BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 21:20

Sunday, 29 October 2023
 
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; Acts 21:20
 
More precisely, the Greek reads, “And they, having heard, were glorifying the Lord. And they said, ‘You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are having believed. And all are zealots for the law’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul told James and the elders in Jerusalem all that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. Now, in response to that, it says, “And they, having heard, were glorifying the Lord.”
 
Depending on the source manuscript, this will either say “Lord” or “God.” Verse 19 says “God,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it carries through to this verse. Either way, it doesn’t substantially change the intent. The Lord Jesus is the God/Man.
 
As for Paul’s work among the Gentiles, it was to these leaders a source of great praise and of glorifying the Lord. There is nothing in what is said here to somehow suppose that they felt jealousy or feelings of ill will towards Paul. Instead, they rejoiced in his apostleship and the fruit that it bore.
 
That is important because the rest of the verse and several verses to come are misused by Judaizers to indicate that Paul’s ministry was not working in accord with their own twisted view of the grace of God in Christ. Understanding this, Luke next records, “And they said, ‘You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are having believed.’”
 
Using the word “brother” indicates that they felt he was certainly in right standing among them and that they had friendly feelings towards him. That is a key point to consider in relation to the coming words.
 
They knew the details of Paul’s ministry. They knew and acknowledged that he taught that the Gentiles did not need to observe the Law of Moses. They knew that Peter had associated with the Gentiles and had been rebuked by Paul for his actions, as recorded in Galatians 2, etc.
 
However, they also knew that the temple was still standing, that the Law was still being observed by Israel, and that if they did not observe the law, it would only further complicate their lives and evangelism of the Jews. Thus, they remained obedient to the law for both cultural and practical reasons.
 
As for the word myriads, it indicates a large but indeterminate number, quite often in the tens of thousands. Some translations will say “thousands” instead of myriads in order to convey the sense to an English audience, but “myriads” or “tens of thousands” would be more appropriate.
 
This large, indeterminate number shows how the smallest of mustard seeds had truly grown into a great tree before Israel was eventually brought into judgment for rejecting Christ as a nation.
 
It is probably only about 25 or 30 years after the cross at this point. Further, adding in the Gentiles would bring the universal church up to a rather large number. Of these believing Jews, it next says, “And all are zealots for the law.”
 
It is James who is probably speaking. The word he uses is a noun, not an adjective. Thus, they are zealots. Thayer’s Lexicon says it signifies “a person with zealous enthusiasm who (literally) ‘boils over with passion.’” It says this because the word is derived from zeó, to boil or be hot. Thus, it figuratively refers to one who is passionate or fervent about a matter.
 
Those of Israel who had believed in Jesus during this period continued to be faithful observers of the law. The Gentiles were not of Israel, they were not in Israel, and they had never observed a single rite of the law. Instead, they came directly to Christ who is the fulfillment of the law.
 
As for the Jewish believers, their ability to observe the law would be ended with the temple’s destruction in AD70. It would be the final termination of the Law of Moses. From that point on, any observance of the law would be pointless.
 
Observing or not observing the law after coming to Christ did not affect their standing before the Lord. With the temple gone, they would be able to rely solely, and more properly, on the grace of God in Christ as is intended for all believers.
 
Life application: Just because these believers of Israel continued to be zealous for the law after coming to Christ, it doesn’t mean that their actions gave them any greater standing before the Lord.
 
This must be true, because without the temple after AD70, they remained saved. Not observing the rites of the law did not change their position in Christ at all. The time between the ascension of Christ and the destruction of the temple was a time of grace for Israel to turn to Jesus.
 
When that time ended, just as prophesied by Jesus in Luke 11:31, 32, the nation’s time was up, and the temple was destroyed. The focus of God’s attention turned solely to the Gentile-led church age, and that has continued to this day.
 
At the rapture, the focus will return to Israel. Until then, the Law of Moses cannot be observed, nor is it right for those in the church to attempt to do so, in part or in whole. We are to trust exclusively in the merits of Jesus Christ for our salvation and continued salvation. Don’t mar grace, but trust in Christ!
 
Lord God, thank You for the guarantee of eternal salvation that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 21:19

Saturday, 28 October 2023
 
When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.  Acts 21:19
 
More precisely, the Greek reads, “And having greeted them, he recounted one by each thing that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry” (CG). 
 
In the previous verse, Paul went with the other missionaries to see James and the other elders in Jerusalem. Now, Luke continues, saying, “And having greeted them.”
 
It is the same word used in Acts 21:6 and 21:7, aspazomai. It means to greet, salute, embrace, etc. The idea is that of enfolding in the arms. Being fellow believers, it is probable they met and gave hearty hugs and fraternal kisses. After this greeting, “he recounted one by each thing.”
 
To recount means to fully explain. Paul mentally calls forth the wonderful things that were accomplished over the past years, and then he repeats those things in detail to his audience.
 
This report would have included everything since his last visit which was in Acts 18:22. This would have been a long and detailed report, filled with the marvels of what had occurred throughout the various regions he had visited. These things are further described, saying, “that God had done among the Gentiles.”
 
The things Paul did are specifically credited to the hand of God. Paul and those with him were as emissaries going forth on behalf of God. As Paul was the active agent of what God was doing, the mentioning of what was done among the Gentiles reflects his own words of Galatians 2:8-10 –
 
“...(for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.”
 
Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles, and it is his words that set church doctrine in this context, meaning during the Gentile-led church age. Understanding this, Luke specifically says this with the words “through his ministry.”
 
God is doing the work among the Gentiles, but it is through Paul that this is being accomplished. There is a syncretism implied here that carries through to the doctrine of election. God uses man to carry His message forward to others. He initiates, He enables, He directs, etc. However, it is still done through man. In this case, it is through Paul and his ministry.
 
God is pleased to allow Paul to be recognized for his efforts which have been accomplished through him. Further, this verse is a sharp rebuke to Judaizers who have attempted to limit him in his ministry and shrivel the church into a Jewish-only sect.
 
God has different plans, and He used the apostle to the Gentiles to bring it about. No glory is robbed from God in the way Luke has structured his words. Rather, God is further glorified because it was He who selected Paul, and it was He who worked through Paul, to effect what had (and continues to) come about. As the Geneva Bible says, “God is to be praised, who is the author of all good sayings and deeds.”
 
Life application: A couple points of extremely important doctrine are focused on in the words of this verse. One of them is that of free will. Paul was fully capable and permitted to simply walk away from his ministry. But he knew that he was the one carrying the message to the Gentile for them to hear and respond to.
 
In other words, the doctrine of free will extends not only to Paul, who was already a believer in Christ, but to those Gentiles he would speak to. If Paul had not conveyed the message to them, they would not have heard. If they didn’t hear, they could not respond. If they did not respond, they would not be saved.
 
Thus, the Calvinistic idea of God electing people apart from their free will is shown to be false. One must hear the word of God. After hearing, one either has faith and believes or dismisses what he heard and doesn’t believe.
 
Another doctrine that is seen is that what Paul says is that which applies to the Gentiles who hear it. Paul is dismissed in varying degrees by the Judaizers of the world, be it through Sabbath day observance, not eating various foods, etc. Deferring to the Law of Moses for one’s standing before God is totally excluded from Paul’s teachings, and thus for the whole of the Gentile-led church age.
 
Thus, for two thousand years, the church has been a Gentile-led display of God's redemptive plans. This is so plainly evident that it is amazing how much of the church seems to miss this fact.
 
Lord God, help us to keep what is being relayed to us in Scripture in its proper context. May we be obedient to the calling which is made, meaning Your grace that is seen in the giving of Jesus for our sins. Help us never to attempt to earn what we have been freely given. May we not disgrace the significance of His cross in this way. Amen.
 

Acts 21:18

Friday, 27 October 2023
 
On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.  Acts 21:18
 
In the previous verse, it noted that the missionaries had arrived in Jerusalem and that the brethren received them gladly. Now, the narrative continues, saying, “On the following day Paul went in with us to James.”
 
This is now very close to Pentecost, which was Paul's intent from Acts 20:16. Jerusalem would be filled with many pilgrims, and it would be a great time to remember the establishment of the church and the giving of the Spirit. It was at this memorable time that they had arrived and were now meeting with James.
 
The highlighting of James (certainly James the Less, the brother of the Lord) gives sure proof of his office as the leader of the church and the true Bishop, or Overseer, of Jerusalem. This was seen in Acts 15, and nothing has changed in all the years since the gathering of that council. Along with him, it next says, “and all the elders were present.”
 
As the verb is imperfect, it means that they were arriving, not that they were sitting there in chairs like a Sanhedrin or governing council. Paul and the missionaries arrived for a gathering while the elders of the church in Jerusalem were also gathering.
 
This gathering, and the words conveyed during it, show that Paul and his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles were fully accepted by those in Jerusalem. There will be some points of life for Jews at that time that need to be worked through while this meeting is conducted.
 
The reason for what is conveyed will be explained as the narrative continues, but it is to be remembered that these men lived during the time while the temple was standing, and the temple’s rites were centered on the Law of Moses. Understanding this will help explain what will be discussed by these men.
 
Life application: To this day, the ridiculous claim that Peter was the first Pope is a central point of Roman Catholic teaching. Claiming Peter was the first pope is completely unsubstantiated by any portion of the book of Acts. It also cannot be justified by the gospels or the epistles without a complete twisting of what is said.
 
This is important because it is one of the ways that the RCC claims it is the true and only valid church. They claim an unbroken succession back to Peter, making them stand out as bearing the authority of Peter’s supposed seat as pope. It is rubbish, and such things are thoroughly opposed to what Scripture proclaims.
 
Despite many claims of this sort, there is no true “church,” such as the Roman Catholics. Nor is there a set line of those who held to the “true faith” during the years of the church while all others had apostatized, as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and certain Baptists claim.
 
The Scriptures have always been present and available for some in the church. It is from this precious word that proper doctrine and understanding of church matters are found. And just because a church has a copy of Scripture, it does not mean it is faithfully following it. That is the case in the vast majority of churches in the world today.
 
Having said that, being a Bible-believing Christian is not a requirement for being a saved believer. It is not something that determines whether a person will be taken at the rapture or not. Faith in the simple gospel alone is what marks a person as a believer. When a person believes, he is sealed with the Holy Spirit.
 
