BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 20:28

Friday, 29 September 2023
 
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted that he had not shunned to declare to them the whole counsel of God. Now, and using that as an example for them to follow, he says, “Therefore take heed to yourselves.”
 
Paul is speaking to those in charge and reminding them that they first need to oversee themselves or everything which follows will be wrong. As the Pulpit Commentary says –
 
“He that is careless about his own salvation will never lie careful about the souls of others.”
 
The Pulpit Commentary is correct, if it is referring to one’s state in salvation, not in the state of salvation itself. In other words, if a person is saved, the state of his salvation is no longer in question, but his condition as a saved believer can and does change. Paul’s words are that these already saved believers must take heed concerning their actions as believers. 1 Timothy 4:16 is a great comparable verse to consider –
 
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
 
At first, the words of 1 Timothy 4:16 appear to be pointing to works-based salvation, but that is not the case. In teaching right doctrine, those who are taught will be saved (if they choose to accept God’s gracious offer in Christ). In caring for the salvation of others, a minister is demonstrating that he cares for his own salvation. It is the gospel that brings salvation to men. As for the verse in Acts, Paul continues with, “and to all the flock.”
 
Drawing on the symbolism found throughout Scripture, the shepherd tends to his flock. The word translated as “flock” is the neuter noun poimnion. It is a flock of herding animals, especially sheep. In emulation of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Paul asks them to continue in this same care for those entrusted to them. This endowment is, according to his words, “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.”
 
The Holy Spirit is the one who consecrated these men to be overseers of their flock in Ephesus. The idea here is first a desire to serve in this capacity and then with the approval of those who would be shepherded by them. As those in the church are believers sealed with the Holy Spirit, then these men have, by implication, been made overseers by the Holy Spirit.
 
As for the term “overseers,” Paul now uses this term - episkopos. It is derived from epi, upon, and skopos, a watcher, or a mark on which to fix the eye as if using a scope. Hence, it is an overseer. He is one who views intently. It is to be remembered that in verse 20:17, the term presbuteros, or elder, was used. Thus, the words are being used synonymously for the individual, even if the substance of the word is different. They are elders, and their job is to oversee.
 
This word, episkopos, is used five times, four by Paul and once by Peter in 1 Peter 2:25 when speaking of Jesus. Hence, the church overseer is to be like the ultimate Overseer, Jesus. He carefully watches over the souls of His people, as noted in 1 Peter, and these men are to do likewise and “shepherd the church of God.”
 
Here, Paul uses the verb form of the word translated as “flock” he just used, poimainó. It signifies caring for the flock, inclusive of feeding them, protecting them, directing them, etc. The KJV says, “feed.” That is only a part of what a shepherd does, and thus it is an inadequate translation.
 
As for the words “the church of God,” although seemingly straightforward, this is one of the most debated verses in the New Testament. Along with 1 Timothy 3:16 and 1 John 5:7, this verse has several marked textual variations. One is the “church of the Lord,” and one is the “church of the Lord and God.”
 
Paul uses the term “church of God” around ten times (with variations on that theme making even more), but never “church of the Lord.” However, that doesn't mean it wasn't his intent here. The difference is important, particularly because of the next words he will say.
 
As for the church itself, it is a called-out assembly of believers. It is at the direction of those who lead it, just as Israel was at the direction of the king appointed over them. When the king strayed, the people inevitably did so as well. Likewise, when an unsuitable leader is found within the church, those he leads will likewise go astray. But this should never be the case because, as Paul next says of Jesus in relation to the church, “which He purchased with His own blood.”
 
The word “purchased” signifies to fully acquire. The payment for the souls of those in the church was complete when Christ shed His blood. Concerning the words “His own blood,” they are in the emphatic position, literally “which He purchased through the blood the own.” The meaning of the word “blood” is “death.” The life is in the blood.
 
It isn’t as if Jesus could have drawn out a pint of His blood and said, “Here, use this to buy the church,” as implied in the words “with” or “which.” Rather, when the blood is shed, death is the result. The payment for the souls of God’s people is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It is through His death that man has life. Paul’s words are carefully selected and spoken out to these men as a point of theology.
 
These words are why the textual variations are so contested. If “God” is intended, then it is absolute evidence of the deity of Christ. If God has His own blood, then it must be Jesus who is being referred to. Those who wish to intentionally diminish the deity of Christ would naturally prefer “Lord” and vice versa with those who desire to prove His deity. However, Christ’s deity is so obvious from other portions of Scripture, that only a person who intentionally denies the premise could miss it anyway.
 
Life application: In the words of this verse, Paul notes that these elders are to lead the flock “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” As noted, this was – and continues to be – based on a selection and appointment process. The pastoral epistles give the necessary qualifications for such leaders. Therefore, the idea of the Holy Spirit making people overseers is inclusive of what is recorded there.
 
As such, if a person does not meet those minimum qualifications, the Holy Spirit does not at all make that person an overseer. The church departed from the word which is given by the Holy Spirit, and it failed to uphold its sacred duty.
 
The obvious point of this is that a church that failed to do as instructed is not an acceptable body of believers. This does not mean that those in the church are not saved. They may or may not be, but they have placed themselves in a state of apostasy because of their selection and appointment.
 
Just as the nation of Israel devolved into inappropriate conduct during the rule of a bad king, so that particular church body will devolve as well. This is the inevitable path for such things. If you are in a church that has appointed leaders whose qualifications are not in accord with the pastoral epistles, you should work to get that corrected or leave that church. Otherwise, your own walk will suffer.
 
