BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 22:15

Sunday, 3 December 2023
 
“For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:15
 
Paul was just told by Ananias that the God of their fathers had chosen him to know His will and to personally see and hear the Just, meaning Jesus. With that, he next says, “For you will be His witness.”
 
At this point, Paul leaves off the words of Acts 9:15. Those words would have been completely abhorrent to them –
 
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.’”
 
The part about “the children of Israel” would have been no problem, but mentioning the Gentiles would have put them into attack mode, as will soon be seen. Rather than that, he tells the crowd that he was selected to be the Lord’s witness.
 
The other apostles were told they would be His witnesses as well –
 
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
 
As for what Paul is expected to witness, it is to be directed “to all men.” This would include the “Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel” of Acts 9:15. Any and all whom he encountered would be those he was to tell the good news about. This would have been much easier for him than the other apostles.
 
He was raised in a Gentile land; he was a Roman citizen, making his testimony more likely to be received by many; he was comfortable around highly placed leaders; he spoke many languages, allowing him to travel more easily throughout the empire, etc. What the other apostles would struggle at, he would be able to effortlessly accomplish, speaking to any and all. With that noted, Ananias continues with, “of what you have seen and heard.”
 
These things are not merely referring to the encounter he is now describing. Instead, it will encompass the personal revelations that he will receive directly from the Lord, his encounters with others, as he travels, and so forth.
 
Of his personal revelations, he mentions these in several passages, such as 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, Galatians 1:11-17, Ephesians 3:1-7, etc.
 
Life application: Paul was deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. He didn’t need to be trained in what was contained there, something that takes much of one’s life to even begin to grasp. The other apostles did not have this wealth of knowledge.
 
Where they could easily tie Jesus in with the more common parts of Scripture, Paul could give the theology behind why it was so. This was especially necessary because he would be dealing largely with Gentiles. Because of this, a deeper theology would be needed to overcome barriers that naturally existed.
 
Today, Christian theology is highly refined because of the words of Paul. But it was not this way at the time of the early church. Paul’s evangelism made this possible, and his writings continued to do so during his life. And because they were maintained by those who received them, they continue to provide clarity even today.
 
Unfortunately, people spend more time reading about the Bible than reading it. This is unfortunate because it does not provide a sufficient grounding to know if what is presented aligns with Scripture or not. Above all, we must put reading and studying of the word, directly from the word, as the most important part of our day each day.
 
On the day this commentary was typed, a note from someone who attends the Superior Word Church messaged with the following comments –
 
“I sit on my couch today ... and I just read Galatians. ... Today the scriptures have come alive in me like never before. ... I understand belief, faith and grace like never before and ... I wanted to share it because I truly feel free today in my spirit and I understand why Christ had to come to die. I before always had the head knowledge but now I have it written on my heart. I just wanted to share my testimony with you. ... Your constant encouragement to read the scriptures have [made them] come alive in my heart today.”
 
This person, whether attending online or in the building, has heard many sermons, but through direct study of the word, the book of Galatians made a particular impact that could not have come otherwise.
 
Each day, be sure to pick up and read the Bible, the source of our knowledge of God in Christ. You will be blessed as you do.
 
Lord God, Your word truly is a lamp for our feet and a light to our path! Thank You for Your precious and glorious word. Amen.

Acts 22:14

Saturday, 2 December 2023
 
“Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. Acts 22:14
 
The Greek reads, “And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has before-handed you to know His will, and to see the Just, and to hear the voice from His mouth.” (CG).
 
Paul’s sight was just restored at the word of the Lord through Ananias. Now, Ananias will speak again in order to explain to Paul his commission. That begins with a statement concerning his calling. This is detailed to the crowd, beginning with, “And he said.”
 
He is referring to Ananias. Paul makes note of the divine appointment given through this Jew who was in good standing in regard to the law. The exact words of Ananias begin with “The God of our fathers.”
 
The meaning of “the God of our fathers" is obvious. He is Yehovah, the one true God. Paul has been selected to know His will. Understanding that in verse 3, he said, “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today,” this statement by Ananias is all the more astonishing.
 
How could someone, brought up in the strictness of “our father's law” not “know His will?” Wasn't it written down for all to know? How much more this man! And yet, he obviously was completely clueless as to what the will of God was.
 
This is an obvious conclusion because of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, his blindness, and now his forthcoming instruction. As for this will, Ananias is next noted to have said that their God “has before-handed you.”
 
The word is procheirizó. It was first used in Acts 3:20 and it will be seen one more time in Acts 26:16. It comes from pro, before, and cheir, hand. Thus, it is literally before-handed, meaning divinely handpicked in advance. The Pulpit Commentary notes, “In classical Greek it means mostly ‘to get anything ready beforehand.’” The words bring to mind the calling of Jeremiah –
 
“Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:5 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;Before you were born I sanctified you;I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’” Jeremiah 1:4, 5
 
What was said to Jeremiah is summed up in this word, translated as before-handed. Paul’s calling was “to know His will.” Paul’s preselection was to know the will of the Lord. Again, it obviously meant that he did not know this will. Therefore, his persecution of believers was not in accord with the will of the Lord. Ananias was sent first to begin to set this straight.
 
