BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 20:5

Wednesday, 6 September 2023
 
These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. Acts 20:5
 
The verse more correctly reads: “And these, having gone ahead, waited for us in Troas” (CG).
 
The previous verse listed seven men who had accompanied Paul on the journey. Of them, it next says, “And these, having gone ahead, waited for us in Troas.”
 
At first, one might think that it is referring to all seven. However, the Greek may indicate that it was only Tychicus and Trophimus that went on ahead. This is not unlikely because they were from that area, and therefore they may have been the only two to head that way. If so, then the other five went with Paul.
 
The word “us” indicates that Luke has now joined them in Philippi. The last we/us section was also in Philippi. That was in Acts 16. Therefore, it appears that Luke stayed there during all this time. Possibly he pastored a church or did medical work there. Only speculation is possible, but his connection to Philippi seems assured.
 
There are two good reasons for the arrangement of this verse. First, Paul could then observe the Passover at Philippi as the next verse will show. Therefore, it is certain that this time of year was already becoming a celebration of the cross and the resurrection, as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8 and 1 Corinthians 15:20. Also, second, it would allow for all the believers at Troas to come together to meet with Paul upon his arrival.
 
Life application: It is common among various heretical Christian sects to claim that believers must adhere to the Law of Moses in part or in whole. For some, celebrating the Leviticus 23 Feasts of the Lord is mandatory. And yet, Paul dispels that notion in Colossians 2 –
 
“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16, 17 
 
The “sabbaths” are the weekly Sabbath observances noted in Leviticus 23:1, along with special Sabbaths specifically noted in the Law. The “festival” refers to the individual annual feasts of Leviticus 23. These only anticipated the coming of Jesus. They are fulfilled in Him, and it is pointless to observe them now, except in the sense of remembrance of what He has done.
 
To reinsert law observance is to diminish or ignore the purpose of the coming of Jesus. It is, in essence, another path of working one’s way to heaven. That is an infinite climb that no man can make. Set aside such things. Look to the cross and consider the words, “It is finished.” That is where our faith should rest.
 
Glorious God, thank You for all You have done for us. May Your glorious name ever be praised as we look to the cross of Jesus and find our hope, our assurance, our peace, and our rest. May we never diminish the glory of what He has done by trying to earn what is offered by grace. All hail the name of Jesus, who alone has secured our path back to You. Amen.

Acts 20:4

Tuesday, 5 September 2023
 
And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. Acts 20:4
 
The verse more exactingly reads: “And there accompanied him as far as Asia Sopater, a Berean; and Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius a Derbite and Timothy; and Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, a plot against Paul by the Jews caused him to cancel his sailing trip to Syria. Instead, he returned through Macedonia. Along with Paul, seven other people are mentioned as going to Asia with him.
 
These would have been the people selected to go with him to Jerusalem to present the gift to the church. They would then have all been in Corinth with him, intending to travel by ship when he went. Instead, they have all taken the longer trip with him. The naming of these individuals begins with, “And there accompanied him as far as Asia Sopater, a Berean.”
 
Rather than “of Berea,” as some translations state, the designation is an adjective, “a Berean.” Some think that Sopater is the same as Sosipater, who is mentioned along with Timothy and others in Romans 16:21. The name occurs on an arch in the area of Thessalonica. If he is the same person, he may have been one of the politarchs of Thessalonica. He is identified here, however, as a Berean. Next, it says, “and Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus.”
 
Aristarchus worked with Paul at Ephesus and had been in the riot there (Acts 19:29). Secundus isn’t mentioned elsewhere, but if it is aligned with Tertius of Romans 16:22 and Quartus in Romans 16:23, then he may have been their brother. Secundus means Second, Tertius means Third, and Quartus means Fourth.
 
They may have been either the sons of one man who chose to name his sons this way, or they could have been born slaves and named according to their birth in that way. The only name missing is Primus, which would be the First, and it was not an unknown name at the time. The verse continues with, “and Gaius a Derbite and Timothy.”
 
Gaius may be the same Gaius in Acts 19:29 (but there he is referred to as a traveling partner from Macedonia) and 1 Corinthians 1:14. The term used to describe him is also an adjective, not a noun. Hence, he is a Derbite. Timothy is Paul’s faithful friend and companion first mentioned in Acts 16:1 and who is mentioned many times in Acts and Paul’s epistles. The verse ends with, “and Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.”
 
Tychicus means Fortunate or Fortuitous. It is the Greek equivalent of Felix. It was a common name of the time. He is mentioned five times in the New Testament – Here in Acts, Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:12, and Titus 3:12. He is well spoken of.
 
Trophimus comes from trophé, meaning food or nourishment. Thus, according to Strong’s, the name means something like Nutritive. However, others think it signifies something like Nursling or Foster Child. He is found again in Acts 21 and then in 2 Timothy 4:20 in a classic verse concerning health in relation to New Testament teachings on the misused doctrine of faith healing. That there were seven with Paul may be a subtle connection to the seven deacons found in Acts 6.
 
Life application: As noted, Trophimus is mentioned later in 2 Timothy 4:20. There, it says –
 
“Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.”
 
