BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 27:8

Thursday, 25 April 2024
 
Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. Acts 27:8
 
More exactingly, it reads, “And laboriously lying beside it, we came to a certain place being called Fair Havens, which was near Lasaea City” (CG).
 
Luke just detailed the slow and difficult sailing they had encountered on the Alexandrian ship since leaving Myra. He continues that now with the words, “And laboriously lying beside it.”
 
This is referring to sailing under the shelter of Crete off the shores of Salmone. The word translated as laboriously was just used in the previous verse. Luke repeats it here, providing extra emphasis concerning the immensely trying voyage they were on.
 
He also uses another new word seen only here and then again in verse 13 for “lying beside it,” paralegomai. It is another nautical term, coming from para, beside, and legó, a word that originally meant “lay down to sleep.” Later, it was used in the sense of “laying an argument to rest.” It is as if the ship were lying beside the coast, struggling to move on as the contrary winds and waves fought against them.
 
After this laborious time of trial, Luke says, “we came to a certain place being called Fair Havens, which was near Lasaea City.”
 
It was with great difficulty that they were able to pass the promontory. Eventually they made it and came to Fair Havens. This is found on the southeast part of Crete. It was a place where the ship could be harbored temporarily.
 
The word translated as “havens” is the plural of the Greek word limén. It is found only here and twice in verse 12. It signifies a harbor, port, or haven.
 
Barnes notes, “It is called by Stephen, the geographer, ‘the fair shore.’ It still retains the name which it formerly had. It is called in ancient Dutch and French Sailing Directions ‘the beautiful bay.’”
 
The city of Lasaea appears to be otherwise unknown by this spelling, but Luke records it as a place that was well-known at his time.
 
Life application: Luke’s detailed record of the sailing continues to allow the modern reader to follow along with a map and see exactly where the voyage went from and to. One can almost imagine the laborious efforts of fighting wind and water as the sailors worked to get the ship forward.
 
An interesting part of what Luke has written is noting the city of Lasaea. As stated, Luke’s spelling of it seems to be otherwise unknown, however, Wikipedia notes –
 
“Lasaea or Lasaia (Ancient Greek: Λασαία) was a city on the south coast of ancient Crete, near the roadstead of the ‘Fair Havens’ where apostle Paul landed. This place is not mentioned by any other writer, under this name but is probably the same as the Lisia of the Peutinger Table, 16 M.P. to the east of Gortyna. Some manuscripts have Lasea; others, Alassa. The Vulgate reads Thalassa, which Theodore Beza contended was the true name. According to the Stadiasmus Maris Magni, which calls the place Halas (Άλας), it had a harbour and was located 50 stadia from Leben and 80 stadia from Matala.”
 
A Hellenistic gravestone was found at this location which is pictured in the Wikipedia article. For much of history, since Luke penned his words, even until more recent times, the city was more or less unknown to scholars. And yet, Luke’s record of it meant that it was there. By people getting out a spade and setting out in the area to search for it, evidence of it has been obtained.
 
If you are ever questioning the accuracy of what the Bible says because someone argues against it, be sure to do your own research. Don’t just take people’s arguments at face value. It is certain that there is a world full of people who are intent on destroying your faith.
 
Luke was a careful chronicler of the places and events he encountered. So, give him a nod of trust as you continue your search for validation of something he has stated. Eventually, it will present itself. Someday, we will be able to thank him personally for his detailed writings that helped us know the story of how the church and the message of Jesus Christ spread out from the land of Israel to the inhabited world.
 
Lord God, what a treat it is to read Your word and to consider the people and places that we read about. The word comes alive as we think about their struggles, their trials, their victories, and the hope that they possessed because of Your promise to the people of the world. What a wonderful record of Your guiding hand upon the process of redemption of mankind! Thank You for Your precious word. Amen.