Eventually, Paul would personally receive revelation from the Lord (Galatians 1:2), but this was a necessary first step in preparing him for that. This explains why Paul quite often opened his letters stating that he was an apostle according to the will of God. He does this in 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; and Colossians 1:1. Ephesians 1:1-11 actually gives an entire commentary on this. Next, Ananias says, “and to see the Just.”
 
This term, “the Just,” comes from an adjective, dikaios. It means correct, righteous, innocent, etc. Being prefixed by an article, and without any other words to further qualify it, the meaning is a single individual who embodies what the adjective signifies. It is a term that any Jew would have understood as referring to the Messiah. Many Old Testament passages would have immediately flooded their minds, such as Psalm 2, Isaiah 11:1-5, Isaiah 53:11, etc.
 
The words of Ananias continue, saying, “and to hear the voice from His mouth.” It is a phrase that carries great weight. To hear the voice from His mouth meant that Paul was being granted a prophetic office.
 
If his words to the crowd were true, and they could be verified by Ananias if he was still alive, Paul was being given a commission that raised him to the level of any true prophet of Israel. His words would carry the same weight and effect as those of their own Scriptures.
 
Paul was not being called to do another thing than the other selected apostles, but to carry the same word of the Lord to another group of people, making understandable to them what God was doing in and through Israel. That will be seen in the next verses.
 
Life application: There is one prophetic plan that is being worked out in redemptive history. It is being developed in various steps. The Mosaic Covenant was one step. That was replaced by the New Covenant. Gentile inclusion in the New Covenant was to be a part of that plan, not something separate from it.
 
Israel’s rejection of Jesus was known by God before it happened. During their time of rejection, God has been working out His New Covenant through a Gentile-led church, but it is still the same covenant that will be continued through the Jews at a future point. This is completely certain because Paul, writing to the Gentiles, appeals to the New Covenant in 1 Corinthians 11 –
 
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
 
Watch out for heretical doctrines that attempt to separate what God is doing for the Jews and for the Gentiles. There is one New Covenant. The nation of Israel has temporarily rejected the offer. But because of His faithfulness to His covenant promises, they too will be brought into the New Covenant someday.
 
In the meantime, any Jew or Gentile can come into the New Covenant in exactly the same way. That Israel, the nation, will be given this opportunity is explicitly stated in Hebrews 9:15 –
 
“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
 
Hold fast to what is sound and proper. The New Covenant is one thing. It was given to the House of Israel and the House of Judah, as noted in Jeremiah 31:31 and Hebrews 8:8. They will be brought into it in due time. Until then, the one and only gospel is currently going forth to any individual who will receive it.
 
O God, Your faithfulness is everlasting. What concern should we have that You would ever not fulfill every word You have spoken forth? Rather, we can read Your word and know, with absolute surety, that You will perform as You have spoken. Praises be to You, our great and faithful Lord! Amen.

Acts 22:13

Friday, 1 December 2023
 
“came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Acts 22:13
 
The Greek reads, “Having come to me and having stood, said, ‘Saul, brother, look up.’ And I, the same hour, looked up to him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul told the crowd about Ananias, a devout man according to the law and who had a good testimony with the Jews. Of him, it now says, “Having come to me and having stood, said.”
 
Luke’s use of participles makes each step carefully anticipate the next. In Acts 9, Ananias was told by the Lord to go to Paul and put his hand on him in order to restore his sight. Paul skips this information and simply notes that an observant Jew was the one taking the action. This would have had a more profound effect on the crowd.
 
They were gathered outside the temple, accusing Paul of being a violator of the law. And yet, everything he is presenting to them concerned adherence to the law by those he was associated with. As the temple was still standing, it would be an affront to the sensibilities of the Jews to do otherwise when among them.
 
As for Ananias, once he had come to Paul, he then spoke, “Saul, brother, look up.” The word is anablepó. It literally means “look up.” However, it is also used to indicate the recovery of sight, such as in Matthew 11 –
 
“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and [anablepó: look up] the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.’” Matthew 11:5, 6
 
Therefore, many translations simply say, “receive youryou sight.” With that stated, Paul next says, “And I, the same hour, looked up to him.”
 
He uses the same word, anablepó, that was just used. Paul received his sight right then. The word was spoken, and the sight was immediately restored. Thus, it was certainly a miracle. Further, it was performed by a Jew in good standing and it was performed on Paul.
 
This would have had a pronounced effect on them. This would not only validate that Ananias was capable of such things, but that it was the Lord Jesus who was ultimately behind the act. This is because he had already noted in verse 10 that it was Jesus who directed the events.
 
And more, this power of the Lord through Ananias was in approval of Paul’s coming ministry. Paul’s words thus far would have had a weighty effect on those listening.
 
Life application: By following the progression of thought one step at a time, it is evident that Paul’s ministry was a particular one that was directed and commissioned by the Lord. He was not a rogue Jew who was out of control among his people and among the Gentiles.
 
Rather, he was called by the Lord, healed by the power of the Lord, commissioned as an apostle by the Lord, and then sent forth to his ministry by the Lord. As he was not one of the twelve apostles sent forth to the house of Israel, it means that his ministry served an entirely different purpose.
 
