and the creatures in the world work against us at times. Time, along with the decay within us, also works against us, wearing us down. Our golden years are really not so golden, and death is only a heartbeat away.
 
Though we do not have to look at every catastrophe or accident as the hand of God actively working against us, looking to bring justice upon us, we can still know that this world is constructed in the way it is because of sin. And, therefore, we can expect bad things to happen at any given time.
 
Let us remember, however, that for those who are redeemed through Jesus, we have the expectation of a life that will be far more glorious than we can ever imagine. When we are removed once and forever from the presence of sin, things will be restored to a state that we cannot even conceive at this time. This is our great hope, and it has all been provided because of the goodness of God that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Lord God, may we hold fast to the hope set before us. Even in this terrible world of chaos and disaster, we see enough of the beauty and harmony of Your loving hand to assure us that something far better lies ahead for Your people. We know this is so and we long for that glorious day. Until then, may we never fail to praise You for Your goodness! Amen.
 

Acts 28:3

Monday, 3 June 2024
 
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. Acts 28:3
 
The Greek more closely reads, “And Paul, having bundled a multitude of kindling, and having laid upon the pyre, a viper – having come from the heat – seized his hand” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the people on the island made a fire for the shipwrecked people because of the rain and cold. Now, Luke begins a short description of an unusual event concerning Paul. He begins with, “And Paul, having bundled a multitude of kindling.”
 
A couple rare words are used here. The first is sustrephó, to gather or roll. It was seen in Matthew 17:22. This is the second and last use. Also, the word translated as kindling is found only here, phruganon. It signifies a dry stick for burning. Thus, a word like kindling, tinder, touchwood, etc. will suffice.
 
Those who argue for the other location being the spot of the shipwreck, as reviewed in the previous verse, note that there is no wood that grows on Malta. However, the word doesn’t specifically imply wood from a tree.
 
Rather, in the area of the shipwreck, there are shrubs which are used for this very purpose. There is no reason at all to assume that Paul wasn’t out gathering exactly this type of material or even driftwood that shows up on beaches all over the world.
 
Paul was making a bundle out of dried sticks he had found, gathering them together to bring for the fire. With that complete, Luke next says, “and having laid upon the pyre.”
 
It is the same word found in the previous verse, pura. It signifies a pile of burning fuel. This is its second and last use in the New Testament. Paul has bundled up a pile of sticks and brought them back, laying them on this bonfire. With that, Luke next records that “a viper – having come from the heat – seized his hand.”
 
This is the fifth and last use of echidna, or viper, in the New Testament. The other four verses were all quotes of John the Baptist or Jesus calling those who had come near them a “brood of vipers.” The word signifies a venomous snake of some sort. This viper is said to have seized Paul’s hand.
 
It is another unique word, kathaptó. It signifies to lay hold of, fasten onto, seize, etc. The snake probably felt the heat of the fire and darted to get away from it. As it did, it seized Paul’s hand and would have immediately started pumping his venom into him.
 
These words bring in another complication. There are no indigenous vipers on Malta. Therefore, the claim is that this is not the true spot of the shipwreck. However, Malta was sparsely populated then. It is heavily populated now.
 
On the barrier island of Siesta Key, Florida, until the 1970s, there were poisonous snakes everywhere, However, as the population grew, they were eradicated. It is now very rare to see them on the island. Where there were once rattlers in abundance, none remain. Where water moccasins once hung from mangroves in almost every location, they are rarely seen anymore.
 
As far as the words noting that they seized his hand, it never says he was bitten by the viper, but it is implied, especially by the words of the next verse.
 
Life application: There are snake handling churches throughout the southern US. Deadly rattlers are brought out and passed around the congregation. At times, someone will get bit. Sometimes a person will die from the bite.
 
This practice is based on the words of Mark 16:17, 18 –
 
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
 
This is not sound practice. To actively drink poison or handle poisonous snakes is to test God in a way that is unnecessary. This account in Acts is the only time a snake is referred to in this manner in the Bible. There is never a time that it is recorded that someone drinks poison.
 
