BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 24:2

Wednesday, 24 January 2024
 
And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, Acts 24:2
 
A literal translation is, “And he, having been called, Tertullus began accusing, saying, ‘Great peace we are attaining through you. And reformations are being done to this nation through your foresight’” (CG).
 
The previous verse opened the chapter noting that Ananias, the high priest, came down to Caesarea with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus to give evidence to the governor against Paul. It now says, “And he, having been called, Tertullus began accusing.”
 
Tertullus, the orator, will speak on behalf of the entire delegation. This is what is customary in such proceedings. Anything else would naturally lead to a chaotic session where everyone was interjecting. Therefore, Tertullus alone began the discourse, “saying, ‘Great peace we are attaining through you.’”
 
Verses 2-4 are given as an introduction to the charges as a way of gaining favor with Felix. This is in hopes of winning him to their side before the actual charges are even given.
 
Scholars agree that the things Tertullus focuses on are pretty much the only things worth focusing on. Other than this, there was truly nothing to compliment about the governor. His first item of presentation is that of the people having obtained great peace.
 
This is obviously not the type of peace that the Jews would have asked for. It was a forced peace through the strength of the Roman Empire. However, it would have been a true statement, nonetheless. The Jews were subjugated to Roman authority, and the Pax Romana was forced upon them, as it was throughout the empire. Next, Tertullus notes, “And reformations are being done to this nation.”
 
Here is found a new word in Scripture, translated as “reformations,” diorthosis. It is found only here and in Hebrews 9:10. It comes from dia and orthos (through and upright). Some translations say, “worthy deeds,” “excellent measures,” or something similar. It is a noun signifying improvements, reformations, etc. Being plural, “reformations” provides the proper sense.
 
Next, Tertullus says to the governor that these were done “through your foresight.” It is another new word in Scripture, pronoia. It is a noun derived from the verb pronoeó, to foresee. The word is described by Ellicott –
 
“The Greek word had at this time, like the English, a somewhat higher sense than ‘prudence’ or ‘forethought.’ Men spoke then, as now, of the ‘providence’ of God, and the tendency to clothe the emperors with quasi-divine attributes led to the appearance of this word—'the providence of Cæsar’—on their coins and on medals struck in their honour. Tertullus, after his manner, goes one step further, and extends the term to the procurator of Judæa.”
 
The Geneva Bible notes that “Felix ruled that province with great cruelty and covetousness, and yet Josephus records that he did many worthy things, such as taking Eleazar the captain of certain cutthroats, and put that deceiving wretch the Egyptian to flight, who caused great troubles in Judea.”
 
In other words, Tertullus is using carefully selected words to butter up the governor in hopes of obtaining a favorable verdict for his side. Through his efforts, there was at least peace, which led to prosperity, even if it was under the oppressive hand of Roman rule.
 
Life application: So far, everything Tertullus said has been irrelevant to the case against Paul. His approach, then, is already one that demonstrates their main argument will lack substance, at least from the perspective of Roman authority.
 
This type of presentation is not at all uncommon, and it should be watched for in any forum. People who come in and begin with comments irrelevant to the main subject of attention are often doing so to distract the mind from that main subject. Perceiving this type of approach, and mentally standing against it until the main arguments are presented, will keep you in a stronger position to cut out the superfluous fat in order to challenge whatever main point is then introduced.
 
Be aware of such things. They may seem innocuous, but they usually come when a logical argument is lacking, or someone who is involved in what is being said is a target for misdirection and deception.
 
Lord God Almighty, when we are presented with challenges to Your word or to who You are as the Creator and Sovereign over our lives, help us to identify fallacious thinking or invalid points of argumentation and to focus on the main substance of what is being addressed. Sometimes, it is hard to see where people are going until it is too late. So, help us to have wisdom as we defend our faith in You. Amen.

Acts 24:1

Tuesday, 23 January 2024
 
Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. Acts 24:1
 
Chapter 24 enters into the hearing that Felix promised Paul in the preceding verse. That begins with, “Now after five days.”
 
This five-day period is probably from the time of Paul’s departure from Jerusalem. At that same time, the council would have been informed, and they would have begun preparations for a case against him.
 
This is the likely scenario because it was twelve days since Paul's arrival in Jerusalem, as will be seen in verse 24:11. Therefore, the timeline is better reckoned from the departure from Jerusalem and not from the last events of chapter 23.
 
Regardless of this, the five-day period sees the coming of a delegation to testify against Paul. Of them, Luke records that “Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus.”
 
As always, when a trip is made from Jerusalem, the term “came down” or “descended” is used. Because the Lord’s temple is in Jerusalem, it is considered as the highest place on earth from a legal and royal perspective. He being the King of kings and Lord of lords.
 
