BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 26:31

Tuesday, 16 April 2024
 
and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” Acts 26:31
 
A more literal translation would be, “And, having withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, ‘Nothing worthy of death or bonds is the man doing’” (CG).
 
With the substance of the trial complete, the previous verse noted that the king stood up. This was followed by the governor, Bernice, and the others. Now, Luke records, “And, having withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying.”
 
The words here had to come from somewhere. It could be that Luke was allowed to listen as Paul’s recorder, or it could be that their deliberations were later secured by Luke from an official recorder or someone else. Either way, there was a private counsel, apart from Paul’s ears.
 
In their conversation, they make the ironic judgment that “Nothing worthy of death or bonds is the man doing.”
 
Paul concluded his deliberation noting his, desmos, bonds. That is now the same word they use in noting that he should be exonerated of any wrongdoing. In other words, Paul’s bonds which he held up as the thing that marked a marked difference in them, showed that there was really no difference at all in them except the gospel he proclaimed.
 
This account, once again, shows that Christianity within the Roman Empire was to be considered religio licita. Thus, it was acceptable for practice by any under its rule. For Paul, however, the story was not yet over. More would be required of him when he would stand before Caesar.
 
Life application: Luke meticulously continues to record the fact that Christianity is a valid extension of the redemptive narrative of the Jews recorded in their writings. This is significant because the Old Testament writings have proven true concerning the state of the people of Israel for 3500 years, both as a reliable historical narrative and as a prophetic indicator of their relationship with the Lord, both in the land and in exile.
 
Because Christianity was deemed an acceptable extension of Judaism, the claims of the apostles could not simply be dismissed as an aberration by the Jews. Each time they attempted to disassociate Jesus and what He signified to them as a people from their own religion, impartial witnesses – from within and without their culture – argued that the message concerning Him was wholly in accord with their writings and was not a separate, unconnected concept.
 
This was true of Peter and his message to the Jews, and it is true of Paul in his message that extended beyond the Jews to the Gentile world. The importance of this is that even if the Jews disagree with the message of Jesus, they cannot say that it was ever regarded as invalid by the authorities God placed over them.
 
As such, it stands as a witness against them that the message accepted by the nations is a message that they themselves have rejected. If it is the truth, they have no right to claim they were unaware of the matter. Jesus spoke of this to the nation, clearly and unambiguously, as is recorded in John 5. At the end of that chapter, He restates the matter –
 
“For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:46, 47
 
This, then, is what Paul is referring to when writing to those in Rome while citing Scripture as a witness to the fact that they are without excuse –
 
“But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says:
‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation,I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’
20 But Isaiah is very bold and says:
‘I was found by those who did not seek Me;I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’
21 But to Israel he says:
‘All day long I have stretched out My handsTo a disobedient and contrary people.’” Romans 10: 19-21
 
These things are instructive for us. If God has been faithful to this faithless nation, preserving them even in their rejection of Jesus, it tells us the surety that He will always be faithful to His covenant promises. Israel’s faithlessness does not negate God’s faithfulness. What does this tell you about your own times of failure before the Lord who has saved you?
 
Rest in your salvation. When you fail the Lord, pick yourself up, talk to Him about it, and get yourself back on the right path. He has saved you, you are forgiven, and He will bring you to Himself some wonderful day.
 
Lord God, Your faithfulness is without limits. How can we not rejoice when we consider what You have done for us? We were lost and without hope and then came Jesus. We continue to fail You, and yet there is Jesus. Thank You, O God, for our Savior, our Mediator, and our Advocate. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 26:30

Monday, 15 April 2024
 
When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; Acts 26:30
 
More literally, “And he, having said these, the king arose, and the governor, and Bernice, and those sitting with them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul had just concluded his words to those gathered in the court. With his words complete, it next says, “And he, having said these.”
 
These words are not in the Alexandrian text and are thus excluded from modern translations that use that source. Instead, it simply goes to the matter of the rising of the officials. Luke records that, saying, “the king arose, and the governor, and Bernice, and those sitting with them.”
 
The order of rank is the order in which they rose. First the king, then the governor, then Bernice, wife of the king. After that, all those other less distinguished fellows sitting with them. At the standing of the king, the trial was ended.
 
As for the final words of Paul from the previous verse, the word desmos, chains, will be used in an ironic manner in just a few more moments.
 
Life application: There is usually a set order in how such gatherings are conducted. It is not uncommon for someone to come before the arrival of the highest officials and tell others when they should stand, when they should sit, and so forth. This is to maintain a set dignity and to pay honor and respect to whoever is considered the greatest within the gathering.
 
In Luke 9, Jesus said –
 
“Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” Luke 9:46-48
 
The world runs by its own standards, and these vary within societies. But it is often the case that Jesus is not on the minds of the leaders. The life of Jesus is one that was of submission. He submitted Himself to the will of His Father. He submitted Himself to a physical human form. He submitted Himself as a baby under the care of fallible parents. He submitted Himself under the authority of the Law of Moses.
 
He also submitted Himself to the Jewish authorities and even the Roman authorities. This went to such an extreme that He allowed Himself to be beaten, rejected, and crucified. To this day, He implicitly submits Himself to each person who hears the gospel, giving them the opportunity to accept or reject His grace.
 
He doesn’t force His goodness and His offering of eternal life on anyone. Paul acknowledged this by telling his hearers in this court that he “was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). In other words, Paul could have retaken the reins of his life, rejecting Jesus.
 
Jesus, by giving every person the chance to accept or reject Him, has put Himself in the position of least of all. And yet, He is the Creator and Redeemer of humanity. Someday, every person who has made their decision will be judged according to the decision he has made. Paul notes this in Philippians 2 –
 
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
 
The God we serve graciously gives us the choice to live out our lives as we wish. When He sends judgment, it is often to correct us and turn us back to Him. At times, judgment is made final for those who have gone so far that there is no longer a remedy for them. This is true, for example, of the flood of Noah or Sodom and Gomorrah. But even that judgment is a self-inflicted wound.
 