There is overlap in what the apostles taught, but the focus of Paul’s ministry was different than that of the others. This clearly indicates that the Gentile-led church, though being brought into the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12), is not a replacement of Israel. Nor is it the fulfillment of the promises to Israel.
 
These things have to be carefully considered. Otherwise, there will be a defect in one’s understanding of proper doctrine, sound eschatology, etc. Keep the boxes straight, and the Bible will be rightly divided regarding sound dispensational theology.
 
Lord God, give us wisdom and discernment in how to interpret Your word properly. It is a big book, filled with many difficulties. And so, be with us as we actively engage in it through reading and study. May our doctrine be sound as we go forth telling others about the great plan You have set forth for the people of the world in this wonderful word. Amen.
 

Acts 22:12

Thursday, 30 November 2023
 
“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, Acts 22:12
 
The words are more exactingly translated, “And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted to the crowd that he could not see because of the light, and so he was led by the hand to Damascus. Continuing now, it says, “And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law.”
 
Only the term “disciple” was used of Ananias in Chapter 9. Now, for the sake of this Jewish audience and to show that the man would have been acceptable in their eyes, he calls him a devout man according to the law.
 
This is the fourth and last time that the word eulabés is found in Scripture. It is found only in Luke’s writings. Once in his gospel (Luke 2:25) and three times in Acts. It is a compound word that literally means “‘taking hold of what is good.’ It focuses on the outward response someone gives to what they feel is truly worthwhile (worthy of respect)” (HELPS Word Studies). At times, translators say, “God-fearing” which is more of a paraphrase, but it implies that a godly fear is instilled in the person. With that, Paul next says, “being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there.”
 
This would be easily verifiable, and it shows that Ananias was obedient in his actions as a faithful Jew. The resentment of followers of the Way was obviously not as pronounced elsewhere as it was in Jerusalem.
 
And even at this time, it was perceived by most that followers of the way were considered obedient Jews. This is an obvious truth from the fact that James and the other apostles moved freely about. Gloag says that this “affirms that he was not introduced to Christianity by an opponent of Judaism, but by a strict Jew” (Paton James Gloag).
 
Paul’s argument before the people is a petition for reason concerning faith in Jesus that does not contradict their faith. However, as the author of Hebrews (probably Paul) notes –
 
“In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13
 
It was understood that law observance would eventually be ended. Thus, there is nothing deceitful by Paul in living as a Jew among Jews, as a Gentile among Gentiles, and promoting law observance among the Jews during the time that the temple was still standing.
 
As for the ending of the law, Hebrews notes that it will come at some future point. According to Daniel 9:27, Scripture reveals that point will be after the seven years of tribulation, whenever that occurs. Since the destruction of the temple, believing Jews and Gentiles are not bound to law observance, nor could they be. Without a temple, it would be impossible.
 
At the rapture, all believers will be taken to glory. After that, a temple will be rebuilt, and temple rites and law observance will return to Israel temporarily to consummate the times set forth by the Lord in Daniel 9.
 
Life application: The words of Hebrews 8:13 are written to the Hebrew people. They do not apply to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were never under law observance. As the New Covenant supplants the Old, it is insane theology to teach that a Gentile must observe the law, in part or in whole. This is why Paul is so adamant about this issue in Galatians.
 
To go to the Law of Moses, after coming to Christ, means that Christ’s finished work has been rejected. Is this where you really want to stand? Is your hope in your own meriting of God’s favor. If so, you will be sorely disappointed.
 
Be sure to trust in Christ, rest in Christ, and find your eternal security in the grace of God that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Lord God Almighty, how can we be pleasing to You? Your word tells us. We are pleasing to You through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Help us to never attempt to merit Your favor through observance of the law that He came to fulfill. How good it is to simply rest in His finished work. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Hallelujah and amen. 
 

Acts 22:11

Wednesday, 29 November 2023
 
“And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. Acts 22:11
 
Paul was just instructed by the Lord to arise and go into Damascus where he would be told all the things appointed for him to do. Continuing the narrative, he next says, “And since I could not see for the glory of that light.”
 
This verse explains the blindness of chapter 9. The reason for his blindness might be inferred from the words there, but it was not stated. Now, the reason is explicitly given. The glory of the light was so intense upon his eyes that he could no longer see.
 
It is both an argument for the authenticity of the account because Paul personally explains what happened and also a note to the people that what he beheld was exceedingly glorious. It is a reminder to them of the glory of the Lord that Moses beheld. It was because of this glory that he veiled his face –
 
“Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses talked with them. 32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them as commandments all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. 34 But whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel whatever he had been commanded. 35 And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.”
 
Paul will later explain the theological importance of what happened to Moses –
 
“Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:12-18
 
Paul was so steeped in reveling in his own efforts through law observance that when he encountered the glory of the Lord, he was literally blinded by the goodness that he saw. The grace of God in Jesus Christ simply overwhelmed him.
 
Of all people, Paul understood the theological implications of the dulling of spiritual senses because of the law. Eyes are blinded, ears are covered over, and hearts are made dull. These types of manifestations of the effects of the law are seen in Scripture, and they are seen in the lives and conduct of people throughout the world today.
 