Likewise, when going to Jerusalem from anywhere else, it is an ascent regardless of direction or elevation. The word used to describe Tertullus is rhétór. This is its only use in Scripture. It signifies an orator, public speaker, or an advocate. Today, we use the words rhetoric, rhetorically, etc. These are etymologically derived from this ancient Greek word.
 
As for Tertullus, he would have the eloquence of a toastmaster. Ellicott describes the rhétór –
 
“Men of this class were to be found in most of the provincial towns of the Roman empire, ready to hold a brief for plaintiff or defendant, and bringing to bear the power of their glib eloquence, as well as their knowledge of Roman laws, on the mind of the judge.”
 
Of this delegation that has arrived, it next says, “These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.”
 
The word translated as “gave evidence” is emphanizó. It signifies to appear, declare, make visible, etc. In this case, it is being used in a technical sense. In essence, it is a formal indictment being made against Paul. One might more accurately say that they litigated against Paul. They are set to disclose the charges against him that have been decided upon.
 
Of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “Hypocrites, when they can not do what they want to do by force and deceit, at length they go about to accomplish it by a show of law.”
 
Life application: Think of what has happened to Paul. These miscreants had initiated a sort of coup against him in the temple, stirring up the masses against him and stealing away his rights in the process. The only thing that saved him from disaster was that he was found to be Roman by the barracks commander.
 
From there, they plotted against him to kill him. That plot was discovered, and Paul was safely conducted out of Jerusalem. Now, because they have been ineffective in laying hands on him any other way, they are set to bring false charges against him to keep him from spreading his message of freedom in Christ any further.
 
The parallel between what has happened thus far and what has happened to President Donald Trump is quite similar. There are certain ways that people will react when they cannot get their way. They will follow the same patterns again and again in history to meet whatever the present circumstances are that they find displeasing.
 
But this isn’t just with leaders. Eventually, the persecution continues even to those who are inspired by the leader. In the case of Paul, it started with Jesus. It continued to His apostles. From there, it continued to the people who accepted the apostles’ message. Paul was supernaturally pulled from that by a personal appearance of Jesus. But then the persecution against him began.
 
In our world today, the communists on the left have fought against conservative ideology. They have then targeted the leader of the conservative movement that was most likely to harm their globalist agenda. With that goal seemingly realized, they began targeting his supporters.
 
Only with a massive amount of public support has this wave of communism been fought against. Will it be turned around? Only time will tell. If not, the political persecution will very quickly become a persecution of the religious lives of the people they are targeting. This is because faith in God is diametrically opposed to communist ideology. It must be terminated for the communists to prevail.
 
Be ready to stand on your priorities, whatever they are. If they include Jesus, be ready to face what so many have faced before you. Faith in Christ will eventually be something considered intolerable and worthy of death. Even now, that is on the minds of these miscreants.
 
Lord God, we know that the end times will be difficult for those who hold fast to faith in You. We don’t know the timing of the rapture, and so we don’t know at what point we may have to face persecution because of what we believe. Should it come to pass, may we be faithful to stand and proclaim the Name of Jesus as our ultimate hope and passion. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Acts 23:35

Monday, 22 January 2024
 
he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. Acts 23:35
 
The Greek more literally reads, “‘I will thoroughly hear you, he said, when your accusers also may have arrived,’ having commanded him to be guarded in the Praetorium of Herod” (CG).
 
The previous verse flows into this one, having ended with the words, “and having learned that from Cilicia.” That thought now continues with, “I will thoroughly hear you.”
 
Whatever the correct interpretation of Paul’s standing was concerning his being from Cilicia, as discussed in the previous verse, it was sufficient for Felix to accept responsibility for the investigation.
 
Apparently, there would be no conflict in his doing so. The word translated as “I will thoroughly hear you” is diakouó. It comes from dia, “through,” and akouo, “a hearing.” This is its only use in the Bible. It is obvious when connecting the two words that a “thorough hearing” in a judicial sense is what is intended.
 
The questions from Felix thus far were only preparatory, and Paul would be given an entire and thorough chance to speak when those who accused him might come before him. That is seen in what Luke next records, “he said, ‘when your accusers also may have arrived.’”
 
Felix continues his thoughts using an aorist subjunctive verb. In other words, “when this, then this.” The anticipated trial is wholly dependent on the coming of his accusers. If none come, then there will be no trial. Every protection for Paul’s status as a Roman citizen is being afforded to him. Therefore, it next says, “having commanded him to be guarded in the Praetorium of Herod.”
 