Paul was an apostle who had been granted special powers. At times, his influence alone was able to heal without him even being present. Each time that he was able to heal, it was for a set purpose. At other times, he was unable to heal. Such instances are recorded for us to understand, in advance, that the claims of “faith healers” are false.
 
There is no such thing recorded in Scripture, and there is no guidance for its practice. Rather, the Bible asks us to pray for the healing of others and to allow God to respond according to His wisdom. Hence, we can say that faith healing is possible, but faith healers are false. Such people who make claims like this should not be listened to. Rather, read the Bible, and accept that people get sick, and some will die.
 
We are to accept God’s providential care for us, praying for His hand of healing or for His hand of comfort in our afflictions or loss. In all things, let us not lose heart but be people of faith as we continue on life’s path.
 
Heavenly Father, we know that You can and will heal if it is according to Your will. You can do all things, but sometimes it is not in Your plan to do so. Help us to remain faithful when times of trial and testing come about. May we understand that Your plan is far greater than our temporary health or happiness. We bow to You and will follow, even through the valleys that may test us. Amen.
 

Acts 20:3

Monday, 4 September 2023
 
and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Acts 20:3
 
The words more accurately read, “having made three months, a plot against him having been made by the Jews, being about to sail to Syria, there arose in him a resolution to return through Macedonia.”
 
In the previous verse, it noted Paul’s having encouraged those in Macedonia and then his traveling to Greece. Now, it says of his time in Greece, “having made three months.”
 
During these three months, he would have gathered together the gift for the churches in Jerusalem which is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:1-3. Probably most of the time was spent with those in the Corinthian church, as 1 Corinthians 16:6 seemed to indicate was his desire.
 
It is during this time that he would have written Romans. This can be deduced because he had not yet been to Rome and that he was on his way to Jerusalem to deliver the gift, as mentioned in Romans 15:25-27.
 
In the letter to the Romans, he greets Aquila and Priscilla, meaning they had probably left the area earlier at the same time Paul did – after the incident of the riot stirred up by Demetrius. If they had helped Paul, they would have needed to leave quickly as well.
 
It appears that the edict expelling the Jews from Rome had ended by this time. Additionally, it seems that Timothy and Sosipater (Sopater), who was one of the noble Bereans, were there as he wrote Romans. That is seen in Romans 16:21. These details fit with verse 20:4. The account is orderly and well documented.
 
With these three months complete, it next says, “a plot against him having been made by the Jews.”
 
It is a common theme in Acts that has been seen and will be seen again. Probably the main reason for this is not simply the spreading of the news that Jesus is the Messiah, but that Jesus had fulfilled the law and it was now set aside in Him. With that accomplished, salvation was available to all, Jews and Gentiles, apart from the law.
 
Because of his adamant stand of salvation by grace through faith being granted to anyone who accepted the premise, he was hated even to the point of enraging those Jews who heard him. With this hatred boiling in them, they looked for opportune moments to eliminate him. Understanding this, it next says, “being about to sail to Syria.”
 
Paul was going to leave Greece and travel by ship directly to Syria. Any stops by the ship would be for the sake of off-loading cargo and obtaining new supplies at each port as they went.
 
As far as the plot against him, it seems the Jews heard that he was carrying the gift to Jerusalem, or at least that he was headed there, and they wanted to either arrest him at the port or even once on the ship. Or what may be just as probable, is that they wanted to eliminate him at sea by killing him and chucking him into the water at a convenient time. Because he had heard of the plot, however, “there arose in him a resolution to return through Macedonia.”
 
 Instead of going by ship to Syria,    he took a much more roundabout way of getting home by heading up through Macedonia once again – either by land or maybe sailing up the coast on another vessel, something the Jews would not have expected. Despite this delay, those in Macedonia were then favored by another visit from their beloved apostle.
 
Life application: Things haven’t changed that much, even after two thousand years. There are Jews much like Paul in Israel who literally hate the Messianic believers in Israel. They despise the thought of the gospel that robs them of their elite status as Jews, superior to all others.
 
Despite not upholding the law themselves, they see the law and their culture as being the epitome of God’s favor. Along with this are those heretical Christians who proclaim law observance, clinging to their own deeds as acceptable before God. They refuse to come to Christ through faith alone, and they bitterly oppose any who dare to challenge their unscriptural doctrine.
 
This is a real problem in the world, and it can only lead to being separated eternally from God. Those who think they are the ones to receive His favor, most especially because of their relationship with the Law of Moses, are those who will never satisfy Him through their attempts. But self gets in the way and the wall is built, one brick of work at a time, forever separating themselves from the righteousness of God in Christ.
 
Be sure to hold fast to God’s grace. Remove yourself from the equation. Have faith in the merits of Christ alone and you will be accepted by God. Jesus! It is all about Jesus!
 
Glorious Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord who alone can reconcile us to You. We gladly receive the grace offered through His cross. Yes, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 20:2

Sunday, 3 September 2023
 
Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece Acts 20:2
 
The words are more correctly rendered, “And having passed through those parts, and having exhorted them with much talk, he came to Greece” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul departed from Ephesus, having first given his farewell to them. Luke next records, “And having passed through those parts.”
 
