BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 17:31

Wednesday, 21 June 2023
 
“because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:31
 
Paul just finished his words about the nature of God by saying that He “now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Paul now provides the reason for this, saying, “because He has appointed a day.”
 
The verb is not a participle. It simply says, “because He appointed a day.” In understanding the foreknowledge of God, it is known that the future is laid out before Him. The entire timeline of human history is known and events are set to occur at predetermined moments. God knew when the flood of Noah would commence. He knew the day He would part the Red Sea or appear on Mount Sinai before Israel.
 
The day Christ would be crucified was set by God. This is true with all things. There is nothing that God does not know will occur because He knows how all things will turn out. This includes a particular day “on which He will judge the world.”
 
The Greek more closely reads, “in which He is about to judge the world.” The word melló “signifies the very point of acting” (HELPS Word Studies). Understanding this, there are actually various days of judgment, all combined into the singular “day.”
 
There is the judgment of sin (the cross of Jesus) on believers when they believe the gospel. There is the Bema seat of Christ where believers will be judged for rewards and losses. There is the tribulation period where it is said in Revelation that judgment has come upon the world. There is the judgment of the nations where the sheep will be separated from the goats. There is the Great White Throne judgment of Revelation. These and other such judgments have been set by God and they will come about at the pre-appointed time. And this will be done “in righteousness.”
 
There is a set standard by which all things will be judged. That standard is the Lord God Himself. This is seen in Psalm 92:15 –
 
“To declare that the Lord is upright;He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
 
Jesus referred to this in John 7:18 –
 
“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.”
 
Jesus was making a general statement about accusations levied against Him, but He was also proclaiming that His doctrine was not His own, but from God. Thus, the righteousness of the Lord is found in Jesus Christ. Paul, understanding this, next says that God’s righteous judgment will be, “by the Man whom He has ordained.”
 
There is no article before “Man.” The words more appropriately read, “by a Man whom He appointed.” Paul defines the coming judgment as being brought about by a Man. He has not yet spoken directly of Jesus at the Areopagus, but he had spoken of him earlier as noted in verse 17:18. He is now proclaiming what God has done by appointing a Man, meaning the man he had previously spoken of, to accomplish His will.
 
The word translated as “ordained” or “appointed” is horizó. It is where our word “horizon” is derived from. If one thinks of approaching time as a horizon, with each moment, a new horizon is seen. Thus, it speaks of designated limits or boundaries.
 
God has “horizoned” every moment of time and thus all of the scenes and moments of life have been known to Him even before He created. As HELPS Word Studies notes, “This guarantees God works each in conjunction with His eternal purpose.” With this concept stated by Paul, he next turns to the proof that this will come about, saying, “He has given assurance of this.”
 
The noun translated as “assurance” literally means “faith.” But it is a set faith, not the act of faith. Therefore, it should read “an assurance.” God has provided the necessary evidence that what He says is true, reliable, and will come to pass. And that is confirmed by an assurance “to all.”
 
Humanity now has a witness that the God of Israel is the true God and that what He has spoken forth, as is recorded in the Scriptures, is true. As this is so, then all must pay heed. The sign has been given and it is intended that all people must pay heed.
 
This is why Paul, in just the previous verse, said that God overlooked the times of ignorance by all other nations. They did not possess the necessary revelation of God to necessitate His attention in a particular manner. However, with the coming of Jesus that is no longer the case. All men will be held accountable just as Israel was held accountable in the past. The necessary revelation of God has been provided and it now pertains to all people. He has proven this “by raising Him from the dead.”
 
Rather, being an aorist participle, it reads, “having raised Him out of the dead.” It has been accomplished and it is the necessary sign to all people that the judgment of God will come at its pre-appointed time.
 
Jesus said this to Israel –
 
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” John 5:21-23
 
He continues to express this thought again in John 5:24-30. The statement was made and in order for it to be an assurance that can be trusted, God confirmed His words by having raised Jesus out of the dead.
 
Life application: Everything about future history for the world is tied up in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If the resurrection is true, then it is the sure sign and confirmation to the world that what God has said elsewhere in Scripture – both before and after Christ’s coming – is true. If the resurrection is not true, then another path than what Scripture presents will come to pass.
 
As the judgment of the world in righteousness is said to be committed to Jesus Christ, then those who hear this message must decide whether they will accept it or not. But more, as believers have accepted that this message is true, and as it has been provided as the sign to the world of its need of Jesus’ salvation, then it is incumbent on the church to get this word out. Without Jesus, only condemnation will result. The sign has been given. It is the assurance to the world that God’s righteous judgment awaits.
 
Lord God, may we turn our hearts once again to our need to share with others the message of hope and redemption that is found in Jesus Christ. Without accepting Your offer of reconciliation through Him, only condemnation lies ahead. May our hearts be softened to the plight of the world and may they be ready to share the gospel with all before that day comes. Amen.

Acts 17:30

Tuesday, 20 June 2023
 
“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, Acts 17:30
 
A closer translation would be, “Therefore, indeed, having overlooked these times of ignorance, God now commands all men everywhere to repent.”
 
Paul has been speaking about the nature of God, contrasting what He is like to what man may suppose. In the previous verse, Paul noted that He is not like gold, or silver, or stone that can be shaped by art and man’s devising. Now, he takes this line of thought and begins to redirect it toward what God expects, saying, “Therefore, indeed.”
 
In the previous verse, Paul said, “therefore.” He now states it again, stressing it to ensure the thought is offset in the minds of his audience –
 
“For we are also His offspring.”
“Therefore, since we are the offspring of God...”
 
“...we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.”
 “Therefore, indeed, having overlooked these times of ignorance...”
 
Paul is shaping his argument to lead to a conclusion. Before he gets there, he is ensuring that those listening will carefully process what leads up to it. Understanding this, he continues, saying, “having overlooked.”
 
It is a word found only here in Scripture, hupereidon. It essentially means to take no notice of or to disregard. Vincent’s Word Studies says, “to suffer to pass unnoticed.” This does not mean that it is either condoned or accepted. But God has allowed man to do what he has done without telling them otherwise that what they are doing offends him.
 
Unfortunately, some older translations say, “God winked at.” Depending on how one takes the translation, that can mean a variety of things not intended by the apostle. For example, the KJV used the word “wink” five more times and they are all with a negative connotation that has nothing to do with what Paul is saying here.
 
