BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 21:4

Friday, 13 October 2023
 
And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:4
 
The verse more closely reads, “And having found the disciples, we continued there seven days: who were saying to Paul, through the Spirit, not to go up to Jerusalem” (CG).
 
Paul and his fellow missionaries just arrived at Tyre where the ship’s cargo was to be unloaded. Next, it says, “And having found the disciples.”
 
This is a word peculiar to Luke - aneuriskó. It implies that a search was made, and then the disciples were found. The only other time it is used is in Luke 2:16, at the birth of the Lord when the shepherds came looking for Him.
 
Having to look for the disciples reveals a couple of things. First, there were probably only a few of them. Secondly, they were probably not Jews, or they were Jews who no longer attended the synagogue. Instead, they met privately. Otherwise, Luke would have given those details, as is often the case in Acts. With that considered, it next says, “we continued there seven days.”
 
As the narrative continues, it will note that they will board the ship. This certainly means the same ship that they had just arrived on. Otherwise, Luke would probably have said so. They had a full week in Tyre while the boat was being unloaded, and new supplies were being loaded. During this week, they would be to attend at least one meeting on the Lord’s Day.
 
During this week, Luke records of these disciples, “who were saying to Paul, through the Spirit.”
 
As for this advice, more might be inferred here than is necessary. The Holy Spirit is certainly who is being referred to. The word “who” is plural, but “Spirit” is singular. Hence, it is not their individual spirits. These disciples kept saying (the verb is imperfect) the same thing to him which was “not to go up to Jerusalem.”
 
Rather than a command not to go, it is reasonable to assume that they simply received a confirmation that Paul would face troubles. This is what will be seen coming up in verse 11. In verse 12, those who hear what is prophesied will plead with him not to go. The same thing is happening here.
 
These disciples at Tyre are adding in their own warnings to not go to Jerusalem. It is not likely that the Spirit directly warned Paul to not go and he then simply ignored the Spirit. This has already been confirmed to him in the previous chapter –
 
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:22-24
 
Life application: Regardless of how the words of this verse are interpreted, one thing that is on prominent display is the doctrine of free will. The Spirit does not override the will of man in the sense that there is no desire or will to resist, even if He strongly compels the person at times.
 
There is a point that an individual will simply give up and do what he should have done all along. However, the fact that he did not do (or desire to do) what he should have from the beginning demonstrates that he has free will. This is seen, for example, in the prophet Jeremiah –
 
“Then I said, ‘I will not make mention of Him,Nor speak anymore in His name.’But His word was in my heart like a burning fireShut up in my bones;I was weary of holding it back,And I could not.” Jeremiah 20:9
 
In his state of being compelled, Jeremiah could have jumped off a cliff and ended it all. Instead, he yielded to the will of the Lord, even if his own will wanted to rebel. The point of this is that we can either yield to the Spirit of the Lord or not. As the Bible is given under inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:21; etc.), it is incumbent on us to yield to the will of the Spirit by being obedient to the word He has given.
 
If we fail to do so, we are the ones who will suffer. God has spoken out His word. Those who have received Jesus are God’s people. Is the Spirit overriding our will as we stand in disobedience to His word? Your answer may depend on how you perceive what is happening in your life as God chastises you, but the answer is “No.”
 
Your free will means that the troubles that arise from disobeying His word are the result of your choices. Until this is understood, your walk before the Lord will not be sound. Learn the word, meditate upon what it says, and then apply to your life what you know you should do. In this, you will be pleasing to God. Don’t fight the Spirit by rebelling against the word of God.
 
Lord God Almighty, Your word is given to instruct us. Help us to understand this and to not rebel against what You have set forth in its precious pages. May we be willing to submit our wills to Your direction. In this, our walk will surely be pleasing to You. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Acts 21:3

Thursday, 12 October 2023
 
When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. Acts 21:3
 
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).
 
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at "Discern the Bible" on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
 
The Greek reads, “And having sighted Cyprus, and having disregarded it on the left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre. For there the ship was to be unloading the cargo” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that the missionaries found a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, so they boarded it. That continues with, “And having sighted Cyprus.”
 
Luke, proving himself to be a marvelous chronicler, uses a technical term, anaphainó, to describe the sighting of Cyprus. This is a nautical term that means to appear, or literally "to bring to light." The only other time the word is used is in Luke 19:11 in relation to the appearing of the kingdom of God.
 
With the island having been sighted, the sailors would then be able to fix their minds more perfectly on the route they were taking. Because of the limited technology of the time, navigation in those days was much more of a feel and less precise than it is today. Having sighted the island, it next says, “and having disregarded it on the left.”
 
The word is kataleipó. It means to leave, desert, abandon, etc. As the ship was bound for Phoenicia, a stop at Cyprus was not part of the plans. Therefore, they disregarded it as they passed it to their left. This means that they were in the open ocean rather than the channel that runs between Cyprus and the mainland. 
 
