BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 20:22

 Saturday, 23 September 2023
 
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, Acts 20:22
 
The words bear more of an emphasis than the NKJV provides – “And now, behold, I – bound in the spirit – go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will befall me in it” (CG).
 
The previous verse includes Paul’s words concerning “repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.” Now, he speaks of what lies ahead for him, saying, “And now, behold, I – bound in the spirit.”
 
These words are curious when taken in connection with the words of Agabus in verse 21:11. Paul says he is “bound” in the spirit. The word is deo and is used often concerning binding someone up, such as binding the strong man in Mark 3 or the demoniac in Mark 5. When a donkey is bound to a post, this word would be used. If one is bound in prison, this word is used.
 
Paul feels “bound in the spirit,” not knowing what he will next speak of. Scholars vary on whether they believe he is referring to the Holy Spirit or simply being constrained in his own spirit. Based on what Agabus says, it is most likely his own spirit, not the Holy Spirit. This will be seen as the verse continues.
 
Paul next says that he will “go to Jerusalem” in this state of being bound in the spirit. This is the path set before him and his traveling companions. He is so determined to get there that he has called these elders of Ephesus to come a considerable distance for this short meeting. Despite this determined trek to Jerusalem, he next says, “not knowing what will befall me in it.”
 
These words tell us that Paul is most likely referring to his own spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit does know, and it is alerted to him more fully at the meeting with Agabus. This seems more likely because it appears that Paul is drawing a contrast between his own desires and efforts and what he says in the next verse concerning what the Holy Spirit is revealing to him –
 
Paul is bound in his spirit to accomplish his mission.
The Holy Spirit testifies that chains and tribulations await.
 
For whatever reason, the Holy Spirit did not reveal everything to him directly, but rather, He will do it more fully through Agabus. It is a remarkable testimony concerning the reliability of the Book of Acts as a true account.
 
Life application: It is important to not mix our desires with claims of divine leading. And yet, it is as common as signs on a highway for people to do it. “I think the Lord is leading me to marry this woman.” What if someone else says the same thing? God is not in the business of causing contradictory desires in people. “I think the Lord is leading me to open this business.” What if the business fails the first year it is opened? Did the Lord lead this person to bankruptcy?
 
“I think the Lord is leading me to stop paying on my house and to move to Franklin, Tennessee.” The Lord tells us to pay our debts. People may do these things because they are bound in their spirits to take certain actions. And yet, they claim that it is God, the Lord, or the Holy Spirit who is directing them.
 
We should be careful to not make such claims. Later, when it is discovered that the thing doesn’t come about, or it turns out in a negative way, we will either have to admit we were wrong or implicitly pass the blame onto God for what happened. Rather, let us state our desires as such, pray about what we intend to do, and then acknowledge, “If it is the Lord’s will.” If what we desire doesn’t come about, or if it proves to have been the wrong decision, we will find that out in due time.
 
Lord God, help us to carefully consider our words and to never make claims concerning Your presence in our lives that are not in line with reality. Instead, we can acknowledge Your presence and ask for Your guidance but not bind our words so that what later transpires could possibly tarnish what we have stated about You. Help us in this, O Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 20:21

Friday, 22 September 2023
 
“testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
 
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).
 
In the previous verse, Paul continued his words to the elders of Ephesus concerning his teaching and how he withheld nothing from those he spoke to, both in public and in private settings. Now, that continues further, saying, “testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks.”
 
The word translated as “testifying,” diamarturomai, means more than that. It signifies “fully testifying.” The prefix dia gives the sense of “through.” Thus, it is thoroughly testifying. Paul spoke out his witness in a full and complete manner, and he did so to all people, without distinction, meaning to both the Jews and the Gentiles.
 
His words are intended to mean all people of the earth, of whom the Greeks represent the whole. In both categories, he next notes the need for “repentance toward God.” This is the only time that Paul will tie in repentance in quite this manner, although it is similar to what he says in 2 Corinthians 7:10 –
 
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
 
The meaning of the word must first be explained. It means “change of mind” and nothing more. Paul says that we must have a change of mind toward God. This does not, in any way, mean what people think it means today, as in, “You must repent, or turn from, your sins.” That is not what the word means.
 
Paul’s words now refer to an evangelical type of repentance, not a legal form. One cannot at first legally repent of what they do not understand. We cannot repent of a law or custom which we have violated until we know what that law or custom is.
 
Therefore, we cannot say that Paul is speaking of the standards of the law. Rather, it is speaking of who God is, what our relationship to Him is, and who Jesus is in relation to us in that context. From there, we are to repent (change our mind about who He is) and turn toward Him in faith.
 
His words have nothing to do with the issue of sin, except that we recognize that we are sinners before God, without dealing with any specific sin that must be first ended before we can be saved. If we tie works into the process of this verse, then we are putting the horse before the cart.
 
If a Buddhist is to be saved, he must repent of what he thinks about God, turn from that incorrect thinking, and put his faith in the true God through Jesus. The same is true with a Muslim or an atheist. The mind must be changed about what “god” is being pursued and mix it with turning to the true “God.”
 
