BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 19:15

Sunday, 6 August 2023
 
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Acts 19:15
 
The translation could be better: “And having answered, the evil spirit said to them, ‘Jesus I know and Paul I acknowledge; and you – who are you?’”
 
The previous verse mentioned that there were seven sons of a high priest known as Sceva who acted as exorcists. They had decided to use the name of Jesus whom Paul proclaimed to cast out evil spirits. In doing this, a response was received from someone who truly was possessed by an evil spirit. Luke records the event, beginning with, “And having answered.”
 
As in the gospels at times, this evil spirit acknowledges the attempt to cast him out, demonstrating that they can think and respond independently of the person they possess. In this case, it next reads, “the evil spirit said to them.”
 
The evil spirit speaks through the man and for the man. It is the same as occurred with the demoniac in the Gadarenes. The plural, them, means that all seven of the sons are involved. They worked together like the false prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. This is contrastedcontrasts with the way that Luke presented the healings and exorcisms connected to Paul. He wasn’t even around. Rather, only his handkerchiefs and aprons were there to make a connection to his ministry. In his response to these seven sons of Sceva, the evil spirit said, “Jesus I know and Paul I acknowledge.”
 
Two different words are used, and the difference should be made in the translation to identify this. However, both words are rather close in meaning and both give the sense of knowing. Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“There is a purpose in using two different words to denote the demon's recognition of the Divine Master and of the human agent, though it is not easy to convey the difference in a translation. It is the difference between an instinctive perception or recognition of a supreme power and the more intimate knowledge of a human agent. A divine mystery would invest Jesus, which the demon would feel, though he could not penetrate it. His knowledge of a man would be greater, in his own estimation at least. The difference may be given roughly, thus: ‘Jesus I recognize, and Paul I am acquainted with.’”
 
Actually, it is just the opposite. The first word is ginóskó. HELPS Word Studies says that it signifies to know through personal experience; to experientially know. They then cite Luke 1:34 as an example, “And Mary [a virgin] said to the angel, ‘How will this be since I do not know (1097 /ginṓskō = sexual intimacy) a man?’”
 
There is an absolute understanding that exists with this type of “knowing.”
 
On the other hand, the second word is epistamai. It is derived from epi (upon or on the basis of) and histémi (to set, stand, establish, etc.). It gives the sense of being acquainted with, gaining knowledge through acquaintance, carefully studying a matter, etc.
 
In the case of Jesus, the evil spirit had an experiential knowledge of Him. In the case of Paul, he had come to know him because Jesus was working through him. Thus, he knows Jesus in an intimate way; Paul he acknowledges only through acquaintance. On the other hand, and speaking to all seven of these sons of Sceva, he next says, “and you – who are you?”
 
It is a demeaning, even belittling, way of addressing them. First, the sense is, “So what if you use their names (meaning Jesus and Paul in the previous verse). What about you?” The word “you” is plural. The repetition of the address is given as emphasis. In these words, the first “you” speaks of the sons as identifiable entities. The second “you” refers to their existence. Hence, we can paraphrase it as “And you seven guys, who are you all?”
 
One can imagine that this was done with a hint of sarcasm in the voice as he spoke. He is aware of the names they are expressing, but he is completely unaware and uncaring about who they are as supposed exorcists. This will be communicated in more than words in the verse to come.
 
Life application: There is no reason to not assume, and every reason to accept, that evil spirits dwell in people today. Just looking around at the people of the world would lead one to think that not only do demons possess people, but that they are doing so in ever greater numbers. This would be because people have opened themselves up to demonic influences through a rejection of what is morally right and good and a complete acceptance of wickedness and perversion.
 
Their being indwelt probably shouldn’t be questioned. But what to do about it is what should be considered. Apostolic authority does not exist today. Jesus has ascended and will return at the appropriate time. He has not personally commissioned anyone since the apostle Paul. Paul even acknowledges this, saying, “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8). The “last of all” means that Paul was the last to see Him, and seeing Him is a requirement for being given apostolic authority.
 
Understanding this, and because the Bible does not provide any prescriptive guidance about how to deal with people possessed by demons, it can be known that we are not given any special authority to do what Jesus and the apostles did. And yet, we have a commission to share the gospel. Therefore, if a person is possessed by a demon, and if that person accepts the gospel, then it must be that this is the way by which God has determined that demons are to be removed from people.
 
The only other logical assumption would be that there was no way to drive out demons in some people. But that would be contrary to multiple verses in Scripture which indicate that God desires all to be saved. Therefore, it is our responsibility to share the gospel. It is God’s responsibility to deal with the demon of someone who accepts the gospel.
 
Don’t be duped by people who claim they have a special ability to cast out demons beyond this. They have gone beyond Scripture and are claiming an authority the Bible does not provide. Ignore such people, lest you get caught up in their ridiculous doctrines and pulled away from what is granted to us in Scripture.
 
You are so great, O God. You have given us the gospel to share with the world, and it is an incredible authority we possess. We can tell others about how to be saved. In accepting this, those who respond will be freed from any evil that fills their soul. They will be sealed with Your Spirit and will have a new and heavenly hope. It is a great message that possesses power and authority to redirect lives. May we share it often! Amen.

Acts 19:14

Saturday, 5 August 2023
 
Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. Acts 19:14
 
Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).
 
You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at "Discern the Bible" on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).
 
The words more precisely read, “And there were certain sons of Sceva – a Jew, a high priest – seven are doing this.”
 