Consider these things. Consider the goodness of God in Christ. He was willing to suffer for us so that we could be spared what we actually deserve. The great and exalted Lord of lords has done it all. Call out to Him for salvation, and in your salvation be continuously renewed in His goodness. Hooray for Jesus!
 
Lord God, how difficult it is to admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior. And how incredible is the way in which we are saved. The cross is the ultimate expression of Your goodness to the people of the world. May we cling to the cross all our days as we await the return of our glorious Lord – Jesus. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 26:29

Sunday, 14 April 2024
 
And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:29
 
A literal rendering would be, “And Paul said, I would wish to God, also in little and in much, not only you but also all those hearing me this day to become what manner I also am, besides these bonds” (CG).
 
Agrippa had just responded to Paul concerning what he had heard, saying, “In a little, you persuade me to become a Christian!” With that, Luke next records, “And Paul said, I would wish to God, also in little and in much.”
 
It is similar to our saying that in any way, shape, or form. The NIV assumes it is referring to time. Others take it to mean little and much discourse. Whatever Paul’s exact intent, it was his hope as they listened, they would be converted and become like him.
 
Further, and his response to the king’s words could be either dismissive or a response based on a misunderstanding of what the king’s intent really was. Whatever the king’s intent was, Paul’s was clear. It was Paul’s great desire that what he next says would be realized, which is that “not only you but also all those hearing me this day.”
 
Paul is speaking to Agrippa, but he is appealing to all in the room who are attending. He was willing to continue to work towards the conversion of anyone who listened and for whatever time it would take. This was his passionate appeal for any and all who heard him “to become what manner I also am.”
 
Paul says this with the intent that they would be converted to Christ, devote their lives to Him, and be willing to stand before anyone and proclaim what He was willing to proclaim. Despite this, he adds in the carefully selected words, “besides these bonds.”
 
Paul’s hope was that they could do what he was doing and be like him in his life, but to do so freely and without the constraints that kept him bound and imprisoned. As for his appeal to the people, it is reminiscent of that made by Elijah in 1 Kings 18:21 and also of the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:16.
 
He desired that the people would not halter between two opinions and not be lukewarm in their zeal, but to believe and to carry that belief into lives of action.
 
Life application: People need Jesus. Paul was unashamed of his bonds, and he was willing to proclaim Jesus to those who were there to judge him. Whatever they could do to him was inconsequential in relation to what God would reward him with.
 
He understood that this life is merely a steppingstone to glory. If we could just have this same attitude, we wouldn’t be living as if one foot was here, and the other was in heaven. Rather, we would consider that we are already seated in the heavenly realms in Christ. Positionally, it is a done deal. Therefore, what can man do to us?
 
Let us consider this and be willing to speak out concerning the good news we possess. People need Jesus. Let us tell people about Jesus. Someday, our time to do so will be through. Let us use the day while it is light. May it be so, to the glory of God who has saved us.
 
Lord God, give us the wisdom to consider our position in Christ and the gumption to then tell others about it. We have been redeemed. We are on the road to eternity with You. Nothing will change that, and so help us to express this to others while we have the time. May we not be slack in doing so. Yes, Lord, give us wisdom in this. Amen.

Acts 26:28

Saturday, 13 April 2024
 
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Acts 26:28
 
A literal reading is much sparser in content, “And Agrippa to Paul: ‘In a little, you persuade me to become a Christian!’” (CG).
 
Paul just asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets. He then immediately answered his own question, acknowledging that the king did. With that, a response comes from the king, “And Agrippa to Paul: ‘In a little, you persuade me to become a Christian!’”
 
Agrippa’s response shows full well that he was aware of the entire situation, exactly as Paul had said. He uses the term “Christian.” So far, it has only been used once, in Acts 11:26, concerning the believers in Antioch, where the term was first used.
 
That term, however, had obviously become well known enough to become common, even by the king himself. It is believed by some that the term “Christian” is used in a negative sense and only later would it come into a positive one. It is assumed by some scholars that in each of the three times it is used in the Bible, it is stated as a term of derision. It is last used in 1 Peter 4:16. 
 
Regardless of this, though, this is one of the highly debated verses in the Book of Acts. The words are difficult for even the greatest Greek scholars to be adamant about. The KJV inserts a presupposition and says, “...almost you persuade me.” Other versions say, “Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me...?” or “In brief, you are doing your best to persuade me...” One paraphrase says, “...you are making short work of my conversion: you are persuading me to become a Christian as suddenly as you yourself did;” Another scholar, considering the negative connotation of the word “Christian,” paraphrases this, “Thou wilt soon have me one of that despised sect.”
 
The Pulpit Commentary gives more ideas with these words – “Another difference of opinion is whether the words of Agrippa are to be taken ironically, or sarcastically, or jestingly, or whether they are to be taken seriously, as the words of a man shaken in his convictions and seriously impressed by what he had heard. The whole turn of the narrative seems to favor the latter view. Another view, started by Chrysostom, is that Agrippa used the words in one sense, and St. Paul (mistakenly or advisedly) took them in another.”
 
Finally, another scholar finds the intent to be, “By your appeal to the prophets you press me hard; you have got me into a corner. I am in a στενοχωρία, a narrow room; ‘I hardly know how to get out of it.’”
 
Reading all of these and considering each doesn’t get us any closer to knowing exactly what he meant. This includes adding in Paul’s coming response. Normally, it would show exactly what Agrippa was thinking, but as the Pulpit Commentary said, Paul may have simply ignored the response and restated it in order to continue to impress upon him the surety of his own convictions.
 
I have given the most literal translation and inserted an exclamation point. This could then be the king’s note of surprised rebuke, a highly dubious sense of questioning, or even an adamant confirmation that he could actually be swayed by Paul. An exclamation point allows for any of these options and more, just as the brevity of the wording does.
 