Paul is saying that God has simply not paid attention in a particular manner to what the nations were doing. While Israel was given the law and explicitly told to not conduct themselves in such a manner, punishing them when they did not obey, God allowed the nations to do what they willed without any warning of the consequences. Thus, without a law to direct the nations, Paul calls them “these times of ignorance.”
 
The article and noun are both plurals, “these times.” In the Bible, there are various dispensations that God has used to work out His redemptive plans. While the nations were doing as they saw fit without any particular direction from God, He had called and made a covenant with Abraham.
 
From there, He chose a particular line of Abraham’s descendants to continue His redemptive intentions. This led to Israel and eventually the time of the law. The law was given for a fixed and particular set of purposes leading to the coming of the Messiah. In His coming, He fulfilled the law that was given to Israel alone.
 
With that, the law was set aside and a New Covenant was introduced. This New Covenant was with Israel and the House of Judah, but – unlike the law – it was not limited to them. Rather, it is inclusive of all peoples, allowing them to come into the commonwealth of Israel. Because of this, Paul next says, “God now commands all men everywhere.”
 
What God is now doing is no longer limited to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people, nor is it limited to the land of Israel or the city of Jerusalem, as if people were responsible to go there to meet with the God of Israel. It is a new direction where anyone at any location can be accepted. However, there is an expectation laid on the people who have carried such incorrect notions about God. That is “to repent.”
 
The Greek word is metanoeó. It signifies to change one’s mind, to think differently, to reconsider. Paul has been speaking about the nature of God. He has noted what God is like and what God is not like. For those who have misunderstood the nature of God, he is telling them that they must change their mind about Him and think differently. Jesus, while responding to the woman at the well in John 4 provides the meaning –
 
“The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.’21 Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’” John 4:19-24
 
This is what people are to change their minds about. They are no longer to live under incorrect ideas about what God is like and how He should be worshiped. Rather, they are to change their minds and accept this special revelation of Himself that is proclaimed through the New Covenant. Paul will explain in the next verse how the people can be sure that what he says about God is true.
 
Life application: Paul never introduced the idea of sin into his discourse. He has only told the people where their thinking is wrong. Elsewhere, he says –
 
“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19, 20
 
The people of Athens (and by extension the people of the world) had no law from God about idols that could bring about the imputation of sin. Paul states that explicitly in Romans 5:13, saying that “sin is not imputed when there is no law.” Therefore, Paul could not have been telling the people to repent of sin. And, indeed, he was not telling them this. He was telling them to repent (think differently) concerning their faulty ideas about God.
 
Today, people use the word “repent” in a completely incorrect manner. They equate it to the active ending of something, such as sin. “You must repent of (stop doing) XXX in order to be saved.” That is not the gospel. One is saved by grace through faith and that is in believing the gospel which says that Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
 
Only after being saved will stopping incorrect behavior have any meaning. Be sure to present the gospel without adding the baggage that is often heaped upon people. To add to the gospel is to present a false gospel.
 
Glorious Lord God, You have done everything necessary for us to be saved. All we need to do is accept that by believing in the full, final, forever, and finished work of Jesus. May we present this to others clearly and without addition so that they understand what they need to do. Faith! You are looking for faith in Your faithless creatures. What more can we add to what Jesus has done? May we never presume to do so. Amen.
 

Acts 17:29

Monday, 19 June 2023
 
“Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Acts 17:29
 
A more literal translation is “Therefore, being the offspring of God, we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone – an engraving of craft and device of man – the Divine to be like” (CG).
 
Paul just finished the last verse in agreement with a quote from a Greek poet, saying, “For we are also His offspring.” With that, he now continues with, “Therefore.”
 
Saying this confirms that what he just quoted from the poet is true. In essence, “As this is so.” Because it is granted as such, he says, “being the offspring of God.” Paul is initiating a logical conclusion: this, therefore this. Because we are God’s offspring, it is logical that we bear His image.
 
The word translated as offspring is genos. It signifies family, race, nation, kind, etc. Thus, it means that there is an affinity between what is being referred to. Without citing Scripture, he is stating the essence of the Genesis creation account concerning man –
 
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26, 27
 
Paul expects that his hearers would understand. When a cat reproduces another cat is the result. When an elephant bears, another elephant is produced. He has already told his audience that God made man. Thus, when acknowledging that we are His offspring, it doesn’t mean that we are gods, but that we bear a semblance to Him.
 
As this is so, he continues with, “we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone.” These are inanimate things. They have no life or breath in them. They cannot think, they cannot act, nor can they respond when spoken to. Anything that takes place in their use is because man acts first. That would include “an engraving of craft.”
 
The word translated as “engraving” is first seen here. It signifies a stamp, impress, mark, etc. It is used seven other times, all in Revelation and all referring to the mark of the beast. The word translated as “art” is also first found here. It signifies a skill, art, craft, trade, etc.
 
It should be evident on the surface that when a man of craft engraves something he was the one to make the first move. The thing did not call out for being shaped into an image. But more, what is produced has no qualities of the man apart from a physical image. And because God’s image in man is not the physical image of man, as can be deduced from his words of 17:24, 25, then to assign such qualities to God would be absurd. And more, Paul continues with, “and device of man.”
 
The word translated as “device” means a thought or contemplation. As God cannot be seen, it would be ludicrous to think that man could devise something that could be formed into an object representing Him. Again, in Paul’s mind, he is giving the substance of what Scripture has already revealed –
 
“Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. 19 And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. ... 23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:15-19 & 23, 24
 
Isaiah 44:9-20 gives a brilliant description of the folly of such idolatry and the irrational nature of man who would suppose that producing something in this manner could produce a divine being. Such things are completely opposed to the nature of God. Therefore, no one should consider as such “the Divine to be like.”
 
The word Paul uses is a neuter adjective, not a masculine noun. The word is theios. It is that which manifests the characteristics of the nature of God. HELPS Word Studies says it “ties God's essence to His self-manifestation, permitting all people to know Him by observing His attributes.” As God manifests Himself through creation, we can deduce things about His divine nature from observing the creation. However, we cannot ascribe the divine to what is created.
 
To understand this, think of a watchmaker. We can look at a carefully constructed precision watch that was fashioned by a man and we can tell a lot about the man. However, we cannot turn around and attribute the man’s qualities to the watch. The watch was produced by him and it bears the mark of his intelligence, patience, meticulous nature, etc. But the watch itself possesses none of those things. When we ascribe such things to the creation, we err in our thinking.
 