In the previous verse, wandering Jewish exorcists were using the name of Jesus in an attempt to exorcise evil spirits. Luke now continues, saying, “And there were certain sons of Sceva.”
 
This Sceva (Greek: Skeuas) is not seen anywhere else and his name is otherwise completely unknown. Strong’s thinks it could be from a Latin name meaning “left-handed.” However, Abarim says it is derived from skeuos which describes any kind of portable utensil. As such, they define his name as Handy Man, Pragmatist, or maybe Sorcerer’s Apprentice. As for this Sceva, he is next identified as “a Jew, a high priest.”
 
This title is speculated to be one of many things. There is no definite article and so it is “a chief priest.” He could have been one of the leaders of the twenty-four courses of priests first recorded in 1 Chronicles 24, a member of the Sanhedrin, a leader of the Jews in Ephesus, or some other person of note or claiming to be of note by using the title without any commission to do so.
 
Of his sons, they are next numbered as “seven.” All seven are itinerant exorcists. Probably the reason for giving the number is to show that this wasn’t just a wayward son who was out embarrassing his father. Rather, he had seven sons and all seven were doing it. Thus, it is an indication that they were brought up in this manner. The father was using his position (real or supposed) as a chief priest in this way, and they were following suit. Of these seven sons, Luke next records that they “are doing this.”
 
It is a present participle denoting that it was their regular and ongoing practice. This sets the stage for what is to come as the narrative continues.
 
Life application: Titles do not make a person. Too often, people get star-struck by titles, treating the bearer of them with unhealthy attention. Obviously, if someone has a title and that is all you know about him, it helps establish a baseline for who you are dealing with. However, as you get to know the individual, you may find out that the person you are dealing with doesn’t deserve the respect of the title he possesses.
 
Be ever on guard to evaluate people fairly and without bias. There are innumerable people who don’t possess any title of note in society and yet who are decent, honorable folks worthy of great respect. There are also lots of people with important titles that aren’t worthy of a greeting in the morning.
 
Treat people according to the person they are, apart from titles, positions, genealogies, etc. This is a good way to establish your relationships, and you will find your friends and associates will be people you can depend upon as you continue throughout life.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to not show favoritism toward others, but to treat people fairly and according to who they are as people of true and honorable character. May we not get caught up in flashy titles, important positions in society, or how rich others are. Instead, help us to notice the more important aspects of life in the people we deal with. Amen.

Acts 19:13

Friday, 4 August 2023
 
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Acts 19:13
 
The NKJV is a bit off. More precisely, it reads, “And certain of the vagabonding Jews, exorcists, undertook to invoke over those having evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, ‘We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims’” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted the healings and exorcisms that occurred when Paul’s handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick. Luke next records, “And certain of the vagabonding Jews.”
 
The introductory words “And ... of (literally from)” are given to contrast what was just stated about Paul. Healings and the removal of evil spirits were brought about indirectly through him as the material cause of God’s power. Now, this contrasting account is provided by Luke as an instructional tool.
 
In them is a new word in Scripture, perierchomai. It signifies “to go about” or “to make a circuit.” It will be seen again in 1 Timothy 5:13 and Hebrews 11:37. As it is in the form of an aorist participle, it should be rendered “wandering,” “roving,” “vagabonding,” “strolling,” etc. In this case, rather than just wandering around their own town, it appears that they are itinerant, going from town to town in a manner not unlike gypsies. Thus, “vagabonding” seems to give a sense of their lifestyle. They are next noted as “exorcists.”
 
It is a word found only here in Scripture, exorkistés. It is one who casts out evil spirits, adjuring them by oaths and incantations. That is from exorkizó, an intensive form of a word meaning to adjure. That word is found only in Matthew 26:63 –
 
“But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, ‘I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’”
 
That word is then derived from horkizó, which also means to adjure. This word will be used as the verse continues.
 
These exorcists went from place to place challenging those who had evil spirits, adjuring them to depart from those who were tormented by them. With that in mind, it next says that they “undertook to invoke over those having evil spirits.”
 
The word translated as “invoke” means “to name.” For example, Simon was “named” Peter by Jesus. In this case, they took it upon themselves to invoke “the name of the Lord Jesus.” What is obvious is that these were not saved believers. Luke does not term them brethren. Rather, they had heard about the healing powers of Jesus’ name, and they took it as a sort of verbal talisman to ward off or cast out evil spirits.
 
They may have heard of Jesus having cast out demons in the past, and/or they may have derived this idea from what was recorded about Paul in the previous verses. Paul didn’t even have to go to the place of healing for it to take place. Thus, they assumed that it was simply the name of Jesus that possessed the power. Their error in thinking will reveal them as false exorcists. What they are doing is not unlike what Jesus was accused of in Matthew 12 –
 
“Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.’” Matthew 12:24-28
 
The Pharisees accused Jesus of invoking Beelzebub as His authority to cast out demons. These Jews are taking Jesus’ name and are attempting to do the same, saying, “We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.”
 
Here, they use the word horkizó, noted above. They are attempting to bind the evil spirits by oath while using the name of Jesus proclaimed by Paul. Their assumption is that Paul was likewise invoking the name of Jesus in an incantation.
 
Life application: What these false exorcists have failed to take into consideration is that the name “Jesus,” even the “Jesus whom Paul proclaims,” is not in and of itself an instrument of power. There must be a valid connection to the Person who bears the name.
 