Herod’s Praetorium was built by Herod the Great. A great deal of this building is still standing today. The praetorium itself was a judgment hall. Paul was to be kept in that area, but in this case the word translated as “guarded” apparently does not imply being held as a prisoner.
 
He would have been granted the respect of his citizenship while he awaited the trial to come. Thus, the act of guarding was less for the sake of keeping him bound as a prisoner than it was to keep him safe and secure as a citizen.
 
Life application: It has become evident in the UK and the US that being a citizen does not carry the same protections that it once did. Being a Christian who accepts the Bible as authoritative places a person at odds with the ruling authorities who reject the notion of the God who judges in righteousness.
 
Therefore, arresting citizens and holding them without due process under trumped up charges is becoming more common. The legal system does fight back against this, but all it will take is minor tweaks in the structure of these governments for even that to change.
 
From here on out, Christians must be willing to accept the fact that the faith they possess will be challenged by wholly corrupted leaders who are willing to test the true metal of those who profess their faith. Many will yield and deny what they have claimed all along. Others will be willing to hold fast to Jesus with all their hearts and souls.
 
The difference will be found in how they have been instructed on the salvation they have received and what that means for their future in Christ’s presence. Those who hold the absolute assurance that their faith is grounded on reality will be much more likely to put their lives aside now for the greater and eternal glory that lies ahead.
 
Be ready! The time may not be far off. When it comes, decisions will have to be made. Where do you intend to stand should the Lord tarry in His coming?
 
We praise You, Lord God! Nothing in this life compares to what You have promised Your people in the life to come, which is true life in Christ. In that day, give us the strength and fortitude to stand on the truth of Your word, never compromising with those who hate You and the doctrines You have conveyed to us in Your word. Yes, Lord, be with us. And we know You will be. Hallelujah and amen.

Acts 23:34

Sunday, 21 January 2024
 
And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, Acts 23:34
 
In the Greek, the words are full of participles, and the sentence remains incomplete until the next verse. More literally, it reads, “And the governor having read, and having asked from what province he is, and having learned that from Cilicia” (CG).
 
The previous verse told of the arrival of the Roman horsemen in Caesarea, where they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him. That next continues with, “And the governor having read.”
 
One can imagine the situation. The soldiers, along with Paul, were conducted into the main area where the governor sat. The letter bearer would have come forward, probably not saying a word but simply presenting the letter. Then, he would have stood at attention while the letter was read. Once the governor read it, it next says, “and having asked from what province he is.”
 
Luke begins the clause with an aorist participle and then uses a present tense verb, thus bringing the reader right into the proceedings – “What is his status?”
 
The question as to where Paul was from would have been the normal way of validating jurisdiction and being able to ascertain more information about the person at hand. This is the same thing that occurs in Luke 23:6. In the US, it is common for a similar question to be asked, such as, “What state are you from?”
 
We are not told who gave the response. It only says, “and having learned that from Cilicia.” There are a couple of possibilities concerning his question. Cambridge says –
 
“Cilicia had been at one time, and perhaps still was, attached to the province of Syria. It was so in the time of Quirinus. This will explain why at once Felix without question decided that, at the proper time, he would hear the cause.”
 
If Cilicia was not attached to Syria, then a formal note would probably have been sent out for either permission to try the case or to determine what they wanted to do with the matter. On the other hand, Vincent's Word Studies says that rather than asking what province Paul was from, his words ek poias eparchias signify “from what kind of a province?” 
 
In other words, Vincent’s Word Studies is stating that in this situation, the word poios is intended to mean “of what sort,” not merely “which.” As such, he is trying to determine if the province is senatorial or imperial. Cilicia was an imperial province.
 
Life application: The question concerning Paul’s province may seem irrelevant to us until we consider that the same type of question is asked of accused criminals thousands of times a day. What was the crime? Where was it perpetrated? What is the citizenship of the person who committed it? What is the legal status of the person who committed it?
 
All of these things must be determined before someone can be properly processed and tried. If a person is from Japan, something is learned about him. If he is in the US on a student visa, something more is now known. If he came here illegally, on a green card, or with diplomatic privileges, it makes a difference in whether he can even be charged at all.
 
Luke is carefully recording what happened so that the status of Paul in the coming verses will be more properly understood. Seemingly unimportant details may be extremely important if someone wants to question the Bible’s authenticity. A person who is well-informed about how legal matters were conducted in the Roman empire at Paul’s time may say, “This isn’t at all how things worked. The Bible is wrong.”
 
But with Luke carefully presenting what occurred, such arguments can be laid to rest. Therefore, should you come across such accusations, be sure to not just accept them at face value. Rather, because commentaries have been faithfully composed covering every verse in Scripture, there is a good chance that you will find one that covers exactly what you are looking for.
 