The meaning is the various parts of Macedonia which would have included Thessalonica, Berea, and Philippi, along with any other area where a church was established by this time. It is possible that he wrote 2 Corinthians during this period. That is hinted at in 2 Corinthians 7 –
 
“For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.” 2 Corinthians 7:5-7
 
It is also possible that he journeyed northwest into Illyricum at this time –
 
“For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:18, 19
 
As for his time in Macedonia, Luke continues the narrative, saying, “and having exhorted them with much talk, he came to Greece.”
 
A great amount of area, time, and events are brushed over with just a few words. The things that happened during this period are not unimportant, but they are not germane to the ongoing narrative. Therefore, the Holy Spirit did not inspire Luke to include the details. Rather, they are quickly summed up, and the narrative continues, noting his arrival in Greece.
 
Here, Luke uses the term Hellas. This is the only time it is used in the New Testament, and scholars vary widely on what they believe it means – all of Greece, the area of Achaia, the area between Macedonia and Achaia, etc. Without knowing what Luke was thinking, it is hard to be dogmatic about why he chose this particular name at this time.
 
Life application: This verse in Acts is not unlike Acts 18:22, where Paul is recorded as having landed at Caesarea, gone up to greet the church, meaning in Jerusalem, and then proceeded down to Antioch. A lengthy journey and an extended amount of time and activity were brushed over in just a few words.
 
We are being kept on a precise and meticulously recorded path of the ongoing redemptive narrative as outlined in Scripture. At times, immense detail is given concerning a single event that may have spanned just a couple of hours. At others, almost no detail is provided for an excursion that could have gone on for months or more.
 
Therefore, it is good to stop and consider why such minute detail is given at times. The Lord is focusing attention on matters of doctrine, theology, etc., even if we don’t realize it right away. So, take the time to stop and reflect on such things. Ultimately, they have great importance, or they would not have been so carefully recorded.
 
Glorious God, how wonderful is Your word. It is a story of love, redemption, and blessing in Christ. Someday we will see and understand why history has unfolded as it has. For now, we have the framework set before us to know what is important to our lives in Your presence.  Help us to carefully consider what is recorded in Your word. It is a marvelous treasure pointing us to You and what You have done and are doing to bring us back to You. Amen.

Acts 20:1

Saturday, 2 September 2023
 
After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. Acts 20:1
 
The verbs, as translated by the NKJV, need to be tweaked: “And after the uproar ceased, Paul – having called the disciples, and having greeted – departed to go into Macedonia” (CG).
 
The previous verse closed out the chapter with the recorder dismissing the assembly. With that remembered, Chapter 20 begins with, “And after the uproar ceased.”
 
Here, the assembly is noted by Luke as a thorubos, or an uproar. The word gives the sense of a confused cry, a hubbub, etc. This is just as the previous chapter described things. With the calm actions of the recorder, things quieted down, the rage of the people was quelled, and Paul deemed it was the proper time to take his leave. Therefore, it next says, “Paul – having called the disciples.”
 
By this time, there would have been no small number of believers in Ephesus. This was seen in Chapter 19 when Demetrius said –
 
“Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.” Acts 19:26
 
Therefore, this probably would have been the calling of a sizeable assembly. With them gathered together, Luke next says, “and having greeted.”
 
The word aspazomai is variously translated. Some say encouraged, greeted, embraced, saluted, etc. It is repeatedly used by Paul in Romans 16 as he greets individuals in the church, but the word itself signifies to enfold in the arms. Therefore, it includes some type of body motion, maybe an embrace or a waving of the arm.
 
Today we might shake hands or give a high five. The point is that Paul personally met with these people and did what people do when they are about to separate. From there, he “departed to go into Macedonia.”
 
This is in fulfillment of what he had already planned, as noted in Chapter 19 –
 
“When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’ 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.” Acts 19:21, 22
 
This is where he intended to go. However, on the way there, he passed through Troas. That is seen in 2 Corinthians 2 –
 
“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.” 2 Corinthians 2:12, 13
 
Troas is north of Ephesus but on the general path to Macedonia when going by foot or by ship.
 
Life application: Though Luke doesn’t record Paul’s stop in Troas, it is of note that he continued to evangelize as he traveled. He didn’t just stop to change ships if going by sea, or pass through on a horse or donkey if traveling by land. Rather, he saw that there was an open door set before him, and he took the time to go through it, even if temporarily.
 
Sometimes, there is an opportunity right in front of us, but we may miss it by being so set on accomplishing whatever goal we had our minds focused on. So, as you close out each day, take time to think about what transpired and consider that maybe tomorrow you can tweak your schedule to include something that you may have overlooked in the busyness of the day that has passed.
 
If you think, “I really should have talked to that person about Jesus,” determine in your mind to do so on the next occasion that you meet up. If it was a one-time meeting, having lost the chance to talk to someone, determine that you will be more aware of such things in the future. This is important because such opportunities can be eternity-changing for those you meet.
 