Life application: Take the time to read Isaiah 44:9-20 and think about how offensive our conduct as humans must be when we do what is recorded there. Imagine what the watchmaker would think if you picked up a watch and started praising it, not him, for its intricate gears and beautifully polished crystal, thanking it for its perfect rhythm and soothing sound as it whirrs in your ears. He would think you had gone absolutely bonkers and he would be offended as well.
 
This is how God looks at man when he does something even more outlandish by ascribing the qualities He alone possesses to carvings of wood, stone, gold, and so forth. Let us be carefully on guard to give God alone the glory for the magnificent things He has done.
 
We should look up to Him as greater than our character (morally, spiritually, intellectually, etc.), rather than down to created things, as if they bore His nature. Israel was rebuked for its false gods because they had the special divine knowledge of God presented to them. Paul probably pitied these pagans because they lacked it, even if they should have known better. In his pity towards them, he admonishes them about what is right. In the verses ahead, he will explain the importance of this to them.
 
Heavenly Father, help us not to have idols in our hearts but to always find our sufficiency and hope in You. May we be careful to always glorify You for who You are and for what You have done. We thank You and praise You for Your marvelous glory as it is revealed to us in so many ways. Praises to You, O God. Amen.

Acts 17:28

Sunday, 18 June 2023
 
“for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Acts 17:28
 
Paul has stated that God has ordained the boundaries of the nations so that people should seek the Lord, and in feeling for Him, He might be found. He said this while noting that He is not far from each of us. He now explains that saying, “for in Him.”
 
The word “in” can have various connotations. One of them is to be inside of something else. It can also mean being the product of, such as “In His act of creating, God displayed infinite wisdom.” Further, it can be used to help define something else. For example, “In seven days, I will finish this job.”
 
Paul is probably saying this in the sense of being the product of, but because of that, it would be inclusive of the thought of being inside of or surrounded by. We are the product of His hand and thus “we live.”
 
The word means exactly that. It is experiencing the gift of life given by God. We are the product of His act of creation, but we are also being sustained by Him, as it says in Colossians 1 and Hebrews 1. For example –
 
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16, 17
 
God created and He sustains. Further, Paul continues, saying, “and move.” The word signifies the act of moving. It is translated as wagging in Matthew 27:39. In Revelation, Jesus tells the church at Ephesus that He will remove their lampstand unless they repent. However, the word also is used figuratively to indicate the arousal of passions. Ellicott seems to rightly argue that this is the intent here.
 
This is the only time Paul uses the word. Its other two uses in Acts are by Luke. One is in the sense of provocation and another refers to stirring up sedition. If the first word, live, refers to the physical existence of man, this one would speak of his emotional nature. Remembering that the purpose of Paul’s words is based on the previous verses where man is to seek after God, this makes complete sense.
 
First, man is created by God and our lives are the product of His hands. Thus, we have a responsibility to search out the One who so fashioned us. Second, our emotions are a part of who we are and they are to be directed to conduct that would support our seeking after Him. Third, Paul continues with, “and have our being.”
 
The words are an unnecessary paraphrase. It is a single word meaning “are.” Therefore, an equivalent idea is “and exist.” Not only do we have life as a product of His hand, but our continued existence, from moment to moment is fully known to Him and dependent on Him. This is reflected in Jesus’ words –
 
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
 
The existence of the sparrow is known to God, the state of the hair on our heads – which is a part of our existence – is known to God, and the number of our days is known to God –
 
“Since his days are determined,The number of his months is with You;You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.” Job 14:5
 
Paul’s words indicate the total dependence of man on God. Thus, man should acknowledge that He is reliant on Him and seek Him out. His nearness makes this possible and it is thus man’s duty to perform. With that noted, Paul next goes outside of Scripture to make his point, saying, “as also some of your own poets have said.”
 
When he says, “your own poets,” he is not referring to Athenians specifically, but Greek-speaking Gentiles whose work was known and quoted among the people. By quoting such a poet, it would lead the Athenians to know that he wasn’t just a wandering Jew, but an educated man who knew Greek literature.
 
As for the word “poet,” it is introduced into Scripture here, poiétés. It signifies a doer or a performer. In this case, because Paul will cite poetry, it refers to a doer of poems. As Paul notes poets in the plural, he is indicating that what he will cite is found in more than just one poet. It was a well-known thought used again by another. The poets are Aratus and Cleanthes. Paul cites their words, saying, “For we are also His offspring.”
 
In other words, these Gentile writers understood that man is the product of a greater being. The being they ascribe their life to may not be the God of the Bible, but the premise of being the product of a divine being was understood by them.
 
Aratus was from Cilicia where Paul was from. He lived from 315-240 BC. Cleanthes was from Behram, Turkey, living from 331-232 BC. Concerning this line of poetry, Barnes writes –
 
“This precise expression is found in Aratus (‘Phaenom.,’ v. 5), and in Cleanthus in a hymn to Jupiter. Substantially the same sentiment is found in several other Greek poets. ... Aratus passed much of his time at the court of Antigonus Gonatas, king of Macedonia. His principal work was the ‘Phoenomena,’ which is here quoted, and was so highly esteemed in Greece that many learned men wrote commentaries on it. The sentiment here quoted was directly at variance with the views of the Epicureans; and it is proof of Paul's address and skill, as well as his acquaintance with his auditors and with the Greek poets, that he was able to adduce a sentiment so directly in point, and that had the concurrent testimony of so many of the Greeks themselves. It is one instance among thousands where an acquaintance with profane learning may be of use to a minister of the gospel.”
 
The specific lines of poetry from Aratus state –
 
“From Zeus begin; never let us leaveHis name unloved. With Him, with Zeus, are filledAll paths we tread, and all the marts of men;Filled, too, the sea, and every creek and bay;And all in all things need we help of Zeus,For we too are his offspring.” Aratus from Phenomena
 
Cleanthes’ words are almost identical and are in a hymn to Zeus. Paul’s point is that truth can be found in other religions and philosophies and it can be used for the benefit of evangelizing. However, this does not mean that the religion itself is true.
 
In verse 23 he referred to a Greek altar to show that he was not introducing foreign gods. He does the same here by supporting his knowledge of God with words from Greek writers. They may have been confused about who this God is, but they could not say he was introducing a foreign one. Rather, he is clarifying what was stated by them.
 