Only after we are saved can we then learn the laws, grow in conformity to what is expected, and be obedient to the Lordship of Christ, not before. This may sound obvious, but it is one of the chief points of incorrect doctrine among almost all legalistic churches. They tie legal repentance, rather than evangelical repentance, in with this verse.
 
Paul next continues with, “and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” This explains the first part of the equation more fully. God is God. There is one God. However, there must be a means by which He is approached. It is not through Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, or any other expression than through His Messiah, Jesus Christ.
 
Note how Paul opened his words of this thought with “testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks.” This means, without any ambiguity at all, that Jews must come through Jesus as well. Judaism, as it is defined today, is not an acceptable approach to God. The Messiah has come. Any Jew who has not come to God through Him is in the exact same position as a Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, etc.
 
Remember: Repent means “change of mind.” Repentance toward God means “change your mind about God.” Repentance at this point (meaning in order to be saved) does not mean “stop all your sinning.” It means to acknowledge you are a sinner and that as you learn what things displease God, you will then turn from those things. Finally, no person can be saved, Jew or Gentile, unless he turns to God (repents of his incorrect notion about God) by coming to Him through Jesus Christ.
 
Life application: Dual Covenantalism is a doctrine that says Jews can be saved by adherence to the Law of Moses. John Hagee teaches this. It is the official stand of the Roman Catholic Church and others. And it is a heresy. This is a great lie from Satan, and those who teach it are condemning unsaved Jews to eternal separation from God because of their words. They will be held to account.
 
Do not waffle in your convictions about Jesus Christ. Be firm and ready to defend what you believe by properly presenting it to those you talk to. Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Word. He is God who came to dwell among His people. He fulfilled the law, He died in fulfillment of it, and by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, people will be saved. There is no other path to God available to man.
 
Get the word out! God has done it! Jesus has prevailed, and salvation is a gift of God’s grace to any who will simply believe.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the sure hope we possess. Through Jesus Christ, You have accomplished all things necessary to reconcile us to Yourself. We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that through Him we are restored to You. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

Acts 20:20

Thursday, 21 September 2023
 
“how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, Acts 20:20
 
The words are more closely stated, “how I withheld nothing of things that are profitable, not to declare to you and to teach you in public and among houses” (CG).
 
The words continue from the previous verse, “And when they came to him, he said to them, ‘You know from the first day in which I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, how I withheld nothing of things that are profitable, not to declare to you and to teach you in public and among houses.’”
 
With that context, we see that Paul’s words could not be made unless they were true. He is speaking to the people among whom the claims he is making pertain. Therefore, what he says must be the way things were. He is merely reminding them so that he can then encourage them based on what he says. And so, he continues by saying, “how I withheld nothing of things that are profitable.”
 
Hindsight is 20/20, but that is not what Paul speaks of here. Now, he says that he “withheld nothing.” We now welcome a new verb to Scripture, hupostelló. It will be seen just four times. According to Vincent’s Word Studies, “A picturesque word. Originally, to draw in or contract. Used of furling sails, and of closing the fingers; of drawing back for shelter; of keeping back one’s real thoughts; by physicians, of withholding food from patients.”
 
Ellicott thinks he used it specifically as a sailing metaphor where he “seems to say of himself, had used no such reticence or reserve, but had gone on his course, as it were, before the wind, with all his canvas spread.” This very well could be because he uses sea-related metaphors elsewhere, including Ephesians 4:14, 1 Timothy 1:19 and 1 Timothy 6:9.
 
No matter what his intent for using this word, it is clear that he was unafraid to teach them every doctrine and every counsel in accordance with the truth, regardless of whether they might find it offensive or unpalatable. Everything that was profitable was openly and fully shared with his disciples. From there, he turns to a negative clause to reiterate the point he has just made.
 
He said, “how I withheld nothing,” and now he says, “not to declare to you and to teach you.” The meaning is that instead of not declaring and not teaching, he did exactly the opposite by declaring and teaching. He did so without reservation and in a manner that was open to any and all. As he next says, “in public.”
 
Here is a word used for the last of four times, démosios. It is an adjective translated by most as publicly. But that is an adverb. Therefore, to retain the flavor of the original, “in public” more reasonably matches the intent. The word is derived from demos, a noun signifying “the people.” One can see the etymological root of the modern word democracy. As for the word démosios, you can wave it goodbye as it departs.
 
As for Paul, he was willing to speak about Jesus, the faith, holiness, righteousness, keeping from uncleanness, etc., all in the open and without shame or peevishness. He was bold and confident that his words were fully in line with the faith he professed. But, added to that, he next says, “and among houses.”
 
This would have been his talks and instruction in private settings. But don’t some people speak one way in public and another in private? Paul refused such a tactic. He spoke in the same manner when in a public forum and when in private. His words were not two-faced but always in accord with what the Lord had set before him from the start.
 
Life application: How nice it is when preachers continue to follow this same pattern today while we live in the face of ever-increasing wickedness. Who will be willing to unfurl the sails of proper doctrine and let the winds carry the whole counsel of God to every shore, despite the dangers? Who will teach publicly the doctrines that are found offensive to today's sensitive and dull ears?
 