Acts 27:7

Wednesday, 24 April 2024
 
When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. Acts 27:7
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And in many days, having sailed slowly and laboriously, having come against Cnidus, the wind not permitting us, we sailed under Crete against Salmone” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that the centurion had found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy. Therefore, Paul and the others were put on that ship. It now says, “And in many days.” What defines “many days” is left unstated. However, it gives the sense that either things are going well, or things are going poorly. It isn’t until the arrival of the next words, “having sailed slowly and laboriously,” that the intent is drawn out.
 
The ship had left Myra on the way to Italy, but things began to devolve once at sea. The word translated as “slowly” is found only here in the Bible, braduploeó. It is a verb derived from bradus, meaning slow or slow of understanding and pleó, to sail. The other word, molis, is an adverb that HELPS Word Studies says gives the sense of “what barely happens.” It comes from mogis, or “laborious toil.” Thus, it is something that comes laboriously.
 
The intent here is to show how cumbersome the journey was at this point. The western winds continued to be too strong to work against and it was with real difficulty that Luke next says, “having come against Cnidus.”
 
This is a city which stood on a promontory bearing the same name located in Asia Minor. It is a little bit northwest of the island of Rhodes. Once they were off the shores of this place, Luke says, “the wind not permitting us, we sailed under Crete against Salmone.”
 
Because of the contrary winds that would not allow them to continue on as planned, they had to sail under Crete, just as they did with Cyprus. This would help break up the heavy winds and allow them to proceed, even if slowly and cumbersomely. It was in this leeward spot that they traveled close to Salmone which is “the name of a promontory which formed the eastern extremity of the island of Crete” (Barnes).
 
Life application: A journey that should have taken a short time has suddenly become one that has taken an extended period as well as one that has come with a great amount of effort on the part of those in charge of the ship. In today’s lingo, we might say they were out there spinning their wheels.
 
How often this happens to us as well! Everyone understands the metaphor because it is something we all experience. We are all gassed up, the tires are new, there is nothing wrong with the transmission, and yet, when we step on the gas, there is no traction. What was supposed to be a simple day with various achievements suddenly becomes a day where there is more to do at the end of it than there was at the beginning.
 
And more, the things we planned on doing have all failed to come about. This is frustrating and it can cause us to want to just climb into bed and forget the day. It is at times like this that we should step back and consider things from a greater perspective.
 
It says in Galatians 4 –
 
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4, 5
 
God has a plan laid out. Certain things have transpired at key moments just as He has determined. And more things will come about at the exact moment He has already decided. For those in the church, there is the hope of the rapture –
 
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52
 
This event is more fully described by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4. This is one of the “times and seasons” referred to by Jesus in Acts 1:7 and then by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:1. In other words, God has a plan that is set out, it will come about at the exact moment He has already pre-determined. As such, our own days of seeming waste and wheel spinning are all factored into what He has already decided.
 
Therefore, let us not get overly frustrated. Instead, we can say, “Lord, today was a day of futility to me, but it was a day that has met Your expectations for Your plan nonetheless.”
 
When we have this perspective, we can then let go of the frustrations and accept that we are exactly where the Lord wants us and we have done exactly what He knew we would do in order to continue the stream of human existence as it is prepared for His next big event in the unfolding redemptive scenario. Yes. God has a plan and the things we do are a part of it. Rest in that at the end of a seemingly difficult day.
 
Lord God, thank You that what we do is a part of Your great unfolding plan for the ages. Nothing is overlooked, nothing is unimportant, and all is coming about as it should. We can rest in that, knowing that You have it all under control. Amen.
 

Acts 27:6

Tuesday, 23 April 2024
 
There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board. Acts 27:6
 
More precisely, it reads, “And there, the centurion having found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy, he placed us in it” (CG).
 
Having arrived in Myra of Lycia in the previous verse, it now says, “And there, the centurion.”
 
Luke had previously given the name of the centurion, Julius. However, he now reverts to using his official rank rather than his name. His identification was established, but it is appropriate to the narrative that Luke refers to him according to his capacity and rank as a soldier. Of him, Luke next says, “having found a ship of Alexandria.”
 