Life application: The Bible shows quite clearly that when the gospel is preached and the word is believed, salvation occurs. This is evidenced in Acts 10 at the conversion of Cornelius and those with him. It is also implied in Paul’s words in the following verses –
 
The gospel: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4
 
A response of faith: “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14
 
We have no idea what Agrippa’s heart accepted. If he believed with his words being a confirmation of that belief, then he was saved. If the record of his life after this is one of never living the way he should, that does not negate that he was saved, and that God sealed him with a guarantee of that salvation.
 
That is true for every person attending the court at that time. It is God who reads the heart of man. It is God who accepts the faith of a person. And it is God, who cannot err, who seals that person with the seal of the Holy Spirit. If you are fighting against the doctrine of eternal salvation, you are fighting against God’s decision, which He alone has the right to make.
 
Don’t fight against God. Straighten out your doctrine to align with His word and His will.
 
Lord God, how faithful You are to Your unfaithful people. May we be sound in our thinking and reasonable in our theology. What You determine is an eternal decree. Help us to understand this and accept it. Your faithfulness is in no way negated by our unfaithfulness. You are the great and covenant-keeping Lord our God. Hallelujah and Amen!
 

Acts 26:27

Friday, 12 April 2024
 
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” Acts 26:27
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted to Festus that none of the things he was saying would have escaped the attention of Agrippa, since what he spoke of was not done in a corner. Now, he directs his attention and words directly to the king, saying, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?”
 
Paul’s question is intended for a rebuttal to Festus’ accusation concerning his being insane. It is actually a rhetorical insinuation towards Agrippa. By asking this of him, it is intended to then highlight what any Jew would naturally believe.
 
But even more, Agrippa could not answer negatively. His position demanded that he avow the Scriptures as inspired and true, even if his interpretation of them may differ from Paul’s, just as a Sadducee’s might differ from that of a Pharisee.
 
And so, to avoid having Agrippa become forced into a theological debate which could only become a rabbit trail to the matter at hand, Paul immediately answers his own question in the affirmative, speaking for the king, saying, “I know that you do believe.”
 
The pressure that was imposed upon Agrippa is removed. The Scriptures existed and were the basis for the culture and religious life of the people. In the case of Paul’s question, it didn’t matter if Agrippa believed their source was from God (such as the variation that existed between the Sadducees and Pharisees) or not and he didn’t give him a chance to elucidate an answer.
 
Instead, Paul’s wording was chosen to silence the accusation of Festus for the sake of his defense. It was a brilliant way for Paul to get Agrippa to respond to the immediate words and to consider the greater subject, that of Jesus.
 
However the words of Scripture came to be, the important point is that they existed and that the words they consist of perfectly align with the Christian teaching about Jesus being Israel’s Messiah. That Paul’s intent in the choice of his words worked properly will be seen in Agrippa’s response.
 
Life application: There are all kinds of things, almost an infinite number, that are debated in Scripture. A few major points are whether Scripture is inspired by God, creation vs. evolution, the deity of Jesus, the literal historical nature of what is recorded in Scripture, etc.
 
From there, people will argue if certain books belong in Scripture or not, whether this text or that is the correct one or not, and so forth. Even within the same text, how a particular verse is to be translated is debated.
 
On and on it goes. But the main subjects are actually quite clear. For example, whether the Scriptures are inspired by God or not is debated. Coming to a resolution in one’s mind can be a long and difficult process. Some people take what they are taught at face value and accept the inspiration of Scripture. Specifically, they take whichever books are included in their copy of Scripture as inspired.
 
For example, Mormons consider the Book of Mormon as inspired. In fact, Mormons may not know the Bible at all, but they will cling to the writings of Joseph Smith in the Book of Mormon, reading and memorizing them.
 
Catholics are taught that the books of the Apocrypha are inspired. Hence, their canon is larger than the sixty-six books of the Protestant canon. Some sects include the book of Enoch in their canon. How can someone arbitrarily dismiss the Book of Mormon or the Apocrypha if they don’t even know what is stated in the Bible?
 
Likewise, how can a Mormon accept the Book of Mormon unless he knows what is stated in the Bible? People are generally willing to go so far with their thinking, but eventually, they just trust what they have been taught, assuming that it is correct.
 
This is true with doctrinal points such as the deity of Christ, the meaning of predestination, the timing of the rapture, etc. Although it is fine to start with a particular viewpoint (we all have to start somewhere), it is not acceptable to stick with it without checking. There is a point where each person must say, “I am accountable for what I believe, and I will check out what I have been told.”
 
To not do this is the business of a fool. The Book of Mormon and the teaching of Scripture are, ultimately, incompatible. Likewise, either Christ is God or He is not. If He is, then one must reject the teaching of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. If He is not, maybe they are the true church! And so forth. These are really important points that people are often faced with. Is watching TV shows more important than eternity with or without God?
 
Think! Study! Consider! Pray! Your eternal state really depends on how you live and conduct your life in the presence of Your Creator... well, that assumes there is a Creator. What if we just exploded into existence? Think! Study! Consider! Pray!
 
O God, if You are there, and if You really hold man accountable for the life he lives, I pray to You to lead me to the truth. The Holy Bible claims to be Your word. It tells of Jesus. If He truly is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, I pray that You will lead me to a right and proper understanding of Him. I will start with the gospel. Open my heart, O God. Amen.

Acts 26:26

Thursday, 11 April 2024
 
“For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. Acts 26:26
 
Though a bit clunky, the words more literally read, “For the king understands concerning these, to whom also, declaiming, I speak. For none of these, I am persuaded – none – are hiding from him. For this is not having been done in a corner” (CG).
 
Paul, in his reply to Festus, just noted that he was not maniacizing, but spoke words of truth and reason. With that, he continues, saying, “For the king understands concerning these.”
 
Paul must have seen something in Agrippa’s evaluation of the trial to know that he was following along with it and understanding it exactly as it was being presented. Further, Paul appeals to Agrippa’s position, knowing that one with his background, upbringing, and leadership could not have been unaware of the converted Jews’ belief in Christ.
 