Jesus spoke in this manner, setting an example for us two thousand years ago. Paul was a man who did likewise, and many have since followed suit. We know that the Lord is pleased with any and all who are willing to take such a stand. As it says in Matthew 10:27 –
 
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.”
 
In Genesis 31:39, Jacob told Laban that he bore the cost of any lost sheep himself rather than having it charged to his master. Considering the value that Jesus places on the souls of men, as noted, for example, in Matthew 16:26, Paul felt the cost of losing any for his Master. He was willing to expend himself to ensure those who heard and accepted the word would be kept safe from the ravages of the world around him.
 
And more, he did all he could to glorify God through evangelism and teaching. In verse 27 of this chapter, he will say that he did not shun to declare to his hearers the whole counsel of God. Let us be willing to hold fast to this word and to never waffle on what it proclaims, and to declare it in its fullness. This life is temporary. We might as well please God now with our conduct because eternity is a long time to regret not having done so.
 
Glorious Lord God, You have given us instruction through Your word, and You have provided examples of how we are to share that through the actions of the apostles. May we be willing to expend ourselves in the furtherance of the gospel and in the necessity of living in accord with the word that You have blessed us with. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:19

Wednesday, 20 September 2023
 
“serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; Acts 20:19
 
Although a bit clunky, the words more correctly say, “serving the Lord with all mind-abasement, with many tears and trials occasioned me by the ambushes of the Jews” (CG).
 
The words continue the thought of the previous verse. Taken together, they would say, “And when they came to him, he said to them, ‘You know from the first day in which I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all mind-abasement, with many tears and trials occasioned me by the ambushes of the Jews.’”
 
With that noted, the words of this verse begin with, “serving the Lord with all mind-abasement.” It is a single noun first found here, tapeinophrosune. It is derived from tapeinos (humble, lowly, etc.), and phrén (mind, intellect, etc.). And so, as a single noun, “mind-abasement” exactingly translates it. It will be used by Paul five times and by Peter twice. Paul continues by saying, “with many tears and trials.”
 
Some manuscripts omit the word “many,” but it is likely original. Paul’s use of the word would be perfectly fitting with the events of his time in Ephesus. He labored vigorously, cared deeply, and faced trials repeatedly. And these were “occasioned me by the ambushes of the Jews.”
 
The word translated as “occasioned” means to come together or come to pass. These things befell Paul personally and they were instigated by the Jews. As for the word translated as “ambushes,” it is a plural noun signifying a plot, but it also carries the sense of the plot being put into action. Some translations say, “plots.” This gets half of the idea. Others say, “lying in wait,” but that is a paraphrase that is singular in nature. A single word that carries the whole intent would be the plural “ambushes.” In this, there are the plots which are combined with the actions of carrying them out.
 
Life application: Paul’s words are not boasting through self-piety. The things he said are simply the manner in which he conducted himself. This is perfectly evident from the fact that he is saying them to the very people who saw how he conducted himself. He is laying out the foundation for his words of admonishment, and it is appropriate that he sets this groundwork down in the exact manner in which he conducted himself.
 
This is a good lesson for each of us. If we act in a pious manner to ingratiate ourselves to others, that is not an acceptable way to conduct our affairs. However, if we live in an attitude of self-abasement as our regular conduct, it is an acceptable and noteworthy choice. Paul says as much to us in his epistles, such as –
 
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3
 
&
 
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3, 4
 
This was Paul’s attitude and conduct, and it should be ours as well. In this, we will be living properly before the Lord.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to consider others before ourselves, deeming them as valuable people in Your eyes. Jesus came to save others, even while the world was sold to sin. We were once in that state, and they still are. The only difference between the two is Jesus. How can we look down upon others when – without Him – we would still be just as they are? Help us to have this mind. Help us to care about their state and to pity where they are. Soften our hearts to their plight, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:18

Tuesday, 19 September 2023
 
And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, Acts 20:18
 
The words need to be more precisely aligned with the Greek, “And when they came to him, he said to them, ‘You know from the first day in which I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time’” (CG).
 
Paul had just sent from Miletus to Ephesus to gather the elders of the church at Miletus. Now, with their coming, Luke records, “And when they came to him.” As noted, this would have been at least a day later, maybe even two. The men would have had to have walked or rode about thirty miles to Ephesus, gathered the elders, and then made the return trip. Despite the distance, the men came. With that having transpired, “he said to them, ‘You know.’”
 
The word “you” is in the emphatic position. To highlight this, the YLT says, “Ye – ye know.” Paul is declaring in their presence, and with their knowledge to support his words, the truth of what he will say. Next, he says, “from the first day.”
 
These words speak of a period of three full years, as will be noted in Acts 20:31. There was sufficient time to come to know Paul and to evaluate his conduct and his character. Therefore, they will know that what he has called them for is based on that knowledge. His words will need to be considered and accepted because of this. He next says, “in which I set foot in Asia.”
 
The word translated as “set foot” is epibaino. It is used just six times in the New Testament. It means to set foot on, mount, or board (as if boarding a boat). It is derived from epi (on, upon, etc.) and basis (a step). He notes that from the first step of his foot among them, what he will convey was the case. As they are the witnesses to the matter, it must be a true proclamation concerning it, which is, “how I was with you the whole time.”
 