An Alexandrian ship most probably means a large container ship which was used to transport wheat from Alexandria to Rome, which was a regular occurrence during this period. As it is out of a direct route for this, the thought is that it was caught up in the same contrary winds that necessitated the ship Paul and Luke were on to also travel under the lee of Cyprus.
 
However, Ellicott notes “A local inscription describes Myra as a ‘horrea,’ or store-house of corn (Lewin’s St. Paul, ii. p. 187), and the Alexandrian ship may therefore have gone thither to discharge part of its cargo.” Either way, the ship was heading in the direction they were going, which was that it was “sailing to Italy.”
 
As has been previously noted, traveling at the time was not unlike taking a bus or plane now. Although we normally have tickets to our final destination, that is not always the case, especially if we are on a walkabout on the way to our final destination.
 
The final destination for the centurion and those he was conducting was Italy. Whatever ship would get them closer with each stop is the one they would take. In this case, the Alexandrian ship was going all the way there to drop off the remaining portion of its cargo. This would avoid changing ships again. Therefore, “he placed us in it.”
 
Here is another word found only once in the New Testament, embibazó. It is also found in the Greek Translation of Proverbs 4:11. It is a nautical term used concerning embarking men on board a ship, but it is also a medical term used to indicate “placing patients in a bath” (Pulpit). Again, we see Luke’s mastery of words and the connection between his medical experience and his knowledge of nautical terms as well.
 
Life application: As noted, the word embibazó is also found in Proverbs 4:11. There it says –
 
“I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.”
 
In Proverbs 4, Solomon is writing as a father to his children, giving them words of instruction. The Lord included these words in Scripture, indicating that the wisdom to be drawn from them is universal in its application. Every person in every culture and time will benefit from the words found there.
 
Today, the progressive mindset is to reject things written by various people groups, such as anything from a white person, saying is biased and finds its roots entrenched in racism. This is taught in schools, government, and business alike.
 
Even though the Bible was received by people in the Middle East, because of its heavy influence upon the white people of the world, and because they have used it to evangelize people groups around the world, progressives treat the Bible as a book derived from a concept of white supremacy.
 
But this is nonsense, and deep down they know it is. The Bible clearly claims in Acts 17 that all people are derived from one man. Skin color is something that changes throughout regions of the world. It even changes in some people as their skin goes from black to white because of vitiligo.
 
Although rare, a couple with a certain skin color may have a child with a completely different skin color. These things don’t determine what a person is thinking or where he or she stands on a particular issue.
 
When it comes to the Bible, it is ultimately derived from God. Therefore, it is a book that exists as a manual for all people in order to conduct their lives in a manner that is right and pleasing to God. It is not a Jewish book, even if it was mostly Hebrew in its being transmitted and maintained.
 
It is not a Greek book, even if its concluding books were written in the Greek language. It is not a Western book, even if it was first accepted and most widely studied and passed on by Western societies after it was finally completed.
 
These ideas are incorrect. The Bible is a divinely inspired and God-centered book. It is that which brings about restoration between God and man. It is for this reason, not some other distractionary concept, that the progressives of the world hate it. They hate God, despising His moral character and being, and therefore, they hate the book that He has given to man.
 
Be aware of this when dealing with people who attack the Bible or the Christian portion of society. You need to address their disconnect between God and them first. Only after this is realized, will you have a chance to then correct them concerning their understanding of the importance of Scripture.
 
Lord God, the world is so at enmity with those who love You and who uphold Your word as the message from You. Help us to correct their thinking about You. Help us to be wise in how we approach others as they challenge You, Your word, and those who love You. May we be able to open eyes that are dulled over concerning their need to see clearly. Amen.

Acts 27:5

Monday, 22 April 2024
 
And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. Acts 27:5
 
More literally, it reads, “And having sailed through the depth against Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra of Lycia” (CG).
 