Life application: When evangelizing someone of another religion, asking what that person believes is a good way of helping him process what you are telling him. This is because most people really have no idea about their own religion. They do things because that is what they were taught to do.
 
This is no different than evangelizing someone who has been in church his whole life but has never been told the simple gospel. Such people go to church and do stuff. But they have no idea as to why they do what they do. It is just a part of their cultural life and so they continue with it.
 
However, without knowing Jesus, those people cannot have a close and personal relationship with God. Introducing them to what Jesus has done will make this possible. There will no longer be a need to “do” stuff because Jesus has done it all. Be sure to get out and tell people about Jesus – our great Doer!
 
Lord God, thank You that Jesus has done it all! He has accomplished everything necessary to reconcile us to You. Now, all we need to do is to believe. May we use wisdom in how we spend our time and may we get out and tell others about this good news. To Your glory. Amen.
 

Acts 17:27

Saturday, 17 June 2023
 
“so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; Acts 17:27
 
More literally, the verse reads, “to seek the Lord, if perhaps, indeed, they might feel for Him and might find Him, although He is not far from each one of us (CG).”
 
In the previous verse, Paul spoke of the creation of man and that God has pre-appointed the times and boundaries of their dwellings. He now continues this thought, saying, “to seek the Lord.” The meaning is as many Bibles paraphrase it, “so that they should seek the Lord.”
 
In other words, rather than seeking a united power against the Lord as during the time of the Tower of Babel, the peoples were divided by languages and these nations were established and dispersed so that they would seek out the Lord instead. It should be noted that many manuscripts say “God” here instead of “the Lord.”
 
Either way, because the Lord is God, the meaning is not substantially changed. The thought here is expressed in Romans 1:19 20 –
 
“...because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
 
God has made Himself manifest in the created world. It is obvious that the universe did not simply explode itself into existence. Nor is it eternal, as if it had always existed. These things can be deduced without the Bible. And more, it is evident that God didn’t just create a bowl of soup which then evolved into the various types of life on the planet. This is evident without the Bible as well.
 
However, with man united as one, their greatest desire is to eliminate God from the picture. On the other hand, as nations develop, there is a chance of them being governed in a manner that will allow their people to think through matters concerning God and pursue Him. Job was such a person.
 
But more, he was not alone. It notes in Job 1:6, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord.” This is not speaking of angels. Rather, it is referring to those people among whom Job associated that believed in the Lord as handed down to them from the time of Noah.
 
This would not have been the case if the nations remained united. The Lord knew this and dispersed them. In doing this, Paul next says, “if perhaps, indeed, they might feel for Him and might find Him.”
 
The meaning of the words is obvious. In seeking after the Lord, he may be found through His general revelation of Himself. Paul gives a sense of this in Romans 2 –
 
“...for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Romans 2:14-16
 
The Mosaic Law is special revelation. But people know that it is wrong to steal. Even without the law being stated, they may willingly restrain themselves from stealing because of this. There is a moral conscience in man that tells him he should seek after God who has instilled this consciousness in him.
 
This is clearly evident because societies all over the world have laws against stealing. Only when a society has completely departed from the conscience instilled in them by God will it no longer enforce laws concerning stealing. Communism is designed to steal the people’s efforts away from them. Liberal governments allow looters and thugs to steal from stores that put forth the effort to gather and resell merchandise.
 
Even if man cannot be saved by general revelation, he can live a happy and content life, given to him by God, when he feels for Him and finds Him. Understanding this, Paul finishes with, “although He is not far from each one of us.”
 
Paul is surely tying this thought back to the abundant idolatry found in Athens, and indeed in the whole world. Instead of seeking God who is ever present with us and who has filled the universe with order and harmony so that it is evident it was done by a Designer, man makes up gods of his own. He bows down to them and worships them. These things, of man’s own imagination and production become his gods.
 
What is near to us in what God has done, and which is so obviously created by Him, shows us that He is there.
 
Life application: Despite our knowing that God is right here with us, we want to bring our own gods closer, thus pushing the knowledge of Him out of our minds. Paul speaks of this in Romans 1 as well -
 
“...because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:21-23
 
Because of this, an obvious cycle of degradation in man takes place, especially leading to sexual sin, but also all other sorts of immoral and destructive behavior. Take time to read Romans 1:24-32 to see what Paul says concerning this. While you are reading, compare the cycle of depravity to the world around you.
 
As the nations unite globally, and as power and authority are solidified more and more, what Paul writes about is becoming global as well. In the past, this cycle of perversion would cause a nation to finally collapse through war, disease, or internal destruction. When that happened, the ideas of that nation would end. Having nations separated allowed this to occur again and again without the whole world collapsing together.
 
However, that no longer needs to be the case. As the world unites, there can be only one inevitable result, global destruction. This is what the book of Revelation says is coming, but it is not limited to that book. Isaiah also speaks of such things. What was once not possible has now become inevitable. Pay heed and be ready to tell others about the goodness of God in Jesus Christ.
 
Lord God, how desperately we need to get the word out about You before it is too late. Help us to continue to tell others what they need to know before the time comes when the whole world falls under the deceiving influence of the antichrist. May we be wise in how we spend our time, O God. Amen.

Acts 17:26

Friday, 16 June 2023
 
“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, Acts 17:26
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted that God needs nothing and that it is He who gives to all life, breath, and all things. He now continues, saying, “And He has made from one blood.”
 
The verb is not a participle. Rather than “has made,” it simply says, “made.” Also, some texts omit the word blood. The thought is still the same and the point is that God created one man from whom all others have descended. This is found in the Genesis creation account of Genesis 1 and 2. It is stated explicitly in Malachi 2:10 as well –
 
“Have we not all one Father?Has not one God created us?Why do we deal treacherously with one anotherBy profaning the covenant of the fathers?”
 
The meaning is that all differences that exist in men now are the result of a natural process but that all men are of the same human stock, regardless of color, size, national heritage, etc.
 
Despite the Hebrew sense of superiority over others, which is evident in Jesus’ words to those in the synagogue in Nazareth in Luke 4 and Paul’s words to the mob of Jews in Acts 22, they understood from their Scriptures that all men were created from one first man. Any superiority the Jews felt would have to be for some other reason. The Greeks, however, felt that they were intrinsically superior to the barbarians around them, as if they were created differently than others. Paul is telling them that from the perspective of humanity, this was not the case. With this noted, he next says, that from this one man came “every nation of men.”
 