This is no different than what people do all the time in Charismatic churches. They claim the power of the name as if the name itself will then cause obedience to their demands, be they for healing, casting out demons, prosperity, wealth, etc. This makes obtaining the outcome for self the final cause of the act.
 
However, it has already been explained that the final cause of God’s acts is that He be glorified. Thus, there is a disconnect in the process, a fault, that cannot be overcome by using the name of Jesus in this manner.
 
In the case of these false exorcists, or in the case of charismatics who make their claims, the supposed material cause is the claimant, he is the one who attempts to make the thing (like wood in a table) to be. The formal cause, the design, is supposed to be the miracle as it occurs. The efficient cause, what brings it about, is supposedly the Lord’s presence working through the claimant’s use of the name of Jesus. The final cause, the purpose, is that the claimant or his addressee will be the main beneficiary.
 
Because the glory of God is not the final cause, the other causes cannot accomplish what is anticipated. Think of these aspects of the process as you consider these words from Deuteronomy 13 –
 
“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. 5 But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst.” Deuteronomy 13:1-5
 
Even if the Lord allowed a sign or wonder to come to pass by someone, His glory is what is anticipated as the final cause. This is not what false teachers and false prophets ultimately have in mind. If anything, other than the glory of God is the main result of the process, the process is not of God.
 
Lord God, help us to properly analyze what is happening when people use Your name in the world today. It is obvious that many do so to profit from it at the expense of Your glory. May we be discerning enough to see when this is the case and turn away  from such people and such false teachings. May we be instruments working to bring You honor and glory with our lives. Amen.

Acts 19:12

Thursday, 3 August 2023
 
so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Acts 19:12
 
The previous verse noted the unusual (not matched) miracles that God worked through Paul. The account of that now continues, saying, “so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought.”
 
The word translated as handkerchief, soudarion, is seen for the last of four times in this verse. It is “Of Latin origin; a sudarium (sweat cloth). i.e. Towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or binding the face of a corpse) -- handkerchief, napkin” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance).
 
The word translated as apron, simikinthion, is found only here. It is also “Of Latin origin; a semicinctium or half-girding, i.e. Narrow covering (apron) – apron” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance).
 
Both of these were probably items that Paul used while working his trade as a tentmaker. He would be working and sweating, so he would use the handkerchief. He would also be wearing the apron while doing his cutting and sewing to protect his regular garments as is common with any such skilled laborer. These were brought “from his body.”
 
It is another word found only here in Scripture, chrós. It signifies the surface of the body, the skin. Despite this, Vincent’s Word Studies notes that in medical language it was used as a reference to the body itself. The same terminology is used even today in a negative way when one might say, “That guy is just wasted skin.” It speaks of the whole person, represented by the skin covering. These were carried from his body and were taken “to the sick.”
 
The reason for this is probably as simple as a token of acknowledgment. Paul is working, maybe finishing an order for a customer. Someone comes up to him and says, “We have a sick person that we would like you to come and pray over.” Paul may have then said, “Give me forty-five minutes. I am on the final stitching of this tent and the man is waiting to take it.” With that, the disciple says, “Don’t worry about it, Sir, just give me your handkerchief. I’ll take it to the person.”
 
Luke, being a physician, highlights such activities, knowing that they were certainly of a miraculous nature. The unusual workings here would be a sign to those in the synagogue and a means of edification for those at Tyrannus. This care for the sick would not be unlike what happened during Jesus’ ministry –
 
“Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, ‘Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’” Luke 7:6-8
 
The centurion knew that God was working through Jesus. He simply asked for a token, a word, knowing that was all that was needed. Likewise, the disciples knew that God was working through Paul as just stated in the previous verse. If this was so, then it wasn’t Paul at all that accomplished the healing. He was simply the material cause (as described in the previous verse). As this was so, then God could work just as easily through his sweaty napkin as He could through his physical presence.
 
Thus, this was to demonstrate to the person that God approved of Paul’s ministry and that He was working through Paul in a real way to bring glory to Himself. In Paul’s case, he was proclaiming Jesus as Lord (verse 10). Therefore, God was being glorified in Christ Jesus (the final cause) through Paul’s ministry.
 
This was being carried out by God (the efficient cause, which was the Lord’s presence) through Paul’s articles of trade (which were the material cause as being connected to Paul). With this understood, it next says, “and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.”
 
These actions are the formal cause, the design. They are the miracles that occurred. The people could see or personally experience the events taking place and know, without any doubt at all, that God had accomplished these things, that they were done through Paul, and thus Paul’s ministry was validated through what occurred. Because Paul’s ministry proclaimed the Lord Jesus, God was glorified in Christ by the events that took place.
 
Life application: Quite often, the words of 1 Peter 2:24 are used to justify healing of people today, “by whose stripes you were healed.” Sometimes, the person who calls out those words will also pretend that God is working through him to bring about healing. Often, televangelists and others will send healing cloths, healing water, etc., to people, claiming that they have this same special power as seen in Acts 19.
 
The words of 1 Peter 2:24 are not intended to be used in this manner. The obvious question for all believers to consider is “Healed of what?” What healing is Peter referring to? Is it healing from the sniffles? Is it healing from cancer? Is it healing from any other body ailments? The answer is “No” to all of them. The whole verse says, “...who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”
 
Peter referred to sin and only sin. The highly inappropriate nature of claiming physical healing based on the words of either Isaiah 53:5, or 1 Peter 2:24, is obvious. Healing from the effects of sin, such as sickness, anxiety, trouble, and death, may come about through prayer and/or right living, or it may only come about when the believer is translated to glory. But claiming physical healing of any type based on the words of Peter is not only poor doctrine, it is a false teaching which leads hopeful believers into sad paths of dejection and turmoil when they are not healed of the physical affliction they fervently desire to be healed of.
 