With these things understood, Paul continues with, “being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.”
 
Rather, both verbs are present participles – “being led by the hand” and “being with me.” Paul is conveying the events in a lively manner for the crowd gathered before him. As for the word translated as “being led by the hand,” this is the second and last use of cheiragógeó in the Bible. Its other use was in Acts 9:8.
 
Also, the word translated as “being with me,” suneimi, is found only here and in Luke 9:18. Luke masterfully uses the Greek language to convey what Paul would have said to the audience in their native dialect.
 
Life application: Referring to the idea of senses being dulled, at the time of Isaiah’s commissioning by the Lord, he was told –
 
“And He said, ‘Go, and tell this people:“Keep on hearing, but do not understand;Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.”’10 ‘Make the heart of this people dull,And their ears heavy,And shut their eyes;Lest they see with their eyes,And hear with their ears,And understand with their heart,And return and be healed.’” Isaiah 6:9, 10
 
Jesus used those words to explain why He spoke as He did to the people –
 
“Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,And seeing you will see and not perceive;15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.Their ears are hard of hearing,And their eyes they have closed,Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,So that I should heal them.’” Matthew 13:13-15
 
The people lived under the law. They thought it was what made them holy and distinct above all else, and they conducted their lives as such. It is true that the law was given to distinguish them from all other people, but the law reflects the Lord’s will for them. Thus, it is ultimately the Lord who sets Israel apart.
 
Their history had shown them that the law could not save them. They should have been jubilant at the coming of the perfect Savior who would remove this burden from upon them. But they could not see the truth of who He is.
 
As noted, this continues throughout the world today, and it does so in some very surprising places. Not only is Israel still affected by this, but supposed churches also are. They have returned to the law, given up on the grace of God in Christ, and they have their senses dulled because of this.
 
Grace! The Bible is trying to tell us (if we will only pay heed!) that the ultimate glory that we can behold is the grace of God. It is the greatness of the glory of God found in Jesus Christ that reveals that to us. Do not mar grace. Rather, embrace it. Rejoice in it. And thank God for it all the days of your life. You don’t need more law. Rather, you need grace. Cling to what God has done. It is all about Jesus.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your glory revealed. Thank You for the grace that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 22:10

Tuesday, 28 November 2023
 
“So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’” Acts 22:10
 
The words are more appropriately translated as, “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord.’ And the Lord said unto me, ‘Having arisen, go to Damascus, and there it will be told you all things that have been appointed you to do’” (CG)
 
 Previously, Paul noted that those who were with him were afraid, having seen the light, but they did not understand the voice speaking to him. With that, he continues, saying, “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord.’”
 
Paul continues saying “Lord” as he did in verse 8. This, however, is the first time that he has done so with the understanding that Jesus is the Lord. There he was, on the ground speaking to the Lord of creation and the Messiah of Israel, acknowledging submission to Him when the very purpose of him going to Damascus was to snuff out any remnant of His name.
 
There must have been a great sense of terror in his heart as he considered the dreadful awe of the situation in which he found himself. But instead of words of condemnation, the words continue, saying, “And the Lord said unto me, ‘Having arisen, go to Damascus.’”
 
There is a slight variation in Paul’s words here from Chapter 9. There it said, “Arise and go into the city...” Here, it says, “Having arisen, go to Damascus.” Paul is speaking to the people in Jerusalem, and so this is an obvious amendment for them to hear and understand.
 
Paul was already headed to Damascus, but now his purpose for going would be diametrically opposed to what it had been only moments before. Instead of giving orders and arresting faithful believers, he would receive words concerning his new direction in life, as recorded in the continued words, “and there it will be told you all things that have been appointed you to do.”
 
In Chapter 9, it said, “...and you will be told what you must do.” Here, that is amended to show his appointment by the Lord as a son of Israel and one given a commission for spreading the word of the Lord. The changes are logical and appropriate. Of these words, Bengel says –
 
“The Divine appointment is the sphere of the godly: whatever they do is a realisation (repræsentatio, a vivid exhibition or ready performance) of that appointment.”
 
Life application: At this point in the narrative, Paul’s mind must have gone from vehement rage to utter astonishment to absolute horror and then to complete confusion – all within a few moments of discourse by the Lord.
 
The process of his conversion from persecuting Jesus to acknowledging Him as Lord was as sudden as the flash of lightning. There was no questioning if the Lord could clarify a few things, there was no asking for a sign to confirm who He was, and so forth. He heard, and he acknowledged.
 
How good it would be if we would do this as well. Obviously, we must ensure that what we have read or heard is properly understood. Unlike Paul, who didn’t need such clarification, we might. Varying views on Scripture necessitate logically thinking through which view is correct.
 
Is the view of N.T. Wright correct where he views Jesus and the Gentile-led church as being the true Israel? If so, then there will be no national salvation for Israel and the people who have been brought back to the land of Israel have no future hope or purpose in God’s redemptive plans.
 
If he is wrong, then there is a future for Israel and, even if not supporting the worldview of Israel at this time, it is incumbent on faithful believers to pray for and stand with Israel in anticipation of the coming fulfillment of the Lord’s promises to them.
 