This is recorded in the Table of Nations found in Genesis 10. The general breakdown found there continues to this day. An initial division of the descendants of Noah took place and that set the general parameters that have followed since that time. A study of the Table of Nations is one of the most important tools in understanding the breakdown of the people groups of the world, even to this day. With these families identified, they began to disperse in order “to dwell on all the face of the earth.”
 
This is seen, for example, in the line of Japheth where it is recorded, “From these the coastland peoples of the Gentiles were separated into their lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations” (Genesis 10:5). This is repeated with the other sons of Noah as well –
 
“These were the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands and in their nations.” Genesis 10:20
 
“These were the sons of Shem, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands, according to their nations.” Genesis 10:31
 
Of these people groups and the places where they settled, Paul next says that God “has determined their preappointed times.” There is a slight variation in some texts here –
 
prostetagmenous
protetagmenous
 
One means “assigned.” The other means “before appointed.” The difference of the first would be that they were assigned a people and land, probably after settling there. Once in that land, it became their assigned possession and that is their station where they belong. If they were preappointed, it would indicate that God has chosen the time and place where each nation, and thus each person, would most likely seek out God, as is indicated in the coming verse.
 
The difference in the idea presented between these two spellings is not small. Both, however, show that there is a set plan that was determined by God concerning the settling of the nations and the boundaries in which they are to reside. That is seen in the final words of the verse, “and the boundaries of their dwellings.”
 
The word translated as “boundaries,” horothesia, is found only here in Scripture. It conveys the idea of fixed boundaries. These things would be established by customs, laws, national interests, cultural expressions, and languages. It is such things that cause nations to be set and fixed. This is the plan of God in order to keep the world from doing what it did by reuniting as one as is recorded in the Tower of Babel account in Genesis 11.
 
The dwellings of the people are regulated by a set plan of God to keep them separated. The wisdom of this is seen in the error of thinking that arose when all men sought to work together as one. In such a situation, the only One to work against would obviously be God Himself. For the sake of keeping that from happening, God has directed the peoples and nations through the division of tongues and the attitudes that arise among those of similar speech.
 
Life application: In understanding the Genesis account of the Tower of Babel and then reading Paul’s words in Acts 17, it is perfectly evident that what is occurring in the world today concerning the movement of vast numbers of people across set borders is an attack against the set limitations that God has instilled in man through their division by various languages.
 
That is also being challenged by universal translators where people of various languages can communicate in real time with one another. With the removal of the constraints assigned by God, the inevitable result will be another Tower of Babel scenario. In order to effect this, governments and non-governmental bodies are uniting through a set plan, using tools such as climate change, to destroy the fabric of the nations as set forth by God.
 
The people of Genesis 11 didn’t trust God and united as one against Him. They wanted to be like God and so they built a tower to reach the heavens. This united them as one, and replaced God with their own set authority. This is the purpose of the globalist movement today. With the various languages no longer being an issue to divide, and with the movement of peoples to destroy national identities, a uniting against God and His set order is taking place.
 
Every perversion being publicly condoned, every attack on the family structure, every denial of creation (for example teaching and promoting evolution), every attack on the climate (as if it must be controlled by man because there is no God to do it), etc., is set forth by the globalists to destroy what God has ordained for man. This is perfectly evident when such things are directly approved of when they most fully express the opposite of what the Bible presents.
 
What is happening in the world is the natural result of rejecting God and ignoring His word. With modern technology, this has become possible. The people of the world are being directed by a satanic attack against God’s set order for humanity. The path is set and it can only end in one possible way. The Bible describes it in the pages of Revelation. Hold fast to God and His word. This is the only safety humanity can possess in a world of ever-increasing wickedness.
 
Lord God, how wise You are to have directed the world as You have. And how foolish we are to attempt to reject Your ways and to pursue our own reckless paths. This is true as individuals, as nations, and as the mass of humanity united against You. May we wisely hold fast to You in this time when the world is being prepared to destroy itself through rejection of You. Amen.

Acts 17:25

Thursday, 15 June 2023
 
“Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:25
 
The words more correctly read, “nor is he attended by humans’ hands, further needing anything, He giving to all life, and breath, and all things” (CG).
 
Paul is in the process of proclaiming the true God to those in Athens. He just noted that being Lord of heaven and earth, he does not dwell in temples made with hands. With that noted, he now continues, saying, “nor is he attended by humans’ hands.”
 
The verb translated as “attended,” is therapeuó. One can see the root of our modern word therapy. It signifies to heal, care for, attend to, etc. Most translations say “serve.” But there is a suitable word translated as serve used elsewhere. That gives the idea of serving, such as in ministering, worshiping, accomplishing tasks, and so forth.
 
In the case of this word, it would be as if God has a need that must be attended to. To avoid confusing the two, saying attended provides the proper meaning. Paul is saying that there is nothing lacking in God that would need man’s attention.
 
As for the words “humans’ hands,” the Greek adjective anthrópinos is introduced here. In this case, it is plural. Rather than “men’s hands,” which would be a noun, it is more rightly translated as “humans’ hands.” Thus, it is contrasted with the divine nature of God. From there, Paul says, “further needing anything.”
 
The word translated as “further needing,” prosdeomai, is found only here. It is a present participle signifying to want more or to need more. God needs nothing. The thought is expressed by the Lord in Psalm 50 –
 
“I will not take a bull from your house,Nor goats out of your folds.10 For every beast of the forest is Mine,And the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know all the birds of the mountains,And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you;For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.” Psalm 50:9-12
 
This should be obvious. God is. He is the Source of all things. As this is true, then there is nothing that he needs from man. Paul then explains this in the simplest terms, saying, “He giving to all life, and breath, and all things.”
 
The words life and breath appear almost synonymous, but there is a difference. The zóé, or life, is the state of being alive. It further applies to both physical and spiritual life. It is the existence we possess because it is sustained by God’s self-existence.
 
The breath, or pnoé, was seen in Acts 2:2 when the rushing wind came upon the believers gathered in Jerusalem. This is its second and last use. It signifies both breath and breeze. It is the respiration that occurs because there is life within a being. God gives those things to us, so how could He need something from us to sustain Him?
 