A person who has been saved may never have read the Bible or even known it exists. Therefore, it cannot be a requirement of the faith to be a believer. Further, every person ever saved is on a different level of maturity in Christ. If acceptance of and adherence to Scripture were a requirement for salvation, there would be very few, if any, ever saved.
 
Keep the theological boxes straight. It is acceptance of the gospel that saves. Development in doctrine and maturity in Christ will come with learning and applying the word of God to one’s life after being saved. Think from a biblical context, and you will cut out a lot of the fat of poor theology found in various teachings.
 
Lord God, thank You for the simplicity of salvation. Jesus Christ has done the work. He died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. In our believing this, we are saved. You have made it simple because we are dull. Help us to remember and share this simple gospel of hope. Thank You, O God, for the surety of eternal life because of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Acts 21:17

Thursday, 26 October 2023
 
And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. Acts 21:17
 
In the previous verse, it referred to the journey to Jerusalem and that Mnason of Cyprus, who was an early disciple, went also. The missionaries were to lodge with him upon arrival there. Now, Luke continues the narrative, saying, “And when we had come to Jerusalem.”
 
Paul left Antioch and traveled by land, eventually coming to Ephesus. He was in Ephesus for about three years (Acts 20:30). He had extensive other travels during this journey as well, including Macedonia, Greece, and elsewhere. This means that his journey probably lasted 4 or 5 years. It is thought that this journey lasted from approximately 53-58AD.
 
Now, along with Luke and others, they have arrived at Jerusalem to complete the mission of bringing a gift from the Gentile churches to the Jewish believers. Next, the narrative says, “the brethren received us gladly.”
 
Paul and his associates had come with the express intent of bringing this gift with them for the saints in Jerusalem. This alone would have been a great reason for the glad reception, but there is also the fraternal greeting among brothers, meeting new friends, and of reengaging those who had not seen one another for a rather long time.
 
The verb, being imperfect, tells us that believers in Jerusalem kept coming as they learned about the arrival of these men. As they arrived, the gladness and favorable reception continued.
 
Life application: When we read the account of Paul’s missionary journeys, the turn of a page may encompass a period of years. Therefore, what we read comprises a large portion of the life of Paul and those with him.
 
Despite often being hurried out of one place or another because of the enmity of the Jews, there really wasn’t anything hurried about Paul’s approach to dealing with those he encountered. He took the time to get to know people, interact with them, instruct them, and build up bonds that would remain for a lifetime.
 
In our world today, things are truly conducted at warp speed in comparison to how things were, even until the very recent past. Information flies before our eyes, friendships are often based on a tally displayed on a social media page, and there is very little true and heartfelt interaction with others.
 
And more, we tend to put everything else in our lives on hyperdrive as well. We may learn a point of doctrine, accept it, and run with it without ever taking the care that is necessary to determine if what we were told is correct or not.
 
Let us slow down, take time and care to learn what is presented in Scripture, and be willing to do the hard work to confirm that what we have learned is correct or not. In the process, let us not neglect the special fellowship that can arise from interacting with others as we grow in Christ.
 
There is no need to rush because we have eternity to continue from this starting point. Again, let us slow down and make the walk of our lives one that is not overly jammed with things that are not profitable, to the glory of God, who placed us here to search Him out all our days.
 
Precious Lord God, thank You for providing us with the wisdom found in Your word. There is instruction to be found for every aspect of our walk before You. May we slowly, carefully, and prayerfully pursue You through this precious word all our days. Amen.
 

Acts 21:16

Wednesday, 25 October 2023
 
Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. Acts 21:16
 
A more literal rendering would be, “And also the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing  – with whom we would lodge – Mnason, a certain Cypriot, an original disciple” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that the missionaries completed their time in Caesarea and packed up, beginning their ascent to Jerusalem. Now, that continues with the words, “And also the disciples from Caesarea went with us.”
 
Most translations add in the word “some” or say something like, “of the disciples,” implying that not all of the disciples went. This is probably the case, but such an insertion should be italicized or set in brackets if it is included. Of these disciples that joined in the trek up to Jerusalem, it next says, “bringing – with whom we would lodge – Mnason.”
 
This person is noted by name only here in Scripture. Most studies and commentaries note that the name is of uncertain origin. However, undeterred as usual, Abarim suggests it is derived from the Greek word mnaomai, meaning to remember. Thus, they define the name as Remembering. They also add in the following thoughts concerning the name –
 
“The phrase ‘Mnason of Cyprus’ means the Cypriot Tradition and may very well have been the code name for a kindred movement that too sought to topple Roman tyranny by means of theology and philosophy (instead of an armed revolt).
 
Remember that Paul's good friend Barnabas was from Cyprus (ACTS 4:36), and although the two individuals parted ways due to a disagreement (ACTS 15:39), the two movements may still have remained kindly inclined to one another.”
 
Their words are wholly speculation, and it could also be that Mnason was one who was careful to memorize Scripture as a means of protecting its passing from one generation to the next. This, or some other such thought, could be behind the name.
 
Saying that they would lodge with him could have one of two meanings. Either they would stay with him in a home on the way to Jerusalem, which was a two-day journey, or they would lodge with him in Jerusalem. The latter seems more likely. Of him, it next says he was “a certain Cypriot.”
 
As Abarim noted, this is where Barnabas was from. Nothing is said of how the men met up with Mnason, but it is possible that he was one of the people referred to in Acts 11 –
 
“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” Acts 11:19-21.
 