Luke just noted that when they put out from Sidon, they had to sail under the lee of Cyprus due to contrary winds. This brought them between Cyprus and the main continent. He now notes, “And having sailed through the depth.”
 
Here are a couple of rare words. One is found only here, diapleó. It comes from dia (through) and pleó, to sail. Thus, they are sailing through the deep. The next word, translated as deep, is found only in Matthew 18:6 and in this verse, pelagos. In Matthew 18:6, it says –
 
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth [pelagos] of the sea.”
 
It signifies the high seas, meaning the deep. In this case, it is the depth of the waters north of Cyprus and south of the mainland.  Thus, Luke says this is “against Cilicia and Pamphylia.”
 
These would have been the two major regions on which the sea borders. They would have been to the starboard, or right side of their ship as they crossed through this deep area of ocean. From there, using the first-person plural, he says, “we came to Myra of Lycia.”
 
Myra was a city in the province of Lycia. This is in the southwest area of Asia Minor. It has “Phrygia and Pisidia on the north, the Mediterranean on the south, Pamphylia on the east, and Carla on the west” (Barnes).
 
Life application: Luke is specific in his use of wording. A lot of this information seems unnecessary, but by providing it, we find things that are verifiable. As such, we can reasonably conclude that the events recorded by him really took place. As such, Paul really left to be taken to Rome.
 
From there, they really were caught up in the storm that will be described. They really were stranded on a particular island, and so forth. As these things seem certain to have occurred, then we can be more assured that the details concerning the spread of the gospel, the writing of Paul’s letters by the apostle, the accuracy of how the church was established, etc., actually occurred as well.
 
Luke’s careful attention to particular words and details gives us a really confirming sense that all of this is reliable and accurate. Therefore, let us hold fast to the idea that Paul’s epistles are exactly what is inspired by God for our edification and instruction during this church age. Luke and his writings stand as a reliable and exemplary witness to this fact.
 
Lord God Almighty, when we look into the contents, structure, and reliability of what is found in Scripture, it sure helps us to be confident that what it proclaims about Your plan of redemption is also sure and reliable. Thank You for those who have compiled it, preserved it, translated it, and evaluated it for us. Thank You, above all, for Jesus, the Subject of this wonderful gift. Amen.

Acts 27:4

Sunday, 21 April 2024
 
When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. Acts 27:4
 
A literal rendering of the Greek is, “And thence, having gone up, we sailed under Cyprus, because of the winds being contrary” (CG).
 
Luke just detailed a stop at Sidon where the centurion, Julius, gave Paul the liberty to visit friends. With that stop complete, it now says, “And thence, having gone up, we sailed under Cyprus.” Luke meticulously described the events as they occurred. They left Sidon where it says they went up. Just as they had “brought down” at Sidon, meaning having gone from the sea to the land, they now go “up” from the land to the sea.
 
Once they had gone up, they headed for their next destination. However, to get there, Luke then says that they sailed under Cyprus.
 
In other words, it means to sail under the lee of Cyprus. The word used is hupopleó. It is only found here and in verse 7. It is apparently a very rare nautical term. This shows Luke’s great mastery of words and their proper use. He was a grand recorder of events. The reason for having sailed under Cyprus was “because of the winds being contrary.”
 
If the winds were agreeable, they would have gone on a direct course heading from Sidon to Mysia with the island of Cyprus on the left side. However, with a contrary wind, they went with Cyprus on their right side. Any violent winds would have then been broken off by the island and their travels would be much less dangerous and not as difficult as well.
 
Life application: Word studies are a marvelous way of getting the flavor of a passage from the Bible. There are many commentaries that are focused solely on word studies. These not only give mechanical information, like the types of words, the form in which they are presented, and so forth, but they will also often include so much more information, such as details about the secular use of those words at the time the Bible was written. They may also include how the word had previously been used and how it changed after biblical times, etc.
 
