BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 28:16

Sunday, 16 May 2024
 
Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. Acts 28:16
 
The NKJV is just a tad off in the tense of the final verb: “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army. And Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, those in the church at Rome came out a day’s journey to meet him as he was entering the city. Now, the narrative continues with, “And when we came to Rome.”
 
The promise and prophecy of the Lord found in Acts 27:11 has been realized –
 
“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”
 
With him having safely arrived, even if as a prisoner, Luke next notes that “the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the army.”
 
Here is another word found only once in Scripture, stratopedarches. It is derived from stratopedon, an encamped army, and archo, to reign or rule.
 
Of note is that the name Julius was only mentioned in Acts 27:1 and 27:3. Other than that, he is called the centurion. The reason may be that this book may have been written for the purpose of being an official record of the establishment of Christianity within the parameters of Judaism.
 
As Judaism was officially sanctioned by Rome, then if Christianity was considered under the umbrella of Judaism, it would also be considered a religion sanctioned by Rome. In order to keep any hint of impropriety away from the actions of Julius, such as giving too much favoritism or privilege to Paul, his name is carefully left out of the record.
 
It could even be that after such a long time together with Paul, he became a believer himself. If so, then that could possibly cast a negative light on his dealings with Paul. As an officer, he would be required to execute his duties to Rome in an impartial manner. This is exactly how Luke details his conduct.
 
He is not mentioned by name even though a strong bond of respect had grown between him and his travel companion Paul. And so, it merely records now that it was “the centurion” who delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard. No special note is made concerning Paul. Luke lumps him in with all the others for the official handover to their new keeper.
 
With that complete, it next says, “And Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.”
 
Even before the sentence ends, Paul’s status is brought back into the narrative, showing that he was considered a prisoner, even if he had certain privileges extended to him. For this, no reason is given.
 
If a letter accompanied him from Festus to allow this, it would probably have been stated as such. If it was because he was a Roman citizen, Luke may have said this as well. If it was because of him being a better class of prisoner, Luke would have certainly expressed it. However, the reason is left unstated.
 
Luke’s silence on why the treatment is granted to Paul speaks out loudly, allowing us room to speculate. Many scholars have stated their guesses. It could be that Julius himself noted Paul’s situation, his status, and his character to the captain of the guard.
 
If his time with Paul was fraught with grief, he would have said, “Watch this fellow, he’s as slippery as an eel.” If so, no such freedoms would have been forthcoming. Instead, it appears that a good word concerning Paul was passed on.
 
Whatever the truth of the matter, Julius had certainly heard the gospel numerous times in the months he had spent with Paul. He had seen the snake bite him on the night they were shipwrecked. He had seen the healings of the people on Malta, he had personally known the high and noteworthy character of Paul, and he had seen how Paul had held fast to the Lord he claimed to honor.
 
If Julius became a believer during his time with Paul, he must have been one whose faith was well grounded in the same hope of Christ that Paul had expressed. If he never came to faith in Christ, it would be hard to think of a person more worthy of condemnation on that great Day of Judgment than him.
 
He had been exposed to the Christian faith like few others ever had. He had accompanied the Lord’s personal choice to carry this wondrous message to the Gentile world. We can look to see if his name is on the rolls of the redeemed shortly after we arrive there.
 
In Paul’s confinement, he is given pretty much the same type of treatment that he had during his time in Caesarea. He would be chained directly to the soldier appointed to guard him. Together, they lived in their own dwelling as they awaited Paul’s continued trial before the Roman government.
 
Life application: We are asked to accept the gospel by faith. We have the fully complete word of God to help us reason out our faith. It is not a blind step into darkness, but a bold step into God’s revealed light. What more do we need?
 
We should not be anticipating signs to accompany our doubts or to help us make a decision for accepting or rejecting the gospel. Everything we need to make a reasonable conclusion about what God has done is available to us. In the pages of the Bible, may you find the hope that God has accomplished everything necessary to return you to Himself. And then may you make the wise decision to accept the simple gospel of your salvation.
 
Christ died for your sins according to Scripture. He was buried. He rose again on the third day, according to Scripture. Believe, to the saving of your soul!
 
Lord God, within Your word is the simple message that You have done everything necessary to restore us to Yourself. Even if the Bible is a big and complicated book, the overall message is not. Jesus! We need Jesus who has done it all for us. Help us to have faith that it is so and to be saved through the good news found in Your word. Amen.
 

Acts 28:15

Saturday, 15 June 2024
 
And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15
 
The Greek is much more literally translated as, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us, came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns – whom, Paul having seen, having thanked God, took courage” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul and his companions stayed in Puteoli for seven days and then came to Rome. Now, in explanation of that, it says, “And from there, the brothers, having heard these concerning us.”
 
Apparently, notification had been sent during their stay at Puteoli about the coming of Paul with details as to when he would arrive. In what is obviously eager anticipation, the church at Rome came out en masse as if welcoming a great hero of battle or government. Paul and those with him arrived in the outskirts of Rome and those awaiting him “came out to our meeting unto Appii Forum and Three Taverns.”
 
The reason why they would have gone no further than this is that he could have arrived by either canal or by road. Without being certain, this would be the point where the two met and they were sure to meet up with him.
 
This spot is said to be around 50 miles from Rome and is called this because of Appius Claudius who made the route from Rome to there. Hence, it is called the Appian Way. At that spot, there was a statue set up in his honor.
 
Such a place which had a statue set in this manner would be called by the Romans fora. Hence, we use the term Appii Forum. Others came as far as the Three Inns, or the Three Taverns.
 