O God, You have given us Your word to lead us and direct us. Within that word are directions for men to be selected and designated as leaders within our local church. Help us to use wisdom in selecting men who meet the qualifications laid out by You. We wish to remain a body that is living in accord with Your will. So, help us to act accordingly in our leadership choices. Amen.
 

Acts 20:27

Thursday, 28 September 2023
 
“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27
 
Paul just said that he was innocent of the blood of all. He now explains exactly what that means, beginning with, “For I have not shunned.”
 
It is the same word just introduced in verse 20:20, hupostelló. It signifies to withhold, draw back, keep back, etc. There, he said that he “kept back nothing that was helpful.” To get a fuller flavor of its meaning, the word is also found in Galatians 2:12 when speaking of Peter withdrawing from the Gentiles because he feared those who were of the circumcision. It is used again in Hebrews 10:38 along with the noun form in Hebrews 10:39 –
 
“For yet a little while,And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.38 Now the just shall live by faith;But if anyone draws back,My soul has no pleasure in him.39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:38, 39
 
Paul continues the thought, saying, “to declare to you.” HELPS Word Studies says the word signifies “to tell all the way up, i.e. clearly – declaring a thought (communication) that shows it has cleared (gone through) its necessary stages.” Paul is therefore saying that he has not withheld anything but instead fully expressed everything included in “the whole counsel of God.”
 
The whole counsel of God specifically meant Scripture for Paul, but it also included his revelation of Jesus. For example, in Ephesians 3, Paul says –
 
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” Ephesians 3:1-7
 
Such insights and revelations are a part of the whole counsel of God that had been revealed to Paul. He had held nothing back and had given every detail necessary for those who heard to both be saved and to walk properly in Christ.
 
Life application: Consider Paul’s words carefully. The words of Paul and the other apostles are now a part of “the whole counsel of God.” These men were commissioned to express what they knew about Jesus Christ. Their writings are now complete and sealed.
 
We are to not abuse them, misuse them, add to them, or subtract from them. In 2 Timothy 3, it says –
 
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
 
As these things are true, we can know – without any doubt or ambiguity – that any supposed revelation beyond Scripture is false. For example, Paul has said that he has withheld nothing. He revealed to us the doctrine of the rapture. He has given the sequence of events exactly as they will occur. However, he has not given us any word that will allow us to know when the rapture will occur.
 
Therefore, any rapture prediction or prophecy is false. We don’t need to guess if this is true. We are to take it as an axiom. Think about what Paul has said and be sure to consider claims made by people in light of his words. In the end, the whole counsel of God is about Jesus Christ. From beginning to end, it is all about Him. And it is sufficient.
 
Lord God, thank You for this precious word that tells us just what we need to know. We don’t need to worry that maybe there are details that were mistakenly left out. Nor should we think there is anything unnecessary or superfluous recorded there. Rather, it is a sure and pure word we have received. Thank You that we can have this confidence. Amen.

Acts 20:26

Wednesday, 27 September 2023
 
“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Acts 20:26
 
Paul had just noted that he knew that those he was talking to would see his face no more. Now, and because of this, he next says, “Therefore.”
 
He is basing his words on what he will say next. It is a way of calling attention to the main point: this, this, therefore, this. With that stated to alert them to the importance of his coming words, he next adds in a note of solemn assurance, saying, “I testify to you this day.”
 
In other words, “What I am about to say is the truth. It is fully supportable by what I have already laid out before you. So, please take my words to heart.” With that in mind, he next says, “that I am innocent of the blood of all men.”
 
The Greek word katharos, or pure, is use d. Paul is saying that he remains undefiled before God concerning the blood of those he encountered. However, this is not speaking of literal blood. Rather, the blood is the life of a man. For example, when it says that Jesus shed His blood, it means that He died. Understanding this terminology, Paul’s words form an expression similar in thought to what he said in Acts 18 –
 
“When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’” Acts 18:5, 6
 
Paul had shared the message of God in Christ. He had explained to the Jews that this is God’s means of salvation, and they had rejected it. He was not guilty of withholding the message, and therefore, he was purre from the defilement of their blood. This is an expression that goes back to the book of Ezekiel –
 
Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: 18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
20 Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 3:16-21
 
Ezekiel was to warn the people about their spiritual state. If they failed to turn from the words of the Lord through Ezekiel, their blood would be on their own heads. However, if Ezekiel failed to warn the people as the Lord required, the blame for their condition would be laid upon Ezekiel. Paul was using this example before those of Ephesus to let them know he had faithfully discharged his duties in regard to the spiritual condition of those he encountered.
 
Again, this is also not unlike what Samuel said to the people of Israel. He set before them a challenge to accuse him of wrongdoing. In doing this, he was demonstrating that no person had a valid case against him later, blaming him for what would come about when a king was appointed over the people –
 
“Now Samuel said to all Israel: ‘Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. 2 And now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. 3 Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.’” 1 Samuel 12:1-3
 
Again, understanding that this is not referring to literal blood, Paul’s conduct in Acts 7 has nothing to do with what is stated here. He was present at the death of Stephen. But Stephen was a saved believer in Christ. Therefore, the death of Stephen cannot be equated to what Paul is now speaking about.
 
Albert Barnes adds a note of eloquence to this verse: “...Greek: I call you to witness. If any of you are lost; if you prove unfaithful to God, I appeal to yourselves that the fault is not mine. It is well when a minister can make this appeal, and call his hearers to bear testimony to his own faithfulness. Ministers who preach the gospel with fidelity may thus appeal to their hearers; and in the day of judgment may call on themselves to witness that the fault of the ruin of the soul is not to be charged to them.”
 