The words are singular, “the whole time.” There was no lapse in how Paul conducted himself from beginning to end. Concerning such steadfast conduct, the Geneva Bible says, “A graphic image of a true pastor.”
 
Life application: Out of all of the speeches made in Acts, this one stands out as certainly being one where Luke was present. The style of his words shows the first-hand knowledge of what was said. Also, it closely mirrors Paul’s words in his epistles.
 
Everything about it shows evidence of a faithful recording of what Paul actually said rather than a second-hand account. The other speeches are true representations of what was said, but this one indicates the careful detailing of the deep emotion and heartfelt love that Paul and the elders shared.
 
As they are analyzed, remember this and think of your own times when you were closely bonded with others in the fellowship of Christ. And this doesn’t have to just mean in one another’s presence. In our modern world, communication and fellowship can take place over vast distances. And so, think about what Paul emphasizes to these men.
 
Consider his words and develop the same passion as he had for what he will convey. Spoiler alert: Paul will implore these men to hold fast to what is good and sound and to guard against those who would come in and pervert the church. He knows these will be his last words to them, and so he begs them to remain sound in their lives, conduct, and doctrine before the Lord.
 
Glorious God, may we consider our walk before You, hold fast to what is good, and emphasize to others the importance of holding fast to what You have set before us in Scripture. Help us to rightly divide it, to faithfully live by it, and to be willing to instruct others in it. To Your glory and for the edification of others, we pray. Amen.

Acts 20:17

Monday, 18 September 2023
 
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. Acts 20:17
 
The verse should read, “And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that Paul was in a rush to get to Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost. Because of this, he decided to sail past Ephesus. Instead, they stopped at Miletus, a port a short distance beyond Ephesus. With their arrival, Luke next notes, “And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus.”
 
The distance to Ephesus is estimated to be about thirty to forty miles from Miletus. It would take some time to travel that far and then an equal amount of time for the messenger to return with those of the church. It would be a 10-to-15-hour journey for a healthy person to walk that far at a normal pace. With donkeys, it would be a bit faster. With horses, it could be done even more quickly.
 
No matter what, there would be at least a day of travel, spending the night, and then another day of travel back to Miletus. In a best-case scenario, they would not continue their travels until at least the third day after arriving.
 
It would seem that such a long journey waiting for these people would be contrary to his plans to reach Jerusalem quickly. From this, it is obvious that he knew he would get bogged down in a personal visit to Ephesus. Many days of fellowshipping would be the minimum. Therefore, he reasoned that the time waiting for the church to come to him would still be less than that. This then is actually the more expedient way of handling the situation. Therefore, “he called for the elders of the church.”
 
In this verse, the elders who are summoned are designated by the Greek word presbuteros, an elder. However, in Acts 20:28, the word used to describe these same men will be episkopos, overseers. Because of this, it is obvious that the titles were synonymous. Their state was that of being elders, while their duties were that of overseeing the church.
 
Life application: Thinking about what is recorded here, it is rather amazing to consider. Paul has bypassed Ephesus, a good distance away, and then sent for the elders. It isn’t known if there was one or more churches in Ephesus. But even if there was only one, these men would have been called to drop everything they were doing and travel the long distance to Miletus on a moment’s notice.
 
Think of where you live and consider a location thirty miles away. Now imagine if someone came to you and said, “We need to leave right away and start walking to that place. Johnny Come Lately wants to see you and the other seven leaders of the church.”
 
This means a day of walking, a meeting, and then another day of walking back home. When looked at from this perspective, one can see how carefully Paul must have balanced things out concerning stopping at Ephesus or not. And more, consider the state of these men who were willing to drop everything and head to Miletus to see him.
 
Now, think about your own associations. Who would you be willing to do this for? Are the needs or desires of someone that important to you? Imagine if there is a natural disaster, maybe a hurricane, that has caused damage to a friend. Would you drop everything and say, “I’m going to help with this.” Let us be grateful to the Laborious Lee’s and Magnificent Mike’s who would do such a thing. Let us also consider if we too would be willing to do such in the time of other’s needs.
 
When the need arises, think about how you can meet it. In the case of Paul and the elders at Ephesus, the need arose, and it will be met in the verses ahead.
 
Lord God, help us to be attentive to the needs of others as they arise. May we be willing to extend our hand, if possible, to attend to the call or need of others. Thank You for those who willingly put forth of themselves in such moments. And above all, thank You for Jesus, who came to meet our greatest need, even while we were still sinners. Amen.

Acts 20:16

Sunday, 17 September 2023
 
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. Acts 20:16
 
In the last verse, the missionaries had left Mitylene and had wound their way as far as Miletus. Now, and from Miletus, Luke next records, “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus.”
 
It is a pluperfect verb. He had decided before getting on the ship that they would not stop there, and in having arrived further along the journey in Miletus, the matter was resolved. If he had stopped at Ephesus, it would inevitably have meant spending time there that he did not want to lose. Also, The KJV says “sail by” Ephesus. This is ambiguous. It could mean “sail to along the way” or “sail past.” The intent is the latter, as indicated by the Greek word parapleó. It is found only here in the New Testament. It signifies sailing near or past but without stopping. This was “so that he would not have to spend time in Asia.”
 