If so, it might explain why he had a place to lodge in Jerusalem, but he also dwelt in Caesarea. One more thing is said of him which would support that possibility. Luke next says that he was “an original disciple.”
 
The word is archaios. It signifies original, primitive, ancient, etc. Some translations say “old,” but that is ambiguous. Does that mean “old as in age” or “of olden times?” In this case, Luke is noting that he was a disciple from the very founding of the church. He may have even been with Jesus in His ministry.
 
The special noting of him by Luke may also mean that he was one of those mentioned in Luke 1 –
 
“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us.” Luke 1:1, 2
 
In other words, Luke may have obtained some of his eyewitness accounts from this man who had seen the works of the Lord. If he was a man of remembering, his eyewitness testimony would be even more reliable than others as he took care to minutely detail in his mind events that he had participated in or personally seen.
 
Two short commentaries concerning the words of this verse are –
 
“It lies on the surface of the narrative that Mnason had a house at Jerusalem in which he could receive St. Paul and his companions. The arrangement seems to have been made as the best course that could be taken to minimise the inevitable danger to which the Apostle was exposing himself. In that house at least he might be sure of personal safety, and the men from Cæsarea would form a kind of escort as he went to and fro in the city.” Charles Ellicott
 
“This would imply that Mnason was at Caesarea, and accompanied Paul and his companions to Jerusalem. It seems better to suppose that the disciples accompanied the apostle in order to introduce him to Mnason, whom they knew. Render, conducting us to Mnason, with whom we should lodge.” Vincent's Word Studies
 
In other words, Vincent’s thinks that rather than Mnason having been with them in Caesarea and who then accompanied the missionaries to Jerusalem, the disciples went along with the missionaries, and they introduced the missionaries to Mnason when they arrived in Jerusalem. This is how some translations state it, such as –
 
“Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple of long standing with whom we were to stay.” NASB
 
Either way, the men were to lodge with this original disciple upon their arrival in Jerusalem.
 
Life application: Acts 21:16 is the official ending of the third missionary journey. It is an adventure that has been filled with amazing details of real events that took place during the early days of the church. It is good to remember that the record of Acts is a descriptive account of what occurred. There is nothing to prescribe anything for our daily lives.
 
However, in Acts, there are things that are normative and can be taken as universally applied truths because of this. For example, it is noted, time and again, that when someone received Jesus, he was immediately baptized. This forms a normative idea of what is expected of all believers. This fully supports the notion that Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 concerning baptizing disciples apply to all believers throughout the church age.
 
It makes no sense to say that believers in the church are disciples – something to be taken as an axiom – and yet they do not need to be baptized. This is the claim of various sects, but it is then something in defiance of the Lord’s words concerning baptizing disciples.
 
Be sure to take Acts as it is intended. It is a descriptive account of what occurred, but there are hints of what is normative for all believers found within it. Carefully consider what is being conveyed, and be sure to follow what should be followed, especially if it is supported by a command from the Lord Jesus. We all have to stand before Him someday. Let our meeting be one of rewards and not of loss.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the early apostles and disciples who were willing to travel far, work long and tedious hours, and expend themselves for the sake of the church. May we be like them and continue on that noble tradition of giving our all for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 21:15

Tuesday, 24 October 2023
 
And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:15
 
The Greek reads, “And after those days, having packed up, we were ascending to Jerusalem” (CG). 
 
In the previous verse, those with Paul gave up trying to dissuade him from going to Jerusalem. Therefore, it next says, “And after those days.”
 
The amount of time they remained in Caesarea is unknown, but it was spent at the house of Philip the Evangelist. Due to the proximity to Jerusalem, they could have stayed right up until the time just before the Feast of Pentecost. Once the feast was close enough for them to begin the short trek, it next says, “having packed up.”
 
This is another word found only here in Scripture, aposkeuazó. It comes from two words, meaning away and vessel. Hence, packed up gives a good sense of what they did. From there, and with their things readied, it next says, “we were ascending to Jerusalem.”
 
The verb is imperfect, giving the sense of motion. As they are heading to Jerusalem, it says “up.” A trip from any location or direction, regardless of height or the importance of the location, is always said to go up to Jerusalem. This signifies that it is the location of pinnacle importance from a biblical perspective.
 
Life application: For such a short verse, translations vary quite a bit. A few of them, with a short analysis of each, are provided –
 
“After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.” (NIV) The words are incomplete because of the missing content concerning packing up.
“And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.” (KJV) The words are archaic and without any modern sense. Also, the verbs do not match the intent of the original.
 
“A few days afterwards we loaded our baggage-cattle and continued our journey to Jerusalem.” (Weymouth) It is overly wordy, adding in stuff that is not reflected in the original.
 
“And after these days, having got our effects ready, we went up to Jerusalem.” (Darby) It is a good job, but still a tad wordier than the original. Also, the words “went up” can be taken as an accomplished task or as ongoing. Therefore, to reflect the imperfect, that needs tweaking.
 
“And after those days, having packed up, we were ascending to Jerusalem.” (CG) This is a super-duper translation. It reflects the original without getting overly wordy.
 
Take time to read various translations, think about why certain words were chosen, and how the variations may actually help you to get a fuller understanding of what is being said. Sometimes, two different words may have a similar meaning, but you might be unsure of what one of them means within the context of the verse. But in reading the next translation, you can then say, “I see what they were saying in the first.”
 