The sentiment of this verse is seen in James 3:1 and in Hebrews 13:17. Take time to look up those verses and think about what is said there.
 
Life application: It is a very common thing to hear people today claim they are “watchmen” or “watchmen on the wall,” as if they have a special commission from the Lord or that they have personally taken on a burden that others don’t carry. Inevitably, they equate their words to being specialists in Bible prophecy and that they are watching as prophetic events unfold, carefully monitoring the world so they can alert God’s people to be aware of what is happening or soon to happen.
 
This is nonsense. There is no office of prophetic watchman detailed in Scripture. The idea of the watchman, as clearly indicated in Ezekiel, was that Ezekiel was designated to warn the people about their spiritual conduct before God. Paul, using this same type of argument but avoiding the “watchmen” terminology, notes that he had carefully told all he encountered about the way to be saved, meaning through Jesus Christ.
 
People who claim to be watchmen today need to drop the fancy titles and get about the business of sharing the gospel, warning those they encounter that they cannot be reconciled to God without Jesus. This would at least be in line with what the title “watchman” terminology in Ezekiel was given for. But, again, there is no need for the title. It is not something assigned to a class of people in the New Testament. Therefore, it is a title without merit in the church today.
 
Lord God, may we not get caught up in things that do not edify, and may we stay away from the sensational in our walk with You. Rather, may we quietly, obediently, and effectively share the gospel with others so that their eyes will be opened, and their hearts will be receptive to the words of life and restoration that You have given to us. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:25

Tuesday, 26 September 2023
 
“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.  Acts 20:25
 
The word should be more precisely translated, “And now, behold, I have known that no more you will see my face – you all – among whom I passed through proclaiming the kingdom of God” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted that he was doing his utmost to finish the race set before him. Therefore, he was unmoved by the thought of chains and tribulations. With that remembered, he next says, “And now, behold, I have known that no more you will see my face.”
 
The words “have known” are in the perfect tense. He came to realize this at some point in the past, and the feeling remained true at this point. Paul felt his work was done in this area. This is seen in Romans 15:23, 24 –
 
“But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.”
 
Despite this, his words also seem to indicate a feeling that he would never be able to come to them again, maybe because of the prophecies mentioned in verse 20:23. The Lord used him in the area before allowing the trials that he was destined for.
 
However, he didn't know God’s plans, and if the accepted dating of the pastoral epistles is correct, he did go to Asia again. This is noted in 2 Timothy 1:15 and 2 Timothy 4:13 & 20. This probably included time in Ephesus as well, but that is not positive.
 
That reference is seen in 1 Timothy 1:3, where he told Timothy to remain in Ephesus while he went into Macedonia. The meaning seems to be that he was in Ephesus and had Timothy stay behind when he left.
 
Further, he doesn't say that he won’t see them but that they won’t see him. This may be alluded to in 2 Timothy 1:15 –
 
“This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.”
 
Therefore, Paul and Timothy may have gone to Ephesus and the people refused to greet Paul, so Paul said, “Ok, I’m out of here. See what you can do.”
 
And more, it could be that those he knew in the church had died or dispersed by the time of his return. Therefore, his next words cannot be considered a false prophecy when he says, “you all – among whom I passed through proclaiming the kingdom of God.”
 
Paul is speaking to a certain group of people, and we have no idea if he actually met up with this group again or not. Something similar may have happened in Ephesus as happened to a church John wrote to in his 3rd epistle –
 
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” 3 John 1:9, 10
 
There may have been such drastic changes in the church structure that the people Paul is now speaking to may have been put out, or they may have allied with the doctrine of someone like Diotrephes. Despite the difficulty that is present on a cursory reading of his words, there is no reason to question the reliability of the Bible from this verse.
 
Life application: It is important to remember that not every statement recorded in the Bible is true, but that everything the Bible records is the truth concerning what occurred. In other words, there are people who lie in Scripture, such as Rahab when she lied to the king’s men who came looking for the spies. That is recorded in the Bible, but it is not true what she said. However, what the Bible records is the truth of what occurred.
 
Paul really spoke to these men in Miletus. However, what he said may or may not have come about. This does not call into question the integrity of the Bible at all. He is not necessarily prophesying. The only claim made concerning the Holy Spirit’s testifying is that chains and tribulations awaited him. That happened. The rest is Paul’s passionate words about what he feels will transpire. And, as noted above, what he says here may actually have occurred. There is enough in Scripture to at least hint that it is so.
 
Therefore, if someone comes challenging your faith in the reliability of the word of God over a verse like this, don’t despair. The Bible fully confirms what it says, and what it proclaims is accurate and reliable. Have faith in that. We have a sure word.
 
Lord God, help us in our times of doubt and weakness. Provide us with the assurances we need concerning Your word and how it affects our lives. We come to You in faith, so be with us and direct us all of our days. Amen.
 

Acts 20:24

Monday, 25 September 2023
 
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
 
In the previous verse, Pa ul noted that the Holy Spirit was fully testifying in every city that chains and tribulations awaited him. Now, he continues that thought, saying, “But none of these things move me.”
 
The words are more closely translated as, “But the word of none do I make mine own” (SLT). Of all of the things that were testified of what lay ahead, he simply disregarded the warnings. He did not hold them to account or consider applying them to himself as if they should deter him. And more, he next says, “or do I count my life dear to myself.”
 