As for “all things,” the Greek reads ta panta – the all. Not only does God provide us with life and breath, but He provides all things necessary for those things to continue. Food, oxygen, water, intelligence, etc. Everything that allows man to live and to continue living is provided by God. As this is so, there is nothing that He needs from us for His continuance.This does not mean that man is not to serve Him. This is where translating the word therapeuó as attended rather than served becomes evident. Man is to serve God. This is seen throughout Scripture. In Revelation 22:3, it says –
 
“And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.”
 
God does not need this from us as if He would be troubled, sick, or die if we did not provide it. Rather, He is glorified in our worship and service of Him. This is the purpose of creating. God shares His goodness with His creatures and it is right that His creatures return to Him the glory He is due. This is not because there is a lack in Him that must be filled, but that the natural result of sharing is that there is a mutual reciprocity that should take place.
 
Life application: If you don’t thank God for the good things you receive, He is not lessened by that. He is not harmed by it either. But when we thank God for each blessing, it demonstrates an appreciation that He is the Giver and we are appreciative of what He has provided.
This is why we should spend our time singing out His praise, telling others of His goodness, contemplating His majesty, etc. Through these things, we are returning to Him the glory that He is due from us.
 
Lord God, You are great and greatly to be praised. We are thankful to You for every good and kind blessing that comes from Your open hand of grace. Dwell in our praises and be glorified upon our lips. You are great and greatly to be praised, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 17:24

Wednesday, 14 June 2023
 
“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Acts 17:24
 
Again, as with the previous verse, the NKJV cleans up the mess of the KJV, however, it is still not literal enough. The words read, “The God, having made the universe and all things in it, He – of heaven and earth being Lord – dwells not in handmade temples” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted Paul’s reference to the platform inscribed with GOD UNKNOWN. He then said that he would proclaim that unknown God to those in Athens. He now begins that proclamation, saying, “The God.”
 
The Greek reads, “The God, the having...” The first article does not need to be translated, but the second defines Him as “The God” who will next be described. As seen in the last verse, the pronoun there was neuter – this [One]. Now, the words of this verse are masculine. Of this, Charles Ellicott says –
 
“The masculine form of the pronoun and participles throughout the sentence presents an emphatic contrast to the neuter pronoun of the previous verse.”
 
Paul informs those in Athens that the God he proclaims is not feminine. He is referred to in the masculine. This is something that they could not have known without it being specifically revealed by Him. To those in Athens, He was GOD UNKNOWN. Now He is no longer completely unknown. They know at least something about Him. Paul next says that He is the God “having made the universe.”
 
The word kosmos is almost always translated as world. But that can have various meanings. One is “the inhabitants of the world.” That, for example, would be what is referred to in John 3:16. It can also refer to worldly affairs, the world itself, or the universe.
 
Paul, being a Jew who is perfectly aware of the Genesis 1 creation narrative, would not limit his words to the world alone. That he goes beyond the world itself is evident from what he will say in the rest of the verse. Understanding this, he continues with, “and all things in it.”
 
This could be taken as referring to the things of the world itself or of the universe. The latter is certainly what is on Paul’s mind –
 
 “Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-19
 
Regardless of how sizeable the people of Paul’s time considered the universe, it was vast enough from their perspective to know that it extended beyond the world itself. With Paul’s words noting that the God he was proclaiming created all of these things, he next says, “He – of heaven and earth being Lord.”
 
This tells us that Paul was certainly referring to the universe. First, he notes “heaven.” Depending on the context, the Greek word signifies the visible heavens, the atmosphere, the sky, the starry heavens, and the spiritual heavens. This is certainly referring to at least the visible heavens, the starry heavens, and the spiritual realm, summed up in the singular “heaven.” The way this can be determined is by considering his continued words.
 
He next notes “earth” using the word gé. It can refer to a particular land, the ground, or the earth as a whole in contrast to the heavens. Paul is referring to the physical earth as a whole as evidenced by the contrasting thought “of heaven.” He has introduced his audience to the God proclaimed in Genesis 1:1 –
 
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
 
The God he proclaims is Lord of heaven and earth because He is the Creator of those things. The word kurios signifies “absolute ownership rights” (HELPS Word Studies). These things are His and He has the right to direct them and dispense with them according to His will. Of this God, who is the Lord of heaven and earth, Paul thus makes an obvious statement. He “dwells not in handmade temples”
 
This tells us that Paul was not only referring to heaven as the visible heaven and the starry heaven but also to the spiritual heaven. Temples are intended to provide the link between the physical and the spiritual. Thus, Paul’s words are certainly inclusive of that.
 
The meaning of his words is obvious. If God created everything, then nothing can contain Him. He is greater than that which He created. It is a truth pulled right out of the Old Testament from when Solomon dedicated the temple in Jerusalem –
 
“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” 2 Chronicles 6:18
 
Paul is using his vast knowledge of Scripture, along with his understanding of the nature of God, to reveal what the true God is like to those in Athens. He will continue with this for only a few verses and then He will tie all of this into the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
 
Life application: The Bible is what reveals God to us in a specific and special way that goes beyond what we can learn about Him from the world around us. Does knowing the Creator in this way matter to you? If not, you need to redirect your thinking. If so, then be sure to read your Bible. It is the one source that we have for knowing and understanding these things.
 
For example, many churches are getting away from the masculine that is used in Scripture. This is not just inappropriate. Rather, it is an offense to God. God does not have parts. He is not a male in the sense that we understand. However, the word shows us that His characteristics are revealed in a masculine manner. To deviate from this is to mar what God has set forth in His word.
Be careful to check Bible translations before you buy them. Make sure they haven’t gone down PC Path onto Heresy Highway. The manner in which God has revealed Himself is not up to us to pick and choose. Likewise, if you are in a church where they have gone down this path, pack your bags and move out. There can be no compromising with those who have compromised. Stand fast on the word and hold fast to what is proper.
 
Lord God, help us to hold fast to the faith that has been handed down to us from the beginning. May we never compromise on what the Bible proclaims. Instead, may we be firm and fixed in our resolve to always put You first. Help us in our walk so that we may bring glory to You. May it be so, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 17:23

Tuesday, 13 June 2023
 
“for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: Acts 17:23
 
The translation of the NKJV clears up many of the errors of the KJV, but it still is not literal enough. The verse reads, “for passing through and analyzing your venerations, I found even a platform on which had been inscribed: GOD UNKNOWN. Whom, therefore – not knowing – you worship, Him I proclaim to you” (CG).
 