Heavenly Father, may we be attentive to the state of those we encounter. May we be willing to put aside things that are less important and speak about how our lives have been changed because of the gospel. From there, may we pass on the good news about how to be saved. Without this, people’s destinies will be far different. So, Lord, help us to be conscious of their plight and speak. Amen.

Acts 19:41

Friday, 1 September 2023
 
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. Acts 19:41
 
In the previous verse, the recorder noted that the city was in danger of being called into question for their unlawful assembly. With that, the chapter ends with, “And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.”
 
Once again, the term ecclesia is used to describe this unlawful gathering. The clerk had the right to dismiss it, and he had presented a logical, orderly case to show why it must be dismissed. Anything less would certainly have led to charges now that he had made his appeal. In this case, the entire city could be put under some type of curfew or had other restrictions placed upon it, or it could have had various privileges removed from it.
 
To close out the commentary on this chapter for us, Charles Ellicott notes that, “An interesting inscription of the date of Trajan, from an aqueduct at Ephesus, gives nearly all the technical terms that occur in the town-clerk’s speech, and so far confirms the accuracy of St. Luke’s report: ‘This has been dedicated by the loyal and devoted Council of the Ephesians, and the people that serve the temple (Neôkoros), Peducæus Priscinus being proconsul, by the decree of Tiberius Claudius Italicus, the town-clerk of the people.’”
 
Life application: There is no evidence that this unnamed person was a Christian convert. However, whether by friend or by foe, the Lord is able to ensure His people and His church will continue as they should. With the church apostatizing today, we can find comfort in this fact. 
 
Nothing is out of the providence of the Lord. To be assured that this is true, think of what Paul says to the church in this same city –
 
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22.
 
The Lord is building a house, a temple, as a “dwelling place of God in the Spirit,” and He is doing it out of His redeemed. When a person wants a house built in today’s world, he will go to a builder and will tell him what he wants.
 
From there, the builder will go to an architect and have the designs drawn up according to the local codes. But he will also detail every item that is needed to build the house. He will note how much copper wire is needed, even the different gauges of wire for various uses. He will calculate how many bricks or cinderblocks are needed.
 
He will determine the thickness of the slab and how much concrete must be poured. He will know how many panes of glass are needed. If the house is in a high wind zone, the glass will have to meet certain standards. The number of tiles required for the ceiling will be noted.
 
In other words, every single detail of the house is planned in advance. The amount of materials is exactingly known, etc. From there, the builder will go to the local market and determine how much all of that stuff will cost. He will then calculate exactly how much time it will take to do each step of the job, planning them in a set order for maximum efficiency. He will figure out the number of manhours, the number of subcontractors and their costs, etc.
 
When these things are done, the plan and the costs will be laid out before the person who wants the house built. Every single detail is known.
 
If we can build houses with such precision that we know every detail in advance, imagine how perfectly God’s temple has been planned. Here, we are dealing with sin and fallen humans to erect a house properly. God, who is perfect in all ways, and who is of infinite understanding, will have no errors or lapses in His plan. 
 
Considering this, even external influences on the church and on the people of the church will have no negative impact on God’s plan. He already knows those things. Therefore, why should you worry about today? Why should you be upset about what appears to be lacking in your life? The Lord knew and allowed those things as a part of your preparation and perfecting for the time ahead. Be content that things have been figured out according to a plan set forth by the infinite wisdom of God.
 
Lord God, thank You that our lives are set in a way that will lead us to eternal glory, even when they seem – at times – to be falling apart around us. When it appears to be that way, we can confidently know that these things were allowed to mold us and perfect us in You. This is a great and wonderful encouragement to our souls. Thank You, O God. Amen.

Acts 19:40

 Thursday, 31 August 2023
 
“For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” Acts 19:40
 
The text more literally reads, “For also we are in danger of being accused of insurrection concerning today. There being no cause about which we will be able to give a reason concerning this conspiracy” (CG).
 
The recorder at Ephesus made his statement and then told those listening that if they had any grievance, they should take it up in a lawful assembly. That being said, it implies that the gathering was unlawfully assembled. He confirms that now, beginning with, “For also we.”
 
He includes himself in the matter at hand. He is an official in the city, the city has gone into an uproar, and he has entered the place where it occurred. He could, therefore, potentially be considered a part of the uproar. As such, he continues that they, including him, “are in danger.”
 
The authority of Rome was not to be questioned. Unlawful assemblies could be considered a lack of control. Any lack of control over the people could become a movement. Any movement could become a threat to the power of the empire. Therefore, such things were considered intolerable. In this case, he says the result could be “of being accused of insurrection concerning today.”
 
The recorder’s words now bring in a possible ironic turn of events that could result from this mob. The word he translated as “being accused” is the same word just seen in 19:38. The entire assembly, including Demetrius and those gathered with him, are being reminded that they may end up as defendants and not plaintiffs.
 
If so, the results might be even worse than they could imagine. They had almost organized a lynching, but it might be they who were to be executed. Albert Barnes notes –
 
“Popular commotions were justly dreaded by the Roman government; and such an assembly as this, convened without any good cause, would not escape their notice. There was a Roman law which made it capital for anyone to be engaged in promoting a riot. ‘He who raises a mob, let him be punished with death.’”
 