This was a bit closer to Rome, about 33 miles from it. It could be that these came less distance because of age, because of work, or because of some other reason. However, all of them came a full day’s travel to welcome the man who had written to them the “Constitution of Christianity” about three years earlier. Because of this reception, Luke next records, “whom, Paul having seen, having thanked God, took courage.”
 
Paul probably had no idea that such a greeting would meet him. In their appearance so far from Rome, it indicated that they felt a fraternal bond of love for him which was in no way diminished by his chains. The flock was there to welcome this shepherd of the faith without regard to any of the lies he had been subjected to by his false accusers.
 
A word found only here in Scripture is seen, tharsos. It signifies confidence or courage. It is derived from thrasus, bold. Luke continues to fill the pages of Scripture with rare or unique words.
 
Life application: Imagine the happiness that Paul must have felt at the reception he received. He was still a day’s travel from where the congregation lived within the city, and yet they had made the extraordinary measure of coming a full day’s journey out to receive him.
 
He and those with him had been on an exceptionally long and difficult journey. To have a reception such as was given him would have given him even more confidence than he could have imagined. Luke, too, would have been completely encouraged by this gesture.
 
Should you have the opportunity to welcome others in such a manner, or tend to them in an unusual way, your kindness will not go unnoticed, both with those you are tending to and to the Lord Himself. Think of ways you can extend yourself to others.
 
If someone is in the hospital, be sure to visit. If someone is ailing, check on him through a phone call or email. Letting people know you are thinking of them is letting them know you care about them. So, take the time to reach out to them.
 
Lord God, thank You for those who are especially aware of the needy state of others and who extend themselves in various ways to tend to them. Help us to be more like this as well. May we be willing to show that others are important to us through the things we do and the assistance we provide. Amen.
 

Acts 28:14

Friday, 14 June 2024
 
where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. Acts 28:14
 
The NKJV needs to be tweaked, “Where, having found brothers, we were called upon them to remain seven days. And so, to Rome, we came” (CG).
 
The previous verse revealed the travel from Rhegium to Puteoli. The narrative in Puteoli now begins with, “Where, having found brothers.”
 
Some scholars dismiss these brothers as being only brothers of Paul, meaning Jews. However, Luke is the author of this letter and the “we” clearly indicates that this is inclusive of himself.
 
Therefore, these were Christians who had already spread out as far as this city of Italy. In Hebrews 13:24, we read, “Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.”
 
If this was speaking of the church at Rome, it probably would have said so. In other words, “Those from Rome greet you.” For this reason, it is more than likely that these are believers who are being referred to.
 
Further, it only says “brothers,” not “the brothers.” In other words, it appears that upon their arrival, they didn't know that there were Christians there. Having found them, it next says, “we were called upon them to remain seven days.”
 
Somehow Paul and the others found out that these were fellow believers. They were greeted by them, and then they were called upon to stay a full week with them. This is the same length of time that they stayed at both Troas (20:6) and Tyre (21:4).
 
It appears that Julius the centurion had no problem allowing the additional time which was probably intended to allow at least one and maybe two Sunday gatherings with these Christians. It also may be that, as previously speculated, Julius himself may have been a convert.
 
With a week of fellowshipping with them, it next says, “And so, to Rome, we came.”
 
Some translations, along with the NKJV, say that they went toward Rome. Most versions, however, say that they came to Rome. The word can mean either, but the stress in the Greek is on the word came – “And so, to Rome, we came.” The entire 140-mile trip is summarized in this one sentence. Verse 15 merely explains the occurrence upon their arrival.
 
Life application: We don’t know how many people lived in Puteoli at the time, but it was a city with many people. And yet, these men found believers. It is unlikely this happened while sitting in a restaurant. It appears that Paul went to a synagogue and asked if there were any known Christians in the city.
 
It is hard to see how else they could have found them unless cities had boards with various people or activities listed which people could read and then contact those with similar interests. However they found these believers, they certainly made a concerted effort to do so.
 
When you are traveling, do you take time to attend church somewhere? Is meeting other Christians and sharing in the faith something that is important to you at all times, or is it just something you do in your local area because you are familiar with the people you attend with?
 
It is true that today we can attend church online or listen to podcasts at any time, even while on vacation, but are you even doing that? In other words, is taking a weekend off with the wife or family a time to ignore church? The two hours you spend on Sunday morning, even if just attending your church online, shouldn’t be ignored.
 
Be sure to include the Lord in your routine. In fact, with podcasts – tens of thousands of them available at your fingertips – you can attend church all day every day. Great preachers of the past, and those who are still alive today, are available for free online, including all of their sermons and studies.
 
Be sure to take full advantage of this marvelous time in which we live to get closer and closer to the Lord through whatever means are available to you. How blessed we are to have the ability to do so.
 
Lord God, there are ten jillion things that come at us all day every day, vying for our attention. And yet, if we are wise, we will spend our time focusing on You, on Your word, and on fellowship with those who will keep us on the right path as we proceed. May we do this, to Your glory, O God. Amen.

Acts 28:13

Thursday, 13 June 2024
 
From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, Acts 28:13
 
A more literal translation is, “From where, having gone around, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, having come upon an Auster, the second day we came to Puteoli” (CG).
 
Luke just noted that they had landed at Syracuse and stayed three days. Now, the journey to Rome continues with, “From where, having gone around.”
 
The words “from where” refer to Syracuse which is on the southeast corner of Sicily. Leaving that port, they had to make a bit of a sweeping motion. Of the words, “having gone around,” the KJV says, “And from thence we fetched a compass.” The Berean Study Bible says, “From there we weighed anchor.”
 