In fact, verse 28 will show that he was aware of it when he uses the title “Christian.” Paul’s appeal holds a two-fold purpose. It was first to show that Agrippa was fully aware of what Moses and the prophets had prophesied concerning a coming Messiah.
 
Second, Agrippa would be aware that for more than twenty-five years, there was a subsect of Judaism that held to the fact that those prophecies had been fulfilled in the person of Jesus. He had come, He had taught, and Agrippa would be fully aware of it and of how the things He did, in fact, matched what the prophets had said.
 
Therefore, he continues using two verbs in a row, normally translated adverbially because it is difficult to find a suitable set of words to accomplish this. However, saying, “to whom also, declaiming, I speak” satisfies the translation perfectly.
 
The word declaim means to deliver words in a rhetorical or impassioned way. Paul is doing just that as he boldly proclaims words of his conversion and his mission as an apostle of Christ. And more, his speech is something that has been openly and publicly proclaimed for many years. Therefore, he next says with emphasis, “For none of these, I am persuaded – none – are hiding from him.”
 
The repetition of the word ou, or none, is usually ignored because it isn’t easily translatable, but it is an important part of Paul’s appeal. He is not only saying that Agrippa is aware of the teachings of Christians concerning Christ, but he is completely and fully versed on the subject.
 
It wasn’t as if the Christians taught the crucifixion but not the resurrection. It wasn’t as if this was a secret teaching that had escaped everyone’s notice. Rather, what believers in Jesus proclaimed was fully expressed with no secret or hidden agendas. Peter had openly spoken to the people at the temple. Paul had openly proclaimed Christ everywhere he went. And so forth. Paul reconfirms this with his next words, saying, “For this is not having been done in a corner.”
 
Jesus stated this same type of thing as is recorded in John 18:20. When He was standing before the high priest during the interrogation He endured, He said –
 
“I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.”
 
The message of Christ was never intended to be hidden under a bed or a basket. Instead, it is a message that has been intended to be proclaimed from rooftops and throughout the world. Paul avows that Agrippa knew this and comprehended it as an axiom of the faith.
 
Life application: The message of Jesus is exactly what Paul states in this verse. It is not from a closed and secret society, but from a group of people who are passionate about sharing what had so profoundly changed and directed their lives.
 
It is a message that isn’t to be peddled for money or pounded over someone’s head. Instead, it is a message that is to be presented and allowed to sink into the recipient’s head. Sometimes this may take many visits or discussions while sometimes it may happen with just a few words.
 
However the message is transmitted, it is a message that must be shared properly and that should be shared with conviction. People need Jesus. Without Him, there is no hope. But in Him, there is complete restoration and the promise of eternal life. Be sure to share this message. It will make an eternity of difference in those who accept it.
 
Lord God, may we be willing to share the wonderful message of Jesus as often as we can and with as many as we can. May we be bold enough to share it again and again if necessary. Help us to not be overbearing. And yet, help us to not lose heart. May our words about Jesus be appropriate to each and every situation. Amen.

Acts 26:25

Wednesday, 10 April 2024
 
But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. Acts 26:25
 
A more literal translation is, “And he says, ‘I am not maniacizing, most excellent Felix. But I declare words of truth and sanity.’”
 
In the previous verse, Festus blurted out, “You are maniacizing Paul! Your great letters turn you to mania.” The meaning is that Paul was basically bonkers and that too much studying had driven him nuts. Now, Paul responds accordingly. Luke notes that with the words “And he says, ‘I am not maniacizing.’”
 
Paul returns the same word to Festus that he had just used, mainomai. It is the verbal form of mania. With that, he adds, “most excellent Felix.”
 
Instead of a sharp response like he gave to the High Priest in Acts 23:3, he gives the title of honor which Festus bore. He also did this to Felix in Acts 24:3. The word, kratistos, translated as “most excellent,” is also the same as that found in Acts 23:26 in the introduction of the letter from Claudius Lysias to Felix.
 
It is an adjective coming from kratos, a word signifying might, strength, dominion, power, etc. Thus, it literally means “strongest.” This is its last use in Scripture. After having respectfully disagreed, he next says, “But I declare words of truth and sanity.”
 
Paul turns the thought around. Instead of being insane, he claims that what he has said is true and sane. The second word, translated as “sanity,” is sóphrosuné. This is the first of three times it will be used in the New Testament. The other two uses are in 1 Timothy 2:9 & 2:15. It is derived from sóphrón, temperate, sober-minded, self-controlled, etc. It specifically means “soundness of mind, i.e. (literally) sanity or (figuratively) self-control -- soberness, sobriety” (Strong’s).
 
While Festus has accused Paul of being bonkers, Paul says that his words are well-minded. Unfortunately, an insane person will normally not know that he is insane. And a person who is deluded will not know his own delusion. This is certainly so in religious matters.
 
However, Paul’s simple response is also not the response of a lunatic or a deluded person. Instead, a person who is deluded will normally not continue to handle the matter as Paul will in the verses to come.
 
It is to be noted, however, that a person who is passionate is often mistaken for a lunatic. Paul had an enormous zeal to stamp out Christianity. That was redirected to building up the faith. In the eyes of many, Martin Luther probably seemed to border on insanity, and yet, it was his passion that led him to research the truth. His passion was not misdirected, but properly placed. Paul is the same. In order to demonstrate this, he will next turn his argument to one who can substantiate the claims of Scripture, even if not their fulfillment.
 
Life application: Someone who had never been to a football game might think that some of the fans were nuts. At times, they might be right. But for the most part, the crazy attitude of the people can be attributed to a passion for the sport, their home team, and the desire to be the winners. That, along with letting go of the stresses of the work week might lead people to think that the stadium was filled with lunatics.
 
Understanding that zeal for something does not always indicate being crazy, how do people perceive you and your faith in Jesus? There are people who stand on street corners and annoyingly yell out about Jesus. It is true that their approach may be out of place, but it may be that they just can’t contain themselves and want to express their joy in the Lord in the only way they can think of.
 