As Paul passed, he probably reflected on the many people and events that he had come to know when he was there. He traveled there with Barnabas, met with Sergius Paulus, and was empowered to blind Elymas, the sorcerer, while there (see Acts 13). As his name Paul (Greek Paulus) was probably taken after having met with and converted Sergius Paulus to Christ, passing Cyprus may have opened a flood of other memories of his travels since then. After having passed by Cyprus, Luke next records, “we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre.”
 
It is reckoned that the journey, if having fair winds, would have taken about 48 hours from the departure from Patara. Tyre was an important trading city, having two harbors. The Pulpit Commentary notes that the harbors, one north and one south of the causeway, connected the island with the mainland. Luke next notes, “For there the ship was to be unloading the cargo.”
 
The word translated as “unloading” is found only here in Scripture, apophortizomai. It comes from apo (away) and phortizó (to load). Thus, it is the opposite of loading. They are taking away what they have brought and would then load up with other cargo for the next part of their travels. As will be seen, the ship will remain in port for about a week.
 
Life application: The KJV, following the Geneva Bible, says they “discovered Cyprus.” The word no longer carries the same sense it once did. Someone picking up such an archaic version might think these hearty missionaries were the first to know of the existence of the island. This is another good reason to read multiple translations. Words come into use and fall out of use quickly.
 
Translations that are more than one hundred or even fifty years old may have words that are no longer used, or the meaning may have changed so drastically that it is hard to know exactly what is being conveyed. Thus, a false sense of doctrine may arise.
 
Going back to the time of the KJV (1611) or the Geneva Bible (1587), the reader will have almost no idea what is being conveyed in many passages. For example, the Geneva rendering of this verse says –
 
“And whe we had discouered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, & sailed toward Syria, and arriued at Tyrus: for there the ship vnladed ye burden.”
 
The versions of the KJV that are used today are not close to the original 1611 version, but even they are often difficult to read. For example, the KJV revisions include the following years for the Cambridge edition: 1629, 1638, 1760, 1873, and 1900. The Oxford Edition is from 1769. Therefore, the most recent Oxford KJV is almost 250 years old. The most recent Cambridge edition is over 120 years old. A lot of change has come into the language since then.
 
Don’t be afraid to check out new versions, but when you do, be sure to read the preface and find out why they have made translational choices, what the intent of their translation is, and – if possible – check out the person or body that made the translation. There may be a doctrinal bias that you want to avoid with some translations.
 
Lord God, give us wisdom in searching out Your word. Help us to find translations that are faithful to the original and that are not following some perverse agenda that is intended to draw us away from the grace You have revealed in the giving of Your Son. Thank You for Jesus Christ and the grace found in Him! Amen.

Acts 21:2

Wednesday, 11 October 2023
 
And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. Acts 21:2
 
To properly get the sense of the verbs, the verse should read, “And having found a ship passing over into Phoenicia, having boarded, we set sail” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the missionaries departed from Miletus, ran a straight course to Cos, then to Rhodes, and then to Patara. With those stops complete, it next says, “And having found a ship passing over into Phoenicia.”
 
The need for a change of ship could be for several reasons. It may be that the one they had been on stopped at Patara for an extended stay. It also may have turned back, having reached the final leg of the journey it had planned. Or, it may have been a coasting vessel that would continue to skip along from port to port.
 
If so, by finding a new ship that would sail all the way to Phoenicia, the voyage would be cut shorter by quite a few days. It would sail across the open sea and directly to Tyre. Looking at a map, one can see that quite a bit of land is passed when taking this more direct vessel than a harbor hopper. Once they found a suitable ship, it next says, “having boarded, we set sail.”
 
The description of the sailing course will be described in the coming verse.
 
Life application: The choice of these missionaries to take the more direct route was because of Paul’s desire to be in Jerusalem by a set date. Taking this ship, rather than a harbor hopper, makes much more sense. Like their choice, in our lives, there is nothing wrong with setting goals and striving to attain them. In fact, living by the seat of one’s pants can often be a hindrance to achieving anything of real substance.
 
To meet a set goal, there normally needs to be specific planning of the target and the successive steps necessary to get there. The more detail in the steps, the less room for error there will be. However, one can plan something to the point where nothing ever gets done. That can be as much of a problem as having no plan at all.
 
The key to such things is balance. What is of the highest importance, and what can be left out of the details? From there, and with a plan set forth, all things should be accompanied by prayer. To set forth on a journey without prayer is arrogant. It lacks the notion that God is the ultimate Director of our lives.
 
We can make plans, but those plans can be as easily frustrated as a simple slip on the first step of the journey. A slip, a fall, a chipped tooth and a broken leg, and all of the plans in the world will need to be tossed out the window. Proverbs says –
 
“Commit your way to the Lord,Trust also in Him,And He shall bring it to pass.6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,And your justice as the noonday.” Proverbs 237:5, 6
 
The obvious unstated words of the proverb are that the Lord will bring your plan to pass according to His wisdom, not necessarily your desired intent. But it will be what the Lord has ordained for you. This is also the intent of James’ words –
 
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” James 4:13-16
 
Include the Lord in your plans. In so doing, you will do well.
 