It is generally accepted that the Greek term is speaking of making a circuitous route around Sicily. As Syracuse is on the southeast corner of the island, and they need to head northward to the Italian peninsula, they set sail and worked off the coast of Sicily to reach their destination.
 
It was probably a west or a northwest wind at this time and this caused them to head out to sea in order to catch the winds while traveling north. Thus, one gets the idea of circling around, or going around, instead of traveling straight to their destination. From there, it next says, “we arrived at Rhegium.”
 
Rhegium, now known as Reggio, is on the southwest extremity of the toe of Italy. According to Wikipedia, Reggio “commonly and officially referred to as Reggio Calabria, or simply Reggio by its inhabitants, is the largest city in Calabria as well as the seat of the Regional Council of Calabria. It has an estimated population between 150,000 and 200,000 and is the twenty-first most populous city in Italy, after Modena and other Italian cities, and the 100th most populated city in Europe. Reggio Calabria is located near the center of the Mediterranean and is known for its climate, ethnic and cultural diversity. It is the third economic centre of mainland Southern Italy. About 560,000 people live in the metropolitan area, recognised in 2015 by Italy as a metropolitan city.”
 
The city is right at the southern opening of the Straits of Messina. These straits pass between Sicily and Italy. They connect the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north with the Ionian Sea to the south. At its narrowest point, it measures 1.9 miles in width. However, near the town of Messina the width is some 3.2 miles. It has a maximum depth of 830 feet.
 
Certainly because of the narrowness of the straits and the contrary wind, they stopped at Rhegium. However, Luke next records, “And after one day, having come upon an Auster.”
 
The words “having come upon” are from a word found only here in Scripture, epiginomai. It is derived from two words signifying “upon” and “to come about.” The word translated as Auster is the same word as in Acts 27:13, notos. It signifies the South and thus a south wind. A single English word which corresponds to this is Auster, a south wind. Once this favorable wind came upon them, it next says, “the second day we came to Puteoli.”
 
Here is another word unique to Scripture, deuteraios. It is derived from deuteros, second, and signifies the second day. With the favorable wind that came from the south, it allowed them to pass through the straits. Once through the straits, they were able to sail all the way to Puteoli.
 
This is the modern city known as Pozzuoli. It is located very near Naples and was once a port city. Today, however, it is too shallow for large ships to arrive at. Its name means “The wells.” Being known for its warm baths, it is supposed that is how it got its name. Some relevant information from the era that these men arrived there is found in Wikipedia –
 
“Puteoli became the great emporium for the Alexandrian grain ships and other ships from all over the Roman world. It also was the main hub for goods exported from Campania, including blown glass, mosaics, wrought iron, and marble. Lucilius wrote in about 125 BC that it was second only to Delos in importance, then the greatest harbour of the ancient world. Many inscriptions show that a polyglot population established companies (stationes) for trade and transport and formed professional guilds for arts, crafts and religious associations for foreign cults; they included Greeks from the islands and the coast of Asia, Jews and later Christians. Under the Roman Empire, it was the greatest emporium of foreign trade in all of Italy. Trade with Tyre was so important that the Tyrians established a factory there in 174.”
 
Life application: In one verse, travel has gone from Syracuse to Rhegium to Puteoli. The population of these three cities totals about four hundred thousand people. Think of how many of them may have never heard of Jesus. Now imagine that you encounter people just like them throughout the week or even every day. They may never have heard of Jesus. Who is going to tell them? If not you, then who?
 
If you are saved, hooray for Jesus in your life. But be sure to now tell others about what He has done for you, and indeed for all the people of the world. Without hearing about Him, people cannot be saved. Hopefully, you will be affected enough about their plight to at least try to share what you know.
 
Lord God, help us to be responsible in sharing our faith in Jesus. We have family, friends, and acquaintances that need to hear the good news. We go to restaurants and are served by people that may have never been told the simple message of Your goodness to us in sending Jesus. Help us, O God, to faithfully proclaim what we know. Amen.
 

Acts 28:12

Wednesday, 12 June 2024
 
And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. Acts 28:12
 
The verb is an aorist participle, “And having brought down at Syracuse, we stayed three days” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul and those with him departed Malta after having been there for three months. Luke continues this next leg of the journey, beginning with, “And having brought down.”
 
Departing on a ship is to go up to the high seas. When arriving at a new destination, one comes down again. The ship was brought down from the sea “at Syracuse.”
 
Syracuse, or Surakousai in Greek, is a city noted only here in the Bible. It is a city which was made famous during the Peloponnesian war. It was, and still is, a flourishing town of Sicily. It is 92 miles as the crow flies from Malta, but a bit more by boat because it is on the southeast corner of the coast of Sicily.
 
It can be reached in a bit over a day by boat. Ships bound from Alexandria on their way to Italy frequently put in there. It was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world at this time. They probably stopped there to sell and offload wares and then pick up any other things or travelers for their continued voyage. Today Syracuse has a population of about 125,000.
 
Once the ship arrived there, Luke next notes that “we stayed three days.” The ship they were on had been at Malta over the winter. If the men were on the same ship when leaving Syracuse, it may be that it took three days to offload cargo and load on other things.
 
Or it may be that they switched ships to continue their journey to Rome and the first one departing took three days to get a booking on. Luke does not explain the matter either way but simply gives the duration of time they were in Syracuse. After three months on Malta, three days at this location would have flown by.
 
Life application: Speaking of flying by, the NKJV says the ship was “landing at Syracuse.” Not only is the tense of the verb wrong, but that can have more than one meaning. Landing at Syracuse may mean on the other side of the Atlantic!
 