So carefully has the Bible been studied that even the nuances of single words – their tense, gender, etc., are carefully considered and commented on. Be sure that this word has been meticulously looked over and challenged. And yet, the brightest minds in history have concluded that this is, in fact, the sure word of God.
 
Heavenly Father, Your word is a gloriously constructed marvel of wisdom. It is presented to the world as a testament that You are truly working within the stream of time and human existence to reconcile man back to Yourself. Thank You for the elaborate and intricate detail of Your wonderful, superior word. Amen.

Acts 23:33

Saturday, 20 January 2024
 
When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.  Acts 23:33
 
More literally, the words read, “Who, having entered into Caesarea, and having delivered the letter to the governor, also presented Paul to him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that the soldiers returned to Jerusalem, but the horsemen stayed with Paul in order to conduct him the rest of the way to Caesarea. Now, referring to these horsemen, it says, “Who, having entered into Caesarea.”
 
It would have been an impressive sight for the people of the city to see seventy horsemen arrayed in Roman colors marching a single man into the city, carefully guarding him as they went. Like the procession of a presidential limousine today, the people would have stopped to gawk. Upon arriving at their destination, it next says, “and having delivered the letter to the governor.”
 
Interestingly, Paul’s name is mentioned a total of sixteen times in this chapter, but in the letter from Claudius Lysias, it is never declared. As such, it was up to the testimony of those who conducted him to say, “This is the man.” Therefore, it next says that they “also presented Paul to him.”
 
As there was a whole contingent of horsemen, they could testify that the right man had been safely delivered into the care of the authorities.
 
Life application: The word is a wonderful gift to us from the mind of God. As you read it, be sure to think about why things are included in it. Stopping to do short word studies, counting the number of times things are mentioned, or doing short topical studies will open up new avenues of thought that may never have been contemplated before.
 
Also, let your mind wander into what things might have been like. Considering such things as the majestic, stately, or terrifying march of horses into a city, a battle, or across a desert area will make the word come alive in your mind. Let the word come alive to you in wonderful ways.
 
Your time in the word will only be as interesting as you make it. So be sure to make it interesting!
 
Lord God, thank You for Your wonderful word. And, above all, thank You for Jesus, who is revealed to us in this precious word! Amen.

Acts 23:32

Friday, 19 January 2024
 
The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. Acts 23:32
 
More literally, the words read, “And the morrow, having allowed the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the barracks” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the detachment of soldiers took Paul out of Jerusalem to Antipatris. Now, the narrative continues, saying, “And the morrow.”
 
Scholars debate whether this means it is the next day from Jerusalem or from Antipatris. Being a forced march, it is most probably from Jerusalem. Thus, the entire trip was done in a single day. Further, Cambridge notes that “The original has a conjunction which the Rev. Ver. represents by ‘But.’ These men would return to Jerusalem again on the day of the intended plot.”
 
Because of the use of the conjunction, which can be translated as and, but, now, etc., it is more probable that this is referring to the next day from Jerusalem. Further, some translations add in the word “on” before “morrow” or “next day.” That will also cause confusion. It is most likely the first day after leaving Jerusalem that it next says, “having allowed the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the barracks.”
 
The four hundred soldiers and spearmen went directly back to Jerusalem. Thus, they would be in Jerusalem when the original plot against Paul was supposed to occur. These soldiers would have had a very long time without sleep before all went back to normal. The seventy horsemen would be more than sufficient to conduct Paul the rest of the way swiftly and safely.
 
This account shows us the immense size of the force that must have been kept in Jerusalem. If almost 500 were dispatched for this one incident, there were many more who remained to keep the peace and to perform the normal functions Rome required.
 
Life application: For such a short and simple verse, one would think the translators would be willing to carefully look at the Greek, notice there was an opening conjunction, and say, “This is a necessary part of God’s word,” and include it in the translation.
 
But translations as far back as Tyndale (1526), the Bishop’s Bible (1568), and the King James (1611) arbitrarily omit it. By doing so, an ambiguity in the wording arises, and debates arise concerning which day Paul was escorted. It’s not an issue that someone should lose sleep over, but because of the poor translation, varying thoughts are unnecessarily bandied about concerning what is being said.
 
So why would this conjunction have been left off? It may have been to make the verse flow better in English. Reading a literal translation can be awkward because the words fit together in a clunky fashion. But this is not an excuse to arbitrarily skip necessary words.
 