The more you check, compare, and study, the more likely you are to not make an error in thinking concerning one particular translation that may be incorrect, outdated, or ambiguous in meaning. Note that the KJV reflects all three of these inadequacies. It is incorrect in the tense of the first verb, outdated in the content, and ambiguous in the final verb. And this is a short, doctrinally unimportant verse!
 
Heavenly Father, may we be well studied in Your word. In some cases, people may have just one translation. At least they have that. In some cases, there may be several. That will help them to compare and consider. In some cases, there may be the original and fifty translations. How blessed are such people! In whatever we possess, may we be careful to consider Your word as a gift from You and treat it accordingly. Amen.

Acts 21:14

Monday, 23 October 2023
 
So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21:14
 
The Greek literally reads, “And he not being persuaded, we quieted, having said, ‘The will of the Lord be done’” (CG).
 
Paul just protested to those who desired him to not go up to Jerusalem. In his words, he said that he was ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. With that stated, it next says, “And he not being persuaded, we quieted.”
 
There was obviously no point in continuing. His statement meant he was fixed and firm in his decision to go as intended. Therefore, they resignedly ceased, “having said, ‘The will of the Lord be done.’”
 
As Paul invoked the name of the Lord in the preceding verse, they gave in and, in turn, invoked the will of the Lord.
 
Life application: There is a time when words are to cease, and attempts to change what shouldn't be changed should be ended. Jesus understood this, made a simple petition, and then resigned Himself to the will of His Father –
 
“Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’
41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’” Luke 22:39-42
 
For us, although we cannot know what the future holds, we can clue in and realize that fighting against what should occur is a futile thing to do. Paul was determined to complete his mission, he was aware of what was coming, but he knew that it was the right thing to do.
 
There are times where we may be challenged to act in a way that compromises our faith. That may include certain imprisonment or even death. But if we truly believe that Jesus has us firmly in His hands, then such an outcome is temporary. We will be rewarded for our faith. Therefore, let us choose the right path, even if things look bleak in the short term.
 
Lord God, our faith can be weakened when facing difficult prospects that may lie ahead of us. In such times, give us strengthening for the trials. Help us when we willingly choose to be obedient to Your word and Your will. Yes, be with us, O God, that we may be faithful to the calling You have called us to. Amen.

Acts 21:13

Sunday, 22 October 2023
 
Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13
 
To match the Greek, the words read, “Then answered Paul, ‘What do you, weeping and pulverizing my heart? For I hold readily not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus’” (CG).
 
The previous verse told of those around Paul begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. With that stated, it next says, “Then answered Paul, ‘What do you?”
 
The word means to do or to make. In essence, their words produce an action, making something happen. Today, we would say, “What are you doing to me?” Paul then explains what it is they were doing, saying, “weeping and pulverizing my heart.”
 
The first action is that of those with Paul, weeping. The response to their weeping is then Paul’s action. They were pulverizing his heart. Here, Luke introduces another word only seen once in the New Testament, sunthruptó. Strong’s defines it as break in pieces, crush, or thoroughly weaken. It is derived from two words signifying “with” and “to crumble.” Thus, one can think of someone grabbing Paul’s heart and crushing it so that it crumbles. Hence, pulverize gives a good sense of what he means.
 
His words indicate that their weeping was only making matters worse because, as he next says, “For I hold readily.” It is an adverb. Thus, the word readily appropriately gives the sense of what is being conveyed. He was set and would not be dissuaded from his mission, and he was readily set to continue on it, even if the extreme occurred. He conveys this first in relation to the prophecy, saying, “not only to be bound.”
 
This is what Agabus had prophesied. It included being handed over to the Gentiles. If such happened, who knows what might then occur? Paul, evaluating the matter and considering the greatest potential threat continues with, “but also to die at Jerusalem.”
 
Being bound meant to be considered a lawbreaker. In such a state, various judgments could be rendered, up to and including execution. This meant little to Paul if he had successfully done what he was called to do. And, of course, his calling was by the Lord. If the Lord determined that was the path for him to go, then he would take it “for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
 
It was Jesus who had called him. It was Jesus who had saved him and given him his commission. It was the Lord who had fashioned him and who would someday transform Paul’s lowly body to be like His. So why should death be any concern at all? He was fully accepting of whatever was to come because he belonged to the Lord Jesus. The victory was already won, and the path to eternal life was secured for him.
 
Life application: The words in this verse are emphatic. Paul essentially says, “You are breaking my heart.” “I, for my part, am ready . . .” His intent wasn’t merely a stoic resolve. Rather, his heart was truly broken by their sadness, but he didn't want his determination to be weakened because of it. Instead of worrying about what might happen, he had his eyes fixed on Jesus and his heart set on glorifying the Lord with his life. He was, as it were, an example of the words penned by Solomon -
 
“For love is as strong as death.” Song of Solomon 8:6
 
In the seven letters to the seven churches, Jesus said to the church at Ephesus, “...you have left your first love.” Paul was a man of doctrine. He never waffled on it, and he directly spoke against what was incorrect, even when it meant openly confronting another apostle. His inspired words are what set doctrine for the church age, and he would readily stand against anyone who incorrectly taught them or misapplied them in his walk.
 