Again, the SLT more closely says, “neither have I my soul highly prized to myself.” Paul couldn’t care about himself in relation to the work he was doing. He was entirely unconcerned with the many prophecies that warned him about what lay ahead. In fact, it may be that these arose in order to help him mentally prepare for the very challenges he faced.
 
By being progressively told what was coming, he could harden his heart to the consequences. It is a similar and yet contrasting process to that which Pharaoh faced before the Exodus. Pharaoh hardened against the will of God, but Paul hardened toward the will of God. This was so much the case that he had given up counting the dearness of his own life.
 
Where Pharaoh looked to increase his earthly wealth and standing by keeping the Hebrew people, Paul looked to increase his heavenly rewards at the expense of this earthly life by freeing people through the gospel. Despite any earthly afflictions that would normally bring pain and sorrow, he instead says, “so that I may finish my race with joy.”
 
The tribulations that would arise, despite being physically and mentally challenging, would be a source of joy at the end, knowing that he had suffered them for the sake of Jesus and in receiving a favorable word from Him. He was on a race, his eyes were on Jesus, and his desire was the accomplishment of his ministry. As he next says, “and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus.”
 
He inextricably links his race, meaning his conduct in life as he raced towards his goal, with the ministry Jesus had bestowed upon him. He didn’t consider his life one thing and the ministry as another. Rather, they merged into a single unit where Paul fully identified with the ministry, and the ministry reflected Paul the man.
 
Therefore, if Paul was to suffer for his work, it meant that his work was designed for him to suffer. And his work, that which was endowed upon him by the Lord Jesus, was “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
 
Again, for the third time in this chapter, the same verb, diamarturomai, translated as “testifying” or “testifies” in verses 20:21 and 20:23, is used again here. It signifies “fully testifying.” The prefix dia gives the sense of “through.” Thus, it is thoroughly testifying –
 
Paul was fully testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit fully testified in every city, saying that chains and tribulations awaited Paul.
And yet, Paul’s determined mission was to fully testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
 
This was what was set before him. If the Holy Spirit testified to chains and tribulations, then the Holy Spirit was preparing him for, not deterring him from, what lay ahead. He knew this and so he was bound in his own spirit to go to Jerusalem, fully set for what was to come.
 
Life application: The terminology of being in a race was a favorite of Paul’s, having used it several times in his epistles. It is found in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:14, and 2 Timothy 4:7. Further, it is also found in Hebrews 12:1, an epistle that is unsigned and yet which bears innumerable marks of Pauline authorship. There, it says –
 
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3
 
Those words were based on the contents of Hebrews 11, the great Hall of Fame of Faith. The trials and tribulations of the past saints were endured because they had a better hope than this temporary, fallen world. Paul had this same hope and united his life in Christ with the fact that tribulations would be a part of it.
 
The author of Hebrews then builds on that, asking his readers to “lay aside every weight.” Whatever may be considered a limiting factor in reaching the prize should be laid aside. That includes any possibility of loss, trouble, trial, or even death. There is a course marked out before us that leads directly to Jesus. Let us be of the mind that nothing in our lives will hold us back, slow us down, or hinder our progress towards that goal.
 
No matter what path we choose, we will reach the prize. That is guaranteed because of God’s covenant faithfulness. But how we get there and the rewards we receive for it are up to us. This is why the author of Hebrews so carefully detailed his words of Hebrews 11 and then so clearly admonishes his reader at the beginning of Hebrews 12.
 
Live your life in a manner that will bring you the highest joy in the next. Eyes on Jesus!
 
Lord God, our lives are like a race being run toward the greatest prize of all. Jesus is at the finish line, and His words to us about the conduct of our lives will be waiting there. Help us to remember this all our days. May we count this life as nothing in comparison to the glory that lies ahead. And so, may we conduct them accordingly now. Amen.
 

Acts 20:23

Sunday, 24 September 2023
 
“except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. Acts 20:23
 
Paul just noted that he did not know what would happen to him in Jerusalem, but he was going there bound in the spirit. Now, he continues that thought, saying, “except that the Holy Spirit testifies.”
 
The same verb, diamarturomai, translated as “testifying” in verse 20:21 is used again here. It signifies “fully testifying.” The prefix dia gives the sense of “through.” Thus, it is thoroughly testifying.
 
Paul was bound in his spirit, determined that he was to go to Jerusalem, and yet in this state of personal conviction, he also knew that the Holy Spirit was giving him advanced notice of what lay ahead. And more, it wasn’t just an inkling that rushed upon him for a moment, rather, the Spirit had testified to him “in every city.”
 
With each stop he made, he could feel the presence of the Spirit. But more, he could sense what the Spirit was conveying to him. That is then noted in the rest of the words of this verse, “saying that chains and tribulations await me.”
 
These words refer to the limited portion of what lay ahead that Paul was made aware of. However, this doesn't mean that it was directly from the Spirit to him. Rather, it could be just like the meeting with Agabus. People were selected to progressively reveal to Paul what would happen.
 
Or it could be that because of the persecution he had faced in each and every city he had been to during his ministry, he could expect that in Jerusalem it would be even greater. Everywhere he had gone, the Jews had hounded him. They pursued him relentlessly with each step and attempted to refute him each time he opened his mouth.
 
Jerusalem was the hub of Jewish life. Therefore, if this spirit of enmity existed in the isolated areas where the Jews were, it could only be magnified in Jerusalem. Paul, being indwelt with the Holy Spirit, could readily discern this. Paul’s use of the term “every city” seems to imply that this might be the case.
 