Hancock International Airport is a city owned, joint civil-military airport five miles northeast of downtown Syracuse, in Onondaga County, New York.
 
The airport is off Interstate 81 near Mattydale, New York. Wikipedia says that “In 1927 Syracuse mayor Charles Hanna felt his city needed an airport. A location at Amboy in the town of Camillus, New York was purchased for $50,000, and by 1928, the ‘Syracuse City Airport at Amboy’ was handling airmail.”
 
At the end of World War II, the United States Army Air Corps leased their bomber base near Mattydale, New York to the city. On September 17, 1949, the Clarence E. Hancock Airport opened to the public using a renovated machine shop as a terminal, and replaced the airport at Amboy. To learn more about this airport at Syracuse, refer to their website on the internet. 
 
This might sound like a pointless diversion concerning another location named Syracuse, but it is given to highlight the fact that there are innumerable locations in the United States that are named based on other locations, many are right out of the Bible.
 
The movement of people from one location to another where there had not yet been a name given for the place necessitated those new locations be given names. Some are obvious, such as New York being named based on the movement of people from York in the UK. Others are obvious because of the connection to famous biblical sights, such as Bethlehem, New York, and Canaan, Connecticut.
 
However, many other areas also have biblical names that may not be as famous. In Connecticut, there is Sharon, Gilead, Hebron, Mount Carmel, and so forth. This trend continues in many states throughout the US. A rich biblical heritage permeates the nation’s founding. However, those traditions are quickly fading away. The prosperity of the people, and the movement to a non-biblical worldview, have erased much of the Christian heritage of the land.
 
If you are familiar with biblical names of people and places, you can use that familiarity to start conversations with people and form a connection between the name and its source. From there, you can then bring in the overall message of the Bible, that it is the story of God’s plan of redemption of man from the power of sin and the devil, all focused on Jesus.
 
When they see a connection between their name or the name of their city with the Bible, they may want to know more. Be ready at all times to think of interesting ways of getting people interested in knowing more about the word! It is the message that can change the eternal destiny of people from a not-so-happy ending to an eternity of delight.
 
Lord God, help us to always be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. May our words bring them to want to know more and to become interested in reading Your word. People need Jesus and the Bible tells us about Him. So, Lord, help us in this! Amen.

Acts 28:11

Tuesday, 11 June 2024
 
After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. Acts 28:11
 
The words are more literally translated, “And after three months, we went up in a ship having been wintered in the Island, Alexandrian, figure-headed Dioscuri” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke noted that the islanders honored Paul and him in many ways, noting that when they departed, they were provided things that were necessary. Now, Luke speaks of the actual departure, saying, “And after three months.”
 
This means that it was likely about early to mid-February. Some speculate it was as early as the month of January, others date it as late as March. The point is that they continued through the dangerous winter months while sailing was too hazardous.
 
The ship remained over the winter on the island until the time when it was safe to once again engage in commerce on the high seas. With the winter ending, the sailing would again be favorable. Therefore, Luke next notes, “we went up in a ship having been wintered in the Island.”
 
Being a perfect participle, it means that the ship was wintered there, and it continued to winter there until the time that it could again go up to the high seas. This ship was heading in the right direction for the continued travel to Rome, and so it was employed for the next leg of the journey. Of this ship, Luke notes it was “Alexandrian, figure-headed Dioscuri.”
 
These words continue to show that Melita is, in fact, Malta. Malta would fall on the course from Alexandria to Italy, and so the identification of the ship as Alexandrian gives a good indication of the fact that the island was most likely Malta.
 
The word translated as figure-headed is parasémos. It comes from para, beside or by the side of, and séma, a sign or mark. Thus, a most literal translation would be “side-marked.” However, the intent is that of a figurehead.
 
Some ancient ships were side-marked with paintings, such as large eyes or other symbols like fighter jets display today. Others had carved images on them. Being the Dioscuri, it would seem likely these were carvings which then may have been highlighted with paint.
 
The word used to describe them is Dioskouroi, a word found only here in Scripture. It is derived from Dios which refers to Zeus and the plural of kouros, boy. Thus, it means the two sons of Zeus and Leda, Castor and Pollux. They were the patrons of sailors.
 
Due to the nature of the word, the translation can be literal, Dioscuri, or any suitable translation that conveys the message, such as “twin gods,” “twin brothers,” “Castor and Pollux,” “the Castors,” “the sign of the Twins,” “the Heavenly Twins,” etc.
 
Each gives an acceptable description intended to convey what Luke meant with the single word Dioskouroi. Of these guardian deities of sailors, Ellicott notes –
 
“In Greek mythology, Zeus had rewarded their brotherly devotion by placing them among the stars as the Gemini, which were connected with the month of May in the signs of the Zodiac, and Poseidon (= Neptune) had given them power over the winds and waves that they might assist the shipwrecked. So in the Helena of Euripides they appear, in 1550–60, as promising a fair wind and a safe voyage. The figure-heads of the Greek and Roman ships were commonly placed both at the prow and the stern.”
 
What is unusual is that Luke has never noted the figurehead on any ship that they had sailed on in his previous accounts. And the number of ships would not have been small. For example, he notes that sometimes they changed ships while in a harbor, taking another to get to their intended destinationy. This would have been quite common, changing ships from one harbor to the next.
 
Despite this, the account now – when leaving Malta – is the only time a figurehead is described. Of this, Benson says, “And yet, in a ship having such an idolatrous image, Paul did not refuse to sail, considering it as being only the name of the ship.”
 