When you come to a conflict in translations, before deciding on a final analysis that may be wrong because of one translation or another, try checking the original manuscript. Carefully consider what is being conveyed. Unlike Acts 23:32, faulty translations of some verses can lead to very poor theological positions being held. Study! Stand approved in what you accept.
 
Glorious Lord God, the more we study Your word, the more delightful it is to our minds. It is like a well of deep waters that are sweet and refreshing. Help us to read it, cherish it, and carefully study its contents all the days of our lives. To Your glory! Amen.

Acts 23:31

Thursday, 18 January 2024
 
Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. Acts 23:31
 
A more literal rendering is, “Then, indeed, the soldiers according to that having been appointed them, having taken up Paul, brought through night to Antipatris” (CG).
 
With the letter from the commander fully detailed by Luke, it next says, “Then, indeed, the soldiers according to that having been appointed them.”
 
The plan was previously detailed. When the commander completed his letter, the soldiers were assembled according to their previously arranged assignment, and Paul was brought out of the barracks to where the soldiers awaited him. At that point, it next says, “having taken up Paul.”
 
In verse 24, the centurions were instructed to provide mounts to set Paul on. This is what is now taking place. He is taken up onto his mount for the journey and “brought through night to Antipatris.”
 
Antipatris was previously called Cafar-Saba. It is mentioned by Flavius Josephus in his writings. Herod the Great had its name changed to Antipatris to honor his father Antipater. It is about thirty-five miles north and west of Jerusalem and still another twenty-six miles south and east of Caesarea.
 
Today it is known as Kefr-Saba, having reverted back to its original name. The majority of the trip from Jerusalem would be somewhat downhill from the hill country of Ephraim and into the plain of Sharon.
 
If they went all night, which seems likely, they could have reached this by 6 or 7 the next morning. The rest of the trip would take about six hours until they reached Caesarea. If they stopped for an extended break, they could have been there by sometime in the afternoon.
 
Life application: The Bible isn’t just a book that tells of arbitrary events that may or may not be true. It details events that can be verified, including locations, names of those locations, structures that existed in those locations, events that are recorded to have happened in those same locations (like certain details of battles where evidence is readily available), and so forth.
 
There is no reason to assume that the events of a battle that are recorded in the Bible are true but that the details of the lives of those people – as recorded at the time of those battles – are merely myths. Rather, when it says that a city is besieged by the Assyrians, something that can be verified as true, and that the king said and did certain things at that time, we should assume that those things are also true.
 
This is true with events like Paul’s situation that is now being detailed in Acts. If Luke correctly recorded all of the verifiable information, like names of cities, names of certain officials, distances between locations, etc., then what he says about Paul’s personal matters would have been equally well-researched.
 
Have confidence that what you are reading is accurate and reliable. This is especially so because it is recorded in God’s word. Why would God allow something false or misleading to be included there? He wouldn’t! Trust the word because God is trustworthy.
 
Heavenly Father, may we be confident in Your word, knowing that it has been checked, rechecked, and then checked again throughout the time since it was received. Even today, new evidence of its reliability is being discovered. Thank You for the surety we can possess concerning Your word. And, thus, thank You for the surety we can possess concerning what it says about Jesus! Hallelujah for the story of the coming of our Lord. Amen.

Acts 23:30

Wednesday, 17 January 2024
 
And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell. Acts 23:30
 
The Greek, though a bit clunky, more literally reads, “And, having been revealed to me a plot, about to be by the Jews, against the man, I sent immediately unto you, having also instructed the accusers to say these against him before you. Be strong” (CG).
 
In his letter to Felix, the commander just noted that he found that there was nothing charged against Paul deserving of death or chains. Because of this, he next writes, “And, having been revealed to me a plot, about to be by the Jews, against the man.”
 
The commander, Claudius Lysias, appears to be the epitome of rational thinking. He perceived trouble at the beginning and saved Paul. As the trouble hadn’t ceased, he again saves him by directing the things he now is writing to Felix.
 
This second half of the account is at least truthful. It also sets Paul as an honorable person being troubled by the seditious Jews who would even dare to harm a Roman citizen and thus make an implicit attack on the government. Thus, as a Roman military officer, he places the Roman priorities above any favor he had curried with the Jews since being assigned in Jerusalem.
 
This is certainly the intent of his words. He is looking for Felix’s favor by showing his allegiance to Rome above all else. As Paul is also Roman, and to demonstrate his care for his fellow citizens, he next writes, “I sent immediately unto you.”
 
Paul will be safely conducted with a large force of soldiers. Even after getting safely out of the local area, a sizeable portion of them will continue the trek to Caesarea. When Paul arrives safely, this show of force would be considered a notable aspect of the commander’s care for his charge. Along with that, he tells Felix, “having also instructed the accusers to say these against him before you.”
 
