BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 23:25

Friday, 12 January 2024
 
He wrote a letter in the following manner: Acts 23:25
 
A literal translation says, “Having written a letter, having this form:” (CG).
 
In the last verse, the commander ordered that beasts were to be provided to set Paul on in order to safely conduct him to Felix the governor. Now, it says, “Having written a letter, having this form:”
 
It seems like a curious few words to make into a single verse, but it is not without importance. First, Luke uses the word tupos which indicates a representation of something else. In other words, this letter is in the same form as the original, but it was not an exact copy.
 
Tupos is “originally: the mark of a blow, then a stamp struck by a die, (a) a figure; a copy, image, (b) a pattern, model, (c) a type, prefiguring something or somebody” (Strong’s).
 
Hebrews 8:5 and 1 Peter 5:3 show good uses of this word for us to understand –
 
“For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, ‘See that you make all things according to the pattern [tupos] shown you on the mountain.’” Hebrews 8:4, 5
 
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples [tupos] to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4
 
As for the letter Luke now refers to, both the author of the letter and its recipient were Roman citizens. Because of this, the letter was probably written not in Greek, but in Latin. Therefore, the letter, as written by Luke, would be a translation of what was said, not a direct copy of it. Hence, it is a type or form of the original.
 
Life application: The Bible was written in several different languages. There is only one way to exactly convey the original language, which is to read and understand it in that language. But that would mean everyone would need to be proficient in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, something totally unnecessary.
 
Rather, through competent translation, the sense of the original is sufficiently conveyed. However, there are various ways of translating so that the original makes sense in a particular manner. If there are alliterations in the original language, they are there to excite the mind in a particular way.
 
However, a literal translation may not produce an alliteration. So, should it be more freely translated and include an alliteration to match, or should it be a literal translation that has no alliteration? Actually, either is sufficient as long as the original meaning is still understood. As some translations will follow one method and others will follow another, it is good to read many different translations and styles of translations.
 
In this, you can get a fuller appreciation of the content that was originally presented when it was first written. Never stop reading the word, and don’t get bogged down and captivated by a single translation. You will miss out on so very much if you do!
 
Glorious God, we are grateful to You for the wonderful word You have given to us. Thank You for the competent translators and expositors who convey to us what the original writings mean in our own languages. Your word is a treasure and exploring it is a joy. Please provide a special blessing today upon those who so faithfully and tenderly convey Your word to us. Amen.

Acts 23:24

Thursday, 11 January 2024
 
“and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” Acts 23:24
 
A more literal translation would be, “And provide beasts, that, having set Paul upon, they might bring safely unto Felix the governor” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the commander directed that soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen be readied to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Now, his words continue, saying, “And provide beasts.”
 
The word kténos is used. It simply means a beast, as in a beast of burden. It could be a horse, a donkey, or a camel. Being with the Romans, it was probably either a horse or a donkey. Paul would not have to walk the long trek to Caesarea because it next says, “that, having set Paul upon, they might bring safely unto Felix the governor.”
 
Being on an animal and surrounded by almost five hundred soldiers, there would be very little chance any harm would come to him. Once safely out of the local area, many of the soldiers would return to Jerusalem, but those continuing on would guarantee his safe passage and delivery to Felix. As for this governor named Felix, a short description from Adam Clarke will suffice –
 
“This Felix was a freed man of the Emperor Claudius, and brother of Pallas, chief favourite of the emperor. Tacitus calls him Antonius Felix; and gives us to understand that he governed with all the authority of a king, and the baseness and insolence of a quondam slave. ... He had, according to Suetonius, in his life of Claudius, chap. 28, three queens to his wives; that is, he was married thrice, and each time to the daughter or niece of a king. Drusilla, the sister of Agrippa, was his wife at this time; see Acts 24:24. He was an unrighteous governor; a base, mercenary, and bad man: see Acts 24:2.”
 
Life application: Imagine how safe Paul was as he was carried out of Jerusalem on his way to Caesarea. It is certain that no harm would come to him. And more, he had the assurance of the Lord Himself that he would be taken to Rome to testify concerning the risen Christ.
 
With such security, and with such a guarantee from the mouth of the Lord, he would have had no concerns at all as he traveled along the road out of Jerusalem. We all have trials and troubles in this life, some of them are greater than we might be able to bear at the moment. And some of them will lead to our death or the death of those we love.
 