Until the Lord comes for His people, every person who has lived since His first coming has died or will die. There are innumerable ways to die. To assume that God is going to protect a person every time he picks up a poisonous snake or drinks something poisonous is, therefore, ridiculous. There is no need to test God in such ways. Instead, live your life safely, carefully, and with clear thinking. This will generally increase your lifespan. Snake handling... not so much.
 
Lord God, help us to think clearly about how we conduct our lives in Your presence. There are things that we can do that may not be so smart. Rather, just because we can drive a car really fast, it doesn’t mean that we should do so. Instead, may we live our lives circumspectly, doing things that are reasonable and prudent all our days. Amen.
 

Acts 28:2

Sunday, 2 June 2024
 
And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. Acts 28:2
 
A more literal translation, even if a tad clunky, is, “And the barbarians offered not the ordinary philanthropy to us. For having kindled a pyre, they received all of us through the rain that had come and through the cold.” (CG).
 
The previous verse, which began the chapter, noted that those shipwrecked discovered that they had come to an island called Malta. Now, the words continue with, “And the barbarians.” The word is barbaros, barbarians. It doesn’t mean the same thing we think of today, meaning an uncivilized group of people or a backward culture.
 
Rather it indicates a foreigner who speaks neither Greek nor Latin. The NKJV “natives” is technically correct, but that is because they are on an island belonging to these people and translating it “foreigners” wouldn’t make sense. Rather, those who are shipwrecked are the foreigners. Therefore, to keep the idea literal while not being confusing, simply translating this as barbarians is a sound option.
 
The term itself, barbaros, is of uncertain origin, but it is probably onomatopoeic for “unintelligible sounds.” As they didn't speak one of the common languages, those who heard them speak might say it sounds like “bar bar.” Of these oddly speaking people, it next says that they “offered not the ordinary philanthropy to us.”
 
The Greek word translated as philanthropy is a transliteration of the Greek philanthrópia. It is derived from philos, an experience-based love, and anthrópos, man. Thus, it signifies love of mankind and, hence, benevolence. It is used here and one more time in Titus 3:4 when speaking of the love of Christ for mankind. This extra kindness they showed those shipwrecked is noted by Luke, saying, “For having kindled a fire, they received all of us.”
 
Here is a new word, pura. It signifies a fire or a pile of burning fuel. Hence, it is a fire. It will be. Used in this and the next verse. One can see the etymological connection to our modern word pyre. The natives saw that the people were wet and probably quite chilled to the bone. And so, they got a fire going and began to tend to their needs accordingly. This tending to them was “through the rain that had come and through the cold.”
 
The word dia literally means through, as in the diameter of a circle being a line through it. Hence, it can be paraphrased as “because of” or “on account of.” As for the rain itself, the verb is a perfect participle. It had started to rain and that continued on as Luke’s description is presented. This continuous rain, along with the cold, would have made the soaked shipwreckees very cold, even to the point of hypothermia.
 
Some commentaries, probably to take up space or for some other strange reason, focus on the rain. As it wasn't mentioned before, it is claimed that the rain must have just started. However, being a perfect participle, this is not a sound analysis. But more, anyone who has been in a hurricane or similar type of storm is fully aware that the rains come and go continually.
 
The fact is that the people were wet, and they were cold. With the continued rain, that wouldn't change. There is no reason to go beyond this. The natives were hospitable, and they took care of the needs of their fellow men.
 
A little more history about Malta of our current day is that it was colonized by the ancient Phoenicians/Canaanites who spoke a variation of the ancient Canaanite/Semitic tongue. There is a relation between today’s Maltese and the Lebanese dialect of Arabic.
 
Maltese is unique in that it is a Semitic tongue written with a Latin alphabet. It is the only Semitic-speaking nation in the European Union. It is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic. It was temporarily conquered by the Muslims, but soon re-conquered by the Crusaders.
 
The language and the people are related to the Phoenicians of Hiram, friend of David. Those Phoenicians who remained in Lebanon became the Maronite Catholics, who were the only Arab group friendly toward the Jews. Hiram was a friend of David. Likewise, the Maltese remained Christian, though speaking a cognate of Arabic. The closeness of the island to North Africa would have helped the continuance of speaking in this tongue.
 