It is apparent that by his letter, he wants Paul looked at in a favorable light so that Paul’s original mistreatment will never come to light. The note of him commanding the accusers to state the charges before Felix probably means that he composed two letters at the same time. The first was this letter to Felix, and the second would have been dispatched to the Jewish council once Paul was safely out of the area.
 
Thus, this letter explains why Paul was sent to Caesarea and why his journey included such a large contingent of soldiers. With that, he closes out the letter with a word not found in all manuscripts, saying, “Be strong.”
 
In many manuscripts, it is the second and last use of the word rhónnumi. It was first used to close out the letter from the council in Jerusalem to the Gentile church in Acts 15:29. It is a verb that literally signifies to strengthen or be strong. Being a perfect imperative, it literally gives the sense of “you have been strengthened and so remain strengthened.”
 
Life application: There is no note of the commander having ever come to Christ. Therefore, it is likely that if he did, it would have been after Paul’s time with him. During his time interacting with Paul, he placed his highest priority on discharging his duties as a Roman officer.
 
He was careful to ensure his account that the things that would make him favorable in the eyes of those above him, hoping they would notice his deeds and look favorably upon him. For those in Christ, our highest priority should be doing those things that exalt the Lord above all else.
 
However, in doing this, we will actually be doing our very best to perform our duties in all other areas to the very best of our abilities. This is because in wanting to honor the Lord, we will conduct all other aspects of our lives in the most noble way possible. Only when there is a conflict between our allegiance to the Lord and conducting our duties should this not be the case.
 
Today, we may be asked to compromise our faith to meet a liberal, woke agenda. We should never cave to this sort of perversion. Instead, we should use our rights as Christians to work against such things. We should even do it to the full extent of our ability. This will be what is most honoring to the name of the Lord. In all things, let us consider the Lord being glorified through our actions as our highest priority.
 
O God, we may have challenges set before us that ask us to compromise our position as Christians. Help us never to cave to such things. Rather, give us wisdom and strength to stand against anything that may hinder our relationship with You. In the end, we must give an account for our actions when we come before You. May what we do be right and pleasing so that we are prepared to do so. Amen.
 

Acts 23:29

Tuesday, 16 January 2024
 
I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. Acts 23:29
 
The tense of the verbs needs tweaking. The Greek reads, “Whom I found being accused about questions of their law and having no accusation worthy of death or chains” (CG).
 
The commander’s letter to Felix, the governor, about Paul continues, saying, “Whom I found being accused about questions of their law.”
 
The words, “questions of their law,” mean that there was nothing involved that Rome would care about. Instead, it was a matter of the interpretation of Jewish law and not something that was defined by the courts of Rome.
 
The Jewish people had been given authority to worship their God as they chose. Any internal strife concerning rites, interpretations, authorized teachers, etc. in relation to the law was left solely up to those in charge of such religious matters to decide. Because of this, the commander was certain that they were of no concern to Rome. They are what was detailed earlier in this chapter where it said –
 
“But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, ‘Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!’
7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, ‘We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.’” Acts 23:6-9
 
As this was a matter not within the jurisdiction of Roman decision, the commander concluded that Paul was “having no accusation worthy of death or chains.”
 
None of the things he heard were sufficient to bind him, imprison him, or have him executed. And yet, ironically, the things that they discussed are the most important issues that will ever affect the people of the world.
 
Because of the Roman system that was in place at the time, the worldly matters seemed to overshadow the more important spiritual ones, at least in order for Paul to be able to continue his ministry. Here and in all other cases in Acts, no magistrate found any wrongdoing in Paul.
 
Life application: The same situation exists today that existed at the time of Paul’s life under Roman rule. There are those who share the gospel in order to free people from the bonds of sin and the power of the devil. They do this within nations that supposedly have the right to rule over such matters or who are indifferent to such things.
 
And yet, the problem of sin infects every single person on the earth. At the time of the writing of this commentary, there is a major corruption scandal concerning fundraising in Japan. In Germany, there is a corruption scandal concerning gas supplies from Qatar. In the United States, the person in the White House is being investigated for corruption that literally permeates his political life and his family.
 
The same type of sinful behavior is found in one nation after another and in religious institutions around the world, including Christian churches and especially the Vatican, from the pope down to all levels. Some of these entities proclaim that they have authority over what believing Christians can say or how they can say it.
 
This, then, supposedly puts them over God who has given His word and has then instructed believers to share it and teach it. Imagine that! God has allowed humanity to run its own affairs, even if what they decide is set in contrast to His word. This includes churches that are supposed to rightly teach it.
 