But this is not the end of the story for those who know Jesus. We may have uncertainty about the immediate prospects in our lives but let us be as certain as Paul was that we will make it to our final destination. The Lord has spoken, and the promise is sure –
 
“‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.’
5 Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’
6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:1-6
 
This is a promise from Jesus Christ, the risen Lord and the eternal God. Yes, trials and troubles are the hallmark of our walk in this fallen world, but safe passage to the New Jerusalem is guaranteed. Even if the ride getting there is a bit bumpy, we shall arrive safely and be granted an eternal inheritance that will outshine any temporary darkness and difficulty we now face. Be confident in this.
 
O God, we are grateful to You for the assurance we possess because of the wonderful and exalted work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Though our trials are many and this earthly life is often difficult, we are confident that what has been promised shall be delivered. Thank You, O God, for this wonderful surety we can hold onto. Amen.
 

Acts 23:23

Wednesday, 10 January 2024
 
And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; Acts 23:23
 
A literal translation would be, “And having called a certain two of the centurions, he said, ‘Prepare two hundred soldiers that they might go unto Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen; from the third hour of the night’” (CG).
 
The commander, having received word about the plot against Paul, just dismissed Paul’s nephew. Now, it says, “And having called a certain two of the centurions.”
 
Luke notes that the commander called “a certain” two of the centurions. Although this could simply be two on duty at the time, the wording seems purposeful. The commander is calling forth two trusted centurions that he knows he can rely on. These certain two are called to make the preparations.
 
With these two noted, he then said to them, “Prepare two hundred soldiers.” This would seem in line with their title, “centurion.” They are designated over a hundred men each. Therefore, calling two hundred men would be expected. This was so “that they might go unto Caesarea.”
 
They were to prepare for a lengthy march. The distance from Jerusalem to Caesarea on the modern highway is about 75 miles. So, this is at least a two-day march. Along with these men, the commander next says, “and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen.”
 
Within a short time, they would have gathered a contingent of almost five hundred soldiers just to safely conduct Paul out of the city and to the city of Caesarea. It will be seen that the soldiers will accompany Paul as far as Antipatris (as will be noted in verse 32) and then return to the city. From there, only the horsemen would be needed to conduct him the rest of the way. The commander then notes that this contingent was to be needed “from the third hour of the night.”
 
What the third hour of the night means depends on what clock Luke is using for the account. If he was using Jewish reckoning, it would be around 9 to 10 pm. Either way, without anyone knowing of the plan, they would be safely out of the city before daybreak, and the plotting of the Jews would be a complete failure.
 
Of interest is the word translated as “spearmen,” dexiolabos. It is a word found only here in Scripture. It literally means “right-hand grabbers,” coming from dexios (the right hand, or on the right side) and lambanó (to take hold of). Not only is it not found anywhere else in the Bible, but it is not seen anywhere in classical Greek. The next time it will be seen will be in the 7th century.
 
Vincent’s Word Studies says, “The exact meaning is uncertain. Some explain it as those who take the right side of the prisoners whom they have in charge; others, those who grasp (their weapon) with the right hand; others, again, those who hold (a second horse) by the right hand. They are here distinguished from the heavy-armed legionaries and the cavalry. They were probably light-armed troops, javelin-throwers or slingers.”
 
Life application: The Lord obviously knew that almost five hundred men would be used to conduct Paul as he was taken to Caesarea. In Acts 8, Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, and then it says –
 
“Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.” Acts 8: 39, 40
 
The word used to describe Philip’s removal from the eunuch is harpazó, to seize or snatch by force. We are left with the sense that Philip was there, and then he was gone. From there, he was “found” at Azotus. The wording is telling us that something unique took place, and Philip was there, and then he wasn’t.
 
Why didn’t the Lord just do this with Paul instead of having almost five hundred men’s lives upheaved for an emergency trip to Caesarea? It’s the same place Philip was eventually led to. We can speculate all day long about the workings of God, but when something unusual happens in Scripture, we should take it as a reliable account of what occurred and not try to diminish what we are being told.
At the same time, we should not rely on sensationalism to spiff up the narrative either. There is a sense of great importance assigned to Paul because his message was one of the greatest importance. This is seen with all clarity in Acts 23:11, where the Lord stood by him to encourage him with the words “as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
 
The same is no less true today. If you are sharing the gospel, the Lord will be with you through the process. As long as you are needed to fulfill that purpose, He will see you through whatever trial is happening. At some point, your time will be over. These things are determined by God. Therefore, don’t be frustrated at the Lord over seemingly negative things that transpire.
 
If your church has a missionary who was killed while in the field, if your pastor gets cancer and dies, if your church is destroyed in a flood or a fire, the Lord knew these things. Look for His hand in what occurs and be willing to acknowledge that what He has decided is what is right. In the end, the words, “The Lord’s will be done,” are always true.
Whether you are taken in the rapture or die in your bed, the Lord is with you. Be of good cheer. If you are in Christ, the Lord is certainly with you.
 