Paul was used as an instrument of healing to validate his ministry. The words of Luke have been recorded. The ministry stands validated through Scripture. There is no longer a need to validate Paul’s ministry in this manner. Today, preachers and teachers are to be evaluated based on adherence to the word of God. There is no need for external validations of their ministries, and none will be provided.
 
Claiming healing in such ways can only lead to false expectations and weakened faith in those who are not healed. We can pray for healing and hope for it to come about, but we should never be so presumptuous as to claim it. We do not possess that authority. The word is written, and we are to live by faith in what is documented there.
 
The amazing part of what is conveyed to us in Scripture is that God took our pain and our suffering and placed it on His own precious Son. The healing we receive because of His cross is spiritual and it is eternal. We have new life because of the work of Jesus Christ.  Praise God in the highest for what He has done for us in the giving of Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Thank You, O Lord, for the wonderful blessing of Jesus and the healing He provides. Through Him and through His suffering, we are healed of our state of corruption and death, and we now have new life through Him. How precious it is to be called a son of the Living God because of His terrible trials! May we never forget what He went through to restore us to You. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 1 featuring Chuck S

Happy is the person who doesn’t listen to the wicked.    He doesn’t go where sinners go.    He doesn’t do what bad people do.2 He loves the Lord’s teachings.    He thinks about those teachings day and night.3 He is strong, like a tree planted by a river.    It produces fruit in season.    Its leaves don’t die.Everything he does will succeed.
4 But wicked people are not like that.    They are like useless chaff    that the wind blows away.5 So the wicked will not escape God’s punishment.    Sinners will not worship God with good people.6 This is because the Lord protects good people.    But the wicked will be destroyed.
 
1 When my cross is heavy, I shall not be moved,when my cross is heavy, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
I shall not be, I shall not be moved.I shall not be, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water,I shall not be moved.
2 The church of God is marching, I shall not be moved,the church of God is marching, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
I shall not be, I shall not be moved.I shall not be, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water,I shall not be moved.
3 Jesus is our captain, I shall not be moved,Jesus is our captain, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
I shall not be, I shall not be moved.I shall not be, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water,I shall not be moved.
4 Fighting sin and Satan, I shall not be moved,Fighting sin and Satan, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water, I shall not be moved. 
I shall not be, I shall not be moved.I shall not be, I shall not be moved;like a tree planted by the water,I shall not be moved.
 

Acts 19:11

Wednesday, 2 August 2023
 
Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, Acts 19:11
 
The words are rather difficult to translate literally, but a close rendering of the Greek would be, “And miracles – not matched – God was working by the hands of Paul” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that Paul continued in the school of Tyrannus for two years and that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord. This included both Jews and Greeks. With that noted, it next says, “And miracles – not matched.” The word translated as “miracles” is dunamis. It signifies “ability to perform,” and is often translated as “mighty works,” “power,” etc. It was commonly used to describe the deeds Jesus performed, and it has also been used in Acts quite a few times.
 
This is the only time it is used of Paul’s abilities, and it is also the last time it is used in the book of Acts. One can see the etymological root for our modern word “dynamite” in it. The next words are rather difficult to translate as they read in the Greek, ou tas tychousas, or as close to literal as possible, “not the matched.”
The verb is tugchanó. It means “to strike (hit the mark, i.e. ‘spot on,’ ‘hit the bullseye’); to light upon, fall in line with; ‘happen to find oneself’ in the scene of life the Lord has already prepared” (HELPS Word Studies). As it is preceded by the word “not,” and being in the form of an aorist participle, saying “not matched” gives a close sense of what is being conveyed. Paul hit the mark with his miracles so precisely that they were not matched by anyone else. 
 
The same phrase is similar to that stated in Acts 28:2, where it says, “And the natives showed us unusual kindness.” Translating the words as an adjective in this manner doesn’t convey the full sense of the words. As for the cause of the miracles, it next says, “God was working by the hands of Paul.”
 
In these words, Aristotle’s four causes can be expressed: The material cause is Paul, he is the one who makes the thing (like wood in a table) to be. The formal cause, the design, is the miracle as it occurs. The efficient cause, what brings it about, is the Lord’s presence working through Paul. And the final cause, the purpose, is that God will be glorified.
 
Life application: When you read in the Bible about miracles that occur, the Lord’s battles that will be waged, prophecies that are made, etc., each of these is occurring in a manner that displays how God operates within His creation. A good way to think of them is to consider them in relation to the causes expressed by Aristotle.
 
If you have a beautiful wood table in your house, it didn’t just wind up there by chance. There is the material cause of the table, wood. That can be further subdivided into types of wood. Other materials are also probably used, but for simplicity’s sake, wood alone is sufficient.
 
There is the formal cause of the table, its design. You may want a dinner table, a corner table, a nightstand, etc. Whatever the design is, that is the formal cause.
 
There is also the efficient cause, the carpenter (or simply carpentry). That is what makes the wood into a table, taking into consideration the design and purpose.
 
Lastly, there is the final cause. What is the ultimate purpose of what is being made? It may be dining. It may be for displaying an antique. It may be a butcher’s table. That is what it is used for and why it was built in the first place.
 