People like Agabus were warning him externally. The Jews were hounding him personally. And so, rather than the Holy Spirit revealing it to him directly, he was being given Spirit-led warnings about what lay ahead.
 
Vincent's Word Studies agrees by saying, “The compound verb signifies full, clear testimony. Not by internal intimations of the Spirit, but by prophetic declarations ‘in every city.’” It is for this reason, and despite what he knows, that he was bound in his spirit. He felt compelled to press on, and yet he perceived in his spiritual self what his physical self would soon endure.
 
Life application: In this life, we constantly have to make choices about what we will do. Some of them are minor and don’t need a lot of consideration, such as, “Will I leave the house at 8:05 or 8:10?” It really isn’t that big of a deal. At least, not in most circumstances.
 
And yet, we may leave the house at 8:10 and find out that exactly where we would have been at 8:05, we would have been caught in an exploding gas main that killed 273 people. It occurred on the subway we would have been on. The same could be true about the 8:10 train instead of the 8:05 train. And yet, if we are going to keep our job, we must act and get on the subway.
 
If we want our decisions to be the right ones, we should commit our day to the Lord in advance through prayer. “Lord, lead my steps according to Your wisdom. I don’t know what lies ahead, but You do. Help me to make each decision accordingly.” In this, we have entrusted our time and circumstances to His capable hands. Whether disaster or a humdrum ride to work awaits, we will know that we have at least committed ourselves to His guiding hand.
 
If this is true with the little things we do, how much more the larger decisions that will not only affect us but many others in their lives as well. Paul understood this. Think of the impact he has had, not only on the elders of Ephesus as they met together in Miletus, but two thousand years of people whose lives have been affected by what he experienced.
 
We cannot know the extent of the impact of our life beyond ourselves. So, commit your days to the Lord and His guiding hand.
 
Glorious God Almighty, today is a new day. We don’t know what lies ahead, but You do. You know every possible outcome of every step we will take and each decision we will make. So, Lord, we ask that You direct us according to Your wisdom. Point our feet so that they will bring about the greatest outcome for Your glory. May our days be filled with You through delight or disaster. Yes, Lord, direct us for a greater purpose. Amen. 

Acts 20:22

 Saturday, 23 September 2023
 
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, Acts 20:22
 
The words bear more of an emphasis than the NKJV provides – “And now, behold, I – bound in the spirit – go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will befall me in it” (CG).
 
The previous verse includes Paul’s words concerning “repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.” Now, he speaks of what lies ahead for him, saying, “And now, behold, I – bound in the spirit.”
 
These words are curious when taken in connection with the words of Agabus in verse 21:11. Paul says he is “bound” in the spirit. The word is deo and is used often concerning binding someone up, such as binding the strong man in Mark 3 or the demoniac in Mark 5. When a donkey is bound to a post, this word would be used. If one is bound in prison, this word is used.
 
Paul feels “bound in the spirit,” not knowing what he will next speak of. Scholars vary on whether they believe he is referring to the Holy Spirit or simply being constrained in his own spirit. Based on what Agabus says, it is most likely his own spirit, not the Holy Spirit. This will be seen as the verse continues.
 
Paul next says that he will “go to Jerusalem” in this state of being bound in the spirit. This is the path set before him and his traveling companions. He is so determined to get there that he has called these elders of Ephesus to come a considerable distance for this short meeting. Despite this determined trek to Jerusalem, he next says, “not knowing what will befall me in it.”
 
These words tell us that Paul is most likely referring to his own spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit does know, and it is alerted to him more fully at the meeting with Agabus. This seems more likely because it appears that Paul is drawing a contrast between his own desires and efforts and what he says in the next verse concerning what the Holy Spirit is revealing to him –
 
Paul is bound in his spirit to accomplish his mission.
The Holy Spirit testifies that chains and tribulations await.
 
For whatever reason, the Holy Spirit did not reveal everything to him directly, but rather, He will do it more fully through Agabus. It is a remarkable testimony concerning the reliability of the Book of Acts as a true account.
 
Life application: It is important to not mix our desires with claims of divine leading. And yet, it is as common as signs on a highway for people to do it. “I think the Lord is leading me to marry this woman.” What if someone else says the same thing? God is not in the business of causing contradictory desires in people. “I think the Lord is leading me to open this business.” What if the business fails the first year it is opened? Did the Lord lead this person to bankruptcy?
 
“I think the Lord is leading me to stop paying on my house and to move to Franklin, Tennessee.” The Lord tells us to pay our debts. People may do these things because they are bound in their spirits to take certain actions. And yet, they claim that it is God, the Lord, or the Holy Spirit who is directing them.
 
We should be careful to not make such claims. Later, when it is discovered that the thing doesn’t come about, or it turns out in a negative way, we will either have to admit we were wrong or implicitly pass the blame onto God for what happened. Rather, let us state our desires as such, pray about what we intend to do, and then acknowledge, “If it is the Lord’s will.” If what we desire doesn’t come about, or if it proves to have been the wrong decision, we will find that out in due time.
 
Lord God, help us to carefully consider our words and to never make claims concerning Your presence in our lives that are not in line with reality. Instead, we can acknowledge Your presence and ask for Your guidance but not bind our words so that what later transpires could possibly tarnish what we have stated about You. Help us in this, O Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 20:21

Friday, 22 September 2023
 
“testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
 
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)
 
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at "Discern the Bible" on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
 
In the previous verse, Paul continued his words to the elders of Ephesus concerning his teaching and how he withheld nothing from those he spoke to, both in public and in private settings. Now, that continues further, saying, “testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks.”
 