Glorious Lord God, may we hold fast to the truth that You are with us and are aware of everything that transpires around us. Give us the wisdom to conduct our lives with this knowledge and display an attitude to those around us that we accept it is so. Help us to always be people of faith who live out our lives faithfully. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 23:22

Tuesday, 9 January 2024
 
So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.” Acts 23:22
 
More literally, the Greek reads, “Therefore, indeed, the commander excused the young man, having instructed, ‘Tell no one that you reported these to me’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul’s nephew completed his explanation to the commander concerning the plot against Paul. With that, it now says, “Therefore, indeed, the commander excused the young man.”
 
The word apoluó is used. Translations vary – let go, dismissed, discharged, sent away, etc. It signifies to release or let go. Sometimes it even speaks of sending away a wife, meaning “divorce.” In this case, the boy was under no obligation to stay, so saying discharged or dismissed seems too restrictive, as if the boy was under some type of compulsion. For a single word to get the point across, “excused” fits.
 
Paul’s nephew completed his words, the commander had all the information he needed, and so he excused the young man, “having instructed, ‘Tell no one that you reported these to me.’”
 
In telling the boy not to say anything further, he is ensuring that no change in the original plans will be made. If the council learned that the commander knew of the plot, the Jews would simply amend what they intended and get Paul another way.
 
Instead, they will be unaware of the coming events until after the commander’s new plans have transpired. His concern is far greater for the security of a citizen of Rome than it is for taking Paul to another trial when there were no formal charges made against him.
 
It is interesting that this event will completely smooth over any hint of his own wrongdoing when he had Paul bound in order to flog him. The coming events will make it possible for him to look like a great commander to his superiors, one who is concerned about the citizens, and it will allow for what did happen to be brushed under the table.
 
All in all, it is a sweet deal for this person who held such a prominent place in this particular passage of Scripture.
 
Life application: Sometimes, we can wear ourselves out by attending to every matter that comes across our desks as soon as it occurs. At times, if there is nothing lost in putting a matter on hold, just setting it aside for a day or two will resolve things. Quite often, what seemed like a matter needing careful attention is overcome by other events.
 
And more, by jumping directly into an attempted resolution, one might not only waste time, but he may make things more complicated or more stressful for others. Patience and discernment are often the key to knowing the right time to act.
 
If you are the impulsive sort, take it to the Lord. Ask Him for His wisdom in how He would handle the events that are unfolding. Live in tune with Him and seek Him through His word. In the end, commit your ways to Him, and He will direct your steps.
 
Lord God, please give us wise and discerning hearts concerning matters that arise in our lives that may seem complicated or difficult to engage. By relying on Your wisdom, we will more rightly be able to discern when to act, how to respond, and what the outcome of our actions may be. Guide us in these things, O God. Amen.

Acts 23:21

Monday, 8 January 2024
 
“But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” Acts 23:21
 
More literally, the Greek reads, “Therefore, you should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty men of them are lurking, who anathematized themselves, neither to eat nor to drink until that they have killed him. And now, they are ready, awaiting the promise from you” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul’s nephew told the Roman commander that the Jews agreed to ask him to bring Paul down to the council on the following day. His words now continue, beginning with, “Therefore, you should not be persuaded by them.”
 
Without having yet said it, the meaning is clear. Something is amiss that sets the council against Paul. He has heard of it and has come into the Roman barracks to reveal it to the commander. His words continue with the actual details of the preplanned plot, saying, “For more than forty men of them are lurking.”
 
The word is enedreuó. This is its second and final use in Scripture. The first was seen in Luke 11–
 
“And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, 54 lying in wait [enedreuó] for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him.” Luke 11:53, 54
 
It is derived from enedra, an ambush, plot, treachery, etc. Thus, it signifies to lurk. Figuratively, then, it means to plot Paul’s assassination. Of these lurking men, Paul’s nephew continues to describe them, saying, “who anathematized themselves.”
 
It is the same word the men used in Acts 23:14 when speaking to the chief priests and elders, “Anathema, anathematized ourselves – tasting nothing until that we should kill Paul.” 
 
They had irretrievably bound themselves to the killing of Paul until the matter was seen through. They were firm and fixed in their determination to “neither to eat nor to drink until that they have killed him.” This is, again, the same thought expressed in Acts 23:14 where it said that they would taste nothing until they had completed their task.
 
The words show the reliability of Luke’s account. In verse 14, the overall word geuomai, or taste, was used. That is now explained by Paul’s nephew as either eating or drinking. Nothing was to pass their lips until the matter was completed. With that stated, he next tells the commander, “And now, they are ready, awaiting the promise from you.”
 