Despite this, Paul remembered his first love before all other things. He fixed his eyes on Jesus in everything he did, including arguing sound doctrine, for the sake of that love he felt. Sound doctrine is important, but other than accepting the simple gospel as it is properly understood, doctrine is not what saves a person. Instead, it is what allows a person to mature. In maturing, the love one has for Christ should only deepen.
 
If, however, the doctrine becomes the most important point to a person, his love will grow cold. Be sure to include Jesus in every step you take towards full Christian maturity. Without it, you will never attain what you are attempting to reach. Keep the love of Jesus as the paramount point of what you do, and you will do well.
 
Lord Jesus, may we never turn our eyes from You in our attempt to become doctrinally sound believers. We can dot every i and cross every t, but without having our hearts directed toward You, our walk will be dark and cold. Help us to remember this most important point. We love You, our God and our Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 21:12

Saturday, 21 October 2023
 
Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:12
 
A literal rendering would be, “And when we heard these things, implored him – both we and the residents – not to go up to Jerusalem” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the prophet Agabus tied himself (or Paul) up by his hands and feet and prophesied that the same would happen to Paul in Jerusalem, noting that he would be delivered into the hands of the Gentiles. Now, Luke records, “And when we heard these things.”
 
The reaction is immediate, and Luke includes himself in the words verse with the use of “we.” He and all those with him “implored him.” The word is variously translated, having several different meanings, depending on the context. In this verse, translations still vary widely: beg, intreat, entreat, beseech, urge, plead, etc.
 
In this case, it was certainly a mixture of begging and admonishing. Thus, he was implored. Further, the word is imperfect, indicating that they continued to implore him. But the words were not just from his companions alone. Rather, it next says, “both we and the residents.”
 
Here, another word unique to the New Testament is seen – entopios. It is an adjective derived from en (in) and topos (region). Hence, a single English comparable word would be “residents.”  Luke was a master of using interesting words to make simple points. Those who were residing there and heard, along with the missionaries who were going to Jerusalem with Paul, implored him “not to go up to Jerusalem.”
 
Luke and the others who accompanied Paul were fully capable of taking the gift themselves and there was no need for Paul to go and thus endanger himself. Therefore, they continued to implore him not to go with them on this final portion of the long voyage they had been on.
 
Life application: One of the things that makes a sermon, narrative, or story interesting is a wide range of words. Why use one adjective when two or even three will do? If you want to excite the minds of others, it is important not to repeat the same words in sentences if at all possible. In this, you will keep the minds of your readers active as they listen.
 
Having said that, it is important for translations of Scripture to convey the meaning of the words as originally presented. There are various ways of doing this. The first and most obvious is a literal translation. The word noted above is a single plural adjective preceded by a plural article indicating “those residents.” That is the most literal way to translate it.
 
However, it is not the only way to do so. Saying “the residents” means the same thing because the plural marker in English sufficiently carries the meaning. It also sounds smoother to the ear than “those residents” when taken in the context of the rest of the sentence. The words can also be translated in an equivalent paraphrase: those of that place, they of that place, the locals, the people there, etc.
 
A literal translation will often get clunky or cumbersome to the mind of the hearer. Thus, the equivalent rendering may be preferred. Don’t get too negatively excited over varying translations. Instead, look at them as opportunities to understand more fully what is being conveyed while also learning to expand your own lexicon and ability to form interesting sentence structures.
 
This appears to be Luke’s goal as he continuously introduces nifty new words to Scripture. Remember that in order to fully understand the meaning of his words, it is often necessary to refer to a concordance, lexicon, or formal word study. As this is so, then it may be that you had to read an entire paragraph, or more, just to get what is being said. Therefore, a single translation will never fully express what the intent of the entire original text is saying.
 
Study! Enjoy! And then turn around and express. Use your words in a way that will bless and benefit others without overwhelming them. Be one that will excite the minds of those around you. The Bible has shown, right in the diverse and unique words that it uses, that this is a commendable thing to do.
 
Lord God, You have given us a precious word meant to excite our minds and fill our thoughts with delight and wonder. Thank You for this precious gift. May we be willing to study it deeply all the days of our lives and then use our words in a manner that will also bless and excite others. Praise to You, O God, for the gift of Your precious word. Amen.

Acts 21:11

Friday, 20 October 2023
 
When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Acts 21:11
 
The words are more closely rendered, “And having come to us, and having taken up the belt of Paul, having bound his hands and feet, he said, ‘Thus says, the Holy Spirit, “The man whose is this belt, thus will bind in Jerusalem the Jews, and will deliver into the hands of Gentiles.”’”
 
The previous verse told of the coming down of Agabus from Judea to the missionaries staying in Caesarea. In his coming, it next says, “And having come to us, and having taken up the belt of Paul.”
 
There is no indication of how long he was there before this occurred, but Luke, using participles to show action, writes his words to make it seem as if it is the first thing that happens. Agabus was just called a “certain prophet.” So, one gets the sense of this prophet arriving at Caesarea, walking up to Paul, and then lifting Paul’s belt off of him.
 
The belt noted here is zóné. It indicates a girdle, belt, or waistband. This is not a belt to hold up the pants as we use today. Rather, it would be worn on the outside of the loose-fitting garments worn by men. They would pull it tight to remove the slack from the garment. Thus, to lift it off of Paul would be a simple process.
 