These things will give a much better understanding of what was on the mind of the biblical writers. Earlier uses of a word may still be applied in various ways, but later uses would not. So those later uses should be excluded from translations.
 
To take a word out of its contemporary context without a valid reason, is not sound. So, learning these things as you study will bring details to life in one’s mind in a way that almost sets your feet in the room with the writer.
 
This is true with visiting the places where these things occurred. Seeing the land of Israel or going where Paul and the other missionaries went can really bring things to life. Today, with much of this available right online, you can even go on journeys through photos and videos.
 
Take advantage of what is out there. You will find that there is no end to new and exciting ways of interacting with the Bible.
 
Lord God, what a blessed age we live in, where we can participate in so many things that relate to Your word. Without ever leaving our home, we can journey to Israel, we can learn what the contextual meaning of a particular word meant at the time of the prophets and apostles, and so much more. Thank You, O God, for the exciting resources we have to lead us to understanding Your word so intimately. Amen.

Acts 27:3

Saturday, 20 April 2024
 
And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. Acts 27:3
 
A literal rendering of the Greek is, “And another day, we brought down at Sidon. And Julius, having treated Paul philanthropically, permitted him, having gone to his friends, to receive care” (CG).
 
Luke is in the process of describing the ongoing voyage from Caesarea to Rome. He continues that now with, “And another.”
 
The meaning is “another day.” Luke is highlighting what occurred on this particular day, which was like any other, except upon arrival, there will be friends of Paul at this location. Luke next says, “we brought down at Sidon.”
 
After this day of sailing, which was about 70 miles, it says they “brought down” at Sidon. The word is katagó. It comes from two other words, kata (down) and ago, (to lead or bring). It gives the idea of bringing the ship down from the deep water of the high seas to the land. It is used in Luke 5:11 concerning the Lake of Gennesaret.
 
The seas, even in the smaller body of water like the Sea of Galilee, are considered elevated above the shores where they meet the land. At this stop in Sidon, it says, “And Julius, having treated Paul philanthropically.”
 
The word is found only here in the New Testament, philanthrópós. It literally means in a man-loving way, thus humanely. Vincent’s Word Studies notes the fault in the KJV translation, which says "courteously" rather than kindly – “Courteous, from court, expresses rather polish of manners than real kindness.”
 
In other words, this wasn't an act of polished manners on Julius’ part. Instead, it was a true act of humanity. Luke notes it as such with this special word. The regard by Luke for Julius is evident in the term used. The philanthropic way in which he dealt with Paul is next stated. He “permitted him, having gone to his friends, to receive care.”
 
Julius was under no obligation to allow his charge to be allowed this. In fact, if Paul took off, he would be in serious trouble. It is obvious that this was not the result of an exchange of money or some other such thing. The use of the word philanthrópós excludes such a notion. Rather, Paul probably said, “I have really good friends here.” Julius responded by allowing him to visit them.
 
Finally, one other unique word is used in these words. It is translated as “care.” It is the noun epimeleia. The Pulpit Commentary notes that it is a word “frequent in Xenophon and other classical writers ... It is in very common use among medical writers for the care and attention required by the sick. It is very probable that St. Paul was suffering from his long confinement at Caesarea, and that the [epimeleia] here mentioned has reference to his invalid state. This explains Julius’ humane concern for Paul.”
 
Life application: Luke is recording details of the interactions between Paul and Julius as they arise. As he continues, he will simply be called “the centurion.” However, Luke has specifically given his name to set the tone for the narrative. He is one who faithfully considered his duties, and yet, he will be seen to truly care for his charge, Paul.
 
If someone were to detail your interactions with others, how would the record reflect who you are? Are you faithful in doing your daily duties, honestly giving your employer a fair trade for the pay he gives you? If you are responsible for others, would the record show that you had concern for them or were you a jerk towards them?
 