And yet, people call God an ogre for telling them that the problem rests within their hearts and that He has done everything necessary to fix it and bring restoration between them and Him. No wonder the world is devolving into total chaos.
 
When the people turn from Him and how He has revealed Himself, it means that only sin is left to rule in their lives. Even the very best governments will fail unless the truth of God in Christ is accepted and allowed to flourish within the society.
 
What a mess the world is in, Lord God. Nations have cast off any sense of Christian morality, and we have turned away from the magnificent message of the gospel. Even churches and denominations are following the path of perversion, accepting profane doctrines to be taught as acceptable. Lord, we know that the coming of Jesus for His people is getting closer each day as we see these things unfold. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

Acts 23:28

Monday, 15 January 2024
 
And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. Acts 23:28
 
The words more literally say, “And desiring to know the charge through which they accused him, I brought him down to their council” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the commander referred to his actions in rescuing Paul, noting that he rescued him, having learned he was a Roman. In his words, he certainly fudged the truth, hiding his inappropriate actions, and changing the facts to highlight his alertness in defense of a fellow Roman. He continues this approach now, saying, “And desiring to know the charge through which they accused him.”
 
Again, the commander will completely omit his first choice of determining the accusations against Paul, which was to tie him up and torture him into a confession. Being such a minor detail, he must have felt sure that no governor could possibly want to know about it ☺.
 
However, the governor would surely want to know about his adeptness at getting to the heart of what was going on. Therefore, he next says, “I brought him down to their council.”
 
The commander’s letter shows a decisive person who takes the necessary action to get to the bottom of a matter with alacrity and alertness, even if that wasn’t exactly how things transpired. What appears to be the case is that he is looking for a year-end bonus or maybe a promotion for his attentiveness and military competence.
 
Life application: Doing what is right and telling the truth concerning a situation is always the best option, even if it may temporarily stain one’s image in the eyes of another. People will generally remember that a person was willing to admit his faults and acknowledge his shortcomings.
 
It’s hard to do, but it also frees up the mind from the lurking possibility that the actual circumstances of what occurred may someday be discovered. But even if they aren’t, and the event is completely forgotten, getting away with an untruth may sear the conscience to tell more lies. This is not a good way to conduct one’s life.
 
In the end, it is best to speak truthfully and be open and honest in one’s life. Above all, the Lord is aware of such things and so we should strive to live honorably and properly in His presence at all times.
 
Lord God, it can be difficult to face our own shortcomings. It can be more difficult to admit them to others. But it is right that we should be open and honest in our dealings with those around us. Help us to consider this and honor You through our words, deeds, and interactions with others. Amen.

Acts 23:27

Sunday, 14 January 2024
 
This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. Acts 23:27
 
The words are filled with participles, excitedly filling the statement with action. It more literally reads, “This man, having been seized by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them, having come with the detachment, I rescued him, having learned that he is Roman” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, opened his letter to Felix the governor. He now enters into the main details of the reason for that letter, beginning with, “This man.”
 
In the Greek, Paul is identified as ton andra touton, “the man, this.” Bengel sees this as a way of granting a title of honor. It is again used as the letter closes out in verse 30. The reason for this particular expression is explained by the end of the verse when he is identified further as being Roman. Of him, the letter continues, “having been seized by the Jews.”
 
It was the Jews who seized Paul and started hurling accusations at him. They got into such a lather that he was “about to be killed by them.” The situation practically turned into a riot as the temple doors were shut.
 
Once it was seen that they were about to kill Paul, the Roman garrison was notified, and the soldiers acted, “having come with the detachment.” Were they not to have come immediately, Paul surely would not have survived. However, the commander briefly states, “I rescued him.”
 
Of this word, while citing Bengel, Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“Bengel says, ‘a lie.’ Lysias wishes to make the impression that Paul's citizenship was the cause of his rescuing him; whereas he did not know of this until afterward. He says nothing about the proposed scourging.”
 
That untruth is seen in the final words of the verse, “having learned that he is Roman.”
 
It is not a noun, “a Roman.” Rather, it is an adjective, “Roman.” He is highlighting the honor of the state of citizenship and how he carefully defended that aspect of the culture, regardless of any other traits. It would be like saying, “I was willing to defend the citizenship itself, whether he was my best friend or a personal enemy.”
 
Although this isn’t at all what happened with respect to Paul’s Roman citizenship, it is intended to show the commander’s passion for protecting Romans and to preempt any negative comments by Paul concerning his treatment. In essence, he has completely buried his illegal actions towards Paul and is hoping that his wording in this letter will keep them forever buried. Unfortunately, he didn’t know that Luke was such a minute chronicler of the events of life.
 