Once that matter is settled in our theology, the latter being the correct view as argued by the author of this commentary, then we should accept God’s will, stop bucking against what He is doing in regard to Israel, and continue to pray for Israel in anticipation of the Lord’s returning to them.
 
We are under no obligation to place ourselves in a subservient position to the overall views of the Jewish society, but we are obligated by Scripture to anticipate and pray for God’s will to be fulfilled according to how His word is laid out and properly interpreted.
 
In all such matters of theology, let us not kick against what God has ordained. Instead, let us look to the higher purposes of God and allow our hopes for the future to be realized in our attitudes in the present.
 
Gracious and almighty God, we come before You, knowing that You are the One who keeps His covenant, even when we fail to do so. Unlike man, who is willing to toss away the promises set forth by You, Your word stands, confirming what You have spoken as a promise to the people You have covenanted with. Help us in our weakness, clarify our confusion, and redirect our hearts and minds to be in accord with Your intentions for all humanity. Amen.

Acts 22:9

Monday, 27 November 2023
 
“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. Acts 22:9
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And those being with me indeed saw the light and were terrified but did not comprehend the voice of Him speaking to me” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul told the crowd that he asked who was speaking to him on the road to Damascus. He then noted that the voice stated He was Jesus of Nazareth, whom he was persecuting. Paul now adds more detail about the encounter, saying, “And those being with me indeed saw the light.”
 
This is an important addition. First, it could be verified if it was true or not. Second, if only Paul saw the light, it could be claimed that he had a stroke, suffered a mental breakdown, got donked on the head by a falling rock, or some other event. However, if all of those with him saw the light, it could not be denied that the event occurred. Understanding this, Paul next says, “and were terrified.”
 
These words are not found in some manuscripts, but they are likely original. It is a natural and obvious reaction to such an encounter, and the words fit with the general tenor of the account. Terror would have gripped anyone who was in such a situation. Such a radiant light in the middle of the day would be inexplicable. But more, Paul continues with, “but did not comprehend the voice of Him speaking to me.”
 
In many translations, there is a seeming contradiction from chapter 9. In Chapter 9, it said, “And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.” As in the NKJV, translations will say “hear.” It is not incorrect, but it leads to a seeming contradiction. The men heard a voice, but they did not understand it. The same word carries both connotations.
 
We might say, “You aren’t hearing me” to someone who hears but does not pay heed. We may knock on someone’s head and say, “Helloooo, did you hear me?” when it is perfectly well-known that he did. However, he may not have grasped what was said, or he may have completely ignored it.
 
This would have added to their terror. Seeing a gleaming light and hearing a voice but not understanding it would be something truly terrifying to those who experienced the encounter.
 
As for the word “hear,” that carries a dual meaning, one example is found in Mark 4:33 –
 
“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it.”
 
It is clear that the word “hear” means to assimilate into the mind, not simply to audibly hear a sound. 1 Corinthians 14:2 also provides clarity –
 
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
 
The same word, here translated as “understands,” clarifies the dual nature of the word.
 
Life application: It is the constant aim of some people to tear apart the word of God in order to deny that it is what it claims to be. Supposed contradictions are highlighted on innumerable websites, attempting to deceive people and rob them of faith. Such claims, incredibly, will even come from the pulpit or lectern in churches or seminaries.
 
However, with a bit of study, such supposed contradictions are cleared up. Don’t be hasty to believe everything you read or hear. Instead, check out such claims. In the end, you may find that what you heard was inaccurate. If you care about your analysis of Scripture, it can be even more embarrassing to have repeated what was said, to only later find out you were wrong.
 
Check things out, don’t be quick to repeat without verification, and be ready to defend the word as you find out how truly reliable it is.
 
Thank You, O God, for the precious word You have given us. It is a wonder to our understanding, a delight to our minds, and a joy to our hearts to read and know it more each day. We thank You for how You have displayed Your heart to us in it. Thank You! Amen.

Acts 22:8

Sunday, 26 November 2023
 
So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Acts 22:8
 
Rather, the Greek reads, “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul had fallen to the ground and heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” It next says, “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’”
 
Paul’s questioning of who the Presence is shows that even though he had all of the training of a master, he still didn't know who the Lord truly was. It is reminiscent of the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 –
 
“And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you did call me.’
Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’
And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.’” 1 Samuel 3:8-10
 
Paul knew that this was a divine messenger, but he could not have imagined that Jesus was that divine messenger. His worldview and presuppositions about the law, the Messiah, etc., would not allow him to believe that his actions could possibly be responsible for the persecution of God’s appointed Messiah. However, that was about to change with the next words, “And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene.’”
 
The word Nazarene was not used by Luke in Chapter 9. However, Paul here indicates that this is the full title that was spoken to him. Luke’s words in Chapter 9 were focused more on the persecution and Paul’s stubborn inability to perceive the truth, instead recklessly pursuing a false direction –
 
“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”
 
Here, Paul first identifies the Source of the words from heaven because of the audience he is addressing. He carefully calls Jesus the Nazarene to ensure that the proper Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua) was being identified for their understanding.
 