In considering these things from a biblical perspective, one can see that God is the efficient cause of these things, He selects the formal and efficient causes to effect the purpose that is to come about. And His glory is the final cause of what occurs.
 
If you evaluate “miracles,” “healings,” “teachings,” and so forth of people who claim they serve the Lord, you may not be able to determine the efficient cause, but you can with careful paying attention be wise enough to discern if they are meeting the proper final cause. Is God truly being glorified through what they are doing, or is their enrichment, fame, power, etc., really what is being highlighted?
 
Think about the ministries you follow and consider what their ultimate purpose is. God’s glory. That should be it!
 
Lord God, we do have needs in this world, but ultimately, what happens to us is not all that important because You have promised us something far better in the life to come. Help us to be focused on Your glory at all times. May we be willing to share with others the good news of Jesus Christ so that You will be glorified through their acceptance of Him. Amen.
 

Acts 19:10

Tuesday, 1 August 2023
 
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:10
 
In the previous verse, Paul had moved from the synagogue to the school of Tyrannus. Now being established there, it next says, “And this continued for two years.” Adding this to the time already spent in the synagogue, Paul worked well into his third year in Ephesus. Charles Ellicott believes that it may have been during this time that Paul also established the other churches in Asia noted in Revelation 2 & 3.
 
This is possible, or it could be that travelers to Ephesus heard the word there and went back to establish a church in their local area. Regardless, it should be noted that Paul continued to work with his own hands throughout the entire time (Acts 20:34). He never sponged off of those he ministered to but continued to support himself while also raising up new converts and discipling those who were converted.
 
It is also believed that he may have visited other established churches during this period as well, such as Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 12:14, he notes that his impending visit would be his third to them. If that is the same as the visit recorded in Acts 20:2, 3, which follows his time in Ephesus, then he may have taken a short visit during this two-year period to see them and build them up.
 
As for his time now being recorded in Ephesus, Luke next notes, “so that all who dwelt in Asia.” The verb is a present participle. It more rightly is rendered “all those dwelling in Asia.” The words of instruction from Paul actively went out beyond the school of Tyrannus.
 
As for the words themselves, they are to be taken as a form of hyperbole. It is reasonable to think that not everyone in Ephesus, much less the province of Asia, was affected by Paul’s ministry. Rather, it is a way of saying that his efforts were available to all in Asia.
 
Such superlative statements are found in the gospels, Acts, and the epistles. One example to demonstrate this would be –
 
“Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:4-6
 
“And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.” Luke 7:29, 30
 
Thus, the point of the superlative is to say that John’s baptism was available to all. None were turned away who desired it. Likewise, Paul’s ministry and his proclamation were, likewise, available to all.
 
As Ephesus was a great hub of trade and commerce, it is not surprising that the word went out to other parts of Asia or that Paul could personally go from there on short mission trips or even send others who were trained in the word to do so.
 
Noting that it included all of Asia and not just Ephesus, it also lends credence to the thought that the other churches in Asia were probably established by, or at least had an initial point that was affected by, Paul. As for what Paul proclaimed, that is explained by the words that these people “heard the word of the Lord Jesus.”
 
This means the doctrine concerning the Lord Jesus, but specifically the gospel. As Paul proclaimed what he had been personally instructed by the Lord (Galatians 1:12), then the word of Paul is the word of the Lord Jesus – both about and from. With that understood, Luke next notes this word went out to “both Jews and Greeks.”
 
Despite Paul removing himself from the synagogue, he did not remove the Jews from his evangelistic efforts. Being a tent maker, he would have remained in an area where other Jews plied their trades as well. Thus, even if not in the synagogue, his words would continue among his people as well as among the Greek population.
 
Life application: It is not uncommon for a pastor, preacher, or teacher to dogmatically claim that every “every” in the Bible means exactly that, or that all “all’s” in the Bible must be taken literally. This is not a responsible way to consider what is being expressed. In fact, the opposite is quite often the case.
 
One must be familiar with the entire context of such a claim before making it. Otherwise, a false idea will be instilled in the heads of those being instructed. Be aware of the use of such superlatives. As you read the Bible, maybe highlight them and keep them in mind. As you continue through the word, consider what you have highlighted. This will help you to properly consider the use of the words. It will also help you to expand your knowledge base in other areas.
 
Doing a study in one area will inevitably lead you to draw conclusions in other areas as well. Keep expanding yourself through contemplating, meditating upon, and analyzing this precious word. You will be rewarded in heart and soul as you do, and you will be pleasing to the Lord who gave the word in the first place.
 
Lord God, may we carefully consider Your word, not coming to unfounded conclusions about it. Rather, help us to be responsible in how we analyze it. There is a lifetime of study ahead of us, so help us to be patient and methodical as we search out its wonders. Thank You, O God, for Your precious and sacred word. Amen.

Acts 19:9

Monday, 31 July 2023
 
But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. Acts 19:9
 
The verbs are not well translated. It should more closely read, “And when some were hardened and disbelieving, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, having departed from them, he separated the disciples, everyday reasoning in the school of Tyrannus” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul was noted to have spent three months reasoning and persuading those in the synagogue in Ephesus about the kingdom of God. As is usual in Acts, his efforts eventually are rejected by some or all of his audience. Such was the case in Ephesus as well. Luke next records, “And when some were hardened.”
 