Even if this didn't occur, the privileges of the city could be restricted, such as we have today with curfews and the like. The Romans did not appreciate such disobedience. The recorder was fully aware of this and next says, “There being no cause about which we will be able to give a reason.”
 
In other words, if the authorities heard of this gathering and came to Ephesus, there would be a hearing to determine what occurred. Even if the exact reason was discovered, which has already been described by Luke, it would not be a valid reason for the uproar. Somebody would be held accountable, and others would probably be implicated as well “concerning this conspiracy.”
 
In holding a hearing and finding those responsible, it is probable that charges would be made. If so, and it was quite possible under Roman law, there would be no reasonable defense. The word translated as “conspiracy” is sustrophé - a twisting together, hence a conspiracy. It speaks of anything rolled or twisted into a mass. In this case, a mass of people with an underlying sense of confusion, and thus a mob. The word is found only here and in Acts 23:12.
 
Life application: The words and actions of the recorder in this section of Acts could be compared with Gamaliel of the Sanhedrin in Acts 5. He was able to calm the crowd and use a logical defense of the situation at hand –
 
Gamaliel: “Men of Israel” / logical defense / conclusion – fighting against God.
Recorder: “Men of Ephesus” / logical defense / conclusion – fighting against Roman authority.
 
As such, there is a palpable irony between the two accounts. Gamaliel said that if the Way was of human origin, it would fade away, but if it was of God, it would endure. In this account, the recorder says that the whole world was aware of the divine source of their religion, and yet it eventually faded away.
 
The point of this is that in the world of faithful Christians, there are – at times – moments where it seems all is lost, and the faith is being overcome. This was the state of things several times in vast swaths of Christian-controlled areas. Wars seemed to threaten the very existence of the faith.
 
Likewise, in the world today, there is so much apostasy from the true faith that it seems as if those who are properly following the word of God are being pushed out by those who have completely departed from it. But this should not concern us. We have been told, in advance, that this time would come.
 
Eventually, the Lord will descend, and His faithful will be gathered to Him. He is not going to allow His faithful followers to be completely overwhelmed before that day comes. Until then, He expects us to hold fast to Him and His word, keep sharing the good news about what He has done, and remain encouraged even in a world filled with discouragement. Let us do so because a great Day lies ahead for those who are His faithful followers.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the sure hope we possess. Our faith is not built on fantasy but on the truth of who You are and what You have done to bring us back to Yourself. As the world devolves around us, we can remain confident and cheerful that there is an end to wickedness. A new and glorious Day lies ahead. May that Day be soon! Amen.

Acts 19:39

Wednesday, 30 August 2023
 
“But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. Acts 19:39
 
The words read, “If, however, you seek anything beyond, it will be solved in the lawful assembly” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the recorder told the crowd what was proper concerning the matter they were gathered for and excited about. He continues his words to them now, saying, “If, however, you seek anything beyond.”
 
The word peran, or beyond, signifies over, on the other side, etc. For example, it is used when saying beyond the Jordan, beyond the sea, to the other side of the sea of Galilee, etc. In this case, the crowd has brought the matter between Demetrius and Paul forward. It was currently at a large gathering in the theater, and it needed to end there. However, he notes if there was anything beyond that point, either in time, place, or concerning the issue, “it will be solved in the lawful assembly.”
 
These words show that the assembly in the theater (ecclesia – verse 19:32) was not an authorized one. Instead, the term was used in a general sense. The clerk here notes that if there was anything that still needed to be addressed, it would have to be in an ecclesia that was obedient to the law. Also, the word translated as “solved” is epiluó. It is a verb giving the sense of unloosening. In other words, the issue at hand is like a tied knot that must be unloosened.
 
This is the job of the appropriate magistrates, not a crowd without authority or knowledge of the legal issues involved. The noun form of the word is found in 2 Peter 1:20, where it says, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation.” As for the verb used above, it is only found elsewhere in Mark 4, where it is translated as “explained” –
 
“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” Mark 4:33, 34
 
Just as Jesus “unloosened the knot” of the parables he spoke, the prophets of old could not form their own prophecies to unloosen the mind of God. Rather, God spoke through them as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
 
Likewise, the matter between Demetrius and Paul, if it was not now settled by the recorder, would need to be taken before those who could properly unloosen it.
 
Life application: In seeing the use of the noun form of the word used here, Peter gives us insights into how prophecy is transmitted. The men of God of the past were given the words of God through a process that “unloosened” the mysteries necessary to understand what He is doing in the world concerning the redemptive narrative.
 
If you go on YouTube or some other internet forum and do a search for people who claim prophecy, you will find tens of thousands of people from all religions and all walks of life claiming they have had such secrets revealed to them.
Who are you going to believe? How can you determine if this one or that one is true or not? The Bible lets us know that what we have in it is sufficient for our doctrine, life, and religious practice. As this is so, the implication is that we do not need anything else revealed to us by God. It is easy to say, “That guy is a Hindu, and so his prophecies cannot be true,” but it should be just as clear to us that the people who claim to be Christians and who claim prophecy are also liars.
 