Both Miletus and Ephesus are in the region of Asia. But Miletus was a short distance past Ephesus on the way to Jerusalem. Not stopping in Ephesus via ship would avoid getting bogged down in a long visit but it would still allow them to meet with members of the church. Verse 17 will further explain this.
 
For now, Luke explains the matter using the word chronotribeó, translated as “spend time.” It is also only found here in the New Testament. It comes from two words: chronos, time, and tribos, a worn path, a road, or a highway. It indicates to delay or waste time.
 
If he had stopped at Ephesus, he would certainly have gotten caught in a significant delay which he did not want. Instead, Luke next says, “for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.” Paul had his sights set on this and did not want to be deterred from it. Jerusalem is where the church began. Pentecost was both the timeframe when the law was received at Sinai, and it was also when the church began with the coming of the Holy Spirit upon believers.
 
He had left Philippi at Passover and this only gave him 50 days to travel the entire distance. He probably wanted to be at Jerusalem to celebrate the feast with the brethren there as a memorial. It was also because it was a good time to pass on the gift from the churches to them. Along with that, it was a good time to meet family and old friends who would be in town. Likewise, it would be a good time to evangelize many who had come for the feast and who were curious about the Way.
 
Life application: In Galatians 4:9-11, Paul writes –
 
“But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.”
 
Also, in Colossians 2:16, 17 he writes –
 
“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”
 
In both, he is alluding, among other things, to the Feasts of the Lord recorded in Leviticus 23, of which Pentecost was such a feast. Paul calls that bondage. He also says these things were mere shadows of the reality found in Christ. He says these things because they are a part of the Law of Moses, something that anticipated the work of Jesus and which were fulfilled by Him. Further, being Gentiles, the Galatians and Colossians had never been obligated to the law. The law was given to Israel alone.
 
Likewise, Paul had entered the New Covenant and was no longer bound by the Old. However, being a Jew, it was still a part of his culture. It was a time when the multitudes would gather and celebrate. There is no contradiction in Paul’s words and his actions. His intent to be in Jerusalem was not because the Law of Moses demanded it. It was because it was an opportune time for him to carry out many affairs.
 
Quite often, Hebrew Roots adherents and others will try to influence your thinking by noting that Paul was an observant Jew in all ways, including the Feasts of the Lord, the Sabbath, dietary restrictions, and so on. From that springboard, they will then attempt to impose on you the exact same bondage. Don’t be led astray by this false teaching.
 
The Law of Moses, of which the Gentiles were never under, was fulfilled and set aside in Christ. You are were never under it and you remain free from it, completely and entirely. Live out your life in Christ, understanding the grace that has been bestowed upon you. Don’t set that grace aside for the sake of false humility. The cross is sufficient to restore you to God. Don’t mar the grace of the cross.
 
Glorious Lord God, thank You for the freedom we possess in Christ. You sent Jesus to accomplish all things, and He did. What can we add to that? Rather, help us to live our lives in gratitude for what You have accomplished in Him. Be glorified as we praise You, O God, for the giving of Your Son to bring us back to You! Amen.

Acts 20:15

Saturday, 16 September 2023
 
We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. Acts 20:15
 
The words are difficult to directly translate, but they can be more closely rendered as, “And thence having sailed the following day, we arrived opposite Chios. And the other day, we cast-aside at Samos, and having remained in Trogyllium, the adjoining day we came to Miletus” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul was taken aboard. They then sailed to Mitylene. Now, the voyage continues, saying, “And thence having sailed the following day.” Here and in the final clause, Luke will use present participles to describe the passing of time. This time, it is from the verb epiousa, or next. Being a present participle, “following” gives the needed sense. From one day leading to the next, they have gone from Mitylene where Luke next says, “we arrived opposite Chios.”
 
Chios is about halfway between Lesbos and Samos. It is an island about five miles off the coast. They would have sailed through this narrow straight but stopped on the eastern side for the night, opposite Chios on the mainland.
 
The name Chios is found only here. Its meaning is uncertain. Also, the word antikrus, or opposite, is also found only here. It means opposite, over against, or off when used in a nautical sense. Luke next says, “And the other day, we cast-aside at Samos.”
 
Using a different word, heteros, or “other,” Luke describes the next day’s travel where they neared Samos. This is an island south and east of Chios, also mentioned only this one time. Abarim says that most commentators state that the name means “high place” because it has Greece’s fifth highest place, being 1434 meters high.
 
The word translated as “cast-aside” is paraballó. It is also a unique word found only this once. It is directly translated as “cast aside.” In other words, they neared there, merely bringing the ship alongside the island. From there, they crossed over to Trogyllium. As it says, “and having remained in Trogyllium.”
 
This clause is not found in some manuscripts, rather simply noting the journey going from Samos to Miletus. However, it is likely Trogyllium was included in Luke’s original words. Trogyllium is “the rocky extremity of the ridge of Mycale, on the Ionian coast, between which and the southern extremity of Samos the channel is barely a mile wide” (Speaker's Commentary).
 