Once the request by the Jews is approved by the commander, the plot will be put into action. In the case of this event, the charcoal is in the pit, the lighter fluid is absorbed into the coals, and the match has been lit. The only thing to start the fire is for the commander to approve the request.
 
If he takes the boy’s recommendation and is not persuaded by them, the events will take a different turn. This is what the boy was sent to convince him of.
 
Life application: The use of the words “eat nor drink” instead of “taste” provides a nice touch as to the authenticity of the narrative. Unfortunately, many versions translate the word that should be rendered as “taste” in verse 14 as “eat.” In this, the true sense of the words is lost.
 
The words used in Scripture are purposeful and carefully selected by God to reveal the unfolding of a process that we can learn from. When those words are mistranslated, we will get a faulty sense of what is being conveyed. Unfortunately, pretty much every translation will have such errors because they were translated by men.
 
Men get distracted, they get tired, they get mentally overloaded, etc. Such things are inevitable. Therefore, it is profitable to read more than one translation if you want to get a fuller and probably more suitable sense of what is being conveyed. The next time you go through the Bible, maybe consider a parallel Bible. You can get them with two, three, or even four translations on a single page. It is a great way to compare what is translated and then to consider why there are differences.
 
Above all, keep reading the word! It is a treasure of delight as it details the unfolding of God’s wonderful plan of redemption for the people of the world.
 
Lord God, how thankful we are that there is a written record of what You are doing in the history of redemption. We don’t need to trust anyone who makes a claim about Your intentions if what they say doesn’t align with Your word. How grateful we are that we have the anchor to keep us from being tossed about on the seas of theological confusion. Thank You, O God, for Your precious and superior word. Amen.

Acts 23:20

Sunday, 7 January 2024
 
And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. Acts 23:20
 
A literal translation is, “And he said, ‘That the Jews agreed to ask you that to-morrow you might bring down Paul to the council, as intending to more precisely inquire something about him’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the commander had taken Paul’s nephew by the hand and went aside with him to privately ask about why he had come. Now, the narrative continues with, “And he said, ‘That the Jews agreed to ask you.’”
 
The term “the Jews” is certainly speaking of the body of religious leaders within the nation, this would be specifically inclusive of the Sanhedrin. It is a term used of them several other times in the New Testament, especially in John. They are the leaders of the people. Therefore, they are called “the Jews” to represent the collective whole.
 
Saying they agreed to ask indicates that they are in full agreement with the plot against Paul. This would obviously be in violation of Roman law, but it would also be a violation of their own requirement to serve Rome. That is not contradictory at all. Jesus told them this when He was among them –
 
“And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” Matthew 22:21
 
But this wasn’t just something Jesus pulled out of the wind. At the time of the Babylonian exile, the Lord told them this through Jeremiah –
 
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:5 ‘Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.’” Jeremiah 29:4-7
 
Israel served other nations because they failed to serve the Lord. This could be no less true under Rome than it was under Babylon. The guilt of “the Jews” was a guilt that transferred to the entire nation because they represented the nation. For now, the words of Paul’s nephew continue with, “that to-morrow you might bring down Paul to the council, as intending to more precisely inquire something about him.”
 
The term “the Jews” is further explained by the words “the council.” As leaders in the council, they are the leaders of the people. It is this council who is using the pretext that they have more to ask of Paul in order to have him killed on the way there.
 
Life application: Today, Israel is a nation under its own authority. This is the first time that this has been the case for thousands of years. This is not by random chance but by the providential hand of the Lord. The agreement they made at Sinai is still binding upon them. They will either serve the Lord, or they will receive the punishments of the law that they agreed to.
 
In serving the Lord properly, they must come to Christ Jesus. This is because law and the prophets testify to the coming of their Messiah, Jesus. It is their rejection of Him that brought them the catastrophes they have suffered. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. Thus, He is the One who has brought it to its end.
 
The point of Jesus’ coming was to bring restoration and life to Israel that the law could never bring. Israel has a choice to make in order to receive life. However, the New Covenant was not limited to Israel. Gentiles, who were never under the law, are graciously grafted into it as well.
 
And so, why would anyone want to place the yoke of the law upon himself? Apart from Jesus, the law can only bring condemnation. Please remember this. Don’t fall into the trap of law observance. Instead, trust in the goodness of God through the giving of His Son to remove condemnation from all men. Come to the grace of God in Christ and be saved!
 
Lord God, may we be wise and discerning in our understanding of Your word. Keep us from those who would impose false teachings upon us and bring us under the bondage of the law. Instead, may we rest confidently in the work of Jesus, knowing He has done all things to secure our salvation and restore us to You. Amen.
 