The word signifies to make hard or be stubborn. This does not mean it is a hardening initiated by God in the active sense. Rather, their predispositions about what the kingdom meant would not allow them to accept that a spiritual kingdom was currently what was going on. They were anticipating a Messiah who would place Israel as chief among the nations and exalt them because of their heritage. This hardened state led to the next thought, “and disbelieving.”
 
As has happened consistently, the Jews began to oppose the teachings of Paul, rejecting the concept of a Messiah who would fulfill the law and then set aside that law for a New Covenant, even though this is exactly what their own Scriptures speak of in Jeremiah 31. Thus, their hardening led to a rejection of this teaching. They failed to obey the things laid out in their own Scriptures because of their own presuppositions and biases. That then led to their “speaking evil of the Way before the multitude.”
 
Rather than accept the teachings of Paul, which were clearly laid out in their own Scriptures, even if misunderstood in the past, some began to speak evil of this new Way. Mentioning the multitude in this verse follows as the standard operating procedure for them. When they could not refute his teachings with reason, they stirred up the masses. Because of this, Paul acted. As it next says, “having departed from them.”
 
There was no point in going back to the synagogue where the boisterous miscreants would simply argue and contradict him. Paul understood that a person is to state his case, defend what he believes, and then move on if the opposition was intolerant. This is exactly what he did. And when he did, “he separated the disciples.”
 
This would probably have included those who were mentioned in verses 19:1-7, along with any others who were convinced by his words. As these people had received the Spirit in an outward manifestation, they would have been fully convinced of the reliability of Paul’s words. Therefore, Paul separated those who believed and was “everyday reasoning in the school of Tyrannus.”
 
The word translated as school is found only here in Scripture, scholé. It is obviously etymologically connected to our modern word. It denotes a place where there is leisure or freedom from labor. Thus, by extension, it speaks of a school.
 
The name Tyrannus is a provincial form of the derivative of the base of kurios, a master or lord. Thus, it means a tyrant. However, the word would not have carried the negative sense that it now does.
 
Some believe that this school was a beith ha’midrash, or “House of the Midrash.” Midrash is an interpretive act, seeking the answers to religious questions (both practical and theological) by plumbing the meaning of the words of the Torah.
 
This would assume that Tyrannus was a Jew, but that is not stated. As both Jews and Greeks are mentioned in the next verse, it could go either way. The fact that Tyrannus is mentioned by name seems to give the sense that he was a well-known person. Luke probably specifically included the name to help confirm his words to those who were interested in checking out whether his account was accurate or not.
 
Life application: The church is a body of believers, not a place where those believers meet. Whoever Tyrannus was, and wherever his school was, it was an acceptable place for the believers to gather.
 
In our world today, we get far too caught up in the building where the fellowship meets, as if it is the central point of focus. Such is not the case. Jesus is. If a church meets in a storefront, a movie theater, a gymnasium, or on the beach, it makes no difference. As long as the Lord is being exalted, the meeting will be considered a success.
 
Don’t get too caught up in the externals. Have a heart for the Lord and for those who gather to worship Him and hear His word taught.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to have a heart for serving You above all else. May we not get caught up in flashy stuff that distracts our attention away from the word being rightly taught and of worship that is directed to You! May our hearts and minds be directed to what is right, honorable, and proper as we meet and fellowship in Your presence. Amen.

Acts 19:8

Sunday, 30 July 2023
 
And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. Acts 19:8
 
The previous verse finished the account concerning those who had been disciples of John and who had received Christ and been baptized into Him. Now, the direction changes as Luke records, “And he went into the synagogue.”
 
This is referring to Paul. It was his custom to commit himself to speaking in the local synagogue if they would have him. It is also the fulfillment of the promise made in Acts 18:19-21 where he promised he would return to the synagogue and continue to reason with them –
 
“And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, ‘I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.’ And he sailed from Ephesus.”
 
He has honored his commitment by now returning to them. And his offer was accepted, as it next says, “and spoke boldly for three months.” 
 
This is a long time to debate the issues at hand, but their curiosity had been piqued in verse 18:20. On his return, he gave them a full hearing on the matter. If they were only opened on the Sabbath, three months would mean about twelve gatherings. If they were like the Bereans, meeting daily, it would be a lot more time in the word.
 
Either way, this means that they were at least willing to take an in-depth look into the matter at hand. His efforts were involved in, as it next says, “reasoning and persuading.”
 
The first word is the same one used when he was previously there in Acts 18:19, dialegomai. It signifies to get a conclusion across. He had a subject that he wished to discuss thoroughly. As such, he carefully went through the entire subject very thoroughly in his attempt to convey what brought him to his own understanding of the matter.
 
The second word is correctly translated. He was involved in the process of persuading his audience of the truths “concerning the things of the kingdom of God.”
 
Paul had come to understand much more fully what this term entailed. The Jews anticipated an earthly kingdom patterned after the kingship of David. Paul showed them that this view, at least in the immediate program, was faulty. Though not denying a future literal reign of Christ on earth, he carefully explains how the kingdom involves more than just that.
 
Writing to those of Ephesus who had accepted the message, he gives insights into this kingdom –
 
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7
 
He specifically calls this new dynamic a kingdom in Ephesians 5:5 and elsewhere in his other epistles. He further writes of the citizenship of believers. A person who is a citizen of a kingdom is a citizen under a king. It is these types of things that Paul would have carefully conveyed to those in the synagogue at Ephesus. Despite this effort on his part, it should be remembered that during all this time, Paul continued to work with his own hands, as will be seen in Acts 20:34.
 