Several key historical points are – Eighty-eight percent of Maltese speak English, as well as their native tongue. The Crusaders were the ones to drive off the Muslims. The Turks were destroyed on Malta. Napoleon besieged the place. Though they resisted British rule, they refused to surrender to the Nazis.
 
Life application: Malta is an island that identifies with Roman Catholicism. However, like the majority of adherents to this denomination, they have no personal relationship with Jesus. They have been deluded into the belief that by adhering to Roman Catholicism, they are heaven bound.
 
The same sentiment is found wherever this aberrant doctrine is taught. Like the belief of most Jews, Catholics live for this world and let their religious leaders worry about their afterlife, trusting that what they have been taught is a ll they need.
 
However, without a personal belief in the gospel, there will be no salvation for them. The pope himself mentions the words “the gospel” continuously. It is hard to find a formal or informal speech by him that does not include those words. And yet, it is likely he has no idea what the gospel of Jesus Christ is. His “gospel” is doing good works in order to somehow make God happy.
 
If the pope has not trusted the simple gospel of Jesus as it is laid out in Scripture, he is no closer to God than the most pagan person on the planet. Malta needs the good news in a desperate way. Be sure to include them in your prayers today, asking the Lord to direct faithful Christians who are excited about sharing the gospel to do so on Malta.
 
Lord God Almighty, today we lift up the people of Malta who have been deceived that they are secure and heaven bound because of adherence to the Roman Catholic Church. May their hearts be softened and may their eyes be opened to their need for Jesus. And may an explosion of desiring to know You and Your word come about among them. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 28:1

Saturday, 1 June 2024
 
Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. Acts 28:1
 
A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And, having been saved, then they knew that the island is called Malta.” (CG).
 
The last verse of the previous chapter noted that all had come to shore safely. With that, Chapter 28 begins with, “And, having been saved.”
 
The same word that was used to end Chapter 27 is again used here, diasózó. In that verse, it was an aorist verb, now it is an aorist participle –
 
And thus it was all were saved upon the land.
And, having been saved...
 
The task is complete, all having been brought safely and securely to the shores of the island. With that now complete, it next says, “then they knew that the island is called Malta.”
 
The Alexandrian text (NIV e.g.) says “we” rather than “they.” At the end of the previous chapter, the NIV says “everyone” instead of “they.” As Luke was present and he obviously survived, one would think that he would include himself in this and say “we.” However, he may be making himself an outside evaluator of the events at this time. Or he may still be referring to Julius and the other soldiers who were in charge of ensuring that all came to the island safely.
 
Either way, and regardless of this, all made it ashore and came safely to what they found out was the island of Malta. Although it is evident this is the true spot of landing, there is one other claim to the location of the wreck. In order to give all of the details, the lengthy commentary of Charles Ellicott is provided -
 
“There is no ground for questioning the current belief that this was the modern Malta, It was the only island known as Melita by the Greeks and Romans. The gale, which had been blowing for fourteen days since the ship left Crete, would drive her in that direction. The local features of St. Paul’s Bay agree closely, as has been seen, with the narrative in the Acts. There has from a very early date been a local tradition in favour of the belief. The Bay bears St. Paul’s name. A cave is pointed out as having given him shelter. There has, however, been a rival claimant. In the Gulf of Venice, off the coast of Illyria, there is a small island, Meleta (now Meleda), which has been identified by some writers with the scene of St. Paul’s shipwreck. The view is first mentioned by Constantino Porphyrogenitus, a Greek writer of the tenth century, and was revived in the last century by Padre Georgi, an ecclesiastic of the island. There is, however, not a shadow of evidence in its favour, beyond the similarity (riot identity) of name, and the mention of Adria in Acts 27:27. It has been shown, however, that that term was used with far too wide a range to be decisive on such a question; and against the view there are the facts (1) that it would almost have required a miracle to get the ship, with a north-east gale blowing strongly, up to the Illyrian coast of the Gulf of Venice; (2) that a ship would not naturally have wintered on that coast on its way from Alexandria to Puteoli (Acts 28:11); (3) that there has been no local tradition in its favour, as at Malta. The island of Malta was originally a Phoenician colony. It came under the power of Carthage in B.C. 402, and was ceded to Rome in B.C. 242. Its temple, dedicated to Juno, was rich enough to be an object of plunder to Verres, the Prætor of Sicily (Cic. In Verr. vv. 46).”
 