The word translated as “testifying,” diamarturomai, means more than that. It signifies “fully testifying.” The prefix dia gives the sense of “through.” Thus, it is thoroughly testifying. Paul spoke out his witness in a full and complete manner, and he did so to all people, without distinction, meaning to both the Jews and the Gentiles.
 
His words are intended to mean all people of the earth, of whom the Greeks represent the whole. In both categories, he next notes the need for “repentance toward God.” This is the only time that Paul will tie in repentance in quite this manner, although it is similar to what he says in 2 Corinthians 7:10 –
 
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
 
The meaning of the word must first be explained. It means “change of mind” and nothing more. Paul says that we must have a change of mind toward God. This does not, in any way, mean what people think it means today, as in, “You must repent, or turn from, your sins.” That is not what the word means.
 
Paul’s words now refer to an evangelical type of repentance, not a legal form. One cannot at first legally repent of what they do not understand. We cannot repent of a law or custom which we have violated until we know what that law or custom is.
 
Therefore, we cannot say that Paul is speaking of the standards of the law. Rather, it is speaking of who God is, what our relationship to Him is, and who Jesus is in relation to us in that context. From there, we are to repent (change our mind about who He is) and turn toward Him in faith.
 
His words have nothing to do with the issue of sin, except that we recognize that we are sinners before God, without dealing with any specific sin that must be first ended before we can be saved. If we tie works into the process of this verse, then we are putting the horse before the cart.
 
If a Buddhist is to be saved, he must repent of what he thinks about God, turn from that incorrect thinking, and put his faith in the true God through Jesus. The same is true with a Muslim or an atheist. The mind must be changed about what “god” is being pursued and mix it with turning to the true “God.”
 
Only after we are saved can we then learn the laws, grow in conformity to what is expected, and be obedient to the Lordship of Christ, not before. This may sound obvious, but it is one of the chief points of incorrect doctrine among almost all legalistic churches. They tie legal repentance, rather than evangelical repentance, in with this verse.
 
Paul next continues with, “and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” This explains the first part of the equation more fully. God is God. There is one God. However, there must be a means by which He is approached. It is not through Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, or any other expression than through His Messiah, Jesus Christ.
 
Note how Paul opened his words of this thought with “testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks.” This means, without any ambiguity at all, that Jews must come through Jesus as well. Judaism, as it is defined today, is not an acceptable approach to God. The Messiah has come. Any Jew who has not come to God through Him is in the exact same position as a Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, etc.
 
Remember: Repent means “change of mind.” Repentance toward God means “change your mind about God.” Repentance at this point (meaning in order to be saved) does not mean “stop all your sinning.” It means to acknowledge you are a sinner and that as you learn what things displease God, you will then turn from those things. Finally, no person can be saved, Jew or Gentile, unless he turns to God (repents of his incorrect notion about God) by coming to Him through Jesus Christ.
 
Life application: Dual Covenantalism is a doctrine that says Jews can be saved by adherence to the Law of Moses. John Hagee teaches this. It is the official stand of the Roman Catholic Church and others. And it is a heresy. This is a great lie from Satan, and those who teach it are condemning unsaved Jews to eternal separation from God because of their words. They will be held to account.
 
Do not waffle in your convictions about Jesus Christ. Be firm and ready to defend what you believe by properly presenting it to those you talk to. Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Word. He is God who came to dwell among His people. He fulfilled the law, He died in fulfillment of it, and by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, people will be saved. There is no other path to God available to man.
 
Get the word out! God has done it! Jesus has prevailed, and salvation is a gift of God’s grace to any who will simply believe.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the sure hope we possess. Through Jesus Christ, You have accomplished all things necessary to reconcile us to Yourself. We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that through Him we are restored to You. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

Acts 20:20

Thursday, 21 September 2023
 
“how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, Acts 20:20
 
The words are more closely stated, “how I withheld nothing of things that are profitable, not to declare to you and to teach you in public and among houses” (CG).
 
The words continue from the previous verse, “And when they came to him, he said to them, ‘You know from the first day in which I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, how I withheld nothing of things that are profitable, not to declare to you and to teach you in public and among houses.’”
 
With that context, we see that Paul’s words could not be made unless they were true. He is speaking to the people among whom the claims he is making pertain. Therefore, what he says must be the way things were. He is merely reminding them so that he can then encourage them based on what he says. And so, he continues by saying, “how I withheld nothing of things that are profitable.”
 
Hindsight is 20/20, but that is not what Paul speaks of here. Now, he says that he “withheld nothing.” We now welcome a new verb to Scripture, hupostelló. It will be seen just four times. According to Vincent’s Word Studies, “A picturesque word. Originally, to draw in or contract. Used of furling sails, and of closing the fingers; of drawing back for shelter; of keeping back one’s real thoughts; by physicians, of withholding food from patients.”
 
Ellicott thinks he used it specifically as a sailing metaphor where he “seems to say of himself, had used no such reticence or reserve, but had gone on his course, as it were, before the wind, with all his canvas spread.” This very well could be because he uses sea-related metaphors elsewhere, including Ephesians 4:14, 1 Timothy 1:19 and 1 Timothy 6:9.
 
No matter what his intent for using this word, it is clear that he was unafraid to teach them every doctrine and every counsel in accordance with the truth, regardless of whether they might find it offensive or unpalatable. Everything that was profitable was openly and fully shared with his disciples. From there, he turns to a negative clause to reiterate the point he has just made.
 