Acts 23:19

Saturday, 6 January 2024
 
Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” Acts 23:19
 
A literal translation is, “And the commander, having taken his hand, and having withdrawn in private, inquired, ‘What is it that you have to tell me?’”
 
In the previous verse, the centurion had taken Paul’s nephew to the commander so that he could convey a message to him. Next, it says, “And the commander, having taken his hand.”
 
These words certainly imply that Paul’s nephew was very young. It can almost be felt in the words that he feared even being in the presence of the military, and so to calm him and assure him that all was well, the commander literally took him by the hand. The gesture would not go beyond a child in his early teens. Understanding this, it next says, “and having withdrawn in private.”
 
This tells us that the commander was wary of anyone, even his own men. If they were spendthrifts, as soldiers often are, they would be hard up for money. Someone in authority among the Jews could take advantage of this and bribe them for information.
 
If the matter was important enough for Paul to send the boy to him directly, it meant that it was something that could affect his life. Attempts to kill him had already taken place on several occasions. To succeed in an assignation while Paul was in Roman custody would be a giant success for their cause. Therefore, the commander took him aside and “inquired, ‘What is it that you have to tell me?’”
 
It appears that the commander was favorable toward receiving the message before it was even spoken. In other words, he had seen what transpired between Paul and his accusers. He also knew that Paul was a citizen who had almost been beaten illegally by his own men.
 
In reassuring the boy, he does everything possible to guarantee that whatever was important enough to be brought to his personal attention by Paul was important enough to be done with tenderness and in a private setting. The commander had made a grievous mistake in having Paul bound and prepared for scourging. He did not want any such thing that could bring personal harm to Paul to happen again.
 
Life application: The words of this verse appear to reveal that Luke personally interviewed the commander. He could not otherwise know such minute detail, such as his taking the boy by his hand unless he either witnessed it or was told it from the commander or one of the centurions. But what was said in private would only have been known by the commander.
 
Think about such things as you read Acts. It is a carefully detailed record of things that actually transpired. It was then judiciously checked out by Luke, ensuring that we have the most accurate details possible. This is just what Luke claims at the beginning of his gospel account –
 
“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:1-4
 
As many details that we may have expected to be included are left out, and as many seemingly insignificant details are included, we can be assured that the Spirit was directing Luke each step of the way to come to an account that is exactly what God intended for us to receive.
 
Therefore, be assured that the word we are reading is truly the word of God. It is there for us to know and defend the faith we profess. Use it as such, to the glory of God.
 
Lord God, may we be aware of the contents of Your precious word and then be willing to defend our faith before others, using this word as the source of our understanding of what You have done, are doing, and will continue to do for the redemption of man. Thank You, O God, for this precious word. Amen.

Acts 23:18

Friday, 5 January 2024
 
So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” Acts 23:18
 
A literal translation would be, “He, therefore, indeed, having taken him, brought to the commander. And says, ‘The prisoner Paul, having summoned me, asked to lead this young man to you, having something to say to you’” (CG).
 
Paul had just asked one of the centurions to take his nephew to the commander to relay some important information. Next, Luke says, “He, therefore, indeed, having taken him, brought to the commander.”
 
There is a note of military obedience here. There was no questioning of Paul by the centurion, just the obedience of such a life under authority. This may be mingled with respect for Paul because he didn’t say, “I’ll let the commander know and will be right back.”
 
In other words, he may have trusted Paul’s interactions with the commander and the other centurions enough to comply without first receiving verification that Paul’s request was acceptable. Rather, it was understood to be so. And so, he conducts the boy to the commander and advises him of the situation. Luke uses a present tense verb to convey the beginning of the exchange, saying, “And says, ‘The prisoner Paul, having summoned me.’”
 
Luke brings his audience directly into the narrative with the present tense “says.” It is as if we are watching the event as it unfolds. Also, rather than “called,” the word signifies to call near. Thus, “summoned” conveys the sense. It wasn’t something Paul shouted out from a distance. Rather, it is something that he wanted to keep closely guarded. 
 