Life application: People naturally want things to apply to themselves if they are notable in some manner. It is certain that Malta is where the ship ran aground and there are few who would question this. And yet, there is a challenge to this because someone wanted to appear to have discovered something others didn’t know, or maybe because there was pride in those in a different location that they were the focus of the biblical narrative.
 
This happens all the time. People in various cultures claim that they are the true Israelites who were exiled from the land. This is claimed by Mormons. It is claimed by British Israelism. It is claimed by various sects of the Church of God. And so forth. None of these are even close to reality, and yet the claims are made.
 
Also, it is often argued, even vehemently, that the New Testament was originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic despite there being no sound reason to claim this. And more, internal clues abound that it is not so.
 
These and ten thousand other such claims are made because people want to identify with one thing or another that they want to be true. This is unsound. It causes real problems with doctrine, and it causes divisions that should not exist.
 
We should be willing to objectively evaluate such things and come to reasonable conclusions concerning them. If we do, for sure our doctrine will be more properly aligned with God’s intent, and we will not grow into the cult-like mentality that so easily permeates our minds, our lives, and even controls our destinies.
 
Be wise and discerning and check out the things you hear, lest you get caught up into the strange doctrines that are warned against in the word (see Hebrews 13:9).
 
Heavenly Father, may we not be led astray by odd, goofy, and irregular teachings that have no bearing on reality. Rather, may we be guided by Your Spirit and willing also to check all things and test them for accuracy. May it be so to Your glory! Amen.

Acts 27:44

Friday, 31 May 2024
 
and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. Acts 27:44
 
A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “and the rest, indeed, some upon boards, and some upon anything from the ship. And thus it was all were saved upon the land” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the centurion commanded that those who could swim should jump in and swim to land. Now, and still coming as a command from Julius, it says, “and the rest, indeed, some upon boards, and some upon anything from the ship.”
 
Those who couldn't swim grabbed up whatever planks or boards were loose, or whatever else would float that was freely obtainable, and they then dove in with those who could swim. The scene must have been quite chaotic as the remaining who supervised the effort stayed on the ship.
 
When it was determined that all had jumped in, the final people who had braved the oversight of the effort would have then jumped in and headed for shore. With that accomplished, it next says, “And thus it was all were saved upon the land.”
 
The distance to shore at this spot is not too great and with effort, all made it ashore in fulfillment of Paul’s words from verse 22. The Pulpit Commentary cites the following to tie the Greek name of the island (Melita) in with Malta –
 
“And thus ended the eventful voyage of about four hundred and eighty miles (as laid down in the charts) from Clauda to the Point of Koura on the north coast of Malta. It is one of the striking proofs of the identity of Melita with Malta, that the rate at which it is calculated that a large ship laying to in a gale would drift in twenty-four hours, viz. thirty-six miles, multiplied by thirteen and a half (the number of days occupied by the voyage), gives four hundred and eighty-six miles as the whole distance. (36X13.5 = 486) Smith thinks that the coincidence between ‘the actual bearing of St. Paul's Bay from Clauda, and the direction in which the ship must have driven, with the wind blowing in the quarter we know it did,’ is, if possible, still more striking (pp. 127, 128).”
 
To close out this marvelous chapter, Matthew Henry states the following –
 
“The ship that had weathered the storm in the open sea, where it had room, is dashed to pieces when it sticks fast. Thus, if the heart fixes in the world in affection, and cleaving to it, it is lost. Satan's temptations beat against it, and it is gone; but as long as it keeps above the world, though tossed with cares and tumults, there is hope for it. They had the shore in view, yet suffered shipwreck in the harbour; thus we are taught never to be secure. Though there is great difficulty in the way of the promised salvation, it shall, without fail, be brought to pass. It will come to pass that whatever the trials and dangers may be, in due time all believers will get safely to heaven. Lord Jesus, thou hast assured us that none of thine shall perish. Thou wilt bring them all safe to the heavenly shore. And what a pleasing landing will that be! Thou wilt present them to thy Father, and give thy Holy Spirit full possession of them for ever.”
 