He said, “how I withheld nothing,” and now he says, “not to declare to you and to teach you.” The meaning is that instead of not declaring and not teaching, he did exactly the opposite by declaring and teaching. He did so without reservation and in a manner that was open to any and all. As he next says, “in public.”
 
Here is a word used for the last of four times, démosios. It is an adjective translated by most as publicly. But that is an adverb. Therefore, to retain the flavor of the original, “in public” more reasonably matches the intent. The word is derived from demos, a noun signifying “the people.” One can see the etymological root of the modern word democracy. As for the word démosios, you can wave it goodbye as it departs.
 
As for Paul, he was willing to speak about Jesus, the faith, holiness, righteousness, keeping from uncleanness, etc., all in the open and without shame or peevishness. He was bold and confident that his words were fully in line with the faith he professed. But, added to that, he next says, “and among houses.”
 
This would have been his talks and instruction in private settings. But don’t some people speak one way in public and another in private? Paul refused such a tactic. He spoke in the same manner when in a public forum and when in private. His words were not two-faced but always in accord with what the Lord had set before him from the start.
 
Life application: How nice it is when preachers continue to follow this same pattern today while we live in the face of ever-increasing wickedness. Who will be willing to unfurl the sails of proper doctrine and let the winds carry the whole counsel of God to every shore, despite the dangers? Who will teach publicly the doctrines that are found offensive to today's sensitive and dull ears?
 
Jesus spoke in this manner, setting an example for us two thousand years ago. Paul was a man who did likewise, and many have since followed suit. We know that the Lord is pleased with any and all who are willing to take such a stand. As it says in Matthew 10:27 –
 
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.”
 
In Genesis 31:39, Jacob told Laban that he bore the cost of any lost sheep himself rather than having it charged to his master. Considering the value that Jesus places on the souls of men, as noted, for example, in Matthew 16:26, Paul felt the cost of losing any for his Master. He was willing to expend himself to ensure those who heard and accepted the word would be kept safe from the ravages of the world around him.
 
And more, he did all he could to glorify God through evangelism and teaching. In verse 27 of this chapter, he will say that he did not shun to declare to his hearers the whole counsel of God. Let us be willing to hold fast to this word and to never waffle on what it proclaims, and to declare it in its fullness. This life is temporary. We might as well please God now with our conduct because eternity is a long time to regret not having done so.
 
Glorious Lord God, You have given us instruction through Your word, and You have provided examples of how we are to share that through the actions of the apostles. May we be willing to expend ourselves in the furtherance of the gospel and in the necessity of living in accord with the word that You have blessed us with. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:19

Wednesday, 20 September 2023
 
“serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; Acts 20:19
 
Although a bit clunky, the words more correctly say, “serving the Lord with all mind-abasement, with many tears and trials occasioned me by the ambushes of the Jews” (CG).
 
The words continue the thought of the previous verse. Taken together, they would say, “And when they came to him, he said to them, ‘You know from the first day in which I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all mind-abasement, with many tears and trials occasioned me by the ambushes of the Jews.’”
 
With that noted, the words of this verse begin with, “serving the Lord with all mind-abasement.” It is a single noun first found here, tapeinophrosune. It is derived from tapeinos (humble, lowly, etc.), and phrén (mind, intellect, etc.). And so, as a single noun, “mind-abasement” exactingly translates it. It will be used by Paul five times and by Peter twice. Paul continues by saying, “with many tears and trials.”
 
Some manuscripts omit the word “many,” but it is likely original. Paul’s use of the word would be perfectly fitting with the events of his time in Ephesus. He labored vigorously, cared deeply, and faced trials repeatedly. And these were “occasioned me by the ambushes of the Jews.”
 
The word translated as “occasioned” means to come together or come to pass. These things befell Paul personally and they were instigated by the Jews. As for the word translated as “ambushes,” it is a plural noun signifying a plot, but it also carries the sense of the plot being put into action. Some translations say, “plots.” This gets half of the idea. Others say, “lying in wait,” but that is a paraphrase that is singular in nature. A single word that carries the whole intent would be the plural “ambushes.” In this, there are the plots which are combined with the actions of carrying them out.
 
Life application: Paul’s words are not boasting through self-piety. The things he said are simply the manner in which he conducted himself. This is perfectly evident from the fact that he is saying them to the very people who saw how he conducted himself. He is laying out the foundation for his words of admonishment, and it is appropriate that he sets this groundwork down in the exact manner in which he conducted himself.
 
This is a good lesson for each of us. If we act in a pious manner to ingratiate ourselves to others, that is not an acceptable way to conduct our affairs. However, if we live in an attitude of self-abasement as our regular conduct, it is an acceptable and noteworthy choice. Paul says as much to us in his epistles, such as –
 
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3
 
&
 
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3, 4
 
This was Paul’s attitude and conduct, and it should be ours as well. In this, we will be living properly before the Lord.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to consider others before ourselves, deeming them as valuable people in Your eyes. Jesus came to save others, even while the world was sold to sin. We were once in that state, and they still are. The only difference between the two is Jesus. How can we look down upon others when – without Him – we would still be just as they are? Help us to have this mind. Help us to care about their state and to pity where they are. Soften our hearts to their plight, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:18

Tuesday, 19 September 2023
 
And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, Acts 20:18
 
The words need to be more precisely aligned with the Greek, “And when they came to him, he said to them, ‘You know from the first day in which I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time’” (CG).
 