Lord God, guide our steps at all times. We have plans and desires, but there is a greater plan that is being worked out in the world. You already know what will transpire. So may our lives be lived in accord with Your greater plan, even as we live out our lesser plans. May we not forget to include You in every step of this trek we are on. Amen.
 

Acts 21:1

Tuesday, 10 October 2023
 
Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. Acts 21:1
 
The words of the NKJV do not logically follow the Greek. It more closely reads, “And it was, at our sailing, having drawn away from them, having run a straight course from them, we came to Cos, and next to Rhodes. From there to Patara” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the emotions of those gathered with Paul were described, and then they conducted him to the ship. With that remembered, Chapter 21 begins with, “And it was, at our sailing.”
 
The word for their setting sail has already been seen in Acts, but as a reminder, it conveys the idea of going up. In essence, the idea is to go up to the sea from the land. On the other hand, the idea of coming to land after a voyage is to go down to the land from the sea. With their departure upon the sea, Luke next records what that departure was like, saying, “having drawn away from them.”
 
The verb is apospaó. It signifies “away from” and “to draw” as in the drawing of a sword. The sense is that it was as if they were pulled away from those on the shore who were, in essence, still clinging to them. The emotion of the moment is reflected in the choice of words used by Luke. Once they were so drawn away, Luke describes the next three stages of the journey, beginning with, “having run a straight course from them, we came to Cos.”
 
This is the only time that Cos is mentioned in Scripture. Abarim notes, “It's unclear where the name Cos originally came from, or even in which language it was conceived. But mythology held that it meant Number or Ratio.” Whatever its meaning, it was a straight run from Miletus to Cos. Luke then says, “and next to Rhodes.”
 
The name is also found only here in Scripture. It is from the same root as Rhodé, the maidservant noted in Acts 12:13. Thus, the name Rhodes probably means something like Place of the Rose. Finally, Luke records, “From there to Patara.”
 
Patara is also seen only here in the Bible. It was a town on the coast of the Roman province of Lycia. Abarim says, “The Greek name Patara is a transliteration of the original Lycian name Pttara, which in turn derives from the name of a mountain, namely Mount Patar, which is mentioned in the Hittite Yalburt Inscription, and which [in] turn appears to have been named after the Lycian word for basket, again patar (Lycia - Crossroads of Hittite and Greek Traditions? — Annick Payne).” Hence, they define the name as Basket(s).
 
Luke’s noting of the ship’s stops informs us that this was the common way of traveling. Ships would go from place to place with their commodities. Travelers would have taken advantage of it, just as Paul and those with him did. For the merchants, goods would have been loaded and unloaded, and possibly even postage might have been conveyed for a fee. Any travelers would also add to their profits.
 
Ellicott describes the three locations –
 
“Coos was famous both for its wines and its silk fabrics, of fine and almost transparent tissue; that Rhodes, then famous for its Colossus, was one of the largest and most flourishing islands of the Archipelago, and is memorable for us in later history as connected with the history of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John; that Patara was a harbour on the coast of Lycia. For this harbour the ship in which the travellers had left Troas and Miletus was bound, and they had therefore to look out for another. Happily there was no long delay, and they embarked at once on a merchant-ship bound for Phœnicia.”
 
Life application: Luke is quite meticulous in his record of the events as they occurred. The particular note of them being drawn away from Miletus shows the difficulty of the departure, but the quick and direct notes about the next three stops relieve that tension as the team gets drawn toward their next goal, which is to be in Jerusalem.
 
We can look at these events as we look at our own lives. We have connections here that cause us to want to hold on to them. We have family, friends, tasks that we enjoy, and so forth. However, as believers, we also have a heavenly home that is awaiting us.
 
For the normal course of life, we need to be drawn away from the earthly things and toward the promise of the New Jerusalem. In order for that to happen, God has set our lives to occur in a certain way. As we get older, we are drawn away from certain aspects of life. For example, our bodies no longer allow us to do certain things.
 
We also experience loss in various ways, drawing us away from other aspects of our lives. For example, we will lose our favorite pets, cherished things in various ways, and even those we love as time goes by.
 
These things are common to all people. The wise will understand that we must leave this world behind and set a straight course for our heavenly home. Of course, there is a time when this cycle will end, and the rapture will occur. But until that day, we should take our lives and the things that happen here in the context of a greater hope that lies ahead.
 
Let us not become overly distraught at the changes that occur. Instead, we can cherish the memories while still focusing on the glory that God has promised us in our future, eternal home. We are being drawn away from here to there. It is normal, and we should realize this as we continue along life’s often difficult path.
 
Glorious Lord God, thank You that a better and permanent home awaits us where we will no longer experience the trials and troubles that we currently face. Slowly, but surely, we are being drawn toward that glorious place. Help us to understand this process from Your perspective and to not fret over the changes we must face in this fallen and woeful world. Amen.
 