The name was not uncommon in Israel at the time. Identifying him this way would carefully elicit memories of the Man who had come and done so many miracles among the people, who had been crucified, and whose followers avowed that He had risen. Paul poignantly identifies himself with this same Jesus. With that, he completes Jesus’ words to him, saying, “whom you are persecuting.”
 
Paul doesn’t leave out the fact that he had been persecuting Jesus, but the proper Jesus had to first be identified. Matthew Poole describes the term Nazarene used here, saying “...that contemned (though not contemptible) name is owned by Christ from heaven, that they might not be ashamed when they were reproached by it on earth.”
 
Life application: The name Jesus is the name at which every person shall someday bow. All of humanity, from Adam until the last person born, will acknowledge Him –
 
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
 
Isaiah, however, ascribes this honor to the Lord (Yehovah) –
 
“Look to Me, and be saved,All you ends of the earth!For I am God, and there is no other.23 I have sworn by Myself;The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness,And shall not return,That to Me every knee shall bow,Every tongue shall take an oath.” Isaiah 45:22, 23
 
Paul directly cites Isaiah and applies what the Lord said through him to Jesus. Either Paul was a heretic and a blasphemer, or he is rightly claiming that Jesus is the Lord incarnate. The truth of Jesus’ deity cannot be missed if one truly searches it out. However, presuppositions and biases stand in the way. Paul was given a special grace by encountering the Lord personally.
 
We are likewise offered the grace of meeting Jesus personally through the now-completed pages of Scripture. Let us be wise and attend carefully to what we read. The choice is ours, just as it was for Paul. He responded properly –
 
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” Acts 26:19, 20
 
Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. We are not to be disobedient to the testimony now set forth in the pages of the Bible. Believe and be saved, and then share this message with those you encounter, to the glory of God who saved you.
 
Lord God Almighty, thank You for the word that You have given us. It is the place where we can encounter You and find the truth of who You are. May we not be slack about our pursuit of You. Rather, fill us with the burning desire to know You more and more each day. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 22:7

Saturday, 25 November 2023
 
“And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ Acts 22:7
 
In the last verse, Paul was approaching Damascus when a gleaming light shone around him. Next, it says, “And I fell to the ground.”
 
The light overwhelmed him, and as happens at other points in Scripture where someone encounters the glory of God. Regardless of how He reveals Himself, it is a natural reaction to beholding His glory. An example of this is found in Peter’s encounter with Jesus –
 
“But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” Luke 5:5-8
 
This doesn’t mean that Peter recognized Jesus as God, but he did recognize the miracle as having come from God. Thus, Peter understood that Jesus had been a divinely appointed Messenger of the Lord. The miracle leveled him because he discerned his utterly contemptible nature before such greatness.
 
Paul is now overwhelmed in a different but comparable way. The glory of the risen Lord was too much for him to bear, and the event, likewise, leveled him. With that having occurred, it next says, “and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul.’”
 
The Greek Saoul, Saoul is transliterated from the Hebrew name Shaul, or Saul, meaning Asked For. Further, the call is personal, having been repeated twice as so often occurs in Scripture. It is a way of bearing verbal emphasis. Further, it is generally used in a way that demonstrates intimate familiarity. For example –
 
“So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’
And he said, “Here I am.”
3 So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. 4 I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.’” Genesis 46:1-4
 
The Lord was emphatically calling Jacob, intimately identifying with him, and demonstrating that He knew what would come to pass. In this, He was reassuring Jacob concerning the future, the events of which were completely within the control of His capable hands.
 
As for the encounter between Jesus and Saul, the words continue, saying, “why are you persecuting Me?”
 
The accusation is personal as well – “Why are you persecuting ME?” An attack against believers is an attack against Christ Himself. If the church is “in Christ,” then it is “in” Christ! Of interest is that the noun “voice” is in a different case than in verse 9.
 
The same is true with Acts 9:4 and Acts 9:7. The reason is certainly to show that the others heard a sound, but it was not speech to them. The Lord was only speaking to Paul.
 
Life application: In Isaiah 66, it says –
 
“Thus says the Lord:‘Heaven is My throne,And earth is My footstool.Where is the house that you will build Me?And where is the place of My rest?2 For all those things My hand has made,And all those things exist,’Says the Lord.‘But on this one will I look:On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,And who trembles at My word.’” Isaiah 66:1, 2
 
The word of God, meaning the Holy Bible, reveals who God is. It speaks forth His intentions for the people of the world. God says that He looks favorably upon the one who trembles at this word. Does this reflect your state before God?
 
It is certain that you cannot tremble at a word you don’t read. Nor can you tremble at a word that you read in which you are looking for personal earthly gain. But this is how much of the church treats the word because this is what they have been taught about the word.
 
You might be looking to get rich, and so you look to the Bible as a talisman to make that happen. There is no trembling and reverent fear in this. There is only the expectation that the Great ATM in the sky will be paying out in the days ahead.
 
The word of God is supposed to appeal to our souls, convict us of our sins, reveal to us His greatness, demonstrate our need for His mercy and grace, etc. These things are what we should find when we open the word and look into it. Let us consider this as we reflect upon this sacred and precious word.
 