At times, such a belt would be hollow and used as a money belt. This is why some versions will say “girdle.” Of this belt that was just taken up by Agabus, it next says, “having bound his hands and feet.”
 
It is generally believed that Agabus tied his own hands and feet, not Paul’s, but some scholars think maybe it was Paul. Different manuscripts use a reflexive pronoun that would definitely indicate it was Agabus tying himself up rather than Paul. Also, the words vary in order saying either “hands and feet” or “feet and hands.”
 
It would be hard to tie up one’s feet if the hands were already bound. Therefore, the action may be tying up Paul, or it may be Agabus tying himself up. Either way, it is a symbolic gesture not unlike many other examples found in the Old Testament and which are worthy to be considered, such as –
 
“In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it, 2 at the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, ‘Go, and remove the sackcloth from your body, and take your sandals off your feet.’ And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.” Isaiah 20:1, 2
 
With that action directed, the Lord then explains the command –
 
“Then the Lord said, ‘Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia, 4 so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. 5 Then they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation and Egypt their glory. 6 And the inhabitant of this territory will say in that day, “Surely such is our expectation, wherever we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria; and how shall we escape?”’” Isaiah 20:3-6
 
As for the action taken by Agabus, he then proclaims, “Thus says, the Holy Spirit, ‘The man whose is this belt, thus will bind in Jerusalem the Jews.’”
 
Just as Isaiah was used as a warning and an object lesson for Israel, Agabus’ action is also an object lesson to warn Paul. The Lord, through Agabus, has given an advanced sign to Paul and those with him that what will occur has been ordained by Him and that it is the way that things were supposed to be.
 
Israel at Isaiah’s time could not say that what occurred to them was not the will of the Lord. Likewise, those who saw Paul being bound could not say that this was out of the will of the Lord or something that they should act against. It was a part of a greater plan, already known and authorized by God. From there, it next says that the Jews “will deliver into the hands of Gentiles.”
 
A greater plan was going to be worked out which included Paul being handed over to the Gentiles. Therefore, the people who saw these things come about should not interfere with the events, nor should they think that Paul was out of favor with the Lord. The events to take place were meant to be, and those who would interact with Paul should do so with this in mind.
 
Life application: As reading the Bible is an important part of the things we do each day, take a few more minutes and read one or more of the following object lessons that are found in the Old Testament: 1 Kings 22:10-12; Jeremiah 13:1-11; Jeremiah 27:2-11; Ezekiel 4:1-13; Ezekiel 5:1-10; Ezekiel 12:1-14; Ezekiel 24:15-24.
 
There are other such object lessons to be found. The book of Hosea is built around such an idea, where the prophet is asked to marry an unfaithful woman. Throughout the book, the interactions of the prophet with her, as directed by the Lord, mirror the interactions of the Lord and Israel.
 
Consider the things you are reading in Scripture and why the Lord places such things there. In the end, we can more fully understand the mind and intent of the Lord, His faithfulness even in our unfaithfulness, etc. The Bible tells us that God has everything under control and that we should trust that His plan is being worked out in a way that will bring His people to a very happy end, even if the road we are currently on may be a bit rocky.
 
Lord God, thank You for Your tender care of us. We can know from Your word that You have a plan that is already set and that will lead us back to Yourself. Help us to faithfully endure in this life and to walk in a manner that is pleasing to You, knowing that our actions reflect our trust in You as we continue our trek to our heavenly home. Amen.

Acts 21:10

Thursday, 19 October 2023
 
And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Acts 21:10
 
The Greek reads, “And remaining many days, a certain prophet came down from Judea, by name Agabus” (CG).
 
The last verse was a short note about Philip’s four daughters who prophesied. Luke next says, “And remaining many days.”
 
The adjective which is used here is given in the comparative degree. Therefore, Ellicott believes that this means that they stayed longer than originally intended. But because there was still time available, either because of quicker travel on the voyage to Israel than expected, or because they cut another stop short, they stayed on for a while.
 
The only time limitation that is known to be weighing on them is what it said in Acts 20:16 –
 
“For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.”
 
Therefore, even if they stayed with Philip longer than intended, as long as they had time to spare before the short trip to Jerusalem, it was of no great matter. It is during these “many days” that “a certain prophet came down from Judea, by name Agabus.”
 
This Agabus is probably the same prophet who was first seen in Acts 11. At that time, it was said that he had come down from Jerusalem to Antioch. Now, it says that he has come down from Judea. Thus, it is highly probable that this is the same prophet again being drawn into the narrative.
 
Life application: We should be prepared to expect the unexpected. We don’t know what the future holds, and our plans are just that, plans. They may or may not come to pass. If you are in the Lord and living in accord with His word, then wherever you are – regardless of whether your plans are coming about – the Lord has you exactly where He needs you to be.
 
It may not be comfortable for you, or the changes that come up may be surprisingly nice. But it is where you are, so make the best of it. Throughout the book of Acts, people make plans, and they don’t always come out as originally intended, but time has gone on, and the lives of these people came out in the way God knew they would.
 
If you can have this attitude when plans get changed or frustrated, you will be much better off in your own mind. Don’t become discouraged but look for opportunities that may have been placed in your path. You are the Lord’s, so have the proper attitude about the situation you are in. He has you there for a purpose.
 