The sense may be that Paul was afraid that some of the guards might secretly be on the payroll of the Jewish officials. This would be less likely with a centurion. Also, Paul is called “the prisoner Paul.” It is a name which he will afterward call himself in both Ephesians 3:1 and Philemon 1:1. He will also allude to his status as a prisoner several times elsewhere. The walls of prison became a common sight in his life as an apostle. Vincent's Word Studies explains Roman imprisonment –
 
“The prisoner (ὁ δέσμιος) From δέω, to bind. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was held in custodia militaris, ‘military custody.’ Three kinds of custody were recognized by the Roman law: 1. Custodia publica (public custody); confinement in the public jail. This was the worst kind, the common jails being wretched dungeons. Such was the confinement of Paul and Silas at Philippi. 2. Custodia libera (free custody), confined to men of high rank. The accused was committed to the charge of a magistrate or senator, who became responsible for his appearance on the day of trial. 3. Custodia militaris (military custody). The accused was placed in charge of a soldier, who was responsible with his life for the prisoner’s safe-keeping, and whose left hand was secured by a chain to the prisoner’s right. The prisoner was usually kept in the barracks, but was sometimes allowed to reside in a private house under charge of his guard.”
 
As Paul was guarded in prison, and for whatever reason, he specifically summoned the centurion to personally convey his request to the commander. With that noted, Paul’s request is repeated by the centurion, saying that Paul “asked to lead this young man to you, having something to say to you.”
 
The matter was important enough for the young man to be taken to the commander personally, not to be transmitted indirectly.
 
Life application: In both testaments of Scripture, the necessity to not share things that are private is highlighted. For example, in Proverbs 16:28, it says –
 
“A perverse man sows strife,And a whisperer separates the best of friends.”
 
Paul was careful to keep his nephew’s information carefully guarded. If a whisperer can ruin friendships, how much more can he do in a place where there may be spies? The best thing to do is to keep private matters private. No matter how much someone seems trustworthy, the temptation to further pass on personal information or secrets is great.
 
Eventually, there will be a breakdown in the chain of people sharing with “just one person” who shouldn’t be trusted with even the day’s headline news. To avoid many troubles and grief, remember that if you are told something in private, it should not be repeated to anyone without permission to do so.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to be trustworthy in our speech and conduct before You. Help us not to be tempted to disclose private matters, even if it seems like it is safe to do so. Rather, let us share those things that need to be shared openly, such as the gospel. Yes, Lord, give us wisdom to keep private things private and to call out the Good News at all times. Amen.

Acts 23:17

Thursday, 4 January 2024
 
Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” Acts 23:17
 
The words more literally read, “And Paul, having called one of the centurions, said, ‘Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.’”
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Paul’s nephew heard of the planned ambush, and so he went to the barracks and told Paul. With that remembered, it next says, “And Paul, having called one of the centurions.”
 
The centurion was probably the head man on duty at the time. He would then have reported to the commander (chiliarchos, thus a chiliarch,) who would have been over ten centurions and in charge of the entire force at the fort. Having called the centurion, he then said, “Take this young man to the commander.”
 
The word translated as “young man” doesn’t tell us much concerning his age, but what will happen later will show that he is probably a very young person. The word in Greek simply means a youth or a young man. At times, it is even used for a man of forty years of age. Having said that, Paul continues, saying, “for he has something to report to him.”
 
Because of his status as a Roman citizen by birth, the request would not be out of line. The centurion certainly would not want to impede the matter, especially after what previously happened when Paul was illegally bound. Further, the petition for the commander to hear the matter meant that it was above his own pay grade to properly handle.
 
It should be noted that Paul has already been promised by the Lord that he would be safeguarded and that he would see Rome, but this doesn’t exclude him from acting in order to make that happen. There is nothing contradictory in the two concepts. Rather his efforts will complement the promise already made.
 
Life application: Quite often, people expect their lives to be without troubles simply because they have accepted Jesus. It is as if the purpose of their faith is for them to be served by God. When something difficult, taxing, or even terrible happens, the first question off of their lips is, “Why is God doing this to me?”
 
For example, the person has a car, needing it to get to work each day. If the car breaks down, the “Why is God...?” question pops out. Is it God’s responsibility to ensure the car runs forever? Should we expect Him to spend His time changing the oil, greasing the joints, and keeping it filled with gas? If not, then at what point does His responsibility start?
 
The same person, on the same day, has the home air conditioner fail. Again, the almost accusing question pops forth, “Why is He treating me this way?” How many times was the a/c turned on and a “Thank You for this wonderful a/c!” uttered? If not, then it demonstrates that it was something under that person’s control.
 
Cars break down, air conditioners fail, and bills must be paid. We cannot expect God to live our lives for us. Rather, we should take the actions necessary to have our lives operate properly. And even if we are responsible for hot water heaters, isn’t it right from time to time to thank the Lord for the hot water we have? Many people in the world have never taken a hot shower.
 
We should be grateful for every blessing we possess, and yet, we should be responsible enough to care for those things that are under our control without blaming God or questioning His goodness when things stop working as they should.
 