Paul was a prisoner being conducted to Rome, he had no choice in what ship he traveled, and it is certain that the majority, if not all, of the ships they had traveled on had figureheads. Therefore, it is irrelevant that it was an idolatrous image.
 
What seems likely is that Luke included this to show a contrast to what had occurred upon their arrival. As that ship certainly had a figurehead, and maybe even the same one as the ship they were now departing on (being the patron of sailors), such figureheads were irrelevant in providing protection to a ship.
 
The Lord had been with Paul. He had assured the safety of every person on the ship, He had followed through with that, and He had demonstrated His hand upon Paul when the viper bit him and He continued to be with Paul as he laid hands upon the sick and healed them. And more, this journey to Rome is the fulfillment of the words of the Lord that Paul would bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).
 
Luke has, therefore, set a contrast to the effective workings of the Lord and the ineffective protection of false idols made by man’s hands.
 
Life application: Despite Benson’s comments not fitting the narrative, his words are correct that the images on the ship were idolatrous. People were putting their trust in something that is a part of creation rather than in the Creator.
 
The Bible mentions several constellations, acknowledging that they are as real as the planets. If God uses the constellations to tell a story, that is not the same thing as God allowing those things to be objects of worship or luck.
 
In Judges 9, Jotham uses the trees as an allegory. The Lord does this elsewhere as well. However, this doesn’t mean that the trees have any power in and of themselves. They are simply used to convey a story or prophecy. We must be careful to distinguish between such things.
 
Also, it would be ludicrous to refuse to travel on a ship or airplane that has figureheads on it. Paul addresses such notions when dealing with foods sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians. Those things are nothing. As long as we remember that and have our hearts and minds directed to the Lord, we don’t need to worry about what the world is doing.
 
Our hope is not in a carving, a painting, or a constellation. Rather, our hope is in the One who created all things and who has revealed Himself in Scripture and in the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Heavenly Father, we know that an idol is nothing at all. It cannot help and it cannot harm. When our eyes look to the stars and constellations, we see Your hand of creation, not deities that can help us with our problems or direct our futures. May we always remember these things and focus our hearts and attention on You alone. Amen.
 

Acts 28:10

Monday, 10 June 2024
 
They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. Acts 28:10
 
The words are much sparser in the Greek, and much must be inferred, “And who honored us many honors, and going up they laid upon for the necessity.” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that the others on the island, having heard Paul healed Publius’ father, came to him with their diseases and were healed. Because of this, it next says, “And who honored us many honors.”
 
In other words, because Paul was able to heal them, and because he spent his time doing so, the kindness of Paul and Luke was rewarded by the people. The word translated as honor indicates a price. Vincent's Word Studies says –
 
“The word was applied to payments for professional services, and that fact may have influenced Luke in selecting it; but it is evidently not used in that sense here.”
 
Whether it was payment or gifts, honors of some tangible nature were bestowed upon them for their efforts. However, other scholars disagree. Some of them show concern that accepting compensation for their work would be a violation of Matthew 10 –
 
“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.’” Matthew 10:5-10
 
There is absolutely no reason to accept that. Those words of Jesus were to the disciples, in Israel, under the time of the law, and for a specific purpose. If those words applied to the situation now, everything that Paul and Luke had done would be a violation of Jesus’ words because He said, “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles.” But this is the main focus of Paul’s ministry.
 
Such an evaluation is not a proper handling of Scripture. And more, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:3-12 concerning the rights of accepting payment for such work. He also notes it to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:18 concerning receiving compensation.
 
It is stated explicitly and implicitly elsewhere as well. If those on the island felt that they should pay for the help they had received, and they freely offered it to those who had lost everything, then there is no reason to assume that Paul and Luke should not receive it – whether merely as a gift or as a sort of payment. Understanding this, it next says, “and going up they laid upon for the necessity.”
 
As noted above, the words are sparse. The meaning is that upon sailing (because to sail from land is considered going up), the same people from the island heaped everything necessary for the travel upon Paul and Luke.
 
This means that two separate things occurred. They were first rewarded for their efforts of healing the people, and then they were assisted in their continued traveling to Rome. Of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “God does well to strangers for his children's sake.”
 
Life application: When reading the Bible, the context of what is being said must be maintained. For example, we cannot force the words of Jesus in the synoptic gospels into what is going on in the book of Acts and the epistles. Jesus was speaking to Israel, under the law, about matters of the law and of the kingdom to come.
 
Care must be taken to ensure that if something is cited from the gospels, that it actually applies to whatever point is being made. To not do so can form a logical contradiction in one’s theology. For example, Jesus said –
 
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36
 
People in the church will often cite these words, applying them to the life of believers today. Jesus’ words in this passage are not intended for those of the church. He is speaking to the people of Israel who were under the law and in anticipation of the tribulation period which comes after the church age.
 
Those in the church during this dispensation do not need to pray that they will be counted worthy to escape those things. They will be taken out at the rapture before those days transpire. We also do not need to pray that we will be worthy to stand before the Son of Man. Rather –
 
“...giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14
 
Mixing matters between dispensations will always result in poor theology. Normally, it will result in a complete contradiction in what is said in Scripture. We are qualified to be partakers. We have been delivered! Read and apply the words of the Bible in their intended context and your doctrine will be sound.
 
Almighty God, help us to rightly divide Your word. May our evaluation of it be based on what You are doing in history according to the dispensation in which events are being referred. In this, our understanding of what is being said will be proper. Help us always to remember the proper context as we seek out what is being conveyed. Amen.