Of the name Trogyllium, Abarim says, “To an average Greek speaker, the name Trogyllium probably sounded like Place For Things To Nibble On or The Hole That Gobbles Up.” Of this location, Hastings Dictionary of the New Testament says –
 
“Trogyllium was a promontory formed by the western termination of Mt. Mycale, on the coast of Asia Minor, about equidistant from Ephesus and Miletus. It runs out into the sea just opposite the island of Samos, from which it is separated by a channel less than a mile wide (Strabo, XIV. i. 12, 13). Its present name is Santa Maria.”
 
Concerning which manuscript is right, Hastings continues, saying –
 
“This in itself is likely to have happened. ... The reason for their omission may have been either the mistaken idea in the mind of the copyists that the text located Trogyllium in Samos, or the difficulty of imagining two night-stoppages, one in the harbour of Samos and another at Trogyllium, which is only 4 or 5 miles from Samos. But a night spent at Samos is quite imaginary, for the nautical term παρεβάλομεν [parebalomen] does not mean ‘arrived at’ (Authorized Version) or ‘touched at’ (Revised Version). All that it implies is a crossing from one point to another; and, while Samos was merely sighted and passed, Trogyllium was the resting-place. An anchorage just to the east of the extreme point of Trogyllium now bears the name of ‘St. Paul’s Port.’”
 
With this understood, Luke finishes the verse with, “the adjoining day we came to Miletus.” Luke again uses a present participle, coming from the verb echó, to describe the day. It means to have, hold, or possess. In this case, “adjoining” gets the point across. The days adjoin. Thus, they hold together.
 
Miletus is further south and east of Trogyllium. It is on a large promontory in modern Turkey. The area they landed at is now called Gundogan. The name Miletus is from an uncertain origin. Thus, it is not known what it means.
 
Life application: As has been seen, Luke has used a variety of terms in this one verse to describe the travels. It is inexcusable to not at least attempt to translate them in a variety of ways so that the reader can get the flavor of what is being said. However, the Pulpit commentary says the following concerning the King James Version’s failure in this regard –
 
“The A.V., [meaning the King James Version] which often gives a varied English for the same Greek, has here for varying Greek given the same English [next] three times over.”
 
If translators are not going to at least attempt to rightly translate a verse, they shouldn’t be translating. The word is so rich and varied, and yet so much is lost when the necessary time and effort is not put into giving the flavor of what is being conveyed.For this reason, be sure not to get captivated by a single translation. Refer to several or many. Also, be sure to read commentaries on the things that pique your interest. You will get out of your studies what you put into them.
 
Thank You, O God, for the wonderful detail and delight that is found in Your precious word. May we be careful to attend to it daily, reading it, studying it, and cherishing its contents. In doing so, we will be blessed in so many ways. Yes, Lord, thank You for this marvelous word! Amen.

Acts 20:14

Friday, 15 September 2023
 
And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. Acts 20:14
 
The Greek reads, “And when he met with us at Assos, having taken him up, we came to Mitylene” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the missionaries were set to sail for Assos while Paul took the journey on foot. Now, Luke’s words continue with, “And when he met with us at Assos.”
 
Without any comment as to why the two parties traveled separately and without any details of their meeting up, other than that they met, it is apparent that it occurred as planned. It isn’t even sure which arrived first. The words simply indicate that they came together. With that, Luke next records, “having taken him up, we came to Mitylene.”
 
Paul got on board, and they departed. Their first stop is noted as Mitylene. This was, and still is, the capital of the island known as Lesbos. It is about 30 miles south of Assos and just off the west coast of Anatolia. The island is one of the largest in the Aegean Sea and is the seventh largest in the Mediterranean. Its total circumference is about 168 miles. As for the name of the location, Abarim says –
 
“The name Mitylene comes from the adjective μιτυλος (mitulos), which in turn is related to the familiar Latin word mutilus, from which comes our English verb ‘to mutilate.’ How and from what the Greek language derived our word μιτυλος (mitulos) isn't clear but from its sparse usages it appears that it was solely used in the meaning of hornless.”
 
This location, Hornless, is noted only this one time in the Bible.
 
Life application: Paul spent the entire last night at Troas talking to the disciples there. He then got up and walked the distance from Troas to Mitylene. As those on the ship met him there, it is apparent he didn’t sleep the entire time it took to meet up with them. It makes guessing why he determined to walk all the more curious.
 
It is, however, good to stop and consider such things because we can then evaluate our own paths that we decide to take. Paul may or may not have walked that particular area before, but he knew that Mitylene awaited him. It is good to set out on a new path at times, but there has to be a reason for doing so. There also needs to be a goal at the end that is expected. If not, you will be ambling blindly.
This doesn’t mean we at all control our steps. We may not make it till tomorrow morning. But if we do, we should at least have a plan for when we get there. In the meantime, we should include the Lord in the process. The words of James instruct us on this –
 
“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.’” James 4:13-15
 
Heavenly Father, direct our steps according to Your wisdom. We do have to plan them, but our plans are still at Your allowance. So, Lord, may the two be harmoniously put together through Your guiding hand. We look to You for each breath, so if it is Your will, may our plans be in accord with what You would have us do. Amen.
 