The more we have this perspective, the less we will be frustrated by the world which casts out frustration at every rising of the sun. Be grateful! Be filled with thanks! And be content, even in times of trouble! Live a life that is tuned into the goodness of God, even as you walk through the troubled valleys of life.
 
Lord God, how thankful we are for every good and kind blessing of this life. Ultimately, all good things come down from Your open hand of grace. Help us to be appreciative of what we have, responsible for caring for those things, and accepting of the times when they fail or are taken away from us. Above all, thank You, O God, for the giving of Jesus Christ our Lord. Hallelujah and amen.

Acts 23:16

Wednesday, 3 January 2024
 
So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Acts 23:16
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And the son of Paul’s sister, having heard of the ambush, having come and having entered into the barracks reported to Paul” (CG).
 
The previous verse gave the details of the plot that had been schemed against Paul. Now, Luke continues to record what transpired after that, beginning with, “And the son of Paul’s sister.”
 
The sister and nephew of Paul are the only named relatives in the book and possibly in the Bible. Romans 16:7 & 11 mention Paul’s kinsmen, but this could refer to kinsmen of the flesh, meaning Jews. That cannot be discerned decidedly in one way or another. However, these two can. Of this nephew, it says, “having heard of the ambush.”
 
Luke leaves off any details of how he could have heard about this. He simply states it as a fact that he heard. The next words show that despite, or maybe because of, Paul’s faith in Jesus, they were still close as a family. The record says, “having come and having entered into the barracks reported to Paul.”
 
When he heard of the plot, it was something he felt needed to be reported immediately. This sister may not have lived in Jerusalem or Paul may have stayed with her rather than Mnason (Acts 21:16). If she lived back in Paul’s hometown, then this young man may have been sent to Jerusalem as a student of the rabbis just as Paul was.
 
If so, and it is all speculation, then he may have heard of the plot via the people he was studying with because these would be the circles where talk of this would occur. This is especially so when 40 people had come under the same vow and whose vow was known to the rulers. Such a matter could not be kept quiet within the rabbinic circles of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
 
Another possibility is that the nephew was in town for the feast along with all the other Jews, but this would not explain how he came to know of the plot. It is unlikely that it was common knowledge in Jerusalem.
Noting that he entered into the barracks tells us that Paul was given liberties while he was detained. More than this, his detainment at this point would be not so much for the good of the public but for his own good. He had not been charged with any crime. Therefore, being allowed visitors would be acceptable.
 
Life application: As noted above, Paul’s close kin were allied with him despite (or maybe because of) his faith. If they were not believers, they were willing to help him despite this. If they were, they would be even more willing to help him.
 
The record does not say either way, and thus it is purposeful. There are cults that ask their followers to not associate with people outside of their circles, including family members. This is wholly unscriptural, and it is a good indication that you should not give them an ear, even for a moment. Get away from such control freaks before you get sucked into their aberrant teachings.
Paul’s words are clear –
 
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore ‘put away from yourselves the evil person.’” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13
 
It is not those outside of the faith that we need to keep away from. Rather, it is miscreants who call themselves believers that are to be avoided. And avoid them like the plague. They can only damage your walk with the Lord and bring you into whatever bondage they are held by.
 
Lord God Almighty, give us wisdom when dealing with others. So many people have perverse hidden agendas that will only draw our eyes away from You. And yet, they can be very cunning and convincing in how they present their messages. Help us to not get duped by such people. May our allegiance be directly to You through Jesus! Amen.
 

Acts 23:15

Tuesday, 2 January 2024
 
“Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” Acts 23:15
 
In the last verse, the men who were plotting to kill Paul placed themselves under an oath and informed the chief priests and elders of their intentions. With that remembered, it next says, “Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow.”
 
Some manuscripts leave off the word “tomorrow,” but it is probably correctly placed here. There is a definite sense of urgency concerning the vow. It is, therefore, unlikely that they would simply leave the timing open to the convenience of whenever a general meeting was held. Instead, it would need to be expedited.
 
The band of men had laid out the plans and made the agreement. And so, they would be conveying their intentions, including the particulars, at this time. Next, they explain why they wanted this request to be made, saying, “as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him.”
 
This squarely places these leaders in the crosshairs as far as guilt before both Rome and God is concerned. They now know of the ongoing plan and are being directly asked to participate in it. This call for Paul, however, is a pretext for something else. As it next says, “but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”
 
Charles Ellicott notes three reasons for this action being necessary –
 
“...either (1) because the Sanhedrin had lost, under Roman rule, its power to inflict capital punishment; or (2) because, even if they possessed that power, the chiliarch was not likely to allow its exercise in the case of a Roman citizen; or (3) because the experience of the previous day had shown that the violent party were not likely to obtain a majority in the Council.”
 