Acts 28:9

Sunday, 9 June 2024
 
So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. Acts 28:9
 
More exactingly, it reads, “This, therefore, having occurred, also the others having infirmities in the island approached and were healed” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul went into the sick father of Publius, prayed, and laid hands on him. With that, he was healed. Because of this, Luke continues, beginning with, “This, therefore, having occurred.”
 
He is showing a consequence based on an action. Because of Paul’s healing of the sick man, the word got out. This was the father of the leading citizen of the island and what occurred could not be hidden from the ears of the people. Once they realized Paul had the gift of healing, therefore, it next says, “also the others having infirmities in the island approached.”
 
The article before others is necessary for the intent of what is being said. Some translations simply say, “others also.” The inclusion of the article gives the sense that there was a rush upon Paul once the word had gotten out. In their coming to Paul with their infirmities, it then says, “and were healed.”
 
This is, therefore, a tie back to Luke 5 where the word went out about Jesus’ miracles to the point that everyone came to Him to be healed –
 
“Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He charged him to tell no one, ‘But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.’15 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:13-16
 
Luke is making a direct connection between the healing powers of Jesus and those of Paul, demonstrating that the same power that was upon Jesus now rested upon Paul. The Spirit of God was confirming the message of Jesus to those on the island of Malta.
 
Of the words of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “Although Paul was a captive, yet the power of God was not captive.”
 
Life application: The people of Malta came to Paul for healing of their physical bodies. But the point of such healing is to lead people to understand their need for spiritual healing. Paul and Luke would have made this perfectly clear to those on the island. This is the point of having such healing powers.
 
Today, those miracles are recorded in the Bible. There is no longer a need for such demonstrable proofs. The New Testament tells believers to trust in what the word says, having faith that the message about Jesus contained there is true.
 
Of all of the writings throughout the world, the Bible alone tells the complete message of how we got into the mess we are in, what God has been doing to get us out of it, and what He will do for those who accept that message.
 
It is written in such a way that it is self-validating and can be trusted. And so, why do we need miracles, signs, and wonders to choose or reject Jesus? We don’t! This doesn’t mean God cannot or will not heal people today, but such healing will come as He chooses, without the explicit nature of miracles that were needed before the Bible was complete.
 
To expect such things actually demonstrates a lack of faith, not the other way around. As it says, for example, in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
 
We are expected to pick up the word, read it, test it to see if it is what it claims to be and then have faith in what it says. Don’t be captivated by those who claim to do miraculous things. They are a distraction from what God expects of His people. Evidence of this is that there are such supposed healers in other religions as well.
 
Is God working through them? No, He isn’t. Be careful what you believe and what you will accept. The word is reliable. Check it out and have faith in what it proclaims. Everything else is unnecessary eyewash.
 
Lord God, may we not be led down wayward paths by false teachers. Help us to be attentive to Your word, ready to test what we are exposed to, and to reject those things that have no basis in what You would intend for us in our walk before You. May Your Spirit rest upon us and guide us. Yes, Lord, may it be so. Amen.
 

Acts 28:8

Saturday, 8 June 2024
 
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8
 
The Greek, even if a tad clunky, more literally reads, “And it was, the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery – who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke noted that there was a portion of land where the first of the island, Publius, lived. He invited Paul and others to stay with him for three days. Remembering that, it now says, “And it was.”
 
The Greek word egeneto is used to show the transition from one thing to another. In this, we can see that the divine hand is guiding the events of the matter. This transitional thought is then explained by Luke with the words, “the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery.”
 
Publius has brought Paul, Luke, and whoever else was with them into his house. At some point, it was relayed to them that Publius’ father was sick. The word translated as “fever” is in the plural. This plural use of “fevers” is believed to indicate a recurrent fever.
 
As such, it was a malady that afflicted him regularly. Along with his fevers, he had a case of dysentery. It is a word found only here in the New Testament, dusenterion. Luke is giving a precise medical diagnosis of the situation.
 
Ellicott notes that the plural “fevers” in “combination with dysentery would, according to Hippocrates, who also uses the plural form (Aph. vi. 3), make the case more than usually critical.” In his situation, it says using multiple participles which makes the narrative quite exciting, “who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.”
 
It is carefully noted that as soon as Paul entered, he prayed. At the same time, he laid hands on the sick man. All of this was done in a carefully recorded way to show an absolute connection between Paul’s actions and the man’s healing.
 
This is especially noted by Luke to show that Paul had subordinated himself to the Lord. It is likely that this was stated here to show the contrast to the claim in the previous account just a couple of verses earlier that he was called a god by the locals. 
 
This verse parallels the account of Peter in Acts 9:32-35. For further insights concerning this, refer to James 5:14, 15. Also, notice the very close sequence of events in this account of Paul’s snake bite and then healing of this man in comparison to Mark 16:18.
 
In the previous verse, Publius was first noted in the Bible. Now, he is seen for the second and last time. This is actually noteworthy because in just a couple of verses, it will say that the duration of their time on Malta is a full three months.
 
Life application: We are told here that Paul prayed, laid hands on the sick man, and he was healed. The next verse will speak about more healings. By incorrectly taking these verses in a prescriptive manner, many have assumed that we too have been given such powers without any limits at all.
 
They claim healing over others as if they have a right to demand things from the Lord, or as if they are divine conduits for the powers of healing to flow through them. This is completely contrary to what is actually the case. It is presumptuous and it is a sinful attitude.
 
Paul was unable to heal himself and several others as is clearly indicated in his epistles. And more, Scripture never indicates that we have been given the apostolic powers of healing.
 
