BIBLE IN TEN

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.

Acts 12:13

Sunday, 31 December 2023
 
Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. Acts 23:13
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And they were more than forty having made this joint oath” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted the Jews who had banded together under an oath, saying they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Next, Luke records, “And they were more than forty having made this joint oath.”
 
It seems like overkill, but there are a couple of reasons why it is not at all unreasonable. First, anytime people gather to do evil (or supposed good, but with harmful intentions), others will naturally want to join in. In this case, they were doing evil by desiring to commit murder, but they were doing it to supposedly be pleasing to their God.
 
As such, people will want to participate simply because of wanting to be part of the heroic movement that is taking place. Also, because there were Romans involved, they could plot better plot diversions or surprise attacks. With forty men banded together in such a vow, they felt that they had an excellent chance of prevailing, especially in the surprise manner that they would certainly conduct the task.
 
The word translated as “joint oath,” sunómosia, is found only here in the New Testament. It comes from two words signifying “together” and “swear.” Thus, it means “a swearing together” and thus, a joint oath. They had mutually vowed to participate and to see the matter through.
 
Life application: In the Proverbs, it says, 
 
“My son, if sinners entice you,Do not consent.11 If they say, ‘Come with us,Let us lie in wait to shed blood;Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,We shall fill our houses with spoil;14 Cast in your lot among us,Let us all have one purse’—15 My son, do not walk in the way with them,Keep your foot from their path;16 For their feet run to evil,And they make haste to shed blood.17 Surely, in vain the net is spreadIn the sight of any bird;18 But they lie in wait for their own blood,They lurk secretly for their own lives.19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;It takes away the life of its owners.” Proverbs 1:10-19
 
When there are people who want to do evil, depending on who it is, getting others to join them is often a hard to refuse enticement. If they are notable in school, others may want to be esteemed in their eyes. If they have influence in some other type of setting, it may be hard to say “No” to their advances.
 
But the wise person will refuse to participate. Solomon’s words have been borne out innumerable times in history. What seems enticing or too good to pass up can often lead to a death sentence. Be wise and discerning and hold fast to what is good, right, sound, and godly. The momentary temptations that you stand against will most probably save you from a lifetime of grief.
 
Lord God, give us wisdom to know what is good and right. And then give us the fortitude to stand up against the temptations that arise, asking us to do what is wrong. May we hold fast to what would be honoring in Your eyes at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Acts 23:12

Saturday, 30 December 2023
 
And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Acts 23:12
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And day having come, certain of the Jews having made a conspiracy, anathematized themselves, saying neither to eat nor to drink until they might kill Paul” (CG).
 
Paul was just told by Jesus that as he had testified for Him at Jerusalem, so he must also do so in Rome. With that note of assurance, a plot is next revealed in an attempt to stop this, saying, “And day having come.”
 
This is the same day that started at evening following his standing before the council. The thought here is probably that those involved in the plot twisted and turned in anger all night long, stewing over Paul and his proclamations concerning Jesus. Eventually, their thoughts welled up into murderous desires. Therefore, “certain of the Jews having made a conspiracy.”
 
One can see them coming together and saying, “That Paul is a real problem. He needs to be dealt with.” They went to bed angry, and by morning, their thoughts had turned into a conspiracy to deal with their enemy.
 
These Jews may be zealots. They are noted in the Apocrypha and in the writings of Josephus as following this course of action at several points in Jewish history. They honestly believed what they were doing was for the honor of the name of God, and they felt that they were rightly serving Him at such times. Therefore, they planned, and then they intended to execute the plan. In order to do so, they “anathematized themselves.”
 
This Greek phrase corresponds to the Hebrew idea of kherem, where a person, thing, or even an entire city, was devoted to God. The destruction of Jericho was such an instance. Likewise, the account in 1 Samuel 15:1-9 met this standard.
 