Acts 20:38

Monday, 9 October 2023
 
sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Acts 20:38
 
The translation needs several tweaks to align with the Greek, “agonizing especially over the word that he had spoken, that they are about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul knelt and prayed, all of those with him wept freely, and they fell on his neck and kissed him. With that, it now continues with the word “agonizing.”
 
Most translations simply say, “sorrowing.” However, there are other words that can be translated as merely being sorrowful. This one, odunaó, goes beyond that. It is used here for the last of four times. It signifies torment, acute pain, etc. This can be either physical or mental. HELPS Word Studies says it “literally means ‘go down’ (as the sun in a sunset) and refers to consuming sorrow.” They were agonizing of the moment, “especially over the word that he had spoken.”
 
Here, the NKJV follows the KJV and incorrectly says, “over the words which he spoke.” Rather, the noun is singular, and the verb is pluperfect. Paul has been speaking words. One particular thing he said is what they are truly agonizing over, and it was a word he had spoken back in verse 25, which is “that they are about to see his face no more.”
 
They were sure they were in the final moments of their earthly time together with the man who had brought to them the heavenly promise of life in Christ. The weight of the parting was so heavy upon them that they agonized over what it meant. He had always made himself available to them. If they had a question, he was there (or returning there sometime) to answer.
 
They could tap his mind, they could share in his presence, and they could rejoice with him in the Lord Jesus. This was about to end, and their pain was being magnified with each moment that passed. Therefore, instead of turning and parting from their meeting location, they held on to a few more moments with him. As it says, “And they accompanied him to the ship.”
 
They would see him off rather than him seeing them off. Their journey back to Ephesus could wait a few more moments because they were the last moments they would ever share together. Of this account, the Pulpit Commentary says –
 
“It is impossible to part with this most touching narrative, of such exquisite simplicity and beauty, without a parting word of admiration and thankfulness to God for having preserved to his Church this record of apostolic wisdom and faithfulness on the one hand, and of loving devotion of the clergy to their great chief on the other. As long as the stones of the Church are bound together by such strong mortar, it can defy the attacks of its enemies from without.”
 
Life application: If you knew this was the last moment you would share with someone you love, would you take an extra moment to hug, say words of care, letting him or her know how you feel about their presence? The fact is that you never truly know when it will be the last time you will see that person.
 
Therefore, it is right to consider each person you care about and be tender and gentle to them at all times. Life is short, and each person we meet will perish in time. Or we may be the one who goes first. Hold fast to this thought and let it guide your steps, knowing that the time of departure is at hand.
 
And how much more should we consider this with those who have not called on Jesus. Be sure to tell them about the hope you possess and pray for them as well. It’s important. Eternity is forever, but this life is a passing vapor.
 
O God, give us wisdom to live our days rightly, redeeming the time and understanding the brevity of our walk before You. Help us to consider this and to conduct our affairs properly before You all our days. May our end not be one of regret, but of satisfied happiness that we have lived our lives well before You. Amen. 

Acts 20:37

Sunday, 8 October 2023
 
Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, Acts 20:37
 
The words are more literally rendered, “And there was much weeping of all, and having fallen upon the neck of Paul, they were kissing him” (CG).
 
Paul had just knelt and prayed with those he was with. Now, as their time together is quickly coming to a close, it says, “And there was much weeping of all.”
 
The true depth of their friendship is readily apparent from the words. Rather than a humorous salutation and hearty laughter, they were emotionally distraught at the coming separation. This mourning next brought them to physical embracing, as it says, “and having fallen upon the neck of Paul.”
 
Instead of happy, non-serious noogies, they embraced Paul as if they didn’t want him to leave, holding onto his neck. And more, “they were kissing him.”
 
The Greek word is a compound verb kataphileo. It thus made a grandiose salutation, reflecting great sorrow. Helps word study defines the verb as to “kiss passionately and fervently.” This was the moment that would separate them and they wanted the affection they bore for him to be remembered forever. The same verb is used in Luke 7 when the sinful woman went to Jesus and repeatedly kissed His feet and washed them with her tears.
 
Life application: It is still quite common for people to attempt to stoically face emotional situations. This is not the usual way things occurred in Scripture. Time and again, people are presented as conveying great levels of emotion.
 
Although false, ostentatious displays of emotion are a bit nauseating to deal with, there is nothing wrong with people openly showing the feelings they possess. It is a good release for the things that are often bottled up within us. Above all, God is the One who created us, so if you need to let out your emotions, He will understand. If they are positive emotions of joy, love, and awe, He will certainly appreciate them as well.
 
Lord God, You are worthy of all of our joy, praise, love, and devotion. Today, we praise You for who You are and for the magnificence of Your splendid glory. Dwell in our praises, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:36

Saturday, 7 October 2023
 
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Acts 20:36
 
The words are more literally rendered, “And having said these things, having bowed his knees, he prayed with them all” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul reminded those with him as to why he worked providing for himself and others, quoting the Lord about it being more blessed to give than receive. With that, his words of encouragement and admonishment are done. Therefore, it next says, “And having said these things.”
 