Glorious Lord God, we stand in awe of Your splendor and majesty. We thank You for the grace and kindness You have shown to us, even in our fallen state. And we thank You that because of Jesus, we are now reconciled to You for all eternity. Be glorified in our praises to You, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 22:6

Friday, 24 November 2023
 
“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.” Acts 22:6
 
A more literal translation would be, “And it was to me, traveling and approaching Damascus about midday, suddenly from heaven considerable light gleamed around me” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul told the gathered crowd that he had received letters allowing him to bring in chains to Jerusalem those who followed the Way in Damascus. He continues now, saying, “And it was to me, traveling and approaching Damascus.
 
Paul notes a few things here that are of interest. The first is that what occurred was as he was approaching Damascus. This means that it occurred outside of the land of Israel. It is not to simply be dismissed because of this though, as some Jewish commentaries attempt to do about such events.
 
Daniel and Ezekiel had their visions outside of the land. Moses received the law outside of the land. Elijah was taken out of the land when he spoke to the Lord. Etc. Paul is stating this as a fact, and the people were to receive it as such.
 
Secondly, he next says it was about midday. This was omitted from the account in chapter 9. Paul is giving a first-hand account of the matter. Stating that it was around the middle of the day is then telling the crowd that what occurred was more intense and brighter than even the sun in its fullest moment.
 
The glory which he beheld eclipsed the splendor of the sun. This is similar to how Jesus is described in Revelation 1:16 –
 
“He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.”
 
As for the word translated as midday, this is the second and last time it is seen in Scripture. The word is mesémbria. It is a compound word coming from mesos, meaning “middle,” and hémera, meaning “day.” Hence, it means “midday.” Of the manifestation, he next says it occurred “suddenly from heaven.”
 
This was not something that could be attributed to man, such as someone in the distance carrying a mirror that reflected the light. Rather, the direction is from above. It wasn’t there, and then it was suddenly there. Continuing, Paul says, “considerable light gleamed around me.”
 
The word periastrapto is also used for the second and last time. It comes from peri, around, and astraptó, to flash forth. The word astraptó was used in Luke 24:4 to describe the dazzling garments worn by the two men at Jesus’ tomb. This was more than a temporary flash. Rather, there was a gleaming radiance from heaven that suddenly enveloped Paul.
 
Life application: Paul was chosen as an apostle and designated to go forth to the Gentiles. He was a hard case in his fight against Christianity, and it took a hard lesson for him to understand just who he was persecuting.
 
The same is true with many of the people of the world today. But it should not be expected that the Lord is going to suddenly reveal Himself to them. Nor is it wise to listen to people who claim this is how they met the Lord. We now meet the Lord through His completed word.
 
This is stated explicitly in Scripture. Instead of wasting your time reading books about heavenly visitations and watching videos about people claiming they have seen the Lord, it would be prudent to spend your time reading the Bible and sharing the gospel.
 
It is incumbent on us to tell the world about Jesus. He is not going to go around His word, popping into people’s heads or offices, to make converts. He has entrusted that sacred duty to the people of His church.
 
Lord God, what a treasure and a gift Your word is. May we be wise in pursuing it and diligent in sharing it. People need this word to know who Jesus is and what He has done. They need it to understand the gospel. Help us to learn the word and then share it with others. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 22:5

Thursday, 23 November 2023
 
“as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished. Acts 22:5
 
A more literal rendering would be, “as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the elderhood. From whom also having received letters to the brothers, I went to Damascus even to bring those there being bound to Jerusalem so that they might be punished” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted that he persecuted the Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. He continues that thought now, saying, “as also the high priest bears me witness.”
 
Scholars enjoy arguing over which high priest is being referred to. Some are adamant that he's speaking of the high priest at the time of his conversion. Others say that he is speaking of the high priest at the time he is speaking.
 
It could be either, but that is not what is important. Having grown up around these people, they would understand his actions and the authority of the position. Such argumentation distracts from the main point, which is the authority of the office. Along with the high priest, he next says, “and all the elderhood.”
 
His statement that the high priest, as well as all of the council of elders, knew of his actions could so easily be refuted that it had to be true. Some of them may have been standing there at that moment.
 
As for the term “elderhood,” it is found only in Luke 22:66, here, and 1 Timothy 4:14. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul uses it concerning the elders of the church. It is a noun indicating an elderhood or presbytery. Of these offices in the leadership of Israel, he next says, “From whom also having received letters to the brothers, I went to Damascus.”
 
From the body of the high priest and the elders, among whom some were still living at the present time, he received his permission to conduct his persecution of the Christians even as far as Damascus.
 
In his words about the Jews there, he calls them “brothers.” It is an emphatic way of saying that, even now, he identified himself with the Jewish people as brothers. Implied in this is that the faith he pursued in no way removed him from his status as a Jew.
 
What he did was with the authority and sanction of Israel’s leaders, and it was in accord with the principles of his Jewish brethren where he traveled. This was specifically, “even to bring those there being bound to Jerusalem.”
 
One can see that Paul was operating under a greater plan of ending the Way. Those in other locations who believed were bound. Paul went to retrieve them and bring them to the seat of power and authority in Jerusalem “so that they might be punished.”
 