Acts 20:13

Thursday, 14 September 2023
 
Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. Acts 20:13
 
The words of the NKJV need help, “And we, having gone ahead to the ship, sailed to Assos, thence readying to take up Paul. For so he had arranged, readying himself to hike” (CG).
 
In the last verse, Eutychus was taken home alive, and the people were greatly comforted. With that noted, the journey for the missionaries from Troas was set to commence. Therefore, Luke next says, “And we.”
 
The “we” verses continue, showing that Luke is with the missionaries at this time. Everything recorded here would be from his first-person perspective. Understanding this, he next notes, “having gone ahead to the ship, sailed to Assos.”
 
The missionaries, inclusive of Luke, are departing by ship. The first leg of the journey is from Troas to Assos. Assos is about 20 miles south of Troas, but for those who sailed, it was about twice as far as they had to go around a cape. Of this location, Albert Barnes notes –
 
“There were several cities of this name. One was in Lycia; one in the territory of Eolis; one in Mysia; one in Lydia; and another in Epirus. The latter is the one intended here. It was between Troas and Mitylene. The distance to it from Troas by land was about 20 miles, while the voyage round Cape Lecture was nearly twice as far, and accordingly Paul chose to go to it on foot.”
 
Assos is only found here and in the next verse in the New Testament. The meaning is uncertain, but Abarim says the following –
 
“The name Assos may derive from a rarely used adverb ασσον (asson) and revel in the fact that it's Closer than some other place. Or it relates to the name of the local son and international hero king Assaracus, Number One and the patriarch of all things Rome.
 
Even in 1000 BC, when there was no Rome yet, the preference would probably have inclined toward Assaracus. Assos means Number One.”
 
Of this trip to Assos, Luke next records that they left by ship. Once they had arrived, the plan was “thence readying to take up Paul.”
 
Luke notes that while he and those with him would sail, they would be ready at their arrival point to take up Paul at that location. The meaning is obvious. Paul would travel another way to Assos. That is then explained by the next words, saying, “For so he had arranged, readying himself to hike.”
 
Rather than sail, Paul desired to go by land. Luke uses a word found only here in Scripture, pezeuó. It is ultimately derived from pous, meaning “foot.” Being a single verb in the present tense, the word “hike” suffices. A hike is something conducted on foot and is a little less arduous sounding than “trek” or “trudge” and a little more determined than “amble” or “saunter.”
 
Paul hiked to Assos. Quite a few reasons have been speculated as to why he did this. Some think he didn’t want to sail unless it was necessary. Others think that maybe he wanted to pray or contemplate life. Still, others suggest that he might have wanted to visit friends on the way. And yet, others think it might have been for health reasons. Maybe he wanted to race and see who would arrive at Troas first – the old competitive spirit and all. Only speculation can be made because Luke provides no further explanation.
 
Life application: The traveling noted by Luke as they sailed and Paul, as he walked, can be followed on google maps exactly. You can zoom in on even the minutest details, following along the ancient ports and paths that have been updated for modern shipping and automobiles. What is wonderful about doing this is that you can find assurance that what you are reading is reliable.
 
Luke didn’t just write a novel about the adventures of fictional characters. Instead, he has documented the exact movements of real people that really set out on these missionary journeys. If the locations, directions, time of travel, etc., are all reliable, why would anyone assume that the other details, such as the restoration of life to Eutychus are any less reliable?
 
It would make no sense to document the minutest details of one aspect of the narrative and then make up a bunch of fairytales about the other parts. Rather, we have a sure and sound word that is backed up by facts and eyewitness accounts. Let us not doubt the accuracy of what we read. Instead, let us be firm and confident in what is recorded. This is the word of God, and it is reliable.
 
Lord God, thank You that Your word is so reliable and verifiable. Because of this, we can know that when things are recorded that are difficult to grasp because of their miraculous nature, we can still have faith that they are true. Because of this, we can also know that what is detailed for the times ahead is also true. We have a sure and grounded hope because of this precious word! Amen.

Acts 20:12

Wednesday, 13 September 2023
 
And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. Acts 20:12
 
Rather, the words read, “And they brought the boy, living, and were comforted not a little” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke detailed the actions of Paul after having restored Eutychus to life. This was to make a connection between his death and the death of the Lord as remembered in the Lord’s Supper. Through the Lord’s death, restoration of life is available. The words now are certainly inserted into the chronology of those events, probably at the same time as when Paul again went up to the third floor. Luke records, “And they brought the boy, living.”
 
Most translations use an adjective, alive. But the word is a present participle, thus highlighting the astonishing nature of what occurred. They brought him living. As for Eutychus, the word now used to describe him is pais. It signifies a child under training. Thus, he would have been a younger boy. He had his whole life ahead of him and yet he died during a church gathering.
 
It explains the use in verse 20:10 of the word thorubeo, being greatly disturbed or panicked. The people would have been horrified at the loss of such a young person. But because of the power of God present through the apostle, he was restored to life.
 