Even if nobody is detailing your life for a book, the Lord is aware of your treatment of others. This is noted even under the law –
 
“You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates. 15 Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you.” Deuteronomy 24:14, 15
 
What we can infer from this is that the Lord is not only displeased with an uncaring or mean demeanor, but the opposite must be pleasing to Him. Each thing we do, each interaction we are involved in, reveals to the Lord our heart and intentions. Be careful to watch your life and conduct. The Lord surely is doing so.
 
Lord God, help us in our times of interaction with others. May we be careful to treat them courteously and with respect. It is often the case that we let the trials and troubles of life get in the way of how we deal with others. So, Lord, be with us and keep us from being gruff, unfriendly, uncaring, and so forth. Help us to be good and faithful to those we interact with. Amen.

Acts 27:2

Friday, 19 April 2024
 
So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 
 
The Greek closely reads, “And having boarded a ship of Adramyttium, intending to sail unto among the regions of Asia, we headed out. Aristarchus, a Macedonian, being with us” (CG).
 
Chapter 27 began with a note concerning the anticipated departure of Paul, prisoners, and a centurion named Julius to Rome on a ship. That now continues with, “And having boarded a ship of Adramyttium.”
 
The word translated as “boarded” is epibainó. It is now used for the sixth and last time. It comes from two words meaning “upon” and “step.” Thus, it means “to step upon.” However, for simplicity and clarity, “having boarded” gives the proper sense.
 
Saying it is a ship of Adramyttium could mean either a ship originally built there or a ship that found its home harbor there. It is probably the latter. The ship was sailing on trade and was now returning to its home port which happened to be on the way to Rome.
 
Adramyttium was a town on the coast of Mysia, opposite the island of Lesbos. It was on the Roman road which went from Assos and Troas to the cities of Pergamos, Ephesus, and Miletus. At the time, it was apparently a considerably important city.
 
With that noted, Luke continues the narrative, saying, “intending to sail unto among the regions of Asia, we headed out.” This is referring to the course of the ship as it set out, not the intent of Julius and those with him. Their intent was to get to Rome. However, the ship was a ship of business.
 
Rome would pay for the passage of Julius and the prisoners, but the ship would follow its own set course. If one were to hitchhike on the highway and a big rig stopped, the driver might say, Climb aboard! I’ll get you to Tupelo, but we’ll be making several out-of-the-way stops as we travel. This is the idea of Luke’s words now.
 
Verse 6 will note the change in ships for the continued journey to Rome. Transferring from one ship to another was common and it was seen in Paul’s earlier travels. This is no different than taking several buses, trains, or planes today in order to get to a final destination.  Understanding this, it next says, “Aristarchus, a Macedonian, being with us.”
 
Aristarchus is now mentioned again. He had come to Jerusalem with Paul as was seen in Acts 20:4. It can be inferred that he had stayed with Paul, just like Luke did, for the entire time that he was in Caesarea. He is probably going to head back to his home in Thessalonica now, but it is also possible that he wanted to continue on with Paul in all of his travels.
 
Either way, he will end up in Rome because of what lies ahead. Concerning this guy, there is speculation about his status with Paul at other times. In Colossians 4:10, he is called Paul’s “fellow prisoner.” That seems obvious on the surface, but in Romans 16:7, Paul calls Andronicus and Junia “my countrymen and my fellow prisoners.”
 
However, Paul wasn’t in prison when he wrote Romans. Further, in Philemon 1:23, 24, he calls Epaphras his “fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus,” but he doesn't say this about Aristarchus who is also named.
 
For this reason, there is speculation as to what Paul is referring to, whether it is being a prisoner either at that time or at some other time and being noted as a badge of honor, or of some other implied meaning in the word “prisoner.”
 
No matter the intent, Luke is careful to mention Aristarchus as a part of those who traveled with himself, Paul, and any others despite him not being mentioned again in the book of Acts.
 