The word he uses, timóreó, is found only here and in a verse where he again discusses this persecution against the saints, Acts 26:11. Its literal meaning is to assign due retribution. Paul was avenging himself upon the church, and he was working for the elders who would also avenge themselves on it. They believed that the church was committing offenses against their way of life. Thus, suitable atonement through their punishment was necessary.
 
Life application: Paul never stopped being a Jew when he came to faith in Jesus. However, this does not mean that he had to adhere to everything that he once adhered to. That thinking will be proven completely false in the verses ahead.
 
Rather than losing his cultural and national identity, he solidified it. As many messianic believers state today, they are now “completed Jews.” They have developed beyond the Law of Moses, having come to the One whom Moses spoke of.
 
The Law of Moses does not define who the Jewish people are. Their relationship with the Lord, in the context that applies at a given time within His redemptive plans, is what defines them as a people. As the law was fulfilled by Christ, it is by faith in Him alone that defines them as His people. This is explicitly stated in Romans 9-11.
 
Without national salvation through Messiah, Israel is not in a right standing with the Lord. Pray that they will seek Him out while He may be found. The end times are coming upon the world, and Israel will be here, enduring through that terrible trial because of their rejection of Christ.
 
The good news, however, is that they shall survive as a people and enter into the millennium with Christ as their Head. God is ever faithful to His faithless people.
 
Lord God may Your guiding hand be upon Israel during their time of trial and trouble in the years ahead. Open hearts and minds to the truth of who Jesus is before that day comes. And, Lord, we long for the day when You will be glorified through them when they, as Your people once again, hail the exalted name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Acts 22:4

Wednesday, 22 November 2023
 
“I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, Acts 22:4
 
The words are more literally rendered, “Who persecuted this Way until death, binding and betraying to prisons both men and women” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul refuted the accusations levied against him to the crowd standing before him, noting that he was zealous toward God as all of them were. Continuing now, he says, “Who persecuted this Way.”
 
Instead of saying, “I persecuted,” he uses a relative pronoun, referring to his past self in a way that highlights his particular role. In essence, “I am Paul, he who did these things.” Adding in the words “this Way,” is a way of revealing that the man standing before them was the same man. It was a part of who he was at the time. He was an enemy of the Way.”
 
The term Way is the early Christian formula that hearkens back to the words of Jesus –
 
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
 
By this time, it was an understood term used by believers that others also seemed to be aware of. And more, it could have been a term of derision used by non-believers. Like messianic believers today, they may have been accepted in society but considered on its fringe. This is true of any strange sect.
 
No matter what, the use of the words “this Way” identifies something that the people were aware of. As for his connection to persecuting the Way in his previous life, it was “until death.”
 
The word translated as “until” is achri. It doesn't necessarily mean that he participated in their deaths but that his actions brought the people to this point. Acts 26 gives more detail on this –
 
“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 26:9-11
 
Of this treatment, Paul openly acknowledges his previous conduct, saying, “binding and betraying to prisons.”
 
This was something already acknowledged in Acts 9, where Paul actively went out searching for those he wanted to be brought before the rulers for trial –
 
“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” Acts 9:1, 2
 
He was given full authority to not only seize the people but to bind them and bring them in. But his words go further by using the word paradidómi, translated as “betraying.” It signifies close, personal involvement. Translating it as betray instead of deliver is because these were fellow countrymen. There had to be a sense of purposeful betrayal, whether right or wrong. Jesus uses the word often. In Matthew 26:46, He says of Judas –
 
“Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
 
As for the word “prisons,” it is in the plural, even though not all translations rightly reflect this. It is a note to the people that he didn't just have them arrested around his area but that he actively went out looking for people to be imprisoned. This included “both men and women.”
 
The man of the house was considered the responsible party for the conduct of the house. However, Paul held women personally accountable for their conduct and arrested them along with the men. He was passionate that anyone associated with the Way was to be rounded up, bound, and taken to prison. He felt there was no room for any such person within the Jewish society.
 
Life application: Acts 9, where Paul was converted, was a long time ago in the ongoing narrative. It had been many years, and Paul had never lost his zeal to speak out concerning the calling to which he had been called.
 
It is something that we should reflect on. It is not possible to retain the same level of emotion as we felt when we first came to love someone. But that doesn’t mean we cannot have the same level of commitment to them. Our love evolves and develops in new directions as we learn, grow, and interact. But our commitment can and should remain the same or even stronger.
 
There should never be a time that one is less committed to his marriage, being a parent, being a follower of Jesus, etc. And yet, though we may stay committed in some of these aspects, we may not be so devoted in others. Let us take time to evaluate how truly committed we are to those things we have a responsibility for.
 
Are we just as committed to our job as the day we started? Are we as committed to reading the Bible as we used to be? What about church attendance? Have we let that wane? Search out your priorities and refocus if need be.
 
You may have come to dislike your job, but you should be just as committed to it today as you were when things were going smoothly. Your pay reflects a standard that you should be upholding. Consider and redirect! Be that committed soul that you should be in those areas of life that are a part of who you are.
 
Heavenly Father, we may have let parts of our lives slacken in commitment. In doing this, it is ultimately a reflection on You because we are called by Your name because we are in Christ. Help us to consider this and to redirect ourselves to be fully committed to those things we are a part of in life. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.