The previous verse opened Paul’s speech at the Areopagus, noting that he perceived the men of Athens were super-spiritual. He continues now by giving his reason for stating that, saying, “for passing through.”
 
He is referring to his walk through the city of Athens. While he was in the process of doing so, he explains, “and analyzing your venerations.”
 
The word translated as “analyzing” is found only here and in Hebrews 13:7. It comes from two words signifying “upwards” and “to gaze upon.” Thus, it means to attentively look at something and examine it while doing so.
 
The word translated as “venerations” is a single Greek word, sebasma, a noun used only here and in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. It is derived from sebazomai, to revere or be in awe of. It has almost no comparable English word. It covers not only an idol that is itself the object of worship, nor is it merely an icon that represents something worshiped. Rather, the word encompasses both thoughts and more.
 
Paul is using a word to describe all of the monuments that are venerated within the city. However, if the verb “venerate” is changed to a noun as the object of veneration, then it conveys the sense. Being plural to cover all that Paul is referring to makes it “venerations.” Most translations paraphrase the words and say, “objects of worship.” It speaks of idols, icons, statues, altars, memorials, etc. Anything that is worshiped would fall under this broad word.
 
While perusing all of these things around Athens, he says, “I found even a platform.” The word is bómos and it is only found here in Scripture. It is from the same as basis, a step which then also speaks of a foot. Thus, it refers to a stand, podium, or platform. The Greek translation of the Old Testament uses this word to describe the altar that was built in Joshua 22, but there is no reason to assume that this was an altar in the traditional sense. Of this platform, Paul notes, “on which had been inscribed: GOD UNKNOWN.”
 
The Greek reads with an adjective and a noun: AGNŌSTŌ THEŌ, UNKNOWN GOD. The words “to” “the” “an” etc. are often added for supposed clarity, but the fact that the platform was set apart with the words inscribed on it means that verbs and/or articles are unnecessary. The platform itself reflects the “to” part of the equation. If the word “an” or “the” is added to “UNKNOWN,” then it signifies that something is actually known about that GOD.
 
Of this inscribed platform, Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“Under these circumstances an allusion to one of these altars by the apostle would be equivalent to his saying to the Athenians thus: ‘You are correct in acknowledging a divine existence beyond any which the ordinary rites of your worship recognize; there is such an existence. You are correct in confessing that this Being is unknown to you; you have no just conceptions of his nature and perfections.’”
 
Because of this, and with Paul’s thoughts thus expressed, he next says, “Whom, therefore – not knowing – you worship.” The word translated as “not knowing” is translated from the verb agnoeó. The a prefix signifies negation and the word ginóskó means “to know.” Because it is a present participle, it says, “not knowing.”
 
The meaning is that though they know there is a God because of general revelation in the created order, they also know He is entirely unknown to them. Hence, He is GOD UNKNOWN. There is nothing that can be known about Him beyond what can be contemplated through His creation, and thus there is an infinite disconnect between the two. Unless He Himself makes the first move, nothing more can be known about Him. However, Paul has now arrived at Athens and he is going to tell them about this God who has, in fact, made that first move. Thus, he says, “Him I proclaim to you.”
 
The word translated as “proclaim” is kataggelló. It is the verb form of the noun used in verse 17:18. There, they said that Paul was a herald of “foreign gods.” Now, he takes their words and turns them around saying that he heralds GOD UNKNOWN to them.
 
Life application: Studying the Bible is fun. Study your Bible.
 
Most Glorious and Marvelous God. To much of the world, You are unknown, frightening, confusing, or maybe ignored. But to those who have read Your word and accepted its message, You are intimately close, comforting, and ever-present on our minds. We rejoice in You because we know Jesus who has revealed You to us. Thank You, O God, for the close and personal relationship we possess because of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 17:22

Monday, 12 June 2023
 
Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; Acts 17:22
 
A more literal translation would say, “And Paul, having stood in the midst of the Areopagus said, ‘Men, Athenians, I recognize that in all things you are super-spiritual’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke explained that Athenians and the foreigners who came to Athens spent all their time telling or hearing something new. With that thought being understood by Paul, it now says, “And Paul, having stood in the midst of the Areopagus.”
 
Of this, Ellicott says, “The Court sat in the open air on benches forming three sides of a quadrangle. A short flight of sixteen steps, cut in the rock, led from the agora to the plateau where the Court held its sittings.”
 
Paul was standing in the midst of this court where all of those professing to be wise would be gathered to hear whatever presentation was brought forward. In this case, it is the apostle Paul bringing the message of the incarnation and life of Jesus Christ to their ears. To begin, he “said, ‘Men, Athenians.”
 
As in Hebrew, when men are present, the masculine is used. However, later in the chapter, it will be seen that the court was not only attended by men. Having made this formal address, he next continued with, “I recognize that in all things you are super-spiritual.”
 
The word translated as super-spiritual is deisidaimonesteros. It is found only here in Scripture. HELPS Word Studies says – “(from deidō, ‘to dread’ and daimōn, ‘a deity’) – properly, religious (superstitious) fear, driven by a confused concept of God – producing ‘sincere’ but very misdirected religion. Indeed, this is the mark of heathenism.”
 
The word is variously translated as over-religious, very religious, remarkably religious, too superstitious, etc. Rendering it super-spiritual eliminates the often-negative connotation of superstition and it more correctly addresses the state of mind of what he will say in the coming verse.
 
The Athenians, like the supposedly super-spiritual people of today, obviously thought that there were many gods or that all paths led back to God. Such thinking is confused concerning God, what He is like, and what He expects. Paul, being an apostle of Jesus, was there to present to them the truth of God. His words will take from their own writings and he will present them in a manner that clearly expresses concepts that the Hebrew Scriptures had presented since the first verses of Genesis.
 
Life application: One of the most common things you will encounter when witnessing to others about God is a state of mental confusion concerning who He is and what He must be like. By following the pages of the Bible, one can develop a clear understanding of these things.
 
For example, it says in Genesis 1:1 that God created the heavens and the earth. Just a momentary stop before proceeding to the next verse to think about that statement and the reader can deduce that God is therefore before creation. Because time defines the progression of the aging of the creation (meaning that time started when the material universe came into existence), then God must be outside of (before, above, not limited to, etc.) time.
 