Lord God, help us to be content in the situations we find ourselves. We make plans, but ultimately it is Your will that we need to be obedient to. If we are living in accord with Your word, then we are in Your will. May we find peace, joy, and contentment in that. Amen.

Acts 21:9

Wednesday, 18 October 2023
 
Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. Acts 21:9
 
The Greek reads, “And to him were four daughters, virgins, prophesying” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Paul and his companions departed and came to Caesarea. There, they entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven. Now, that continues, saying, “And to him were four daughters.”
 
The verb is imperfect, signifying that it was ongoing and indeterminate in duration. It cannot be implied that this was their permanent state. As for Philip, he was an evangelist. He held the duty of “preaching the full message of Christ’s salvation” (HELPS Word Studies). Having four daughters meant he had a wife.
 
Therefore, this is contrary to the false doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church that those who are in such a position were to remain celibate. This is obvious from Paul’s pastoral epistles, but it is a valid point of doctrine that is substantiated here and elsewhere. Of his daughters, it next says that they were “virgins.”
 
Luke takes care to mention this. Therefore, it has a bearing on their state. Otherwise, it would be a pointless addition to the context of his note. Being virgins, they were still living in his house, awaiting the time when they would be married. If they never married, they would remain in his house. The matter would have been decided as families determined such things at the time and within the culture. Finally, Luke notes that they were “prophesying.”
 
This is not unique in Scripture. It is something that several women of the Old Testament did. Deborah, the Judge of Israel, was a prophetess. A married woman named Huldah, the wife of the keeper of the wardrobe, was noted as a prophetess in 2 Kings 22:14. These and others were noted as having this ability.
 
It is, however, noted in 1 Corinthians 14 that women (or wives, the word can mean either) are to remain silent in the churches. It may be that being noted as virgins provides an exception to the prohibition of 1 Corinthians. But their prophesying cannot extend to teaching or having authority over men. That is explicitly forbidden in 1 Timothy 2:11, 12.
 
Further, Paul’s words concerning the selection of elders and deacons in the pastoral epistles are directed to males only. There is no provision in Scripture to allow for the ordination of women. Thus, Luke’s words here must bear these limitations. These women prophesied. Nothing more can be gleaned from the narrative.
 
The coming verses will mention another man who will prophesy over Paul. What he says is very clearly recorded by Luke. Such is not the case with these four daughters of Philip. Therefore, their ability to prophesy obviously did not include the matter that would be brought forth by him.
 
What is possible is that Luke’s note concerning these women is a generous acknowledgment of their ability to pass on what has already been received by Philip. This would be similar to the first noted woman to prophesy in Scripture, Miriam, the sister of Moses. In Exodus 15, it says –
 
“Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21 And Miriam answered them:‘Sing to the Lord,For He has triumphed gloriously!The horse and its riderHe has thrown into the sea!’” Exodus 15:20-21
 
Miriam’s prophesying was not her own words but those already given by Moses –
 
“Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying:‘I will sing to the Lord,For He has triumphed gloriously!The horse and its riderHe has thrown into the sea!’” Exodus 15:1
 
In the case of these four daughters, it is best to take the most conservative view of their words, keeping them also completely in line with what is elsewhere stated as doctrine for the church.
 
Life application: Q: Is this verse prescriptive or descriptive? It is a descriptive verse that sets no doctrine forth for the conduct of the church.
 
These words, along with scattered other verses in the Bible, are incorrectly used at times to justify women preachers and “prophetesses.”  In doing this, one must completely disregard the prescriptive and authoritative writings of Paul. Further, context is necessary to understand what is going on. Outside of this descriptive verse, there is no additional context to justify women instructors or preachers with authority over men in a New Testament context. Rather, exactly the opposite is the case.
 
If one is to logically claim that the words of this verse mean that women today also are entitled to prophesy as these girls did, then the entire description of them must be considered applicable. Luke was careful to note that they were the daughters of an evangelist. Therefore, only the daughters of an evangelist would meet the requirements.
 
Next, he takes special care to note that they were parthenoi, virgins. Therefore, that must be applied as a required standard. As such, it would mean that this ability only applies to virgins. As they were not married, they also wielded no authority over a man. Should they marry, they would then fall under the authority of their husbands. Luke is being careful to show that their role in no way contradicted what Paul was already teaching concerning women.
 
These daughters prophesied because they were, at least for a season, set apart as virgins to prophesy. This was probably to other women while Philip was conducting evangelism. There is no need to go beyond what is written here and assume that they held any other duties than those intended for women by women. Their status as virgins is what sets them apart as acceptable for ministry. Should their status change, it would mean a change in their life roles.
 
Finally, as no other gifts are listed, the most one could claim is that the gift of prophesying alone could be appropriated by virgin daughters of evangelists. This is not a verse that allows for women to prophesy in a congregation. It is not a verse that allows for teaching or having authority over men in a congregation. It is also not a verse that would allow for the ordination of women. None of these things can be deduced or appropriated by women from the words of this verse.
 
Lord God, help us to stay in the proper lanes as we travel on life’s highway. May we be careful never to take single verses out of their intended context in an attempt to justify what Your word elsewhere forbids. May we be obedient to the overall standards that prescribe our conduct as clearly revealed in Your precious and sacred word. Amen.