Life application: Paul writes about the state of believers, demonstrating that we are subjects of the King, Jesus. He notes that we are members in His kingdom, he speaks of our citizenship in this kingdom, etc. And yet, there are those who deny that Christ is a King reigning over the Gentile-led church. In Romans 14, he writes –
 
“Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.” Romans 14:16-18
 
One cannot be in a kingdom unless there is a king over that kingdom. We are both members of a kingdom now and yet we await our state in the kingdom that is to come. There is nothing contradictory in this.
 
And yet, Paul does not deny that there will be a literal kingdom on earth as prophesied in the Old Testament. His focus is on the church and its state, but he also speaks of Israel’s national salvation in Romans 9-11. Their national salvation implies that they will then be in the position promised by the prophets. That is clearly explained by Jesus in the gospels, and it is confirmed in Revelation 20.
 
The word “kingdom” as noted in this verse of Acts is not a single topic, but it is a broad and all-encompassing term used to speak of the various aspect of the headship of Jesus over His people, both now and into the future as well as over His church and over Israel the nation.
 
Be careful to not fall for the illogical arguments of those who deny Christ as our reigning King (such as hyperdispensationalists) or Christ as the King who will reign over Israel during the millennium (such as that taught by replacement theology).
 
Lord God, it is amazing to see redemptive history unfolding before our very eyes. We are citizens of a kingdom that is spiritual in nature. Someday, we will be brought into that heavenly kingdom in a new and eternal way. And yet, we see Israel regathered from among the nations and being prepared for an earthly kingdom. Someday, that will be realized and will endure for a thousand years. Our own eyes are beholding these things. How amazing it is for us to see! Amen.

Acts 19:7

Saturday, 29 July 2023
 
Now the men were about twelve in all. Acts 19:7
 
The previous verse noted what occurred after Paul baptized the disciples introduced in verse 19:1. He subsequently laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. When this occurred, they were speaking in tongues and prophesying. With that remembered, Luke provides detail about them as a group, saying, “Now the men were about twelve in all.”
 
It is a curious verse because the word “about” leaves one to wonder. How simple it would be to just say, “there were eleven of them,” or “there were twelve of them.” However, this misses the point of what is being said. To get what is being presented, there are a few things to consider.
 
First, this is something Luke does elsewhere, such as –
 
“Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age.” Luke 3:23
 
&
 
“For there were about five thousand men.Then He said to His disciples, ‘Make them sit down in groups of fifty.’” Luke 9:14
 
In the first example, Luke – under inspiration of the Holy Spirit – appears to have been purposefully making a connection to Genesis 41:46 which would then tie his ministry into the typology set forth in the life of Joseph.
 
In the second example, one could argue that it would be much harder to be definitive about five thousand than it would be about twelve. But the point is not the number at all. Rather, it is that these are men.
 
In other words, the counting of numbers in this manner is focused on the men alone. Therefore, including women and children, the number would probably have been between fifteen and twenty thousand people. In this case, it can be assumed that these disciples, being fully grown people who had been to Israel and heard John and received his baptism, also included women, whether wives, sisters, daughters, mothers, etc.
 
The people may have gone as a group on a pilgrim feast and while in the land heard John’s words and became his disciples. This is all speculation, but the matter that there were certainly women included is valid. Therefore, the number was probably between thirty-five and fifty in total.
 
The “about twelve” makes complete sense when considered from this perspective. The man is the head of the household. Saying “about twelve men” would be equivalent to saying, “about twelve households.”
 
One can see Luke talking to Paul and asking him about the event so that he could record it in his ongoing narrative, “Well how many were there?” Paul responds, “Oh, about a dozen men.” Thus, Luke wrote down what he heard, “Now the men were about twelve in all.” These men, along with any family that held to the baptism of John, would have made a rather sizeable addition to the body of Christ in Ephesus.
 
Life application: Despite the brevity of the verse, there are quite a few variations in the translation. All say essentially the same thing, but some contain commas for clarity, one version makes this verse parenthetical, various translations change the order of the words, etc.
 
Taking the older translations and considering what they say, it is good that newer translations have rearranged the words. Versions such as the Coverdale (1535), the Bishop’s Bible (1568), the Geneva Bible (1587), and the KJV (1611) say, “And all the men were about twelve.”
 
Though the translation is acceptable, it leaves an unnecessary ambiguity in the predicate. Saying that “all the men were about twelve” can actually mean that their age is about twelve. With a little thought, this could have been easily corrected.
 
In other words, someone could say, “That is the age of the bar mitzvah! The disciples were just young men.” As crazy as that may sound, even more ludicrous ideas about Scripture are set forth on any given day. A humorous, if not incredibly sad, example of this is using Ezekiel 13:20 as rendered by the KJV to deny the doctrine of the rapture –
 
“Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.”
 
Yes, really.
 
If there is one thing man is inclined to do, it is to abuse Scripture to make it fit presuppositions and biases. Faulty or ambiguous translations naturally lead to this type of thing. Be sure to not jump to hasty conclusions without doing a thorough study of what is being presented. The word of God is far too precious to abuse just to supposedly prove one’s presuppositions.
 
Lord God, it is so wonderful to be a part of Your church. It is a church that has had previous souls added to it for two thousand years. People who have lived in darkness have been brought into Your marvelous light through the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Help us to continue to spread the word. May we be willing to share this good news with any and all who cross our paths. Amen.
 