Their words are unnecessary for our walk with the Lord. They can only muddy the waters in which we tread. They cannot be accepted without causing some type of misdirection. Therefore, why listen to them? The plan has been set forth, it has been explained enough so that we have the broad outline we need, and it is sufficient for our time in this life. Be content with that.
 
Lord God, Your word is sufficient. Help us to accept this and to not search for something extra. That has caused too much damage in the church throughout the ages. Cults have sprung up, people have been misdirected, and souls have been lost. May we hold fast to Your word alone as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.
 

Acts 19:38

Tuesday, 29 August 2023
 
“Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. Acts 19:38
 
The words read, “Therefore, if indeed Demetrius and those craftsmen with him have a matter with anyone, judicials are held, and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another” (CG).
 
The previous words of the recorder were directed to the mob that had seized Gaius and Aristarchus, having brought them to the theater. He now says, “Therefore, if indeed Demetrius.”
 
The recorder is in a position of authority, responsibility, and understanding concerning legal matters. He has carefully described the situation to the crowd. Having done so, he next places the responsibility for any legal issue right back where it belongs, meaning with Demetrius. It was he who began the ruckus in verse 19:25. At that time, he called together “those craftsmen with him.”
 
Demetrius may have initiated the matter, but he had called these others to stand with him and against Paul and his doctrine. The people now gathered had been led as blind sheep to the theater, not even knowing all the facts concerning the matter. The recorder has carefully replaced the entire situation on Demetrius and those with him, questioning if they “have a matter with anyone.”
 
Even more literally, it says, “have a word with anyone.” The word logos, or word, carries with it the idea of a cause, matter, word, speech, analogy, and more. It is a very broad word meaning “reasoning expressed by words” (HELPS Word Studies). In this case, Demetrius had expressed his reasoning for exciting the other craftsmen by words.
 
However, that had almost turned into a riot, a matter of Roman interest and legal prosecution. These people had no valid word against Paul or the disciples with him. Therefore, the recorder is returning the issue back to those who may have a case. If so, he notes that “judicials are held.”
 
It is a word found only once elsewhere in Acts 17:5, agoraios. It signifies “pertaining to the marketplace.” In Acts 17, it was used of the wicked market-loungers who set the crowd in an uproar. In this case, it is obviously a type of court setting. As it is a plural adjective, the closest word to describe it would be “judicials.” It would be the public setting where such grievances were to be brought forward.
 
Once such a case was brought forward to the judicials, the recorder notes that at that place, “there are proconsuls.” Of this, Charles Ellicott notes –
 
“Strictly speaking, there was only one proconsul in each province, and we must therefore assume either that here also the expression is colloquial, or that the assessors (consiliarii) of the proconsul were popularly so described, or that some peculiar combination of circumstances had led to there being two persons at this time at Ephesus clothed with proconsular authority. There are some grounds for adopting the last alternative. Junius Silanus, who was Proconsul of Asia when St. Paul arrived in Ephesus (A.D. 54), had been poisoned by Celer and Helius, the two procurators, at the instigation of Agrippina; and it seems probable that they for a time held a joint proconsular authority.”
 
Whatever the exact situation, it is obvious from the words of the recorder that the people knew and understood what he was saying. The matter was not in their hands, and they had no right to have it adjudicated in the manner that was currently being conducted. Therefore, it should be directed to the Roman authority that was set forth for it. With that, he concludes, saying, “Let them accuse one another.”
 
As in a modern court, an accusation was to be filed. From there, the matter would be handled by the court as each side presented its case or counterargument. Witnesses, if available, would be brought forward. The matter would be handled in the proper legal manner set forth by the Roman Empire.
 
Life application: In this verse, the clerk moved from the concrete to the abstract very smoothly, never mentioning Paul. Instead, he moved the complaint back to where it belonged, which was to Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen.
 
This showed everyone else that they had nothing to argue against. By using the abstract “anyone” it actually means there was nobody to charge Paul because the very person who was the supposed instigator has been shown in the previous verse to have not done anything meriting a complaint. From there, if legal action needed to be filed, it was to be with them.
 
We can learn from this type of thinking. If a complaint arises at work, in the church, in a public setting, or so forth, it is very easy for us to get caught up in the matter, not thinking it through. However, if we can remove ourselves from the rising excitement and think, “What would the authority propose concerning this?”, we may be able to quell the rash thinking before it gets out of control.
 
This assumes that the people are willing to listen. Such is quite often not the case. And even the legal authorities are often so corrupt that a logical presentation means little to them. However, we can at least remove ourselves from the matter and not get caught up in whatever negative arises from it.
 
Learn to think clearly by learning to think independently. The herd mentality will never come to satisfactory results because it is based on a lack of information and unbridled passions, and it is usually led by someone who already had failed to think through the matter clearly.
 
Lord God, too often, a herd mentality exists around us, even in the church. Numbers and might do not necessarily mean that what is being considered is correct. May our thoughts and actions be properly directed to You and by Your word. In this, we will not be misdirected in how we conduct our affairs. Amen.

Acts 19:37

Monday, 28 August 2023
 
“For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Acts 19:37
 
The words are more succinct. They literally read, “For you brought these men, neither temple-robbers nor blaspheming your goddess” (CG).
 