It is Luke’s way of noting that the words of Paul are complete and that a new action or direction is forthcoming. For Paul, the next logical thing to do is to commit those he loved to the Lord. And so, it next says, “having bowed his knees.”
 
A bowed or even prostrate position indicates humility, be it before God or man. Once bowed, and it is assumed that the others bowed with him, it next says, “he prayed with them all.” The words of the prayer are left out of the narrative. They were spoken for the moment, were private, and were obviously not intended as a prayer to be used repetitively in the future.
 
Paul felt it was right to close in prayer. Likewise, when our heart is full, we should simply let our prayers come out in a manner appropriate to the situation.
 
Life application: Prayer is mentioned throughout the Bible. There are many types of prayer as well, such as supplication, praise, petition, vindication, triumph, imprecation, etc. Each has its own place. One of the things about prayer is that there is no set manner in which it is to be accomplished, but they are to be made.
 
It is not uncommon for people to pray for extended periods of time and to begin to question whether their prayers are even heard. Someone may say, “I prayed for my neighbor’s cancer for three years, and he died anyway. What is the point if the prayer isn’t heard.”
 
If the person who is praying is a believer, the prayers are heard. Jesus is our Mediator to bring them before God. It is God’s right to respond according to His wisdom. If He answered every prayer brought before Him in the way we wanted, there would be chaos. We are to have faith that God has received our prayers and that He will bring about the best end for all things presented before him.
 
Paul says to pray without ceasing. Lift up your burdens, joys, cares, etc., to the throne of God. Have faith that He is working according to a plan we cannot even imagine, and it will come to the best end for His people. Pray!
 
Heavenly Father, we know that because of Jesus, we have a right to come before You in prayer, boldly asking for those things that are upon our hearts. But we also know that what we want may not be the best avenue or result in the best outcome. So, Lord God, we commit our prayers to You and thank You that You are handling each with a wisdom that we cannot even comprehend. How great You are, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:35

Friday, 6 October 2023
 
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
 
Paul just noted that his hands had provided for his necessities as well as for those with him. He now explains why he has done this, saying, “I have shown you in every way.”
 
The verb Paul uses is seen for the last of six times, hupodeiknumi. It signifies showing by tracing out, or by example. Luke, citing Jesus, uses it in Luke 6:47 –
 
“Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:47-49
 
Jesus made the statement and then followed up with an example of what He meant. This is the sense of Paul’s words. He demonstrated by the example of his own actions, having endeavored by his conduct – and not only his spoken or written words – to set forth an example for others. With that, he continues, saying, “by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.”
 
Rather than an adjective, weak, he uses a present participle, “support those being weak [or ailing].” The word signifies diseased, sick, impotent, etc. Paul also uses both its adjective and verb form in the sense of moral weakness as well –
 
“However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak [adj.], is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak [adj.]. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak [adj.] be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak [vb.] brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak [vb.] conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:7-13
 
Those Paul refers to are ailing in their consciences. This is ultimately derived from a lack of knowledge, but it is the state of weakness that is being focused on. Therefore, like one who is physically weak, a person who is struggling with his conscience is to be assisted.
 
The cause of the weakness, how to cure it, is up to the one who is weak to seek a cure. A person with the flu should go to the doctor and then get rest. A person with poor doctrine should get to Bible class and then apply it to his walk. 
 
Paul has endeavored by his conduct, and not only his spoken or written words, to set forth an example for others. The purpose of his actions was for the support of the weak, meaning those who were incapable of taking care of themselves – most especially through bodily infirmity, which is how the word is generally used. Next, Paul introduces the basis for such conduct, beginning with, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus.”
 
He will cite the words of the Lord to justify both his conduct and how his example should then be followed by those who have seen him. Jesus made a statement that was obviously well-known, maybe having been occasionally repeated by Paul. This can be inferred because he is asking these men to recall them now. Thus, Paul continues, “that He said.”
 
Rather, the words are emphatic, “that He Himself said.” Paul is directly attributing the thought he will speak to the Lord Jesus, which is, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
 
The thought forms the only recorded saying of the Lord of this kind. Other words attributed to the Lord are those he quoted or that were repeated, but these words are not recorded elsewhere. Thus, they are known as an agraphon (not written). It refers to a saying attributed to Jesus, but which is not recorded in the gospels.
 
There is a blessing in giving that cannot be experienced or attained otherwise. Jesus set the example for us to consider. He possessed all things and yet He took on human flesh and dwelt among us. He gave of Himself to those who were ailing, both physically and spiritually. He did this, even to the point of death, so that our healing could be permanent before God. Paul cites the words of the Lord because they carry the substance of what Christ did for him and indeed for all.
 
Life application: The words of this verse cannot be used to justify wealth redistribution to those who sit around on their otherwise fully capable hands. They are not even implied in what is said. The ailing refers to those who are incapable of tending to their own needs at a particular time.
 