Rather, we have been given the intelligence to produce medicines. Also, societies have developed institutions to educate people to be doctors and nurses. We have likewise been given the honor to pray for the healing of others. If it is in the Lord’s will to respond favorably, He will. But we should never claim such things as if we have the authority to tell the Spirit how and when to heal.
 
Use reason and intelligence when you pray for yourself and others. And, if you really want to be a part of the healing of others, go to school and learn how to do so. You can have a lifetime of positive effects on others, both physically and spiritually if you are willing to put forth the effort.
 
Lord God, thank You for our doctors, nurses, and others who are in the business of healing others. And thank You that we can also come to You for healing when it is in Your will to respond. May we never accuse You in our hearts when others get sick and die, knowing that this is a fallen world. In Christ, however, we have an eternal hope of life and health ahead of us! Amen.
 

Acts 28:7

Friday, 7 June 2024
 
In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. Acts 28:7
 
The Greek more literally reads, “And in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region], were parcels of the first of the island by name Publius, who having received us three days, lodged us hospitably” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul was seen to have not swollen up or keeled over from the snake bite. Because of this, the fickle islanders of Malta said he was a god. Now, Luke begins a new portion of the narrative, saying, “And in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region].”
 
By God’s providence, they were shipwrecked in a particular place that would bring comfortable times to those who had been cast ashore. Despite the great trials and losses that were suffered by those who were shipwrecked, there would be a season of blessing to come upon them. This is first starting to be realized now because in that surrounding area, there “were parcels of the first of the island.”
 
The meaning of “first” is the principal man of the island. The adjective used to describe the person is protos. It means the first, or chief, and thus he is “the first man.” Ellicott notes –
 
“The term is found both in Greek and Latin inscriptions, at Malta, of the time of Augustus, as an official title.”
 
Score another point for Luke's accuracy. He is the chief ruler or magistrate appointed to oversee the population. Luke then notes, “by name Publius.”
 
This man’s name is a Latin one, literally: Poplios. It is known that Malta was rendered under the province of Sicily and so he would have been over the island, but under the Sicilian proconsul.
 
What we see in him then is a person who has received his job through appointment and not through a family line. This is indicated even more poignantly by the fact (as will be seen) that his father is there. He would not be the chief man if the position was based on family. This man is said to have “received us three days.”
 
It is a new word in Scripture, anadechomai. It comes from ana, up or upwards, and dechomai, to receive or welcome. Thus, HELPS Word Studies says it signifies to “receive up to the limit” and thus “to welcome with gladness.”
 
They were whole-heartedly and enthusiastically received up by the chief man of the island. It is agreed that this did not mean the entire host from the ship, but rather a select few.
 
Despite being a prisoner, Paul was a Roman citizen and stood in high favor with Julius. Luke was a physician and, thus, a man of respect. It is probably these three and maybe a limited number of others who were brought in as guests for those three days until other arrangements could be made. During this time, Luke notes that he “lodged us hospitably”
 
The word translated as “hospitably,” philophronós, is an adverb found only here. It literally means, “acting from a mind-set of personal affection” HELPS Word Studies. In other words, this was not a formal thing that was required by custom, but an invitation because of truly having come to like them. It was probably brought on by the words of Julius to Publius about the exceptional character of Paul and Luke.
 
Life application: Luke writes in the first-person plural concerning this visit. Thus, he was there, and it is absolutely certain that Paul, as will be seen, was there as well. Because Paul was there, Julius would have been there also, being the lead soldier and personally responsible for Paul.
 
Nothing is said here, or anywhere else, about Julius being converted to the Christian faith. However, it is unlikely that he was not fully aware of every nuance of what it meant to be a Christian by the time his supervision of Paul was ended. He personally saw prophecies uttered and fulfilled. He will see miracles of healing in the verses ahead. If anyone ever knew it, certain Julius did, that Paul would not have been silenced over his proclamation of the gospel, etc.
 
Because of this, either Julius was converted and that is purposefully left out of the narrative for whatever reason Luke deemed necessary or the heart of Julius was soft towards Paul and hard toward the message Paul proclaimed.
 
The latter is not unusual. There are people who have remained friends for years, even friends of pastors and preachers, who find the faith of their good friend curious and maybe even a bit comical. And yet, they stay fast friends through it. And how many times has there been an effect on the stout unbeliever later in life?
 
We cannot know what effect we will have on others by giving the gospel and then simply sharing our lives together with those we know whether they readily accept our words at the start or wait decades to yield. We don’t need to beat our faith into others. We simply need to share it and then let our lives be a testimony to those we know.
 
Let us never tire of living out the gospel that we have received. When the ball drops in the life of others, and it always does, they will know who to turn to if they are willing to once again hear the good news in their time of need.
 
Lord God, may our faith be on display at all times for others to see and remember what we believe. But we need to first let them know what our faith entails. So, Lord, give us boldness to first share the message, and then to live it out from day to day from that point on. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 28:6

Thursday, 6 June 2024
 
However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Acts 28:6
 
More literally, it reads, “And they expected him about to be inflamed or to fall down dead suddenly. And they, upon much anticipating, and seeing nothing unusual happening to him, having turned about, they declared him to be a god” (CG).
 
Paul was just bitten by a viper, which he shook off into the fire and suffered no harm. Now, Luke continues with, “And they expected him about to be inflamed.”
 
It is a unique word in Scripture, pimpremi. It is the usual medical word for inflammation in ancient Greek. It literally signified “to fire,” and thus a burning inflammation which includes swelling. They were sure Paul was a goner, so they watched, expecting him to be inflamed “or to fall down dead suddenly.”
 