The recorder has logically defended why the crowd should calm down, stating that what he spoke was undeniable. Now, because of what he has said, he explains why they must let the people they have been rallying against be left alone, saying, “For you brought these men.”
 
The word translated as you is plural. He is speaking to the crowd first spurred on by Demetrius, accusing them of causing an unnecessary riot and an attack against people who have done no wrong. The people he is referring to are Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who traveled with Paul, as noted in verse 19:29. They had been seized and brought into the theater. Of them, the recorder begins with, “neither temple-robbers.”
 
It is a single Greek word found only here in the New Testament, hierosulos. It is from two words meaning “sacred” or “holy” and to rob or plunder.  It is used only here in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians 11:8, Paul writes a similar thought using the word “rob” with the Greek word ekklésia, translated as “churches.” Of this word, Ellicott says –
 
“The corresponding noun for ‘robbing temples,’ or ‘sacrilege,’ is found in inscriptions discovered by Mr. Wood (vi. 1, p. 14) among the ruins of the Temple, as denoting a crime to which the severest penalties were attached.”
 
These men had not done such a thing. But more, the recorder continues with, “nor blaspheming your goddess.” Note the use of the present tense. They had not blasphemed Artemis in the past and were not doing so now. The point of these words is that Paul and those with him could rightly say, “they are not gods which are made with hands,” as was stated in verse 19:26. No act of blasphemy could be ascribed to such a statement.
 
If Paul and his disciples said, “And that includes the false goddess made by hands in the temple of Artemis,” they could be accused of blasphemy. But the recorder has said that it was indisputable that she was not made with hands but had fallen from heaven (verse 19:35). Therefore, they could not be accused of blaspheming her. If she was not made with hands, then the statement ascribed to Paul, and which was then stated by Demetrius in verse 19:26, could not apply to them concerning blasphemy against Artemis.
 
Finally, some texts of the clause say, “our goddess.” Others say, “your goddess.” If the latter is the true original, it could explain why the recorder was so careful to choose his words as he did. It may be that he was convinced that what Paul taught was true, even if he said it was indisputable that the image had fallen from heaven. Those words could have been purposefully chosen to exonerate these men with whom he agreed.
 
Life application: There is the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This is a way of saying that when you are in another nation or among another culture, you should adapt your conduct according to the location and culture of those you are visiting. It would be arrogant to assume that you can continue to act in a manner that would be offensive to those whose land you are visiting.
 
For example, whether you agree or disagree with the dress codes for women in an Islamic nation, when you are in such a nation, a visiting woman should wear what is required, or she can expect to be arrested. That is not complicated. If you don’t agree with their dress codes, then you should refrain from visiting.
 
This concept applies to evangelism as well. There are nations that forbid evangelism of their people. Because of this, many missionaries will go to such nations under the guise of working in another job, such as an English translator. The actual reason for going is to be a missionary, but any evangelism is done quietly and usually on an individual basis. If caught, that person is usually aware that it can end in being deported, imprisoned, or worse.
 
If you are going to travel to another nation, it is best to be aware of what you can and cannot do. Sharing the gospel is the highest priority for a believer, but it must be accompanied with tact and diplomacy. It would be highly inappropriate to go to an Islamic nation and begin your evangelism by blaspheming their god. The same is true with going to a Buddhist or Hindu nation. Be sure to know what is allowed and what is not allowed, and then work within that framework as closely as possible without either compromising your own faith or without getting yourself in a real pickle by those with whom you have come to reside.
 
Lord God, help us to know the laws, even in our own lands, concerning how we can evangelize others. It serves no good purpose to be labeled as an outlaw when we share the gospel if that can easily be avoided. So, Lord, give us wisdom and discernment about when to speak, how to speak, and what will be the most effective way of sharing the gospel. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts19:36

Sunday, 27 August 2023
 
“Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. Acts 19:36
 
The words are more closely translated, “Therefore, these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you to be calmed and to do nothing rash” (CG).
 
The recorder in Ephesus just calmed the crowd and spoke to them concerning their goddess Artemis, claiming her image had fallen down from Zeus. Having said that, he next continues, saying, “Therefore, these things being undeniable.”
 
He uses a word found only here in Scripture, anantirrétos. It consists of three parts: a – the negative particle, anti – in place of, and rheo – to speak of. Taken together, they signify indisputable or undeniable. Literally, “cannot be spoken against.”
 
The intent is that Paul had spoken against things made with hands, such as Demetrius’ images. However, the recorder stated that the image of Artemis in the temple was not made with hands. Rather, it had fallen down from Zeus. But Demetrius’ claim from verse 19:26 was against Paul’s words, “they are not gods which are made with hands.”
 
His words indicate that the crowd had been gathered and stirred up under false pretenses. This is because there was no way Paul’s words could overturn what heaven itself had set up. As this was indisputable, how could such ridiculous worries even enter the minds of those in the crowd? Therefore, he next says, “it is necessary for you to be calmed and to do nothing rash.”
 