Life application: When Paul prophesied that all on the ship would be saved, Luke then recorded the exact number. With the ship wrecked and coming apart, it was abandoned, and all aboard swam to shore. Every soul was saved, exactingly fulfilling the words of Paul.
 
This is what the Bible does. It states things will come to pass, and then those things occur. This is possible because God, who created time, dwells outside of time. Because of this, He has a knowledge of all things immediately and intuitively. Nothing is hidden from Him.
 
As we have seen in human history, the Bible foretells and what it speaks of comes to pass. Because of this, why do we constantly doubt what the Bible promises but which lies yet ahead in time? Why do we feel it necessary to make excuses as to why Israel has been replaced by the church, thus nullifying in our doctrine the promises made to them of a future kingdom?
 
Why do we question God’s salvation of us when it occurred now that time has passed by? Is our salvation any less sure than the moment we first believed? Is God somehow competent to save, but not competent to keep on saving?
 
Let us trust the word, even if we haven’t completely sorted it out in our minds. As we learn more and see how the word is laid out, we can find more and more confidence in it. And so let us trust now and then continue to read and solidify our doctrine all the days of our lives. All the time, let us continue to fixedly trust our initial salvation. God saved. It is done. Hallelujah to God!
 
Heavenly Father, may we hold fast to the promise of salvation that we first received, knowing from that moment that we were saved and that we shall always continue to be saved. Jesus did not endure the cross to provide us with eternal insecurity. No! Rather, we have been saved, we are saved, and we shall be saved unto the ages of ages. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.

Acts 27:43

Thursday, 30 May 2024
 
But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, Acts 27:43
 
More literally, “And the centurion, desiring to save Paul, prevented their intent. And he commanded those being able to swim, having jumped away first, to depart to the land” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke noted that it was the soldiers’ intent to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away. However, he now notes, “And the centurion.”
 
The centurion is Julius who was mentioned in Acts 27:1. He had grown to respect Paul and probably even more. At this point, they may even have been on the way to a friendship on some level. Along with that, after the events of the previous night, admiration may be a better word to describe how he viewed him. Therefore, it says that he was “desiring to save Paul.”
 
The word want, as used by the NKJV, doesn’t really convey the intent of the word boulomai. HELPS Word Studies says, “... (‘resolutely plan’) is a strong term that underlines the predetermined (and determined) intention driving the planning (wishing, resolving).” He earnestly desired to save Paul. In so desiring, he “prevented their intent.”
 
Here is a new word, closely connected to the word boulomai that Luke just used, bouléma. It signifies a preset and fully resolved plan. Julius is shown to have a sound head. He was first able to stop the soldiers from doing what they desired, assuming full responsibility for what might occur if any prisoners were to have escaped. Even in the confusion, he was able to continue to keep charge of them and to have them adhere to his commands.
 
Next, he logically divides those on the ship into two categories, as Luke next notes, “And he commanded those being able to swim, having jumped away first, to depart to the land.”
 
Now Luke uses a word found only here in the New Testament, aporiptó. It comes from apo, away, and rhiptó, to throw, toss, or cast. Thus, it literally means “to cast away.” Obviously, however, one doesn’t pick himself up and toss, so “jump away” gives the proper sense of the word.
 
The centurion wanted anyone who could get to the shore under his own power to go first. They were to dive in and swim to land, but they could logically also be able to help anyone who couldn’t swim and who had to dive in next. The way would be cleared for those who needed assistance to be methodically helped in order to get everyone safely to the shore.
 
But more, by preventing the soldiers from killing the prisoners, Julius became an active part in causing Paul’s prophecy to be realized –
 
“Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship” Acts 27:34-37
 
Good job Julius.
 
Life application: There are natural leaders and there are followers. There are also those who are appointed to lead and those who are assigned to follow. Each has his own time and set purpose in how things will unfold. And yet, there are those who are appointed to follow who suddenly get thrown into a position where they must make leadership decisions.
 
This goes on all the time and the metal is tested when stressful or important moments arise. Those who lead may be removed for incompetence. Those who follow may suddenly rise to save the day. Each of us should be aware of those around us and try to figure out what their capabilities are.
 