As for the word translated as “brought,” it generally indicates being led. Thus, he wasn't carried. Rather, he came in on his own power, fully healed and showing no worse for the wear. Because of that, it next says, “and were comforted not a little.”
 
This certainly would have gone beyond the comfort of not having to bury a young man, but the comfort of the assurance of life that is found in Jesus.
 
Life application: These people were given sight into the power of the Lord. We could say, “How blessed they were to have seen these things and to have personally experienced the ability of Jesus to restore that young man to life!” It would certainly have bolstered their faith in an amazing way.
 
However, Jesus says this –
 
“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:29
 
The people at Troas were given a blessing through the restoration of Eutychus to life. We are, however, given that exact same blessing if we believe the words of the Bible. We no longer need to have sight. The events recorded in Scripture confirm the power of the Lord to restore life. We can now have faith because of what is recorded there.
 
And more, we have the exact same blessing awaiting us that Eutychus received and that those with him beheld –
 
“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18
 
The same word translated as “comfort” in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 is the word that is used of the state of those in Troas in Acts 20:12. Because we have the words of Scripture complete, we can be “comforted not a little” as we experience the loss of those around us and as we face our own mortality. The power of God in Christ Jesus is available to all who will simply believe. Death itself has no power over us as we await the coming fulfillment of the promises of God!
 
Glorious Lord God, we have comfort in our faith because it is grounded on the truth of what You have done in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. What more do we need to be assured and reassured of eternal life through Him? It is sufficient to carry us through this woeful life as we await the glorious life ahead. Hallelujah and Amen!
 

Acts 20:11

Tuesday, 12 September 2023
 
Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. Acts 20:11
 
Luke uses a string of singular participles to connect the thoughts together – “And having gone up, and having broken bread, and having tasted, also at length having talked – until daylight – so he departed” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul had gone down and embraced the dead Eutychus and then acknowledged that his life was in him. Now, with that behind them, it next says, “And having gone up.”
 
As noted, the verbs are singular. Everything focuses on the actions of Paul. Eutychus was restored to life. With that out of the way, Paul returned to the upper room. Immediately, Luke next notes, “and having broken bread.”
 
Some manuscripts include an article – “and having broken the bread.” It is probable that this is referring to the Lord’s Supper, or it could be the Agape feast that accompanied it. The idea of “breaking” bread is that of a single loaf (or loaves if a lot of people are present) which is passed around  and as pieces are broken off for each. With that stated, Luke next says, “and having tasted.”
 
Not only did Paul break off the bread for others, but he also had a taste of it himself. The word geuomai signifies to taste. It is the experiential part of eating or some other event. Jesus said in Matthew 16 –
 
“Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28
 
Likewise, it says this in 2 Peter, it says –
 
“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
 
Such examples show that Luke is focusing on the experience rather than the idea of filling one’s stomach. The probable reason for these words is because of what Paul would have said in the rite of the Lord’s Supper –
 
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
 
In other words, Eutychus had just tasted death, but because of Christ Jesus’ death, the restoration of his life was made possible. Therefore, the taking of the Lord’s supper would have taken on a much more poignant taste during this meal. They were proclaiming His “death until He comes.” Luke is quickly connecting the thoughts together to show an unbroken succession of events, all bearing on what just occurred. Now, he continues with, “also at length having talked – until daylight.”
 
The word for “talked” is not the same as verse 9 (“discoursing”). Instead, it indicates a conversation. This verse shows the man Paul as one who devoted every moment of his time to the people he was with, right up until the moment he had to depart. He was a tireless, selfless individual concerning the gospel and the fellowship. With the coming of daylight, it was necessary for him to go his way, and “so he departed.”
 
Verse 20:13 will show that Paul departed on foot to Assos. Meanwhile, the others would sail there and meet up with him. The reason for this goes unstated, but after an entire night, without any sleep to sustain him, he left Troas and began walking to Assos, a distance of about 21 miles as the crow flies. Taking the Roman road was a distance of about 31 miles. Thus, he would have taken at least two days to make the trip.
 
Life application: Luke has tied the bringing back to life of Eutychus in with the subsequent breaking of bread. It is his way of connecting the life found in Christ Jesus to that of the life in His people. In this case, it was to teach us that even death cannot hold a believer in Christ.
 
But more, it is to show a transition of the gospel from going to the Jews to it going to the Gentiles. In Acts 9, Peter was used to bring Tabitha (Dorcas) to life. Paul has now done the same for Eutychus. The various events, signs, and miracles accomplished by Peter for the Jews are also occurring through Paul for the Gentiles.
 
For both, we now have the written word that verifies these things took place. This is to assure us that the life that is found in Jesus is still available to us now. We may not have a miracle of the restoration of life after a calamity, but we can have the absolute assurance that we will be raised at the coming of the Lord, just as the Bible describes in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4.
 
Let us hold fast to this truth as we experience our own times of loss. We are asked to trust the Lord and have faith that what His word presents is true and reliable.
 
Lord God, because of the death of Jesus, we can now have eternal life in Jesus. For those who have believed the gospel, it belongs to us by guarantee. Even if our mortal bodies die, we know that we shall rise again. The promise is sure, the matter is settled, and we SHALL RISE AGAIN! Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.