How do you express your faith? Do people even know you have faith in Jesus? If not, why not? If people think you are nuts for believing in an unseen God who supposedly came in the flesh two thousand years ago, how much more nutty are they for believing in a universe that popped itself into existence?
 
When you discover that faith in Jesus is both rational and reasonable, you should be excited to defend that with others. This is because if it is the truth, then those people who do not yet believe are on their way to eternal separation from God. Without Jesus, they are lost. That should drive you to some extreme or another based on your makeup, but if it doesn’t affect your life towards them, there is probably a problem with you. Maybe you are nuts. Remind yourself daily: “Don’t be nuts. Share Jesus with someone!”
 
Glorious Lord God, help us to be more and more passionate about Jesus each day that we live. As we learn more, consider Him and His work, and think about what He has done for us personally, may it affect us greatly – changing us from peevish people to bold believers. Give us a renewed passion for Jesus each day. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.

Acts 26:24

Tuesday, 9 April 2024
 
Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” Acts 26:24
 
It is another verse that is rather difficult to translate directly. More literally, and with a newly coined word to get the sense, it reads, “And he, defending himself by these, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘You are maniacizing Paul! Your great letters turn you to mania.’”
 
Putting the previous verse with this one will provide clarity on the subject, “that passable, the Christ. That first from dead – resurrection – He is come to preach light to both our people and the Gentiles. And he, defending himself by these, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘You are maniacizing Paul! Your great letters turn you to mania.’”
 
Note: The word “maniacizing” didn’t exist until this translation was made. It is a present verbal form of maniac to match the Greek.
 
Paul was speaking of the human nature of Jesus the Christ, noting that He was passable or capable of suffering. In that human nature, he died but was the first to rise from the dead. It is this line of speaking that Luke refers to Paul with the words, “And he, defending himself by these.”
 
The meaning is that in the process of speaking out what would otherwise seem absolutely incredible, because it is beyond anyone’s common understanding, that he is interrupted. Luke notes that, “Festus said with a loud voice.”
 
In other words, Festus had been listening up to this point, probably enjoying Paul’s words, even if he wasn’t on the same page with him. But when Paul spoke concerning the resurrection from the dead, he could no longer contain himself and simply blurted out his next words, “You are maniacizing Paul!”
 
The words are those of an eyewitness testimony. Luke was probably there in attendance, but if he wasn’t, we can still imagine Paul and him laughing over the response of Festus as Paul brought the memory back to words.
 
If Luke was not present at the time, the animation of Paul’s words was still enough for Luke to perfectly describe the scene. As Festus is sitting in judgment, it seems almost ridiculous that he would burst out in the way he has. It would be just like a judge yelling at a defendant, “You’re nuts.”
 
Although he may think these things about people while sitting in judgment, it isn’t a common or expected type of reaction. It would even show that an unfavorable judgment could be the result, simply because of his own bias against Paul’s argument. Regardless of this, the words are blurted out, and the reason for them is given as well, “Your great letters turn you to mania.’”
 
The word translated as letters is gramma. It signifies that which is drawn or written down. Thus, a letter. We use the same term today when we say something like, “He is a man of many letters.” The same word is used in John 7:15 to speak of Jesus’ great learning as well. Here, it is in the neuter plural, and therefore it gives the idea of the cumulative body of writings which Paul studied.
 
Festus may have known that the Jews held fast to their sacred writings as no other people, even more so than the highly educated Greeks. The Greeks were in the habit of studying but also writing. The Jews claimed that what they read wasn’t their own writings, but the writings of God. Therefore, they were studiers first and foremost of that which they claimed was divine.
 
Festus may have known this, and his conclusion was that Paul had gone over the deep end in studying, finding things in the writings which he mentally converted into an obsession and then insanity. Paul had spoken the very words that these writings proclaimed (verses 22, 23), but Festus was unable to accept what he proclaimed.
 
Although his comments were limited, it is apparent that the words of 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 rang true in Festus’s case. What Paul saw as logical, reasonable, and fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ, Festus saw as both incredible and mentally unsound. He surely thought that Paul had, as it were, been overwhelmed through study.
 
It is of interest that Paul never makes an appeal to either Greek reason or intellect in this speech as he did in Acts 17:25. Instead, he has spoken only of what can be derived from Scripture and which would keep him legally within the confines of a sub-sect of Judaism (religio licita).
 
As a brain squiggle, the word translated as “mania” is from the noun mania. That is derived from the verb form also used in this verse and translated as “maniacizing.” It is only used here in the New Testament. It is, of course, the basis for our modern term “mania.”
 
Life application: There is a duality in the final acts of the finished work of Christ. There is the cross, and then there is the resurrection. Neither is a stand-alone act. The cross without the resurrection would be a pointless sacrifice. The resurrection is an unintelligible event unless it is preceded by the atoning death of Christ.
 
Sin is the problem. People are spiritually dead because of sin. People then physically die apart from Christ because that sin problem is not corrected. Christ was crucified, becoming an atoning sacrifice for the sins of man. But if Christ did not resurrect, it would mean that either He died in His own sin or that the sins of those He died for stuck to Him, tainting Him with their sin. Either way, the act would have been futile.
 
But because He had no sin, and because He was able to fully atone for the sins of others, their sin is removed from them forever. His body was the offering that made this possible. In Acts 2, Peter says of Jesus that “it was not possible that He should be held by” death. As the wages of sin is death, and as He had no sin, death could not hold Him. But more, because His perfection was fully sufficient to atone for our sin, death could not hold Him by that either.
 
Thus, it is an absolute proof that those who are saved will forever remain saved. In coming to Christ, our sin is once and forever immediately atoned for. There is no sin beyond the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. To claim there would then be to claim that Jesus’ sacrifice was insufficient to purify. Such cannot be the case! All hail the glorious name of Jesus. Hooray for Jesus!
 