It is seen at other times in the Old Testament. Paul uses the term “anathema” to describe what should occur towards those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 16:22. And in Galatians 1:8, 9, using this idea of anathema, he says –
 
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
 
The same word used to describe this oath is used in Mark 14:71, where Peter called down curses on himself. This is a solemn obligation that these Jews have placed upon themselves. To show the binding nature of this, it next says, “saying neither to eat nor to drink until they might kill Paul.”
 
It seems like these men would have perished from their oath because it would be unsuccessful. However, Lightfoot shares this from the Talmud, “He that hath made a vow not to eat anything, woe to him if he eat, and woe to him if he do not eat. If he eat he sinneth against his vow; if he do not eat he sinneth against his life. What must such a man do in this case? Let him go to the wise men, and they will loose his vow.”
 
This type of shenanigans in their theology is not uncommon. It was expected that if a person made a vow, he was to keep it at all costs. As Solomon says –
 
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;For He has no pleasure in fools.Pay what you have vowed—5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5
 
Life application: When a vow is made to God, it is expected that it will be paid. Obviously, if one is saved and in Christ, he will not lose his salvation if he fails to fulfill a vow he has made. However, the wisdom of simply not vowing is obvious.
 
There are times when a vow cannot be fulfilled. If it was spoken, how foolish the person will look when he cannot fulfill what he has promised to God? We are expected to be people of integrity. Again and again, believers are told that they are to perform what they speak and that one’s Yes is to be Yes. How much more should we be honoring a vow we utter to the Lord?
 
For best happiness, refrain from making vows. Simply fulfill the words that you speak and be people who can be trusted. This is the wise course to take.
 
We praise You, Lord God, because we know that You are ever-faithful to Your word. What You have said, and what is recorded for us to read in Your word, will come about. We know with all certainty that You will never fail to perform. Help us to emulate You and to be people of integrity towards the things we say. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 23:11

Friday, 29 December 2023
 
But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” Acts 23:11
 
More literally, it reads, “And the following night, the Lord, having stood by him, said, ‘Fortify! For as you fully testified about Me at Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome’” (CG).
 
Paul was removed forcibly by the Roman guards from the out-of-control crowd in the council he stood before. Luke now continues the narrative, saying, “And the following night.”
 
This probably means that same night. If Luke is using the Jewish way of reckoning time, the following day begins at sundown. Thus, this would be the evening of the same day, but the start of the new day. From there, it says, “the Lord, having stood by him, said, ‘Fortify!’”
 
This is the seventh and last time that the word tharseó is seen in Scripture. It means to take heart, be of good courage, etc. HELPS Word Studies notes that its root signifies “emboldened from within.” As such, and to use a single verb that catches the meaning, fortify gets the point across. The Lord is telling Paul to strengthen himself from within to prepare himself for what was ahead.
 
If Paul is in the same chambers as that which the Lord was in, then this is a return visit for Jesus. It is an amazing thought to consider. How much more in the content of the two stays! Christ was harassed and brutalized in the same place where He now stands and gives Paul words of comfort and even renewed vigor. His words to Paul now are reflective of His words to the other apostles in Matthew 14:27, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
 
As for His word to Paul to “Fortify!” That is then explained with the next words, “For as you fully testified about Me at Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome.”
 
Paul had already told those in Rome of his desire to travel there (Romans 1:13; Romans 15:23). Now, he is given the assurance that this will come about exactly as he had hoped. Further, this conversation surely lets him know that his service has been acceptable. Were it not so, then he would not be tasked with further work. The Lord’s presence, His words, and His approval of Paul surely worked like an elixir in him.
 
Life application: The last time the Lord appeared to Paul was in Acts 18:9, where He said, “Do not be afraid.” Paul was probably less afraid at this time and yet more weary and downtrodden. Hence, the word “Fortify!” is appropriate to the mood in which he found himself.
 
The Lord never fails to meet us in exactly the condition we are in and the circumstances we are facing, and then give us exactly the comfort we need at the moment. This doesn’t mean He is going to physically appear before us. But we still have Him with us through His word. When we are in some sort of difficulty, trial, pickle, conundrum, etc., we can find comfort, strength, emboldening, and so forth right in the word He has given us.
 