Life application: Claudius Lysias has presented his actions in the most favorable light, even if they were not completely true. This will continue to be seen in his brief letter. His words are recorded and placed in Scripture for every person who has ever read the Bible to see.
 
How would we act if we knew that every word we spoke and deed we did were being recorded for others to see? Would we say things a little bit differently? Would we refrain from doing certain things and be sure to do other things that we would otherwise leave undone?
 
If we really believe that God is the judge of all men and is omniscient, then our words and deeds are, in fact, being recorded. If we can capture millions of live stream cameras 24 hours a day and keep those recordings in storage for future playback, how much more can we know that God is able to replay every moment of our existence before us!
 
This thought should not scare us, but it should alert us to the fact that God is there and everything we think, say, and do is known to Him. From that knowledge, we should endeavor to live our lives appropriately before Him. Everything we do will be brought to light when we stand before Him –
 
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
 
“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
 
We believed the gospel. The same God that we believe read our hearts at that time is the God who is now monitoring our lives in Christ for eternal rewards. Let our hearts be faithful, and may our actions be in accord with His will, as is set forth for us in Scripture. On the day when we are presented before the Judge, may rewards abound because of it.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for having heard us on the day we believed the gospel. At that time, You sealed us with Your Spirit and granted us eternal life. Help us to remember that You are still listening and hearing. May our lives now be filled with the same faith that we professed on that day. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Acts 23:26

Saturday, 13 January 2024
 
Claudius Lysias,To the most excellent governor Felix:Greetings.
 Acts 23:26
 
The narrative previously noted that the commander wrote a letter to Felix, the governor. The introductory salutation of that letter now begins, saying, “Claudius Lysias.”
 
By giving his name here, we finally learn the commander’s identity. Until this point, he has been referred to many times as the chiliarchos, a commander over a thousand men, and simply translated as “the commander.”
 
His first name, Claudius, is Roman. It was probably a name he assumed from Emperor Claudius, maybe when he received his citizenship. The second name appears to be Greek and was probably his name before becoming a citizen. Thus, he was probably originally a Greek or from the various Greek-speaking peoples within the empire. He next writes, “To the most excellent governor Felix.”
 
The title “most excellent,” kratistos, is the same title that Luke gave to Theophilus at the beginning of the book of Luke. It will be used two more times, both in Acts and both spoken during formal discourse with the appointed governor. The word is an adjective coming from kratos, a word signifying might, strength, dominion, power, etc. Thus, it literally means “strongest.”
 
As for the word translated as governor, it is hégemón. It is the source of our word hegemony. In classical Greek, it is used to refer to various leadership positions. The verse ends with “Greetings.”
 
The word used, chairó, is the same as was used in Acts 15:23 and in James 1:1 in the introduction of those letters. This letter may have been sent unsealed. Thus, it might have been read by Paul. It may have even been that he read it as the commander wrote it out. Or it may be that Paul or Luke was provided a copy of it in Caesarea. Thus, the substance of the letter has been recorded in Scripture.
 
Life application: This is a very short and simple verse, and yet it has details that give us a fuller understanding of how things were at the time of the apostles. Knowing the meaning of the words used can help us to piece together how people interacted, what words were commonly used in various settings (such as the introductory greeting to letters), what type of lines of authority existed, and so forth.
 
When you come to short, seemingly insignificant verses like this, don’t just quickly brush past it. Instead, take time to consider how such interactions are similar or different to how our modern world is structured. Quite often, we can see that things were not all that different in the past.
 
Though time is marching on, the human race remains in pretty much the same state that it has always been in. Until the return of Jesus, it will be so. Societies will evolve and devolve in a manner not unlike those recorded in the Bible. The main thing that directs them is their relation to laws intended to govern the sinful traits of man.
 
When societies punish wrongdoing in a just and fair manner, they will tend to prosper. When they treat their citizens in a respectful way, there will be harmony. Etc. However, when society moves away from such things, chaos begins to enter, and societal breakdown occurs. These things can be seen in Scripture, in the writings of societies, and in the way societies are moving before our eyes.
 
When Jesus comes for His people, a new order of things will come about. Someday, a perfect government without any sin will be realized. It will have perfect harmony, and there will be eternal communion and fellowship with our Creator. This is what God has done for us. It is now offered to us through the giving of Jesus. Hallelujah!
 
Thank You, O God, for the precious hope we possess. Someday, we will no longer have to deal with our fallen nature. We will be granted a new direction and an eternal state of joy and fellowship in Your presence. How we long for that day. We possess this hope and are highly anticipating its coming about. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.