Lord God, we thank You for what occurred in the giving of Your Son for our sin. Jesus! It is all about Jesus. Forgive us for making our lives and thoughts about us. We are merely the recipients of the gracious work that You have accomplished through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

Acts 26:23

Monday, 8 April 2024
 
“that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:23
 
The words of Paul are very difficult to express literally. They read, “that passable, the Christ. That first from dead – resurrection – He is come to preach light to both our people and the Gentiles” (CG).
 
Paul had just noted that what he said was nothing other than those things that the prophets and Moses said would come. With that, he next says, “that passable, the Christ.”
 
The word to describe Christ is an adjective found only here in Scripture, pathétos. It signifies one destined to suffer. In other words, he was passible. Thayer’s says he was endued with the capacity of suffering, capable of feeling.
 
Paul clearly asserted in the previous verse that each of the points of doctrine that he was to convey to his hearers was to be found in the very Scriptures that Agrippa himself would be aware of.
 
That the Christ would suffer is found in numerous passages in the psalms, Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, etc. These things are often specifically stated. In type and in picture, they can be found throughout the writings of Moses and all the way throughout the rest of the Old Testament.
 
That the Christ was liable to suffer was something that was ignored by the Jews. They had only focused on His acts of conquest, triumph, and power. They looked at the Messiah as one that would fulfill all of the promises concerning restoration of the land to them, leading the nations, and so forth.
 
What they missed is that these very things are actually found through His suffering. First and foremost, His power is, in fact, shown forth in His weakness. This portion of His coming was to handle the sin problem in man. Only after that is taken care of can man be restored to God.
 
Having a nation of people whose sins are not atoned for to lead the nations would make no sense. But the Jews misunderstood this and thought that it was Moses and the sacrificial system that dealt with these things, being sufficient to make them acceptable to God. But those things only anticipated Christ’s more perfect work.
 
After His suffering, Paul next focuses on the resurrection. In both type and in explicit references, the Messiah is shown to not only suffer, but to rise. As he says, “That first from dead – resurrection.”
 
Paul’s words are succinct and precise. If the Messiah was to suffer and die an atoning death for the people, and yet He was also to rule forever as the Leader of the people, then either there is an absolute and irreconcilable disconnect between the two thoughts, or the Messiah would first die and then be raised to rule. This is seen in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Greek translation of Isaiah 53:11 – From the labor of His soul He shall see light.
 
The Masoretic Text, the Vulgate, and the Targums omit this section of the passage, but it is surely original. In type, the resurrection is seen in the lives of Isaac, Joseph, Benjamin, etc.
 
It should be noted that Christ was not the first to come back to life. Both Elijah and Elisha raised children. The widow’s son was raised by Jesus and then later Lazarus was as well. However, Jesus was the first who was resurrected to eternal life. The others were merely raised to restored life. According to Leviticus 18:5, His sinless perfection demanded that He must rise.
 
Paul next notes that it was out of Christ’s resurrection that “He is come to preach light to both our people and the Gentiles.”
 
The words are rather difficult to express in English and translations vary widely. However, the verbs, being present tense, are well expressed with the words “He is come to preach.”
 
It is the resurrection which brings light to those who sit in the shadow of death. All mankind knows that death awaits. It is a dark and futile life. It is an existence with no hope. However, with the coming of Christ, a new Light has dawned. Eternal life is promised to those who trust in Him, both Jew and Gentile.
 
As for the words “our people,” it simply says “people,” but the word “our” is implied in the word used, especially because Paul is speaking directly to Agrippa.
 
Life application: The timeline of Daniel 9 says that a certain number of years would pass and then, with seven years left in the given timeline, the Messiah would be cut off. The meaning is that He would die.
 
If the Messiah died, and there are seven more years to go before the restoration promised by God for Israel under the Messiah would take place, then it means, by default, that the Messiah must resurrect. There is no way around this. The Messiah cannot reign if He were to remain dead!
 
Therefore, there must be a reason why He would die. That reason is the key theological point to be found in Scripture. Sin. Sin must be dealt with first and foremost before restoration with God can come about. The law was introduced to demonstrate this. Only in the fulfillment of the law can man stand in a right relationship with God.
 
Without that, only darkness exists. But in the fulfillment of the law, the light is made manifest. As all people already bear Adam’s sin, then no person could fulfill the law and be right with God because Adam’s sin predates the law. Therefore, Christ came in sinless perfection. He then fulfilled the law. He now offers His sinless perfection to any who will simply believe. This is the Light which has come into the world. Believe that God has done it! Jesus has prevailed!
 
Lord God, thank You for the giving of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. How grateful we are to You for the promise and surety of total restoration and eternal life because of what You have done through Him. Praises to You, O God! Amen.
 

Acts 26:22

Sunday, 7 April 2024
 
“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— Acts 26:22
 
More literally, the words read, “Having obtained, therefore, help from God unto this day, I have stood, witnessing to small and great, saying nothing except what both the prophets and Moses spoke is coming to be” (CG).
 
Paul just noted that talking about what the Lord expects is the reason why the Jews seized him and tried to kill him. Now, he explains why he has been rescued from this, saying, “Having obtained, therefore, help from God unto this day.”
 
Despite the Jews trying to kill him, he has been rescued from them because God has been on his side. If this is so, then it means – by default – that God has not been on the side of the Jews. They had wronged him, but more, they were conducting their lives wrongly before God.
 
As for the word translated as “help,” it is epikouria. It is found only here in Scripture. It gives the idea of external help, but of one of greater ability or power to one of lesser ability or power. In this case, it is divine assistance being from God. Paul says that because of this external help, “I have stood.”
 
This isn’t speaking of his standing in the court but of his ability to continue with the task to which he was called. It is the same metaphor he uses numerous times elsewhere, such as –
 
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13
 
Paul was firm and unwavering in his proclamation, standing because God was with him and, as he says, “witnessing to both small and great.”
 