If you are a faithful reader of the word, how many times has this been the case in your own life? The Lord’s words to Paul were just what was needed. The word of the Lord is just what is needed for us at just the right time, every time. Keep in the word. It will carry you through the many trials, troubles, and tribulations that you are facing or will face as you continue on life’s path. Don’t neglect this comforting and necessary resource that God has lovingly set before you.
 
Heavenly Father, Your word is a gloriously wonderful light for our times of darkness. It is a calming hand in our times of distress. It is a soothing balm in our times of tribulation. Give us the wisdom as Your people to read it and carefully consider it all the days of our lives. Thank You, O God, for Your precious word. Amen.

Acts 23:10

Thursday, 28 December 2023
 
Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. Acts 23:10
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And great dissension arising, the commander, having feared lest Paul should be torn apart by them, commanded the detachment – having descended – to seize him from among them and bring into the barracks” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the scribes of the Pharisees protested Paul’s treatment, defending the fact that he could have been spoken to by a spirit or an angel. This upset the apple cart, and things immediately devolved, as seen in the next words, “And great dissension arising.”
 
It is the same word just used in verse 7 that indicated a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Now, the entire council is in an uproar. This was so much the case that “the commander, having feared lest Paul should be torn apart by them.”
 
Here is the second and last use of the word diaspaó in Scripture. It was only seen elsewhere in Mark 5:4, where it noted that the demon-possessed man tore apart the chains that bound him. This is now what the commander feared would happen to Paul.
 
This argument between the two parties grew to such a state that each side was probably grabbing onto Paul and pulling him in either direction – one to rescue him and one to pummel him. In the tugging, he could actually be ripped apart. But, being a Roman citizen, the commander was responsible for him. Therefore, he “commanded the detachment – having descended – to seize him from among them and bring into the barracks.”
 
The soldiers would be necessary by this time because of the violence of those who meant Paul harm. This included the high priest himself, and it shows the level of depravity that they had fallen to, despite being the supposed representatives of the Lord on earth.
 
In securing Paul and taking him to the barracks, it could be that Paul had been in and out of the very same room that had been used for Jesus on the night before His cross. In contrast to the sufferings He faced, Paul would be kept safe in that same location.
 
Life application: The conduct of the council seems entirely out of place, and it is. However, it is not uncommon. Innumerable fights have broken out in parliaments, congresses, and other bodies that rule the people. Many of them are recorded and can be seen on YouTube.
 
It is not unlikely that if you pick a country at random and do a search for a fight in that country’s government, you will find a video of a fight breaking out. An arbitrary search immediately brought up a lively brawl in Kosovo’s cabinet, including men and women, older and younger, etc. Following that came a long list of similar videos. The Indian parliament went full throttle, into chaos throwing microphones and lamps; the Taiwanese were throwing chairs; and there was a lot of slapping and punching in the Jordanian parliament.
 
Anytime you deal with religion or politics, tempers are bound to get out of control. In the council where Paul stood, it was a mixture of both. Thus, it was an explosive environment that Paul was able to successfully divide, taking the focus off of him and demonstrating the hypocrisy of those who stood over him with their accusations.
 
If you attend any large gathering to defend your rights as a Christian, such as a state or local meeting, you should be prepared to have accusations fly, angry people demanding your silence, and possibly fighting to break out. In the place where civility is most expected, it often is not. Thus, it is a clear indication that things will only continue to devolve in the world around us.
 
The message of Christ is the only true hope and saving message in the world. And yet, it is becoming less and less tolerated because it deals with the underlying problem in man: sin. Because it does, in highlighting this defect, people will continue to strengthen their enmity toward the message it proclaims. Be aware of this as you head out and speak about the goodness of God in Christ. Many will find it offensive.
 
Glorious Lord God, we were all at enmity with You at some point. But because of Jesus, we were reconciled to You. Help us to be willing to share this message, even if it brings about trouble in our lives. Without addressing the problem of sin, all people remain Your enemies. Give us the ability to explain this and to effectively speak about the goodness of what You have done in sending Jesus to fix the problem. Amen.