Further, and because of what that conveys to us, if God created matter, then He is not associated with matter. Thus, He is Spirit (John 4:24) and He exists in an eternal state where time does not exist. When the Lord said to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM” in Exodus 3:14, He was proclaiming His eternality. But more, He is a Necessary Being who cannot not exist.
 
Thinking on this, and then considering the rest of Scripture in light of this, including the things said about Jesus, we can more fully appreciate innumerable things about God. However, we must be careful to never apply incorrect ideas about Him to our theology. If our thoughts do not align with Scripture, then we must put them aside.
 
If you are saved, you are saved. Your incorrect ideas about God will not change that. However, what you set forth for others in your words or in what you write may affect their chance of ever being saved. Be careful to always consider God from how He has revealed Himself. Don’t try to be smarter than God. That which is considered orthodox has been carefully contemplated for millennia.
 
The chances of you or someone you follow suddenly having a correctly aligned epiphany about God that nobody else has had are very unlikely. But this is how cults get started. So, be careful to not get drawn down strange paths of theology.
 
Lord God, Your word is so very wonderful. It is a revelation of Yourself to us and we can know so much about You if we think about You in relation to it. And, for sure, we can know that anything that is said about You that is not in line with the pages of Scripture cannot be correct. So, Lord, help us to stay on the right path as we seek out who You are. Amen.
 

Acts 17:21

Sunday, 11 June 2023
 
For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. Acts 17:21
 
The translation is more succinct, saying, “Now all Athenians and the visiting strangers passed time in nothing else but to say or to hear some newer thing” (CG).
 
The verse now explains the words of the previous verses. The people who had been listening to Paul asked about his teaching and noted that what he said was strange to them. Luke now explains the reason for their curiosity, saying, “Now all Athenians and the visiting strangers.”
 
Luke leaves off any article before Athenians, lumping them all into one category and denoting their character in general. They, along with the visiting strangers to Athens would gather to ponder things, talk philosophy, challenge one another’s intellect, etc. Luke describes their attitude next saying, they “passed time.”
 
The word used here signifies having opportunity or leisure. Thus, their lives are being spent in trivial pursuits. Luke continues by saying the spending of this leisurely time was “in nothing else but to say or to hear some newer thing.”
 
Of this, Ellicott notes, “Theophrastus (c. 8) uses the self-same word in describing the questions of the loquacious prattlers of society, ‘Is there anything new? . . . Is there anything yet newer?’” Other quotes and observations along these same lines are found in the writings of classical authors concerning the Athenians.
 
This is why they were so curious about Paul’s words. They had itching ears and needed them scratched. Hence, when they heard Paul speaking, they knew they had the opportunity to continue to whittle away their time in the pursuit of new wisdom.
 
Life application: In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon describes himself in somewhat the same manner as Luke describes those in Athens. For example, he says –
 
“I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised.” Ecclesiastes 1:12, 13
 
Again, he says –
 
“As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep,Who can find it out?25 I applied my heart to know,To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things,To know the wickedness of folly,Even of foolishness and madness.” Ecclesiastes 7:24, 25
 
Solomon pursued many things as evidenced in his writings, but through much of his life he failed to properly align his pursuits with the knowledge of the Lord. This is not uncommon in the world. How many people are “news junkies.” Many people go from one news site to the next looking to satisfy a craving for something new.
 
This is true with people who watch one prophecy report after another. They are never satisfied with having heard things, but immediately go to hear more. As long as it tickles their ears, they are happy. The problem with this is that such people generally have very little biblical knowledge, nor do they especially care about what the Bible actually says. Paul writes about this attitude –
 
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4
 
As for both Solomon and Paul, they each give the remedy for this type of attitude –
 
Solomon:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:Fear God and keep His commandments,For this is man’s all.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
 
Paul:
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17
 
Don’t spend your time in foolish pursuit. Rather, learn the word of God by reading it daily and applying it to your life. In the end, the latest news and the newer things aren’t really new at all. It is a trap to entice you away from what is good and proper –
 
“Is there anything of which it may be said,‘See, this is new’?It has already been in ancient times before us.” Ecclesiastes 1:10
 
Lord God, may we not be foolish in our pursuit of vain things. Rather, help us to remain focused on You and in growing in the knowledge of Your word. When our days are over in this life, we will enter our eternal state. On that day, may You be pleased with the lives we have lived in anticipation of what lies ahead. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 17:20

Saturday, 10 June 2023
 
“For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” Acts 17:20
 
In the previous verse, Paul was taken to the Areopagus and asked what the new teaching he was presenting meant. Now, those same people say, “For you are bringing some strange things to our ears.”
 
The clause is almost impossible to directly translate because the words “strange things” come from a present participle, xenizonta. The word xenizó signifies to receive as a guest and thus to be strange. The people speaking to Paul use this verb which we will normally use as an adjective.
 
If one takes the word startling as a verb instead of an adjective, it can almost give the sense, such as, “He was startling his friend.” But because the word is plural, it would need to say, “For are startlings you bring to our ears.”
 
The sense is that what Paul is speaking to them actively causes their ears to respond through surprise. Because of this, they continue, saying, “Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” Again, the words are complicated because of the use of four verbs. A literal translation would be, “we desire, therefore, to know what these things wish to be.”
 
Most English translations get the point across well without being literal. The people confronted Paul wanting clarification for the things he had been saying. With that, an explanation concerning their curiosity will be given in the coming verse.
 
Life application: It is hard to imagine at times, but there are many people who have never heard the gospel. There are even many who have never heard of Jesus. In the West, that is less common, but even here this is true. When you meet someone who has never heard of Jesus and you begin to tell them about Him and what He did, you can often get a response like that of those in Athens.
 
People get confused or even bewildered as you try to explain. Some from foreign cultures may have never heard the word “sin” before. It may exist in their own language, but they think of it in a different way than believers will. Until they can properly understand the word, you are at a bit of a roadblock in what you can say.
So be ready to take the time to explain something carefully that most people just take for granted. Eventually, and with care, people will get what you are saying, but it may take a bit of time and effort. Don’t get discouraged. Rather, take it as a challenge and enjoy the process as you introduce precious souls to the wonderful saving message of Jesus.
 
Lord God, help us to be clear and precise in how we present the gospel. Open our minds to what we should say so that the words are properly set forth. From there, the choice must be made, but at least we have done our part in telling others about this glorious message of reconciliation and redemption. Amen.