If one is lying in bed with a fever, he needs to be tended to until he is better. When one has a weak conscience, he needs to be accommodated until his conscience is firmed up. However, when the fever is gone, it is time to get out of bed and get back into the game. When one has been shown what is proper concerning sound doctrine, it is time he applies it to his life, no longer burdening those who have instructed him.
 
This can be applied to salvation as well. Jesus came to heal the ailing. He accomplished His work, and that healing is available. Now, we are expected to accept His cure and be healed. For those who are simply slackers, Paul’s words of 2 Thessalonians 3:10 apply –
 
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
 
It is inexcusable to pander to those who are unwilling to apply proper doctrine to their lives. It is also inexcusable to fund those who are unwilling to get up and work with the abilities granted to them by God.
 
For those who refuse to come to Jesus, for those who fail to progress in their walk, or for those who refuse to feed themselves, Paul continues his thoughts to those in Thessalonica. They are words being spoken to believers about their walk, but they are words that carry the same truth in any such situation –
 
“And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15
 
Pandering to those who are able solves nothing. It merely enables them to continue in their unhealthy state. Refuse this attitude to shame them. This is not a cold and uncaring approach. Rather, it is exactly the opposite. Harm to people’s basic humanness is the inevitable result of such indulging.
 
Lord God, help us to be helpers! May we be willing to assist those who are unable to tend to themselves. But give us discernment to know when we are merely accommodating others who do not need such attention. Give us wisdom in this so that we will properly handle our relationships with those truly in need. Amen.
 

Acts 20:34

Thursday, 5 October 2023
 
“Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. Acts 20:34
 
The words are out of their original order and should read, “And you yourselves know that to my needs, and to those being with me, these hands ministered” (CG).
 
Paul just noted that he had coveted no one’s silver, gold, or apparel. He now goes further, beginning with, “And you yourselves know that to my needs.”
 
He is stating, right in front of those that he lived and served with, that his own needs were met in a particular way that will be noted in a minute. In starting with a statement about his own needs, he is ensuring that what will follow did not interfere with his needs, nor were his needs met in some other way than how he will indicate. Next, he says, “and to those being with me.”
 
Paul uses a present participle to indicate the ongoing nature of what he is referring to. Thus, it would be inclusive of even the present time while speaking to these men. He is, in fact, doing for them what he will next state, even at the present time. It is these words concerning the needs of those with him that explain why he started with his own needs. Both to his needs and to those who were there with him, he says, “these hands ministered.”
 
It could have been that Paul came to Ephesus and ministered to others but let others tend to his needs. This is how most churches are set up today. The pastor does his thing while the church tends to the pastor. Paul excluded himself from such a notion, noting first and foremost that he had tended to his own needs, but he had not done so at the expense of others.
 
Anytime that someone was in need, as evidenced by the present tense, he was there ministering to that person. If his words weren't true, Paul could neither have said it to the Ephesians nor could Luke have recorded it for them to read. It would have been shown false as soon as it was published.
 
And the fact that Paul was counseling them and encouraging them at this time meant that he was still ministering to them. He could have just sent a letter from Jerusalem, but he purposely stopped at Miletus to minister one last time to his beloved disciples.
 
Life application: Paul's words concerning his work show the truth of his faith in the gospel he preached. Nobody in their right mind would conduct themselves in this way unless he was convinced that the message he was relaying was the truth.
 
Instead, he would have accepted the gold, silver, and clothes offered to him and lived like Creflo Dollar. For a comparable passage of one man's labors. The words of Paul show special devotion to the labors set before him. This is not unlike Jacob –
 
“Then Jacob was angry and rebuked Laban, and Jacob answered and said to Laban: ‘What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched all my things, what part of your household things have you found? Set it here before my brethren and your brethren, that they may judge between us both! 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and y our female goats have not miscarried their young, and I have not eaten the rams of your flock. 39 That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 40 There I was! In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes. 41 Thus I have been in your house twenty years; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.’” Genesis 31:36-42
 
Jacob served for his wives and his flocks. Paul served for the bride of Christ and the flock of His church. Both of them did so tirelessly. Labor, when rightly placed in the hours of one’s life, is a blessing. Solomon reflected on that and wrote these words to consider –
 
“What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-13
 
Be sure to conduct your labors honorably and with a sense of enjoyment. They take up the majority of the time of your existence, so find satisfaction in them because they are the gift of God to you.
 
Lord God, we all have chores and responsibilities. Help us to do them to Your glory. May our attitudes toward our work and those we work for be positive and pleasing in Your site. Thank You for the labor of our hands, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 20:33

Wednesday, 4 October 2023
 
“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Acts 20:33
 
The order of the words is reversed in the translation – “Silver or gold or clothing of none I coveted” (CG).
 
Paul just commended those with him to God and the word of His grace. He also spoke of the inheritance among those who have been sanctified. The words he now will speak seem somewhat disconnected from that, but they are not. Rather, he is going to use his state among them to confirm the truth that what he just said is living in him. Rather than focusing on the things of this world, he was doing exactly what he just commended to them. Taken together, this can be seen –
 
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God and the word of His grace, being able to build and to give the inheritance among all those having been sanctified. Silver or gold or clothing of none I coveted.”
 