Life application: The idea that is being conveyed in the verse is that Rome is the ultimate destination of those heading out. However, they already know that the ship they are on will only go so far. As it goes, there may be stops along the way. Eventually, they will have to find another ship and continue on towards Rome, repeating this until they finally arrive.
 
For the Christian, we are on a journey. Our ultimate destination is decided, but we cannot get there directly at this time. However, each day that passes and each place we find ourselves brings us that much closer to our place of rest.
 
Let us suppose that each point along that trip has bearing on the quality of our time in our ultimate destination. If we fritter away our stops along the way, we will reduce the gain we might receive. If we live by faith and act according to that faith at each stop, we will increase the gain that comes to us when we finally arrive.
 
Is sightseeing really so important at each stop? Is marking out temporary pleasure what we want? Or is what we will receive at our ultimate destination our target with each passing day? Remembering that the good we receive is something that also pleases the Lord, let us use our time and location each moment of our days with our eyes directed to Jesus and our thoughts always considering Him. May it be so, to the glory of God who sent His Son into the world to bring us safely home to Himself.
 
Lord God, help us to evaluate the time and place we find ourselves from day to day from a heavenly perspective. May we be faithful to do what is right, honoring You, and worthy of reward with each step we take on each new day. Help us to look at this life from a heavenly perspective. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Acts 27:1

Thursday, 18 April 2024
 
And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. Acts 27:1
 
Much more literally, the words read, “And when our sailing away to Italy was decided, they delivered both Paul and certain others, prisoners, to a centurion by name Julius, of the Augustan cohort” (CG).
 
Chapter 26 ended with the words of Agrippa noting that if Paul had not appealed to Caesar, he could have been released. However, he did appeal, and so Chapter 27 begins with, “And when our sailing away to Italy was decided.”
 
The narrative includes the first-person pronoun “our.” This connects the account all the way back to Acts 21:17. What we can infer is that Luke was probably there with Paul the entire time that he was in Caesarea. He may have even used this time in the compilation of the Gospel of Luke.
 
As for the travel to Rome, how the decision to sail was made isn’t explained. It could be that it was cheaper, quicker, safer, requiring less manpower, or for some other reason. Probably it was just the common way of delivering prisoners from this area as it was a seaport.
 
The fact that other prisoners were on board with him lends itself to the thought of traveling by ship. They could be more easily contained than going by land. The word apopleo is used here. It is from a compound word exactly meaning “sail away.” This is the fourth and last time it is seen. All have been in Acts in connection with Paul’s travels. In preparation for this sailing away, it next says, “they delivered both Paul and certain others, prisoners.”
 
The word translated as “others” as in “certain others, prisoners” is heteros. It means “another of a different kind.” In other words, Paul is singled out from the rest. Translating this as “certain other prisoners” as the NKJV does, fails to provide any distinction. However, in saying “certain others, prisoners,” it helps the mind consider that there is, in fact, a distinction.
 
The choice of words used by Luke carries a note of his being conducted to Rome for a different reason than the others. His innocence has already been established, but his appeal made his appearance before Caesar a requirement, regardless of his innocence or guilt. Understanding that, it next says, “to a centurion by name Julius, of the Augustan cohort.”
 
In the Greek, Luke uses four nouns and an adjective – centurion name Julius cohort Augustan. Therefore, a bit of insertion needs to take place for clarity. Julius is introduced here, and he is noted as a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.
 
There is much dispute as to exactly what this regiment is. The Greek reads, speirēs Sebastēs, or the cohort of Sebastos.  Sebastos means venerated or august. It is a title of the Roman emperors. Thus, secondarily, it signifies Augustan, imperial. Albert Barnes gives his thought on this band, which is as logical and probable as any other view –
 
“It was a division in the Roman army consisting of from 400 to 600 men. This was called ‘Augustus’ band’ in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus, and was probably distinguished in some way for the care in enlisting or selecting them. The Augustine cohort or band is mentioned by Suetonius in his Life of Nero, 20.”
 