Paul had just sent from Miletus to Ephesus to gather the elders of the church at Miletus. Now, with their coming, Luke records, “And when they came to him.” As noted, this would have been at least a day later, maybe even two. The men would have had to have walked or rode about thirty miles to Ephesus, gathered the elders, and then made the return trip. Despite the distance, the men came. With that having transpired, “he said to them, ‘You know.’”
 
The word “you” is in the emphatic position. To highlight this, the YLT says, “Ye – ye know.” Paul is declaring in their presence, and with their knowledge to support his words, the truth of what he will say. Next, he says, “from the first day.”
 
These words speak of a period of three full years, as will be noted in Acts 20:31. There was sufficient time to come to know Paul and to evaluate his conduct and his character. Therefore, they will know that what he has called them for is based on that knowledge. His words will need to be considered and accepted because of this. He next says, “in which I set foot in Asia.”
 
The word translated as “set foot” is epibaino. It is used just six times in the New Testament. It means to set foot on, mount, or board (as if boarding a boat). It is derived from epi (on, upon, etc.) and basis (a step). He notes that from the first step of his foot among them, what he will convey was the case. As they are the witnesses to the matter, it must be a true proclamation concerning it, which is, “how I was with you the whole time.”
 
The words are singular, “the whole time.” There was no lapse in how Paul conducted himself from beginning to end. Concerning such steadfast conduct, the Geneva Bible says, “A graphic image of a true pastor.”
 
Life application: Out of all of the speeches made in Acts, this one stands out as certainly being one where Luke was present. The style of his words shows the first-hand knowledge of what was said. Also, it closely mirrors Paul’s words in his epistles.
 
Everything about it shows evidence of a faithful recording of what Paul actually said rather than a second-hand account. The other speeches are true representations of what was said, but this one indicates the careful detailing of the deep emotion and heartfelt love that Paul and the elders shared.
 
As they are analyzed, remember this and think of your own times when you were closely bonded with others in the fellowship of Christ. And this doesn’t have to just mean in one another’s presence. In our modern world, communication and fellowship can take place over vast distances. And so, think about what Paul emphasizes to these men.
 
Consider his words and develop the same passion as he had for what he will convey. Spoiler alert: Paul will implore these men to hold fast to what is good and sound and to guard against those who would come in and pervert the church. He knows these will be his last words to them, and so he begs them to remain sound in their lives, conduct, and doctrine before the Lord.
 
Glorious God, may we consider our walk before You, hold fast to what is good, and emphasize to others the importance of holding fast to what You have set before us in Scripture. Help us to rightly divide it, to faithfully live by it, and to be willing to instruct others in it. To Your glory and for the edification of others, we pray. Amen.

Acts 20:17

Monday, 18 September 2023
 
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. Acts 20:17
 
The verse should read, “And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that Paul was in a rush to get to Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost. Because of this, he decided to sail past Ephesus. Instead, they stopped at Miletus, a port a short distance beyond Ephesus. With their arrival, Luke next notes, “And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus.”
 
The distance to Ephesus is estimated to be about thirty to forty miles from Miletus. It would take some time to travel that far and then an equal amount of time for the messenger to return with those of the church. It would be a 10-to-15-hour journey for a healthy person to walk that far at a normal pace. With donkeys, it would be a bit faster. With horses, it could be done even more quickly.
 
No matter what, there would be at least a day of travel, spending the night, and then another day of travel back to Miletus. In a best-case scenario, they would not continue their travels until at least the third day after arriving.
 
It would seem that such a long journey waiting for these people would be contrary to his plans to reach Jerusalem quickly. From this, it is obvious that he knew he would get bogged down in a personal visit to Ephesus. Many days of fellowshipping would be the minimum. Therefore, he reasoned that the time waiting for the church to come to him would still be less than that. This then is actually the more expedient way of handling the situation. Therefore, “he called for the elders of the church.”
 
In this verse, the elders who are summoned are designated by the Greek word presbuteros, an elder. However, in Acts 20:28, the word used to describe these same men will be episkopos, overseers. Because of this, it is obvious that the titles were synonymous. Their state was that of being elders, while their duties were that of overseeing the church.
 
Life application: Thinking about what is recorded here, it is rather amazing to consider. Paul has bypassed Ephesus, a good distance away, and then sent for the elders. It isn’t known if there was one or more churches in Ephesus. But even if there was only one, these men would have been called to drop everything they were doing and travel the long distance to Miletus on a moment’s notice.
 
Think of where you live and consider a location thirty miles away. Now imagine if someone came to you and said, “We need to leave right away and start walking to that place. Johnny Come Lately wants to see you and the other seven leaders of the church.”
 
This means a day of walking, a meeting, and then another day of walking back home. When looked at from this perspective, one can see how carefully Paul must have balanced things out concerning stopping at Ephesus or not. And more, consider the state of these men who were willing to drop everything and head to Miletus to see him.
 
Now, think about your own associations. Who would you be willing to do this for? Are the needs or desires of someone that important to you? Imagine if there is a natural disaster, maybe a hurricane, that has caused damage to a friend. Would you drop everything and say, “I’m going to help with this.” Let us be grateful to the Laborious Lee’s and Magnificent Mike’s who would do such a thing. Let us also consider if we too would be willing to do such in the time of other’s needs.
 
When the need arises, think about how you can meet it. In the case of Paul and the elders at Ephesus, the need arose, and it will be met in the verses ahead.
 
Lord God, help us to be attentive to the needs of others as they arise. May we be willing to extend our hand, if possible, to attend to the call or need of others. Thank You for those who willingly put forth of themselves in such moments. And above all, thank You for Jesus, who came to meet our greatest need, even while we were still sinners. Amen.