These words show that Paul saw no distinction in any man after receiving his commission. To Christ, and therefore to him now, there was no Jew, Gentile, king, servant, male, female, wealthy, or poor, or any other distinction that would preclude him from sharing the gospel. Barnes states it this way –
 
“He passed by none because they were poor; and he was not deterred by the fear of the rich and the great from making known their sins and calling them to repentance. What an admirable illustration of the proper duties of a minister of the gospel!”
 
As for his witnessing, he next notes that he was “saying nothing except what both the prophets and Moses spoke is coming to be.”
 
This final clause shows Paul’s understanding that the doctrine of the Messiah was fully testified to in the Old Testament. Christ’s life, work, atoning death, etc. were all carefully detailed, starting from Moses and continuing through the prophets.
 
All of what Christ would come and do was carefully laid out in their writings. As such, Paul was simply testifying to what those written witnesses testified to. He used their own words for the message he proclaimed. All that Christ was set to do, and all that He did, was spoken of in advance. Because of this, Paul’s testimony was not his at all but God’s. He was speaking as God’s ambassador, something he explicitly states in his own writings, such as –
 
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21
 
Life application: If you are speaking accurately concerning the faith as it is recorded in Scripture, how can you not be bold in your proclamation? If you really believe that the Bible is the word of God, and if you are conveying the message of the Bible properly, you are simply explaining what God has already proclaimed. So why should you be distressed, peevish, concerned, etc., about what you are saying?
 
If someone takes offense at your words, they are taking offense at God’s word. There is no need to be belligerent in your approach, but there is also no shame in being imprisoned for your stand. God is right here with us. Therefore, He is right there with you in such an instance.
 
Just be sure that what you are saying is properly stated and in accord with His intent. And the only way to know that is not to listen to your preacher or teacher, accepting his words at face value. Rather, you must know the word well enough to accept or dismiss what you are being taught. Otherwise, you are not really proclaiming the truth of God’s word. In other words, “READ AND KNOW YOUR BIBLE.”
 
Glorious Lord God, people in many churches are taught erroneous doctrine, but they accept what they hear without checking. That is a sad testimony to their time in church. It is also a sad testimony to their willingness to know You properly. May we not be led astray in such ways. Rather, may we be willing to check what we are taught and hold fast only to that which matches what Your word states. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 26:21

Saturday, 6 April 2024
 
“For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Acts 26:21
 
A more literal translation is, “Because of these, the Jews, me – having seized – being in the temple, endeavored to kill” (CG).
 
To understand what Paul says in this verse, reviewing the previous two verses will help –
 
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” Remembering that, Paul next says, “Because of these.”
 
Because of Paul’s obedience to the heavenly vision by declaring to the Jews and then to the Gentiles that they should repent (meaning reconsider), turn to God, and do works befitting their reconsideration, he says, “the Jews, me – having seized.”
 
The truth is that the other apostles were still in Jerusalem and were telling the Jews throughout Israel to do the same things. However, they were not under the same scrutiny or threat that Paul was. Rather, the main brunt of the Jews’ animosity towards him was his going to the Gentiles. That is perfectly evidenced in his speech in Acts 22 –
 
“Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’22 And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, ‘Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!’” Acts 22:21, 22
 
As with so many Jews to this day, there is a hatred of the notion that anyone but them is right with God. It is almost as if they feel God owes them salvation because of who they are. Paul understood that this was not at all the case. Everyone needs Jesus, and without Him, no person can be saved. As for the Jews having seized him, he continues, saying, “being in the temple.”
 
That was specifically noted in Acts 21. He was there to announce the expiration of his days of purification when he was to make an offering. While there, he was accused by the Jews who crying out –
 
“Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” Acts 21:28
 
It was at that time that Paul notes that it was him they “endeavored to kill.” That is specifically recorded in Acts 21:36 where they were crying out “Away with him.” The meaning is that they wanted the world to be rid of him. Only the intervention of the Roman guards saved Paul from being beaten to death or torn to pieces by the rabid crowd.
 
In these words, is a verb found nowhere else in Scripture, peiraomai, meaning to try, attempt, endeavor, etc. It is from the noun peira, an attempt, trial, experiment, etc. It was because of the attempt of the Jews to kill Paul, something they had no legal right to do, that the Roman soldiers acted.
 
There are two distinct supposed sins that Paul was guilty of in the minds of the Jews. It is these that led to their desire to kill him. One was that he preached to the Gentiles. How dare he attempt to elevate them to the same level as the sacred people Israel!
 
The second and more direct issue was that he preached Jesus. They could not come to allow themselves to believe that a Nazarene who wasn’t a great and mighty defender of their cause was the Messiah. They had rejected Him, and they wanted nothing more to do with him.
 
As noted, however, the other apostles were still in Jerusalem and were living out their lives. Paul visited them while in Jerusalem. However, they were tolerated, though probably mocked by those who rejected Jesus. They may have taken abuse in other ways, but nothing is written concerning the utter opposition to their message that is said have come against Paul.
 
As for the Greek verb translated as “kill” in this verse, it is diacheirizomai. It is only used two times in the New Testament. The other time is in Acts 5:30 when describing the killing of Jesus. It is not without coincidence that these are the only two uses of this word. They killed Him and they wanted to kill His messenger.
 
Life application: The message of Jesus is one that offends. It has offended the Jews for two thousand years. It has offended kings, governors, presidents, and other world leaders. It has offended religious leaders from innumerable other religions. It offends those who are morally offensive in their being. And so forth. They killed Jesus, they tried to kill Paul, they have killed faithful believers all along, and now, once Christian nations are becoming increasingly hostile to the message of Jesus.
 
Because of this, it is not unlikely that if a bad actor gets enough power, he and those under his authority will try to kill their own citizens who hold fast to their faith in Christ Jesus. Think of it! The only possible way that man can be reconciled to God is not only rejected by many, but it is the reason for the killing of those who cling to Him.
 
Stand fast in your faith as so many have in the past. Don’t let the woes of this life weaken or shake the precious treasure of faith that you possess. Jesus will be there waiting for you if you are called to make the ultimate sacrifice for your faith.
 