He will continue this thought in the verses to come. But the point is that it would be outrageous to commend someone to God and the word of His grace if he wasn’t living in exactly that manner. Understanding this, the verse itself appeals to three particular items, “Silver or gold or clothing.”
 
Smith’s translation seems right by placing a comma after gold – “Silver or gold, or clothing.” In other words, Paul begins with the metals that are commonly used for wealth accumulation, starting with the lesser and going to the more desired. He then mentions one of the highly desired commodities that can be bought with silver or gold. Thus, the idea would be, “Silver or gold, or even clothing.” As such, clothing reflects the wealth status of a person.
 
The words demonstrate the cultural value of garments at that time, something that has not changed in the past two millennia. The outward adornment of clothing is still something that reflects the status and wealth of a person. Of these things, Paul next says, “of none I coveted.”
 
He was unconcerned with getting rich, nor did he envy those who were rich. His focus was on God and the word of His grace. Those things, and not silver or gold or even clothing, were able “to build and to give the inheritance.”
 
Therefore, his words of the previous verse are being validated by his own personal conduct before them. The same general intent of Paul’s words is reflected later in his first letter to Timothy –
 
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
 
Life application: Although the reason for Samuel’s words is a bit different, his words to Israel in 1 Samuel are similar to those of Paul in Acts –
 
“Now Samuel said to all Israel: ‘Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. 2 And now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. 3 Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from  whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.’” 1 Samuel 12:1-3
 
Samuel was confirming his integrity before Israel to demonstrate that it was not his actions that led to the people’s call for a king. Rather, the Lord had supplied them with a faithful judge, but the people wanted a king to rule them instead of the Lord. In Paul’s case, he is commending the people to live a God-focused life, trusting in His word rather than looking for security or status in earthly things.
 
Both Samuel and Paul were using their lives as examples of how people should conduct themselves and in whom they should place their trust. And their words were not just, “Do as I say but not as I do.” Rather, they were, “Trust in God as you see I have been doing.” This is what we should look for in our leaders, both political and spiritual.
 
Don’t get caught up in fancy people who merely impress with externals. Rather focus on what the true intent of those you encounter is. When those you surround yourself with are honest, sincere people, you will find yourself blessed for it.
 
Heavenly Father, it is very easy for us to get distracted by the things of this world. We are earthly beings that have needs and desires that must be met. But help us to, first and foremost, keep our eyes and hearts focused on You. In this, we will then be able to rightly fulfill our needs and desires. May our lives always be committed to You. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:32

Tuesday, 3 October 2023
 
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32
 
A few small adjustments will bring the words closer to the Greek text, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God and the word of His grace, being able to build and to give the inheritance among all those having been sanctified” (CG).
 
Paul just reminded the elders of Ephesus that he did not cease to constantly warn everyone for three years, even with tears. Now, to bolster them in how to stay on the right path, he begins his next words with, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God.”
 
Paul, calling these men “brethren” for emphasis and a sense of true fraternity, begins his summary thoughts to their ears. He has spoken frankly about the hazards that lay ahead of them in hopes that they would pay heed. He does this by commending them to God. It is something he says about himself in his second letter to Timothy –
 
“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:12
 
As for these men of Ephesus, Paul would no longer be their instructor or counselor in the things of God and so they would have to rely on the same Source he relied on continuously, meaning God. And further, he continues by saying, “and the word of His grace.”
 
It is doubtful that he is thinking of Christ in the way John later writes, meaning the Word of God. Rather, he is rather speaking in the sense of what James 1 says, where James repeatedly brings up the word, meaning Scripture –
 
“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.19So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
 
James is essentially committing his reader to the word of God’s grace. Likewise, this is what Paul is telling the elders of Ephesus, imploring them to cling to the word. It is the word that, according to Hebrews 4:12, is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
 
This word was, at this time, limited to the Old Testament and any verbal or written communications that existed concerning the Lord as the fulfillment of them. Together, they were sufficient to meet the specifics of the second half of Paul’s words in this verse which begin with, “being able to build and to give the inheritance.” 
 
The idea of building is used by Paul several times, mostly in his first letter to the Corinthians. The word “edify” carries the same connotation and once meant exactly that: to build. Of this word, Albert Barnes says –
 
“The word used here is properly applied to a house which is raised and completed by slow degrees, and by toil. It here means to establish, make firm, or permanent, and hence, to instruct, to establish in doctrine and in hope. The idea is, that the Word of God was able to confirm and establish them, amidst the dangers to which they would be exposed.”
 
This process of building is specifically said by Paul to be for the inheritance. That is another thought carefully described by Paul in his epistles, especially his letter to the Ephesians, the very group who is represented before him now. He refers to the “guarantee of our inheritance” in Ephesians 1:14, the “riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” in Ephesians 1:18, and the “inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” in Ephesians 5:5.
 