Acts 19:6

Friday, 28 July 2023
 
And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6
 
In the previous verse, the disciples Paul was speaking to were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Despite this, and unlike Cornelius and his household, it does not say that the Spirit fell on them. Rather, something similar to what occurred in Acts 8 now takes place. They were first baptized. After this, it says, “And when Paul had laid hands on them.”
 
The word “when” is not in the Greek, it more rightly says, “And Paul, having laid on them the hands.” As this is not what has previously occurred with Paul’s baptisms, the Spirit seems to have impelled him to do this. Whether this is the case or not, this is the same order as the events in Acts 8 –
 
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:12-17
 
With that remembered, and continuing in the same order as in Acts 8, it next says, “the Holy Spirit came upon them.”
 
Nothing like this is recorded in Acts 16 when Lydia and her household were baptized. Likewise, nothing like this is recorded when the jailor and his household were baptized later in Acts 16. Despite this, Luke carefully records the events now, revealing a particular sequence of events that are followed by more details. As it says, “and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”
 
As the verbs are imperfect, it should say “they were speaking with tongues and prophesying.” This event is not unlike that which occurred in Acts 2 –
 
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4
 
The speaking in tongues and prophesying by these people in Ephesus would also have been as the Spirit gave them utterance. The word “tongues” signifies a known language, not gibberish. Prophesying refers to the praising of God, possibly foretelling, and also possibly forth-telling.
 
Some possible reasons for how things have transpired here are.
 
This was to confirm to these Jews that Jesus truly was the Messiah John prophesied of. The evidence of this was the Spirit coming upon them.
This was to confirm that their water baptism into Jesus was accepted.
As these disciples of John had not been a part of the rejection of Jesus, there was no need to repent offor that as was the case with the Jews in Acts 2.
The laying on of hands was to confirm Paul as a true apostle to these people who were first hearing the saving message concerning Jesus.
 
Life application: The events taking place in Acts 19 are different than any other conversion experience found in Acts. There are good reasons for the things that have taken place as noted above. So, when you are reading the Bible, stop and make notes or lists to reasonably explain what might be taking place.
 
You can refer to them when evaluating other passages that are similar but which may not be identical. This will help you to more readily grasp why the differences may exist. We are being given instruction concerning what God wants us to know as we read the Bible, but it can be complicated. Making such notes is a good way of helping you to process why things are set forth.
 
The more time and effort you put into your reading and study of the Bible, the more grounded you will be in your relationship with the Lord who gave you this word to ponder.
 
Lord God, it is so refreshing to search out Your word and to find wonderful insights into the wisdom that is presented there. May we be responsible to spend quality time in it each day, cherishing its contents and reveling in its wonders! Thank You for Your precious word. Amen.

Acts 19:5

Thursday, 27 July 2023
 
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted that John’s baptism was one of repentance and that John told his audience that they should believe on Him who would come after him. With that, the account now continues with, “When they heard this.”
 
Rather, being an aorist participle, it reads, “And they, having heard.” They were listening to Paul, they were moved by his words, obviously believing what Paul had said, and so “they were baptized.”
 
It is the normative action that takes place upon conversion, for both Jew and Gentile, during the church age. There is belief followed by baptism. These were followers of John who believed his words about the Messiah that was coming. Paul proclaimed the Messiah that had come, thus fulfilling John’s words. And so, they were baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
 
These people had obviously not participated in the crucifixion of Christ Jesus. Therefore, they did not have to “repent” as Peter called out to Israel in Acts 2. This is purposefully left out of the account by Luke.
 
There are various ways of looking at what occurred here. The first is that they were literally baptized in water and then Paul laid his hands on them. Thus, it is a re-baptism of water. If so, it is the only explicit instance of it in the New Testament. No such record of the 11 apostles being baptized was given, and yet they had the Spirit.
 
However, it would be an argument from silence to say that this was not the normal practice for those who had once been baptized by John to be rebaptized into Jesus after He completed His work. In fact, this account in Acts 19 suggests that this is exactly what occurred.
 
Another possibility is that they were baptized into the name of Jesus by their belief, not literally in water. However, as noted in a previous commentary, it is Jesus who baptizes with the Spirit, not an apostle. The order of what occurs here is baptism, then the laying on of the hands (in the next verse), at which time the Spirit is received.
 
Thus, this is – with all certainty – water baptism that is being referred to. This is what occurred with those in Samaria in Acts 8, even if the time between baptism and then the laying on of hands and the reception of the Spirit was greater.
 
Life application: As can be seen from the record of what occurs in Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19 (and in other accounts) baptism is different for each. To pick one account, such as Acts 2, and claim that this is what must happen in the church today, is arbitrary and has no merit. Each account simply describes what occurred without regard to prescribing anything.
 
The only normative part of the process is that all who believe are saved and the customary rite that is involved after belief is baptism. There is also no instance where a person is baptized into Jesus prior to conversion. That is also not taught anywhere in the epistles. Therefore, infant baptism has no standing within biblical Christianity.
 
With the church fully established and the word of God complete, the proper order for what is to be done is:
 
Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17).
Believe the message (Romans 10:17).
Receive the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 14).
Be baptized as directed by Jesus (Matthew 28:19).
 
Not yet been baptized? You are not fulfilling your obligation to the directive of the Lord who saved you. Go get baptized.
 
Lord God, how good and precious it is to our souls to be in Your presence and to share in Your goodness. For those who have believed the gospel, we are in Christ. We have gone from death to life, from futility to surety, and from hopelessness to a sure and eternal hope. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.