No matter what, the plan is certainly plausible because nothing had been decided in the previous interrogation, and so another one would be both expected and appropriate. The words “kill him before he comes near” are intended to keep the council’s hands free from accusation by the Roman masters. However, there could always be a weak link in this chain that would identify them as a part of the growing conspiracy.
 
Life application: When those in power want to retain their power, it will often result in harming others. Imagine a party having lost an election and seeing their goals being swept away by a well-respected and honest leader. The only way for them to regain power is to rely on deceit, theft of the popular vote, and using those aligned with them who are still in jobs within the government.
 
From there, and once the election is stolen, those who were aligned with the now-ousted leader are pursued with reckless abandon by the new government. False charges are made up, sham councils are organized that have highly edited videos to manipulate the truth and malign anyone who disagrees with them.
 
Lives are ruined, trust in the government is lost, and fear of speaking out becomes the standard for most. Those who are willing to speak out risk their very lives to uphold what is right. Does this sound impossible to you? Then maybe you need to reevaluate what has been going on in the world around you.
 
You must decide whether you will speak out against what is wrong, or you will safely and quietly remain in the background, not wanting to upset the applecart. Such decisions must be made by each person in such a nation. Where will you stand when you find yourself in a position like this?
 
O God, help us to be willing to work against the evil that surrounds us in the world. May we be bold enough to call out wrongdoing, identifying it for what it is. Someone must do so, or the wicked will certainly prevail. Give us the fortitude we need to do what is right. Yes, be with us, O God. Amen.

Acts 23:14

Monday, 1 January 2024
 
They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. Acts 23:14
 
A literal translation is, “Who, having come to the chief priests and the elders said, ‘Anathema, anathematized ourselves – tasting nothing until that we should kill Paul’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that forty men had come together against Paul. Of them, it next says, “Who, having come to the chief priests and the elders.” They had made a joint oath to kill Paul. This is often translated as a conspiracy. Now, they will present their intentions to the chief priests and elders. As such, and even if they have not joined in the oath, these rulers are now a part of this conspiracy.
 
It was said in their midst quite some time earlier, “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God” (Acts 5:39). This was repeated in part in Acts 23:9.
 
As this movement has taken root, it means that these men are clearly pitting themselves against God if they agree to what is next said by the forty men, “Anathema, anathematized ourselves.”
 
The way the Greek is structured in these words follows the pattern of a Hebrew idiom where a verb is repeated while being restructured for emphasis. This intensifies the words being spoken. The word “great” stated in the NKJV may help convey this idea for our English understanding, but it is not a part of the Greek. The idiom itself is sufficient to understand the intensive nature of the statement.
 
They have irretrievably bound themselves to a particular matter until it is seen through. With that, they next explain what it is they have committed to, saying, “tasting nothing until that we should kill Paul.”
 
These men know that the faction of the Sadducees would be more than happy to hear this news. The brutality of the high priest was known, and he would be most displeased with how the events of the inspection of Paul came out. Knowing this, they will use his authority as a pretext to be rid of Paul.
 
In their oath, and in the fact that they are repeating its substance to the chief priests and elders, there is conveyed a sense of urgency. They would quickly lose their strength and their stamina if their request was not expedited. They are trusting that what they recommend will be approved and acted upon speedily. What is occurring also matches the words of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14 –
 
“Then one of the people said, ‘Your father strictly charged [literally: swearing, has sworn] the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food this day.’ And the people were faint.29 But Jonathan said, ‘My father has troubled the land. Look now, how my countenance has brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found! For now would there not have been a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?’” 1 Samuel 14:28-30
 
Life application: If you are plotting to do wickedness and you go to someone in a higher position of authority to get approval for what you are doing, it does not exonerate you from your actions.
 
For example, if you are planning on murdering your child through abortion, you might go through the court system and get them to declare abortion legal in the land. Should that be approved, it does not mean that you are now absolved from the guilt of murder when you have your child killed.
 
This goes along with things like voting as well. If you vote for someone who will work to make abortion legal, you are participating in the resulting laws being passed. We all need to understand that just because something is legal, it does not mean it is morally right in God’s eyes. The only way to be freed from the sin debt you bear is to come to Jesus and be cleansed. From there, live rightly and in accord with Scripture. This is what God would have you do.
 
Lord God Almighty, we are prone to make all kinds of mistakes in life. We may try to hide some of them by claiming what we are doing is legal. But if it is contrary to Your will, we are guilty of our actions, nonetheless. Help us to consider this and to do what is right and good in Your eyes at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.