Understanding this, Paul’s words finish with this thought concerning the inheritance. It is “among all those having been sanctified.” The verb is a participle in the perfect tense. Through faith in Christ Jesus, the sanctification of the believer is immediate, and it is complete.
 
This doesn’t mean that the believer is now perfected. Rather, it means that in God’s view, what Christ did to sanctify us is complete and perfect. Nothing is lacking. Jesus’ perfect life and atoning death have allowed us to be fully consecrated to God, once and for all time. Nothing further needs to be accomplished for us to be allowed into the presence of the infinitely holy and pure Creator.
 
Sanctification is also implied in his words, but not the ongoing sanctification of our Christian walk. Rather, he is speaking of the position we are in because of the work of Christ - sanctified by Him as holy and acceptable to God.
 
Life application: Paul’s words to those of Ephesus are a descriptive account of what he conveyed to them. However, what he said is to be taken as a truthful and accurate state of how things are. It is as if his words are an epistle spoken forth to them. When he commits them to God and the word of His grace, he intends for them to trust God wholeheartedly and not waffle in their convictions concerning their state before Him.
 
It means that the word of God is sufficient for believers to trust in regard to their walk before God. It is where our knowledge of Him and what He has done for humanity is recorded. There is nothing lacking for those who are considering a relationship with Him, and like those already counted as believers, their hope will not be futile. Rather, they will also be sanctified and set for eternal glory by trusting in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
How sad it is that people fail to accept that God’s provided sanctification is complete and now belongs to them forever! There is no hint in Scripture of the false doctrine of “loss of salvation.” What God has done in Christ is fully sufficient to sanctify His people once and for all time.
 
We are to accept this and hold fast to it. Otherwise, we will be like so many whose hope is marred by their personal failures, as if their failings can somehow override the full, final, finished, and forever work of God in Christ. Don’t be like that. Instead, be confident that His grace is sufficient to cover all our sins and failings.
 
Heavenly Father, Your word says that the work of Jesus Christ is sufficient to carry us through this life and into Your presence. We will fail You, but in Christ, we will never be separated from You again. We accept this and give our eternal thanks to You. Hallelujah to Jesus Christ, who has made this possible! Amen.

Acts 20:31

Monday, 2 October 2023
 
“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:31
 
A little more literally, the words read, “Therefore, be awake, remembering that three years – night and day – I ceased not with tears, admonishing each one” (CG).
 
Paul warned the elders standing before him about savage wolves coming in among them, not sparing the flock. He also warned them that even among them men would rise up, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. Based on this, he next says, “Therefore, be awake.”
 
It is a single word in the Greek, grégoreó. It is used in the synoptic gospels where Jesus admonished the disciples to stay alert. It literally means to stay awake, but it figuratively means to be alert or to watch. It is usually translated in the figurative sense: watch. With that, he next says, “remembering that three years – night and day – I ceased not with tears.”
 
The words “three years” come from the Greek noun trietia. It is a term only used here in the New Testament. It comes from treis (three) and etos (year). There is no suitable single word in English to translate it.
 
Paul’s use of the words “with tears” shows his immense passion for the Person of Christ, the truth of the gospel, and his love for the converts he discipled. He knew what would come about after he was gone, and he constantly warned what was coming, even to the point of tears. They were to constantly watch and be continuously remembering his admonitions. Further, the term “night and day” means that it was something that he never stopped telling them.
 
It cannot go unstated that Paul could not have said these words unless they were true. The people he is talking to are the same people that he had given the admonitions to in the past. He was literally brought to tears over the thought of his precious churches falling away from sound doctrine. Therefore, he was “admonishing each one.” 
 
Those in Ephesus could not say they weren’t fully warned of what was coming. They had been implored to hold fast to the truth, watching out for those who would do their best to misdirect them.
 
Life application: Jesus’ words to those in Ephesus in Revelation 2 show that they had paid heed to Paul’s warnings to some extent, but in so doing, they had actually lost their first love. Unfortunately, the importance of doctrine had become elevated to such a degree that Jesus had become a side issue in many ways. Doctrine is important, but only if it continuously points us to the reason for the doctrine, Jesus.
 
Jesus warned the disciples to watch on several occasions. Paul continued with this admonition to the churches he planted. Without watching, we are also going to fall. This is the case without any doubt.
 
No church is immune from temptation, division, or apostasy and, eventually, it seems that any and all follow this path. If you have a pastor who constantly tells you to read your Bible, do you pay heed? If your pastor tells you to pay heed to your doctrine, do you listen and stay focused on what is right?
 
These are right and proper to do, but while reading your Bible, don’t let it take the place of your love for the Lord. And while pursuing right doctrine, don’t let that head knowledge replace total love and devotion for Jesus. These things should complement each other so that we come to love Jesus more and more as the days go by.
 
Heavenly Father, learning doctrine can bring us a lot of joy as we grow in our knowledge of what is right and wrong concerning who You are and what it means to follow You. It is also great to debate doctrine with others to hone our own thoughts about these things. But, Lord God, may our doctrine be sound because of our love for You. May it never replace You in our hearts and minds. Amen.