In Judges 11, Jephthah was driven out of his home and away from his land. And yet, when a time of national crisis arose, he was called back to lead in the battle against Ammon. Likewise, Jesus was driven out by his people and rejected from what was his rightful due. However, He will be called back to save Israel in their time of great distress.
 
Let us consider how things are structured in the world of God’s redemption and look to understand why He has done things the way He has. In the end, by understanding what He has done and is doing, we will get an amazingly insightful look into His mind, His heart, and His desire for the people of the world.
 
And more, we can learn about His faithfulness. He has covenanted with Israel. Despite their rejection of Him, He has remained faithful to His word. As this is so with Israel and based on a covenant cut with the blood of bulls and goats, how much more faithful do you suppose He will be to the covenant that has been cut with the blood of Jesus Christ.
 
If you struggle with the doctrine of eternal salvation, it may be because you are not seeing the bigger picture of what God has done and is doing. Trust Him! He is faithful and He will bring you to Himself. We serve the great God.
 
Lord God, how good it is to know the surety of our salvation because of Your faithfulness. Despite our many failings, we have a sure and grounded hope of eternal life because of the full, final, finished, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.
 

Acts 27:42

Wednesday, 29 May 2024
 
And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. Acts 27:42
 
A literal reading is much sparser in content, “And the soldiers’ plan was that they should kill the prisoners, lest someone, having swam out, should escape” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the ship ran aground with the prow stuck fast. With the beating of the waves, the stern loosened from the main hull. Thus, the ship could no longer be a place of safety. All would need to get off quickly. However, it next says, “And the soldiers’ plan was that they should kill the prisoners.”
 
Here is the second and last use of desmótés, prisoners. It was first seen in Acts 27:1. These would have included all of those bound, regardless of what category of prisoner may have been on the ship. In Acts 27:1, it noted that Paul, even if such a prisoner, was in a different category than the others. Thus, he was given certain liberties.
 
The obvious reason for wanting to kill the prisoners is that if they were to escape, then the soldiers would be held accountable for having allowed it. Thus, their lives would most likely be forfeited. The reason for wanting to kill the prisoners is next stated, saying, “lest someone, having swam out, should escape.”
 
The word translated as “someone” is in the singular. The concern was that even one escapee would be problematic. The word translated as “swam out,” ekkolumbaó, is exactingly translated. The idea may either mean “swam out of reach,” “swam out of the water,” or something else. Such prisoners would have thus been out of the reach of the soldiers.
 
That leads to the word translated as escape, diapheugó. It is also unique to the New Testament. It literally signifies “flee through.” Therefore, it indicates a thorough escape. At this time, these men had arrived on an unidentified piece of land.
 
It will be seen that it is an island. However, at this time, that was unknown. A prisoner could swim out, flee through, and just keep going if it were a continent rather than an island. Therefore, these soldiers did not want to take such a risk.
 
Life application: It is obvious from these verses that the soldiers had a right to kill the prisoners in such a situation. As long as the bodies were accounted for, it appears it didn’t matter if they were brought in dead or alive. This was an effective means of keeping prisoners in check.
 
It was thus a preventative measure. In today’s world, such things are looked down on. Schools used to be places of discipline and learning. The threat of punishment or being expelled weighed upon the minds of students. However, the policies of the left only deal with matters after problems arise. Therefore, schools are no longer safe, they no longer are places of learning, and crime among students has skyrocketed.
 
This is also true with society in general. Everything has become reactionary, but there is no tolerance in the policies of the left for preventive measures. This is wholly unbiblical. The law was given for such people. As Paul says –
 
“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11
 
The inclination of the human heart is bent toward evil. Thus, law is necessary. It, along with punishment prescribed by the law, is a preventive measure against those who would do such things. The left’s idea is grace first and hope for the best. This philosophy deals with a total misunderstanding of humanity because it has rejected the notion that man is inherently wicked. They have chucked the biblical model out of society, and they have thus cast out morality, decency, and restraint.
 
Be sure to never vote for or support anyone who holds to such views. You will only bring disaster upon yourself in the process.
 
Lord God, how faithless we are as a people toward You. Humanity, when unrestrained, will naturally take the wrong path, committing more and more evil with each passing day. Help us to be responsible in how we teach, vote, and decide on how things should be done. May we include You and the lessons of Your word in all that we do. Amen.