Lord God, what an increasingly trying and difficult world we live in for believers. Help us to remain faithful to our faith in You. May we be willing to take whatever trials come our way with grace and acceptance. May we not waffle in or walk away from our faith. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 26:20

Friday, 5 April 2024
 
“but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:20
 
More literally, it reads, “but those in Damascus first and Jerusalem, and to all the region of Judea, and the Gentiles – I declared to reconsider and turn to God, practicing works worthy of reconsideration” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul said to Agrippa that he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Having said that, he continues with a list of those he preached to and what his message was, saying, “but those in Damascus first.”
 
This is just what is recorded in Acts 9 –
 
“So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” Acts 9:19, 20
 
From there, Paul next says, “and Jerusalem.” This is the next recorded location in Acts 9 that Paul went to after leaving Damascus. That is seen in Acts 9:26 with the words “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem.” From there, Paul next notes, “and to all the region of Judea.”
 
These words may not be chronological. In Galatians 1, he says –
 
“Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, ‘He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.’ 24 And they glorified God in me.” Galatians 1:21-24
 
There are two separate clauses in the words, “(but those in Damascus first and Jerusalem), (and to all the region of Judea, and the Gentiles).” This then alleviates any supposed contradiction with Galatians 1:22 if it is not chronological.
 
However, as Jerusalem is within the area of Judea, his statement now may be included in Acts 9:28 where it says, “So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.” If Paul went around the area outside of Jerusalem, then this would qualify. Or his words could be included in later trips through the area when returning from missionary journeys. Whatever the intent, he next says, “and the Gentiles.”
 
These words encompass the majority of Paul’s time recorded in Acts. It is also the substance of almost all of his epistles. First and foremost, Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles. This is explicitly stated in Romans 11:13, Galatians 2:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, and 2 Timothy 1:11.
 
Of these locations, Paul next describes what he did when at each, saying, “I declared to reconsider and turn to God.”
 
The word is metanoeó, usually translated as “repent.” However, the word repent is no longer used in that way by most people. Today, people thing of the word repent as being akin to “turn from sin” or some such thing. That is not at all what the word means. It signifies “to change the mind.” For a single word that carries the meaning, “reconsider” gets the point across.
 
Paul told those who he addressed, both Jew and Gentile to reconsider, meaning about their thinking concerning God and their relationship with Him. When they have so reconsidered this, meaning coming to Jesus who is God’s Messiah and path to salvation, they should then be “practicing works worthy of reconsideration.”
 
Here, Paul uses the noun form of the verb just used, metanoia. It means “a change of mind.” After reconsidering what one believes about God, he should then demonstrate his reconsideration by doing things that are worthy of what he has reconsidered. Those things are explained by Paul in his epistles.
 
Paul’s explanation to King Agrippa shows that he did exactly as the divine vision had instructed. If the vision was true, then he could not have done anything wrong and worthy of persecution, except by those who would reject the very mandates of God given in the vision. Which is exactly what the Jews did.
 
Life application: The verb translated as “declared” is in the imperfect tense (meaning it was an ongoing thing), and, unlike many translations, it comes after, not before, the list of those who Paul declared to. As you can see, it is located just prior to the word “reconsider.” This sums up his long and continuous activity of declaring his message.
 
Paul’s use of the word “reconsider” should be evaluated further. What does he mean? Is he saying that a work is involved in his gospel? Based on his consistent message in the epistles, the answer is obviously, “No.”
 
The word is defined by James Strong as, “change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.” HELPS Word Studies agrees, saying, “properly, ‘think differently after,’ ‘after a change of mind’; to repent (literally, ‘think differently afterwards’).” 
 
The idea of this as making some sort of active change in one’s life is not at all what this is speaking of. It is a mental assertion that one is out of favor with God and after hearing the message of the gospel, he will change his thinking about the path that he is on.
 
For a person who has heard of Jesus and rejected Him, it is to change his mind about Him being God’s path to salvation. For someone who has never heard of Jesus, his reconsideration is from whatever idea he had about God and a relationship with Him to acceptance of Christ and yielding to His will.
 
The obvious question is, “How can one yield to His will until after he has been told what His will is?” If His will is for us to have faith, turning to Christ from another belief, then salvation must precede any works. Yielding to His will for salvation requires hearing a salvation message and responding to it. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
 
Paul’s statement that man is saved by grace through faith must stand. If this is so then the words “practicing works worthy of reconsideration” are logically placed last in this thought. From there, the next logical question is, “What if he doesn’t do works befitting of reconsideration? Does this mean he could then become ‘unsaved?’”
 
If salvation is a gift and if the sealing of the Holy Spirit is a guarantee, then those things cannot be conditional upon performance. Rather, they are conditional upon knowledge, which comes through proper instruction concerning the gospel.
 
As for “practicing works worthy of reconsideration,” that can only then be accomplished by 1) knowledge, and 2) willingness to do what is expected. It is unreasonable to assume that anyone who had no discipleship would do what the Bible expects of him. How could he?
 
Further, every person who has received Christ is on a different level than every other person. This is why we have Bible studies, commentaries, etc. It is to learn doctrine. If we never do this, then we will never mature and do the works that Paul says we need to do, but this logically cannot bear on our salvation. Instead, it must fall into some other category of the workings of God. And it does, Paul explains that in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:9-11.
 
Understanding this, if anyone ever tells you that you can’t be saved because you haven’t done this or that (Sabbath observance, baptism, eating the wrong foods, being circumcised, etc.), tell them to get out of whatever cult they are in. You are saved by grace through faith. Only after that, comes the practicing of deeds worthy of the change in you that took place. Those things are up to you as you work out your own salvation through faith.
 
Lord God, help us to carefully consider the meanings of words in Your word as they were originally intended to be understood. Over time, the meanings of our words may change, but the intent of the original word does not. So, help us to pay heed as we consider various translations and to discover why there are differences. When we find out which is correct, may we faithfully consider what You are saying from that proper context. Amen.