Life application: Bible study is something that doesn’t just have to happen on Wednesday night at church. It can happen right in your own home each day as you pull out a commentary and read it along with the passage you are presently reading in the Bible.
 
As for Acts 27, there are 44 verses in the chapter. Following along for the next 44 days with this commentary will provide insights into the contents of the chapter, the original Greek context of various words, the intent of the author, the life of Paul as he heads to Rome – including getting lost at sea in a great storm and getting shipwreck on an island – and so much more. After that, Chapter 28 is comprised of just 31 more verses.
 
Be sure to spend the next 75 days with us as we search out the wonderful words of Scripture concerning the adventures of Paul as he shares the gospel to the Gentile world.
 
Lord God Almighty, what a wonderful gift Your word is. Thank You for the exciting details of people who have gone before and of stories of times past that lead us to a better understanding of Your great work of redemption as it is revealed in and through the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, Lord, thank You for this precious gift. Amen.

Acts 26:32

Wednesday, 17 April 2024
 
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Acts 26:32
 
In the previous verse, those gathered after the trial had said, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” Next, it says, “Then Agrippa said to Festus.”
 
Festus had asked for advice and an opinion on the matter of Paul. That has now been rendered by Agrippa and it will give Festus the statement he needed to include with Paul’s continued evaluation in the Roman court. The mutually agreed decision was that he was innocent. And more, Agrippa next says, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
 
Paul was innocent and should be walking free at this very moment. That could not yet happen, however. But at least Festus had something to include in the letter that would accompany Paul’s case as it went to Caesar. He could say exactly what Agrippa had stated, thus excusing Paul’s being sent to Rome as a legal technicality based on the appeal to Caesar.
 
Obviously, the appeal was the right thing to do for several reasons. The first is that it kept Paul from being released and put back in peril of the Jews. Second, it allowed for this very trial of Chapter 26 to have been held. Third, that will now allow for the continued spreading of the gospel along the way to Rome as well as into the areas of Rome by Paul (as will be seen in the next two chapters). Fourth, the trial brought the issue of Christianity to the forefront of the courts in the land of Israel.
 
No Jew could come forward and accuse the converts of being a subversive heretical sect in a Roman trial. The precedent has thus far been set and the Christian way of faith has found a legal footing in the courts of Rome. It would likewise be found legal in the final court of Caesar.
 
Any later Caesar who persecuted the Christians would be found to be persecuting an established and already accepted faith within the empire. The work of Paul, by the direction of the Lord, ensured that everything was set to proceed in the most marvelous way for the expansion of the faith which is found in Jesus Christ.
 
Life application: When we see Christians persecuted for their faith, we might ask where the sense in their persecution rests. How could God allow them (or us!) to be treated so shamefully? Although it is a completely different context in which Jesus was speaking, the words remain true in other contexts as well when He said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.”
 
In the end, if we are saved, it may be troubling, painful, terrifying, and so forth to see Christians persecuted and tortured, but what happens to our bodies is actually very temporary and passing. In the end, the Spirit has given true believers life. They will be raised, and they will be given eternal joy in the presence of the Lord.
 
Paul is one such example, but the record of faithful martyrs for Christ has continued on unabated for two millennia. Those who truly are to be pitied are those whose faith is misdirected in heretical sects and false religions who die for their faith. They are the ones who will be eternally separated from God.
 
When a true Christian is persecuted, we can know that their troubles will be temporary and, in the end, he will be vindicated by the Lord who watches over those who are His. Let us take heart in this and remember that God has a plan that is being worked out. Paul’s trials are leading to a furtherance of the gospel. Ours, if they come, will serve their own purpose in meeting God’s plans and purposes.
 
Heavenly Father, may our lives be used to glorify You at all times, even if suffering comes. Help us to keep our thoughts on what is eternal as we pass through this troubled and fallen world. We have a job to do in sharing the gospel and in being a witness to Your presence in our lives. Be with us and sustain us through our days. Amen.
 

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.