Because they were gathered based on a false and ridiculous argument, and because ridiculous worries end in decisions that are rash, they should lighten up before something arose that they would regret. In the next verses, he will give sound advice for those who may have a grievance, but the crowd itself had no justification for their almost riotous actions.
 
Life application: Despite properly calming the crowd from taking unjust actions, the words of the recorder were based on a false proposition. He stated that the image of Artemis had fallen down from heaven and that this was indisputable.
 
If the people believed him concerning this, that is fine, but time has not borne out his words. If what he said was true, the temple and the image would still be standing to this day, but it is not. Anyone can make any claim, no matter how ridiculous. Unfortunately, the more trustworthy a person appears, the more he will be heeded, regardless of how inane his argument may be.
 
For example, there are scientists all over the world who are highly respected and who teach that the universe exploded itself into existence. Others teach that man evolved from goo. There is not a single shred of evidence for either of these claims, and yet they are believed by innumerable people.
 
Just because someone in a position of authority makes a claim, it is unwise to accept his words at face value. This applies to those in the ministry as well as the secular world. If someone makes a claim about something from the Bible, you should be well versed enough in Scripture to know whether what he says is true or not, or at least know where to go to check it out.
 
Don’t just believe what you hear. An entire stadium of people believed the recorder’s nonsensical words that an image had fallen down from heaven simply because they were told it was true by someone in authority. Check, think, and verify. These things are important in all aspects of life.
 
Lord God, the word we have been given from You is a self-validating book, filled with sufficient evidence that we can certainly trust its contents. Unfortunately, people still take what it says and manipulate it for various reasons. Help us to be diligent in reading it and being familiar enough with it to know when it is being mishandled. Help us in this, O God, so that our walk with You will be sound and proper. Amen.
 

Acts 19:34

Friday, 25 August 2023
 
But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” Acts 19:34
 
The words are more closely rendered, “And having recognized that he is a Jew, there was one voice from all over about two hours, crying, ‘Great, the Artemis of Ephesians’” (CG).
 
Alexander was ready to speak, having motioned with his hand before the multitude. However, it now says, “And having recognized that he is a Jew.” The verb is in the present tense. Luke is writing as if it is happening right before our eyes.
 
Unfortunately for Demetrius and Alexander, whether they were in collusion together or not, those who recognized Alexander saw him as a Jew, they saw Paul as a Jew, and so the two were lumped together into the same basket – both as miscreants against their great goddess. As most of the crowd didn’t have any idea why they were there, this means that only some of the people were paying attention to this fact.
 
But to those who understood what was going on, a Jew would have been the same as any other Jew. Those that had heard Paul speak about the futility of idolatry would have remembered that and assumed Alexander held the same beliefs as Paul. Therefore, in their recognition of this fact, “there was one voice from all.”
 
In verse 32, those who gathered had been crying out whatever was on their minds. There was no harmony to their voices. However, they are all brought together into the singular “one voice” as the voice of those who had instigated the gathering began to prevail. Like the united chants for a particular political leader, the crowd was brought into harmony which spanned “over about two hours.”
 
What had started as a gathering of curiosity for most had become a united gathering in support of the original rallying cry. This would have increased the unity of those gathered immensely because they were “crying, ‘Great, the Artemis of Ephesians.’”
 
Being unwilling to listen to a Jew, the crisis was diverted for the Christians. Instead, a general roar of the original cries noted in verse 28 became a united rallying call to the masses. Because Ephesus was where the temple of the goddess Artemis was located, the people had become focused on it as the central purpose of their gathering.
 
Life application: It doesn’t take much to convince a group of people to act in a particular way. Many studies have shown that people will even do unreasonable things simply because a majority of those around them are doing them. It is the herd mindset that can take over anyone who either wants to join in with a cause or who is unwilling to speak out about the incorrect nature of a matter.
 
Quite often, this occurs because people don’t want to look foolish to others. This herd mindset then becomes a cult mindset. Jim Jones understood this and led an entire group of people to Guyana. They faithfully followed his leading, eventually to their own deaths. The same has repeatedly happened throughout history. Think of the cultlike thinking of those during the COVID event in 2021!
To varying degrees, this type of thing occurs in churches all the time. For example, the cult of King James Onlyism demands that only that translation be used. It claims that any other translation is of the devil. This is not an act of faithfulness to the word. If it was, the truth of the matter would be searched out. In searching, the mindset would be dismissed as ridiculous. But it is not. Fear of the leader sets in and control over the congregation is solidified.
 
The same occurs with other erroneous doctrines, moral perversity, etc. Anytime a leader claims something is exclusive to his teaching, it should be carefully considered. It is true that if his teaching is that Jesus is the only way to heaven, then he is teaching what is correct. However, if he teaches that Jesus is the only way to heaven and that can only be realized in, for example, the Church of Christ, it is time to leave that church.
The only way to find out if such things are appropriate or not is to read and know the word. If this is not done, people are setting themselves up for disaster at the hands of others.
 
Thank You, Lord God, for Your precious word. It has been given to us to keep us on the straight and narrow path, and it certainly tells us what that path is. This can be verified in Your word. Help us to get to know this wonderful treasure of safety, security, and grounded hope that You have given to us. Amen.