This is the third and last use of katapiptó, to fall down, in the New Testament. All three uses come from Luke’s writings. Those on the island were aware of this particular viper and knew its effects. Hence, they fully expected Paul to keel over and die. 
 
Luke uses the word aphnó, suddenly, to describe their expectation. This is the third and last time it is used. It referred to the sudden coming of the Spirit in Acts 2:2 which was accompanied by sound and wind. It also referred to a sudden earthquake in Acts 16:26 when Paul and Silas were in prison and their chains were loosed.
 
The islanders were expecting something just as sudden with Paul, however, Luke next records, “And they, upon much anticipating.”
 
The word translated as “anticipating” was a word known in Greek medical writings. It signifies to watch in expectation where mental direction is employed. The people were keeping an eye on Paul, fully expecting him to have one of these symptoms. But Luke continues the thought with, “and seeing nothing unusual happening to him.”
 
Here, the words translated as “nothing unusual” were also used by physicians to indicate unusual symptoms of a disease, including something fatal or deadly. The use of these medical terms gives a good indication of the authenticity of Luke's authorship.
 
He was a carefully observant man who was able to see the same traits in others as they watched for such symptoms as well. Because nothing untoward came upon Paul, Luke next records of the people, “having turned about, they declared him to be a god.”
 
These words include another word unique in Scripture, metaballó. As a paraphrase, it signifies to change one’s mind, but a literal translation is “to turn round” or “to turn about.” Just as a person will turn around to face another direction, so a person turns about in his mind when he changes his mind.
 
Instead of thinking of Paul as a murderer, they suddenly realized that he was instead rather extraordinary. Taking things a bit too far, however, they ascribed deity to him. It could be that they may have been thinking of the Greek deities like Apollo or Aesculapius who are depicted as subduing serpents. 
 
Their minds surely raced, looking for a suitable conclusion. How could any mortal be bitten by a poisonous serpent and show no signs of it harming him?
 
Life application: This verse shows the fickle nature of the people which is found in all people everywhere. It is highlighted in Acts 14 as well but in the opposite sense. There, it said –
 
“Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’ 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, ‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.’ 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” Acts 14:11-19
 
In the eyes of those at Lystra, he went from being a god to being a dead man. On Malta, he went from being a dead man to being a god. In the case of their suddenly exclaiming Paul a god, their superstitions cannot be considered uncommon even in today’s world. We simply package them up differently.
 
It is human nature to want to deify things we don’t understand. But as Christians, we need to remember that there is one God. All else is a part of creation. We are never to ascribe deity to any created thing, we are to refrain from idolatry, and we are to promote God to His rightful position in our words to others.
 
In doing these things, we will be acting properly in the presence of our Creator.
 
Lord God Almighty, You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You are magnificent in Your being and You are caring for Your creatures. May we respond to You accordingly, giving You alone our heartfelt worship and adoration. Yes, glory to You, O God, in the highest! Amen.

Acts 28:5

Wednesday, 5 June 2024
 
But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. Acts 28:5
 
A literal rendering of the Greek is, “He indeed then, having shaken off the beast into the fire suffered nothing evil” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul had a viper latch onto his hand, and because of this, the people accused him of being a murderer whom justice had not allowed to live. However, Luke next records, “But he shook off the creature into the fire.”
 
Here is a word found for the second and last time, apotinassó. It signifies to brush away or shake away. The only other use was in Luke 9 –
 
“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off [apotinassó] the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:4, 5
 
Luke’s words concerning Paul seem almost casual as if he was shaking the dust off his garments after a long walk in the wilderness. Despite it having been a viper and the people being sure he would keel over from the poison, he not only shook it off, but Luke next says, “and suffered no harm.”
 
The words here again imply that the snake was poisonous. Were it not so, there would be no need to give the details as they are recorded. As noted previously, these words are certainly given as a fulfillment of Mark 16:18. 
 
Those words, as recorded in Mark, were spoken to those present with Christ. There is no reason to assume that they go any further than them. Snake-handling churches, poison-drinking churches, and the bizarre antics in charismatic churches have mistakenly and inappropriately taken such things out of context.
 
As a witness to this fact, one can take a bottle of poison into a snake handling church, and they won't drink it. One can take a snake into a poison drinking church, and they won't handle it. And one can take either into a charismatic church, and the people will quickly exit the building. This is all hubbub involving terrible theology. The Bible bears witness to the miracles promised to the apostles. There is no need to go beyond that.
 
Life application: Why anyone feels the need to force the speaking of tongues is beyond comprehension. And yet, this is the standard in churches that supposedly speak in tongues. People have to be coaxed into doing what they would normally not do.
 
Does the Spirit need to be forced? Rather, the Spirit of God will overshadow, clothe, or come upon people in Scripture, guiding them without being forced to do so. As previously mentioned, snake handlers in churches die from time to time. The Spirit obviously wasn’t condoning their actions if He allowed the people to die from what was, supposedly, a demonstration of His presence.
 
It is unreasonable to expect God to do things simply for show. There is no need to “prove” that God is among His people. If they are being obedient to His word and living rightly in His presence, He is there among them.
 
Be reasonable in your thinking, be diligent in your studies, and be ready to share the gospel with others at all times. Such things will be pleasing to God. But forcing yourself to speak in gibberish is not only ridiculous, it is unscriptural. Don’t get caught up in unsound theology. Rather, get caught up in the wonder of God’s precious word!
 
Lord God, may our conduct before You be sound, reasonable, and honoring of You. Help us to think rightly and clearly about You at all times, bringing honor to You and leading others to a desire to pursue You more and more all their days To Your glory, we pray. Amen.